Snake

I disagree. I believe the point was made in an earlier post that if a forward or D recruit doesn't pan out it's not as magnified as if you "miss" on a goalie recruit. Finding a guy that's 6-foot plus and takes up a bunch of the net is one thing, but finding a guy that knows how to stop the puck is another. Everyone's after stud goaltending - it's rare. Sure, as one of the elite programs in the country we should be able to land a stud now and then, but perhaps it comes down to those who are evaluating potential goaltenders. Maybe we're just not that good at picking the "right" ones. UND has certainly done a better job picking up blue-chip skaters than blue-chip goaltenders. The Sioux I'm used to watching win games and championships by playing a style with a balance of speed, finesse, grit, and power. They win by scoring goals, cycling the puck, carrying the play in the opponent's end of the ice, and punishing the opponent while in their own zone. They also do it with TIMELY goaltending. Right now it seems like we're missing all of these elements. If we fix the timely goaltending does that mean we're going to score more? Will that take the pressure off the rest of the team so they can let loose and start scoring? Maybe the goaltending sees every shot as critical because they're not getting any offensive (or defensive) support? Chicken or egg?

Exactly. I find it kind of funny most of the talk revolves around goaltending when it's pretty obvious the other 5 guys on the ice at any given time are making way too many mistakes. Obviously goaltending mistakes are easier to notice and are much more magnified, but it wouldn't be so bad if we could actually build a 2-goal lead again sometime this season.

If Kaip can get PP time, anything's possible. It's not like we're super deep right now...

Didn't he have an offer to sign after his junior season? I could be mistaken, but that's what the jokers on ESPN used as their story line during the 2000 NC game.... he wanted "one more kick at the can." He played as long as he could. I remember Adam Calder being a nice 4-year player. Didn't Jason Blake stay through his senior year? Matt Henderson?

I didn't see it until just now, and all I've got to say is WOW. This one could possibly end up in next year's rules enforcement (or lack thereof) video.

Forgive me for not paying much attention, but is Kaip still getting PP time on the second unit? Two goals in last year's Final Five does not a sniper make!

5-2 AA

We can talk all we want and I think we should. The sad thing is that we'll probably lose our voices!

I'm in the camp that believes the officials as a whole are incompetent, not biased. I watched both UM/SCSU games this weekend and even the Wooger was taking shots at them by predicting who the next penalty would be called on based on the situation. He was right more often than not! It's really a shame we even have to discuss this.

Harry Doyle: "Dynamite drop-in Monte. That broadcast school has really paid off."

How long before AZSIOUX mentions this is in another thread?

Bishop and Zajac were the two best freshmen IMO as well. Aside from the poor play on QU's first goal last night, I thought Genoway had a solid weekend, and he'll battle hard for a top-six spot on D. He's a slick player, but a little raw. I'm a bit nervous after this weekend if I'm Kyle Radke. Radke had a so-so weekend and a lot of penalties. It seemed to me that the Sioux shot a lot more on odd-man rushes this weekend instead of trying to make the extra pass for the "perfect play" like they have in the past. I don't know if they're emphasizing that more this year or if it was a case of trying to catch the G-tender cheating. Regardless, I like seeing shots on net when presented with the opportunity.

Here are the Sioux hockey games I remember being on DirecTV's Sportspack from last season. I feel it was definitely worth it! @ New Hampshire

On a simpler level, Minnesota has way more "rink rat" kids that spend every waking hour on the ice when they're not in school or doing homework. Outside of Grand Forks, I don't think you'll find many communities in ND with the same number of kids skating on outdoor sheets. Communities like Roseau and Warroad don't have the population centers in their favor, but they sure produce a lot of quality players. They all grow up as rink rats!

It's funny that they never mention the name of the "one other U.S. school" that ranks ahead of them. I know UND has a good Indians into Medicine program, but I don't know where it ranks. If it is in fact #1, it is interesting that they don't mention so. I guess it's only fitting given the opinions some columnists at the Strib have given in recent past. I'd appreciate info from someone as to where UND ranks in this...I thought they were tops but I'm not sure.

Yeah, it's definitely a period in college hockey history I'd like to forget.

Vanek wasn't on the '02 championship team...

I wonder how Bennett Brien likes having the logo called a "caricature."

Hey - how come nobody's demaning a link? Where's the link? Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd love that - competition only makes players better. I have similar thoughts about how Phil would handle being the #1 guy and playing a majority of the games. It has been hard to get a read on whether or not he'll be consistently good or be more of a streaky tender. We know he can play well, but can he do it over the course of the season and stay away from a prolonged slump? I think he can, and competition at the position should help him keep his focus.

It's a nice thought, but two years ago BC couldn't stop talking about the punishment they received from Greene & Co. in the regional. Unfortunately both examples we've cited are only single games and don't tell us anything about the tendency of teams to win or lose with small or big D-men. Experience probably has more to do with it than anything. I'll take kids with skills - big or small. By the way - Curtis Murphy had the greatest hip-check ever & Aaron Schneekloth did a pretty good pylon impersonation for a smaller guy at times !

I think most people here feel the same way, but what scares me is if Phil gets injured or loses his confidence. No disrespect to Walski because I haven't seen him play, but the goalie situation beyond Phil has me very concerned right now. There's no doubt in my mind, though, that the coaching staff has been preparing for this for some time...we'll just have to wait and see!

If anything, UND should continue to compete in and win in NCAA events, even if it requires alternative jerseys. Just make sure they have DAKOTA on them! It's the NCAA's loss if they don't want another regional hosted at the Ralph...at least this year's was one of the most memorable of all-time!

Yet there are plenty of congratulatory and thank-you posts on this forum directed toward players as if they're reading it...

No surprise - Oshie centered Toews and Porter for the first 1/3 - 1/2 of the year.