Snake

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.

I think the biggest problem with Lee right now offensively is that he doesn't seem to know how to finish off a play very well. It's almost like he can get 3/4 of the way to a great scoring chance, but then he can't decide if he wants to dish the puck or take the shot. Obviously, that's something I'm looking for him to improve on - dance around the first guy and make the smart play once he gets between the circles. I think our point play on the PP leaves a lot to be desired, and maybe it's just scheming. I'm most happy when Osh has it on the half-wall rather than watching Chorney and Lee pass it around like it's warm-ups. The passing needs to be quicker in order to get boomers to the net.

Aren't we seeing the '03 and '04 draftees jumping to the pros because they can get more signing bonus money? The '05 and '06 draftees are governed under the new CBA so the incentive isn't as great to leave early. I'm guessing a guy like Toews likely will make the decision based on where he is on the development curve instead of the money curve because he'll be drafted high enough to get a near-max contract anyway. I'm not sure about Oshie since he was drafted later in the 1st round, so the success he had this year and/or additional years of college success could be used as a bargaining chip. Regardless, it's likely going to be about where these guys can get the most development.

Zajac Signs

Seriously...

Unfortunately the team did enough of that for all of us today. Tough, tough game. They showed a lot of resolve, but it wasn't enough. It was a good run.

Despite the end, it was a great run! The sucky part is now the uncertainty begins, but we certainly won't lose everyone so there should be a nice core group coming back. Is it October yet?

Is that a question?

Can someone invent a "Talent Meter" so we can settle the "we'll have more returning talent" debate once and for all? I think it's a bit ridiculous to say UM has the "returning talent" advantage. How many freshmen is UND skating with right now? Also, speculating on incoming recruits is somewhat of an unknown. Did anyone (not named TRIOUXPER ) foresee Oshie being as big of a stud as he has been this year? Old Barn Guy hit the nail on the head. Talent up front is one thing, but the game is won from the goal line out, so I'll take UND's returning talent in goal over what UM has to offer. Talent must also be assembled into a cohesive team. --------- To stay on topic, I'd like to see the GF boy win the Hobey, but I'm leaning towards Carle. I'll try not to get caught up in the stats arguments between Carle & RP, but I find it hard to believe one can judge an individual's performance on the success of the team in a team sport. From the stats I've seen and the games I've watched, I would find it hard to believe that Matt Carle didn't do everything within his power to try to get Denver into the NCAA tournament. It just didn't work out for their team this year.

It's the bowl game Mason and the Gophers are gunning for this year! I guess you can add one more powerhouse to the UM non-conference schedule. If the UM football team ever made it to a major bowl game again, it would absolutely blow away any of the accomplishments of the hockey team over the past few years. That program, and it's fans, are dying for a winner. The local media clings to any drop of optimism that can be found pre-season. Then, their hopes are dashed as soon as the Big-10 schedule rolls around. It's crazy how bad they want this team to be a winner!

The crew at the X was getting ahead of themselves all weekend. Aside from placing UM in the title game before they even played, they showed the WCHA Final Five Championship hats with UND's logo on them on the big screen with about 4 minutes left in the championship game. Given how wrong they were the first time, I thought that was an attept to jinx us, but we pulled through.

IT...IS...DONE!

Great to see Jordan bounce back after letting in a couple of softies on Friday.

1-0 SCSU after 2.

I second that.

Well, wake everyone up and put them to bed again in about 15:00!

Denver going on the PK. 3:14 remaining in the 2nd.

Replaced by Fisher

4-1 Dogs Mannino pulled.

No fair, you must be watching on cable! Damn Satellite!!

3-1 Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1