GopherK2

Congratulations -- Sioux dominated faceoffs and carried the play in OT. The DOT line is ferocious. Good luck against BC.

No reason to apologize MafiaMan. I see your point regarding Home Ice but in terms of other breaks I think it evened out fairly nicely. The Gophers were actually penalized more than the Sioux. Vanek definitely should have had five but we got our share of bad breaks also (the second Waibel goal would have stood in any other building during the regular season, the interference hit no call on Riddle, etc.) Hopefully we can get a re-match in the semis along with a boatload of new excuses for whatever team doesn't win!

No question Bochenski got the best of Ballard there - I don't think I've ever seen Keith get tooled like that. In his Defense - and after having watched the play on Tivo several times - two critical things worked against him as that play developed: 1. Bochenski benefited from a fortitous bounce when moving the puck ahead off the side wall. Ballard actually had his stick in position before Bochenski to push the puck behind Brandon but he didn't get enough of it. Because Ballard was not able to push the puck out of harm's way number 2 quickly developed 2. Bochenski accellerated so quickly it was amazing - he was on and past Ballard in a matter of 1 or 2 lightning seconds - I think Keith was gambling too much on moving the puck out of harms way and thought he was going to be able to do it. When that didn't happen he was toast due to lack of separation and Bochenski made him pay dearly. So dearly that it almost looks like Ballard took a dive to try and draw a penalty because he knew he was beaten (not a bad play if it had worked although it would have been dubious character - gotta love Ballard not going down with the ship before exhausting all options). Anyways - mad props to Bochenski for an incredible play - not just beating Ballard so badly but taking it to the house with a beautiful backhander. Maybe that was payback for the Ballard shirt pull a few years ago!

Man - you guys are freaking hilarious. Now it's the PA that made the difference between your beloved Sioux Winning and Losing? What will it be next - the lights were too bright? As for giving the Gophers too much credit - it's hard to argue against the Pairwise. Head to Head record is only one indicator but I thought you guys would have known that by now. And the Denver series found the Golden Gophers without two magnificent North Dakato born boys on the squad and Vanek due to injury. Keep going with your inaccurate speculation; however, it's quite humorous.

LOL The following is quite clear: 1. Sioux fans do not follow every single Gopher game of the year 2. Gopher fans do not follow every single Sioux game of the year Because of this indisputable FACT neither side will ever truly see the full picture and we'll be left with erroneous comments like the above (that Vanek lolly gags and costs his team Games). Do you honestly believe that his play style has dramatically changed from the Championship run to this year? Are you aware that he has been playing injured this year? How many games exactly has Vanek 'cost' the Gophers? I don't expect you to be able to answer those questions because (due to Item 1) above you would only be speculating. Face the facts - Sioux fans are more than able to jump on the bashing bandwagon simply because they can't stand the Gophers and fabulous players like Vanek. I'm sure that winning consecutive championships has increased the Sioux bile even further. Just don't pretend that it's anything else like you suddenly are incredible hockey minds and understand what makes a player like Vanek tick or that you got more insight from mysterious Gopher fans. I'm fine with that as I feel the same way about plenty of the Sioux players - the difference is that I don't bash quality players for the sake of bashing - especially when I haven't watched them play the entire year.

You're right - Lucia should just bench his lame ass for the rest of the NCAA's. What the heck was Don thinking anyway bringing this all world offensive superstar into such a defensive minded conference anyway?!? And then he has the gall to let him drive the team to it's second championship in a row and on pace for a third - maybe somebody in Minny should have Lucia's head too - they just don't get it, do they?!!

Concur as well but I have to admit that I get a kick out of Bochenski's off ice shenanigans i.e counterfeiting as a youth!

Another myopic Sioux fan. Don't discount the Golden Gophers simply because of Home Ice. They are clearly on a roll - a rematch of the WCHA Championship would not be a cakewalk for either team but there is one thing the Gophers do have that the current crop of Sioux do not - battle proven NCAA Championship Winning experience - they find a way to win so we'll see what happens!

Why does this have to be about comparing Vanek to Parise? Do you want a team full of two way "feel good" players and zero championships or a team that knows how to balance unbelievable offensive talent within a scheme that doesn't make it a liability. If it's such a liability I'm wondering how the Gophers are able to win at all. Yes, the spearing was flat out wrong. Yes, Parise is one helluva player. No, Vanek is not the first person in the history of college hockey to take a similar shot (doesn't make it right but it sure seems to make it easier to pile on criticism - or is it envy?)

Wow - so much Vanek bashing. If memory serves he almost single handedly took the Gophers to the promised land in the Frozen Four last year. Are you guys also saying you wouldn't want him on your Squad? If that's the response then I'll know you are just being spiteful for spites sake because he is a difference maker when it counts. I'll admit that he goes through periods of play that lack focus but when he gears it up there are very few teams (if any) that can contain and/or stop him.

Look at you guys - hoping that someone knocks off the Gophers so they don't end your season. Have a little faith in your squad, will ya? You are correct Jordan. Minnesota could face UND in the Frozen Four Semi's if both teams advance. Could be a repeat of what just happened this weekend for the Gophers (after Notre Dame). First tUMD and then UND for a shot at three straight. I wouldn't want it any other way!

Perhaps I was blending the whines on USCHO and here but at a quick glance I did find the following that you must have missed: Marty: 6) It was a penalty on Zach when he was pulled down near the end of the game RMS Thats because he totally missed the call about a minute before that when one of the UM players had both hands pulling on a UND stick, i think it was bochenski's. Sioux fan since '90 If we want to talk about Adam, what about the whistle he blew when the Sioux would've had a 2 on 0? That was definately a call that didn't need to be made. DamStrait First UMN PP (on which they scored) was BOoOoOogus! 2nd UMN goal was offside by like 10 !@%^($%#&$#*%^ feet! On another note: I hope the unholy trio of the Potulny bros. and Irmen find their traitorous actions to be worth their immortal souls. Clearly, UMN would not be near the team they are without them.

You people are delusional. Top 3 Sioux Whine Rants: 1. Minnesota had home ice advantage (that's right, there were no NoDak fans in attendance and some of the fans actually swapped places with the players to help them win). 2. The Refs blew the game - Sioux should have had a 2 on 0, man!! (Never mind if Minnesota had scored - the quick whistle would have been applauded then, lol) 3. If it wasn't for the Potulny's and Irmen the Gophers would be playing pee wee hockey (This one is especially delicious irony - where is GOD from again???) For the Whiners (and not the Sioux fans here who HAVE displayed class - you winers know who you are) I'll leave you with three words to ponder like Men if you are able to: DEAL WITH IT!!

LOL Game Winner Potulny had a skate in. If the Gophers had blasted one in and had another waived off I don't think you'd be complaining about the quick whistle.