keikla

I'd just like to say that, with the abundance of gopher trolls who have been patrolling SS.com the past few weeks, it's refreshing to see you back on this board. Even though you root for the enemy, your level-headed input is always welcomed and appreciated.

Plus it helps if BC makes it to the championship. Should the Sioux lose, I really don't want to be looking at a Minnesota-BC final game...I'd just have to hope the ice opens up and swallows everyone whole without getting a winner. At least if we lose to St. Cloud I could root for them against BC.

Just like Grimaldi's in the picture though he's technically considered a sophomore because of his redshirt season.

Haha apparently we think alike! I didn't see you post this while I was typing mine up.

I hate draft picks being used as a reason this team should automatically be successful. Yes, to some extent it signifies being a good player but, more than anything, it signifies the POTENTIAL to be a great player. Having a bunch of freshman and sophomore draft picks often doesn't translate to success in the college game. Frattin was drafted and had a respectable 15 pts as a freshman, Malone was drafted and had 3 pts. Being drafted doesn't automatically make you Toews or Parise, especially as a freshman or sophomore. And if it was all based on draft picks, Michigan should have been in the tournament (they have 12)...this year and last year.

Definitely rooting for UMass Lowell today! I want St. Cloud to win, but if they don't, I think it's kind of cool that the Frozen Four would be four different conferences.

Reminds me of Vanek from his days at Minnesota. He would just hang out on the opposite blue line half the game.

Hopefully they all continue to develop steadily. Mattson was an amazing freshman D, then his sophomore season came around, and we couldn't figure out what the heck had happened to him. He's made vast improvements throughout this season, but I doubt he's where most of us thought he would be after his freshman season.

Yep; that would be my guess. The other regionals have much more recognizable schools (at least outside of the college hockey world) in the 2x3 matchup, but there's a HUGE difference in recognition between Wisconsin and Ferris State or Colgate.

Most surprising part of your preview? Their powerplay is actually worse than ours...

Still three hours until the first game starts today. I'm going crazy at work; I need some hockey to distract me!

I think Notre Dame has a better shot at beating Minnesota than St Cloud does, so I'm rooting for the golden domers.

The key to Ferris is goaltending. They don't have a crazy top line like Wisconsin does. It will be huge for the Sioux to get one past Motte early.

Lowlight of the evening: one of the bartenders asked if I had a nephew or son on the team. I'm 29. Yes, I got pregnant at 10, had a kid at 11, and he is now a freshman in college... Highlight of the evening: the Sioux live to see another day!!!!!!

haha wow...I'm tired

I didn't not expect Ferris State to beat Colgate. Three games in, and my picks are already screwed!

I think it's acceptable as well. Be true to your team, even if they aren't in that regional.

Can your 'look out' team really be a 2-seed? It's not like they're playing the role of underdog or anything!

I'd prefer if the General scored on the opposition, though.

That was my primary concern as well. Even if he's being added to the lineup to add a physical presence he still needs to keep it adequately controlled and contained. Especially with non-league officiating (it was HORRIBLE at BU), I'm nervous about that choice.

The things that surprised me most: 1) The lack of confidence in Minnesota 2) That someone picked Mankato to come out of the regional of death.

Ha! That bridge is in Kearney, where I did most of undergrad. North central Nebraska is actually incredibly beautiful, with expansive rolling hills. If you cut across South Dakota part way and then drive south through central Nebraska, it's WAY better (and doesn't add much time). The Platte River Valley, through which I-80 goes, it quite possibly the most boring drive in the US. But, if you do prefer the 'one-turn' route, sunflower seeds are your best friend. Multiple cross-country road trips have taught me that, even if copious amounts of caffeine can't do the trick, the process of breaking open the seeds is generally enough to stay awake.

And Oshie got the hat trick, his first of his pro career. Career high goals, assists, and points. Plus his shootout has been nominated for "Best Moment of the Olympic Games" or something like that. And he became a dad a few weeks ago. Not a bad year for him!

I think they were more saying that mockingly to Jayson. Their flight was delayed by 4 minutes! haha

Per Jayson's twitter, they got lost twice on the way from the airport to the hotel. Then, the bus got stuck on the pavement (some sort of ledge...maybe someone can put up the picture from twitter), and they had to get a bunch of cabs for the remainder. #4thseedproblems