AJS

I'm in this boat, where I think the problem is more with the talent on the roster than with the system. We've talked ad nauseam about the Junior class, but it's a genuine problem. It appears starting next year that Berry has learned from this problem, with the forwards that are lined up, so it's really wait and see mode with this offense. Some talk about guys who put up big numbers in Juniors that haven't materialized, which is true, but when you look at this forward group, it probably isn't as big as it may seem. Contributing: Kawaguchi, Jones Falls into that category: Adams, Mismash, Hoff, Weatherby, Gardner, JJ -- outside of Hoff, you can make an argument there's still significant upside with Adams (needs the right linemates), Mismash (had a solid Freshman season with 22 points, hurt most second half) and Weatherby (Freshman). Gardner outside of this year has had a solid (not great) career offensively, but like the rest of the team is having his worst year offensively of his career. Solid Juniors: Hain - Meeting expectations for his Freshman year, but should have been looked at as a Solid 3rd liner on a good team. I don't know what you expected category (Freshman): Senden, Keane -- Senden has wildly outplayed expectations. Keane has been fine, given his junior stats I don't know what you expected: Smith, Bowen, Yon, Johnson After breaking it down, it's a little more 50/50, but my thought still stands on the roster construction. You can't have that many in the 'I don't know what you expected category'. The chances of a guy who doesn't materialize is much higher than someone who can't score in Juniors magically finding a scoring touch in college.

This will sound dumb, given they've won the last two games, but my concern with Berry is I still don't believe he's maximizing the potential of this team with his line combinations. I understand this team is offensively challenged, but what doesn't help is putting the leading scorer with two offensive anchors. You can't spread out the scoring when this team can't score to begin with. Did we find out if Adams is hurt? If not, there's no reason he shouldn't be in the line up. This team needs Mismash to get back to full game action and Adams back in the lineup.

Agreed. Also, Shaw has quietly had a really good Senior year.

Johnson on one power play unit, Yon on the other, I feel like I'm going insane. It's like this coaching staff is hand picking the worst units they can. This coaching staff cannot be criticized enough in my mind.

I hope this isn't another JBD situation and that Adams is nicked up. Otherwise, I really have no words. The fact that Yon and Johnson are somehow immune to seeing the stands even though they are in a category of their own on the ice is beyond frustrating. I have a great idea, lets stick the leading scorer with a guy who has 1 point this year! I get it, what do I know, but these line combinations are almost impossible to defend.

Looking at the Seniors playing in the tournament, who would you want as a recruit over the following (also HS Seniors), Blaisdell, Rizzo, Caulfield, Pinto, Frisch, Bast?

Easy Brad!

Yeah, I still can't really wrap my head around the explanation.

There's two guaranteed weekend left in the year, for someone who not only enjoys watching the games, but also likes looking ahead, there's still a lot to dissect coming up. Each weekend is important to me as there are things we can carry into the off season speculation. Although it potentially (most likely) won't matter once selection Sunday comes, where they finish in the standings / pairwise, how they end all can lead to conversation going into next year. Looking at Omaha I'm most interested in two things (1) Thome's play - I thought last weekend might have been his best overall weekend at UND. He's had great performances in the past, but for the first time I thought he truly looked in control. It just might be his style (?), but even looking back to the Duluth Friday night game where he made the saves, there are so many times he looks out of position. Not last weekend. Looking forward to next year, these next two weekends can help him continue to build and gain confidence, putting UND in great position with the Scheel / Thome goalie combo. (2) JBD - I still don't know what to make of the healthy scratch yesterday. I know I initially overreacted, I hope, but am anxious to get the next weekend going.

Canisius was a huge blow, we all know that, but to me what's just as crushing is from a pairwise standpoint, this team had so many more opportunities. All things the same, if UND had won this past Friday against CC, they would be sitting at 15th instead of 20th. You never know what can take place on any given weekend, things can change quickly.

Strength of schedule is important to a point, but what ASU has done is they took care of the teams they should have. You're still better off sweeping a terrible team, then you are splitting with a top ranked team. That's why looking towards next year, although some aren't thrilled with some of our non-conference opponents we have at home (Canisius (I know) and Huntsville), if UND takes care of those games it pads your win column, which is ultimately the most important thing.

UND has played 33 games this year and has given up more than 3 goals only 5 times (7,6,5,4,4) this year. What could have been if this team had any resemblance of a consistent offense or half way decent special teams (Power Play - 50th / Penalty Kill - 37th).

Thome was excellent this entire weekend.

I'm not saying he couldn't, I'm just saying it would be preposterous if this isolated incident was the reason he did.

Took me only an hour to realize I (& others) overreacted to the JBD situation. There's no way him sitting one game would be a reason to leave after this year. No way.

I'm curious what your definition of bandwagon jumper is? Those who are voicing their frustrations, you don't consider them fans?

I was just stating there's a 0.00% chance that a 1st round pick transfers to another school (sitting out a mandatory year). Just not going to happen. I'm plenty worried now that he'd sign after this year.

I'll say with confidence there's a 0% chance JBD would ever transfer. What's your thought process?

Almost would have preferred a minor injury honestly, this is so beyond ridiculous.

What could have Kawaguchi and Hoff done to deserve this? Yon / Bowen and Johnson / Rieger are wings for HALF of UND's lines. This is incredible (in the saddest most depressing way).

I’m incredibly frustrated with these lines, what a joke.

Same, taking the leading scorer and putting him with a forward that should be playing D3 is a weird choice.

This is the worst forward lineup in the history of University of North Dakota hockey.

It's officially scoreboard watch time around the country: Any team below .5500 (11) Western Michigan (.5492) hosts (1) St. Cloud (12) Clarkson (.5487) hosts (46) Colgate (13) Cornell (.5465) at (59) St. Lawrence (14) Harvard (.5458) at (45) RPI (15) Bowling Green (.5418) hosts (58) Alabama-Huntsville (16) Mass-Lowell (.5416) at (30) UNH (17) Notre Dame (.5354) hosts (19) Penn State (.5315) UND currently sits at 18 (.5323)