I Ranger

Unfortunately that is what happens with the 5 minute major and Game Misconduct penalty. Players dive and act hurt to draw majors and it works way too often! I've seen players take way worse hits that deserved majors but if the player gets up quickly and doesn't act like he was shot more often than not it's called a minor. Players are rewarded for diving and acting hurt.

No doubt about that. I have no doubt Berry was the right choice but I think everything came a little too easy for him even in his first year. He is still learning how to be a head coach and unfortunately this year is a big learning curve. For all the Hak haters out there, there is no doubt in my mind he would have had this team figured out a month or two ago and playing their best hockey now. For those who say Herb Brooks or any other coach couldn't win with this team or would have the same record I totally disagree. This teams failures start at the top and that ultimately means Berry.

Jost played and scored twice against BC. Maybe you are thinking of Union which we beat without both.

Gardner is the one I would most like people to taper down their expectations. You have to remember that he was brought in to be a four-year third-fourth line center that plays tough and kills penalties while chipping in offensively occasionally. I think even the coaches would agree that he vastly surprised and over-achieved last year. I do think he is better now than what he was recruited to do but don't expect him to become a 20 goal scorer anytime soon. He would fit best as a third line center as opposed to centering a second scoring line with much higher expectations.

That makes me a little nervous that his injury is more serious after a week off and he is still out.

I wish I could agree. Last year 4 of the best teams in the country (and probably the two best at the end Denver and UND) were at the tourney and I thought the quality of the games were poor due to lousy ice conditions and boards. This is what makes the games hard to watch for me. Pucks bouncing over sticks constantly and terrible bounces off the boards.

Extremely awful!

Unfortunately I totally agree. We are not going this year for the first time since 2005. I think there needs to be a mass email chain started to Josh Fenton and the NCHC to get the tourney moved to the X. I get the reasons why the Target Center was the best option at the time of the creation of the NCHC but now that the X is available it should be a no brainer to make the move. Yes I know the costs would be higher and there are far less hotel/restaurant options but St. Paul is a hockey city and Minneapolis is not. I know I would gladly pay more for tickets and hotel to get back to the X. Let's make it happen!

So I've seen 1:00 CST and 2:00 CST and someone just told me 10:00? The site shows 12:00 PST which is 2:00 CST. Anyone know for sure the time?

Totally disagree especially on JJ. He is possibly our best forechecker at the moment and quite strong on the puck. I just don't see Olson bringing anything to the table.

I'm going to sound like a broken record but please someone tell me what Olson brings to the table? I get it most everyone rags on Wilkie for not scoring but he is starting to create quite a few chances. What is Olson? A grinder who can't grind? He gets knocked off the puck easier than anyone on the team.

I third that. After this weekend I think it is quite obvious 10 and 11 are our 13th and 14th forwards although I wouldn't bet on either sitting. I've said it a million times but Olson can't skate at this level. Just look at the difference between him and Gornall and you see why Gornall can make a difference. Skating

I'm with you in that I like his play recently but with the line he is on tonight I don't see him getting many if any chances unless he is on one of the pp units.

Exactly. A nice mix of studs and depth not all depth.

That's what scares me. We don't need depth defenseman.

Isn't Kierstad coming in next year? I thought at this point he is the only guarantee?

If that is the case and the big question mark on whether or not Evers is still in the plans, Berry and company are really going to have to get on their horse and find some solid D recruits for next season.

I know not the thread to get into this discussion but I don't get why so many have given up on Peski so fast? Yes he had his struggles early in the year but it is unquestioned he is the more talented of him and Casey Johnson in my mind. Casey will never have the foot speed and quickness Peski has. I think Peski has looked much better and more confident in his limited action recently which I give credit to him since it's tough to get your confidence back sitting in the stands and only practicing.

I don't disagree!

I don't recall seeing those three on the ice together but maybe I'm wrong. I think I would have had a heart attack if I saw Olson playing center. You don't typically have your worst skater play center.

Just an FYI at no time did Olson play center on Saturday night. He was listed that way on the line chart but they mixed and matched forward lines all night with no 4th line center.

I don't disagree that Harper is a good player. I was just disagreeing with the statement that was made that said the BU players were 6 of the best players in the tourney.

I'm going to kindly disagree with you on this. Oettinger was the 3rd string goalie for the US and Harper was the 13th forward that didn't play a second in the gold medal game. McAvoy, Keller and Greenway are studs and Bellows and Fabbro are nice players but those 2 I wouldn't consider two of the best. Still ridiculous to have that many players from one team in the tourney.

I wonder if Gildon or Maniscalo could be options? Both de-commits whose stock has dropped quite a bit recently. CHL more likely for both though.

If he is no longer committed with only Kierstad and Bast lined up for next year, I sure hope we are hot on the trail of some D recruits especially considering Bast's injury history. Not a lot of D committed for following years either.