tnt

Now if we can stop scoring on him, we'll be set!

So do they go into the typical lock down defense, and let Duluth take it to them? Recipe for disaster if they do, because it will draw penalties, to say nothing of Duluth having the puck in our zone the whole period.

If Duluth scores on the power play, UND starts running around and forgetting what got them a lead!

This all starts with UND losing all momentum from their power plays. How many think Duluth will lose momentum from their power play? Pretty sad when you are ahead, and feel like you are behind. It almost looks as though the players feel like that as well.

Up front, other than Tufte, who will be an NHL regular?

How about we get a goaltender to steal a game or two. This would be the ideal time. Would feel a lot better about our chances with a full lineup, but other than Perunovich, there isn't a guy you look at on Duluth as a surefire star. They just have a very solid core of players that work hard. That's what we need to do this weekend to come away with points.

Which may be why they got a verbal from Dane Montgomery so early. Unless there isn't a whole lot of scholarship money offered up front, those things can go both ways. Remember he committed to St. Cloud his Junior year in high school which is pretty early when there are plenty of questions yet to be answered. You look at all the people complaining about the locals that haven't worked out that well, and it certainly is a darned if you do, darned if you don't situation.

Hopefully the weekend in Miami isn't going to cost us the NCAA tournament again, but if you can't fight through a few injuries, you might not make a splash in the tourney anyway.

Don't think a lot of people thought he was a good enough skater to be an effective college player. Most thought he would play football in college, but the coaches were told he was interested in hockey. Maybe they thought his skating would hold him back as well, but I think they could have got him on campus without huge scholarship dollars.

Rudolph had a lot of prior coaching, so you never know. For a position coach it certainly helps to know the position inside and out, and having that extra level of competition expands that even further. Just have to make sure he wouldn't teach illegal motion, having played so much in the CFL. As far as personality, there aren't many other guys I would want in a recruits living room, as he is genuine in his North Dakota nice.

Would take that in a heartbeat, and then gain a little confidence from it and build from there.

That's true, but I know there have been some NHL clubs that are less likely to pull the trigger on drafting a guy high when he hasn't proven himself at the Junior level. Yes, they will draft guys with superior talent, but I'm sure it doesn't help your draft status, and say what you want, but NHL teams don't want to look like they missed early in the NHL draft, so you might get a better look early on in your career with the big club the higher you are drafted. Ultimately though, you are right, if you have talent and play the game right you will be in the NHL regardless.

Have 2 tickets for Friday 12/07 in Section 302A Row G right above entryway in upper deck. On the aisle in a 6 seat row on the end where UND shoots twice. $30 each. Will sell a single if needed.

That's right he was only a sophomore on the Minnetonka championship team. Even more impressive what he is doing in the USHL. Explains why he didn't sign a LOI with Denver then.

What are you disagreeing with? There are several statements.

I think so far Rizzo, Pinto and Caulfield have signed letters of intent.

Just found it odd that it looks like they had a whole class sign at once, but not him. I know a lot of people talked about Motzko trying to flip him, so wondered if they got to him. I assume he would be going to Denver next year and not the following the way he is producing in the USHL.

Why would Western need a new coach? They are doing a lot better now and have had quite a bit of talent moving through there the last 4 years or so.

I see Denver had a bunch of LOI's signed today, but no Bobby Brink. Anyone hear any buzz on him decommitting?

Real classy.

Yes, he knew it had to be done, when 80 percent of people on this board knew it needed to be done a year ago. With many fans talking about giving up their tickets, I would hope it would be a no brainer this year.

It would be interesting to see how they approach that with players. Hopefully they understand the draw of the State Tourney for Minnesota kids. They seem to be losing the steam we had recruiting top Minnesota kids and focusing more on Junior players. Duluth has done much better than before in top end Minnesota talent.

...and let's not forget that there was no love lost between UND and Randolph because UND pushed Forbort to play for USA hockey, foregoing playing for Duluth East again. Randolph reminds me of Jim Montgomery, it's all about him.

They need to figure out some way to neutralize Perunovich, as he makes them go. Staying out of the penalty box would help immensely.

...and how many turnovers did they have this year, compared to the number of plays run? If you're playing percentages, it isn't even close, especially if the other team feels the same about your offense.