OETKB

I didn't think Saturday's game was all that great. Especially defensively. Both teams made some terrible defensive blunders that were converted into goals. The puck movement for UND was on-again, off-again at best. UM had better passing, I thought, but was kept to the outside mostly. One big difference was special teams. UM had great passing and got a bunch of scoring chances when given the PP. On the flipside, they shut down UND's power play pretty well. If not for a late odd-man rush by UND at the very end of one PP, the Sioux would have gone "O-fer" on the night. I thought UM could have gotten 1 or 2 more PP goals. Overall, I did not think UND had one of its best games. They need to tune it up, if they have hopes of doing anything in the Frozen Four. PS: I actually meant to say something about Greene in there somewhere. He has been a huge asset to the team this season. His defensive positioning and poise with the puck have been very good, especially since New Years. However, he had an off-game Saturday. I'm sure that will not happen again this year.

I thought both offenses had great moments, although UND's passing was very poor at times. Defensive blunders cost the Sioux the game. I can't believe how many times Brandt was left hanging with 1 or 2 gophers all alone.

Sioux prove tonight that they are the best team in the nation this year. Win over the dirty rodents by 2 goals. Something like 6-4, with Bochenski, Murray & Parise all picking up points.

The channel you need is DirecTV641, Fox Sports North. In Orlando, I've heard that the ESPN Sportsbar at the Disney Boardwalk would play the games for me if I requested, but I did not end up going there.

In a close game like last night, I think calling for the wave is a horrible idea. The fans were already into the game, and I remember several goals-against coming for our opposition at the old Ralph because the fans distracted our players with the wave. I've hated it ever since seeing the second or third goal-against in the "old days".

Kaip supposedly had "several" college scholarships to choose from, but decided on UND. He plays for the Notre Dame Hounds. I've got a website where you can see his stats: www.sjhl.sk.ca/stats I believe Blais described him as a McMahon-type player.

I'd like to think this team has enough depth to avoid using just 3 lines in the playoffs. I remember the strength of the 2000 Championship team was that they could role 4 lines and wear other teams down, even against BC in the Frozen Four. However, I am the king of wishful thinking. Blais knows when certain players are doing well out there or not.

DI DI du du DI DI du du du du du DI DI du du DI...SH*T! I had to!

I remember Blais commenting earlier this season that there would probably be a recruit from Europe coming to UND soon. However, he did not name names. This must have been what he meant. Anyone who is good enough to play in the WJC's is welcome on this roster. Go Sioux.

I'm sure Blais doesn't EVER want to revisit the 2001-02 season. If he can manage to bring these guys in and get them going in the program next year, knowing that they will be more prominent members of the team in '05-06, great. That is what an elite DI coach is supposed to be able to convince young players to do. Blais, IMO, has had a resurgence of energy this year. Also, it seems like the whole staff is believing again that UND is the best program in the nation. As well they should be.

Farce: THAT was my point earlier in this game. They did not come ready to play. Luckily for us, a two goal lead was all Tech could muster, because they had several chances to widen the gap by 1 or 2 more before the Sioux "flipped the switch" in the 3rd. Speaking of "Flipping the switch," does anyone else get the feeling this team can turn up their game two or three notches on a dime? Wow. That overtime period was absolutely dominant. Now, I only hope they have the full commitment from all 20+ players for the rest of the dance. If so, I'll see some of you in Boston! Go Sioux.

Brilliant OT by the Sioux. I think think the shots were something like 14-2. Those moves by Lundbohm and then Stafford were beauty to watch. Glad to see the team found itself after a couple bad periods. I felt bad for Ellsworth. He played a great game for Tech. And, to top it all off....My Mom had a 10 second appearance on the jumbo-screen after the game. Great to see you there clapping, Mom! I miss those season tickets!

I missed the 3rd goal because my *%&@#!!!! computer locked up! Hope it didn't have anything to do with this site. Way to turn it up Sioux. They looked like a different team at the end of the 3rd. The team I've been expecting.

Thank you JK. Parise was listening!

Look for Tech to make this a REALLY boring 3rd. Lots of icing and mid-ice clogging. UND asked for that with the first 2 periods. Can they overcome?

Props to Ellsworth. He's playing great for Tech.

I'm down on the team because they are playing so poorly. I know its just one game. And, I know they have the talent to come back tomorrow and crush this Tech team. That said...what a stinker tonight! Hope the 3rd period is different.

Brandt misplayed that 3rd goal. The first two were due to sloppy defense in our zone. Doesn't it figure? The concensus about yesterday's game was that we played great defense. Tonight, they look below average. Is UND incapable of winning in 2 games at home? It seems like every season in recent memory has been stretched to three games.

I wish it were just due to penalties. However, it is not the refs fault. They forgot to show up tonight. Very disappointing performance so far.

BORING! Nothing to cheer for tonight. Dull. Weak.

Sioux look sleepy. No effective forecheck in the first. All scoring chances came from odd-man rushes or quick passing on the PP. Not a good first period. This might be one of those games where the leaders need to rustle some players' senses of pride in order to get it done.

Having bought the full year package, I've been lucky enough to see all the football playoff games and now will get to see some hockey playoffs. It's been great. Definitely worth the smacka's.

Ooops. My bad.

Noone has yet mentioned "The S word". Brandt is on his way to a very memorable game.

Duluth ties Wisco 2-2. UND WILL BE THE WCHA OUTRIGHT CHAMPS !!!!!