Minny vs BC was interesting. Minny played hard but BC still controlled most of the game.
Some comparison stats between UND and Minny:
PP: UND 66.7% vs UMN 12.5%
PK: UND 77.8% vs UMN 66.7%
Save percentage: UND .923 vs UMN .897
Faceoffs: UND 51.3% vs UMN 49.4%
Average age: UND 21.4 vs UMN 21.3
Special teams could be the difference this weekend.
Not saying Minnie has no talent I’m just saying UND has far more talent. Let’s talk again after this weekend and compare notes. I’ve watched three gopher games so far this year and they look like unenthused uninspired duds.
It’s a long season. Anything can happen in a single game (major penalties, bad refs, unconscious goalie, etc), but there’s no comparison in the talent level between these two teams. Nonetheless, I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t sweep.
I don’t see Minny having better than a .500 season and making the post season. They really aren’t very good. Less than a UND sweep this weekend would be a major disappointment.
My point is they are going to suffer going forward for not dipping into the talented CHL pool. It’s a new opportunity for all, but they seem to be avoiding it. For now anyway.
The Minny program is going to continue to suffer as long as they avoid CHL chippahs. They no longer draw the best of the best from their own state (for example, Zellers). Haven’t for a long while in fact. The golden era of the Golden Gophers has long left the station. Motzko and Company are about to feel the full brunt of their isolationist approach to recruiting. Maybe they are already are.
1.Rickwood definitely star of the game. 2.Zellers has a real nose for the puck. 3.Didn’t even notice Menghini tonight.
4.Livinavage may be in Hobey discussion.
Sloppy period but team speed advantage very obvious with guys in green. Look for 2 on 1 / 3 on 2 goals coming. We are controlling the blue line with solid forechecking. Looking good for good guys.