tnt

I doubt anyone would say that playing Minnesota would be an easy win, so we should respect the fact that MSU tied Minnesota, or should I say vice versa since Minnesota had to make a comeback. Hopefully the Sioux realize they can't afford to lose anymore nonconference games for the NCAA picture, and I'm sure Hakstol will let them know that every chance he gets.

While Eidsness appears to be the man now for the majority of the games, it doesn't mean we still won't see Walski from time to time. If Eidsness has a slump or needs a break, I am sure Walski will be ready to step in and pick up the slack. If there is one thing we have learned about him is that he is a team player and tackles his situation professionally, which will be great for him when he enters the job market, as everyone can use an asset like that.

I guess I just want to know if you were speaking up for Nate Ziegelmann a few years back? He didn't get playing time and transfered to Duluth, and didn't get a whole lot there either. Were both programs in the wrong there? I think Walski would have gotten more starts if the Sioux weren't in such a precarious situation right now. Bottom line is when you do get your chance you better shine, and while you can't blame everything on Walski in the games he played, did he do enough to outshine Eidsness?

You must have hated the movie "Rudy". Walski has already got to play more than him. This isn't mite hockey, it is big time college hockey. Do you know how many players sit on the bench every year or even have their scholarship pulled in major college sports? So was Dean unfair to Ryan Sofie then?

The difference between the two teams is the Lamoureux sisters and Marvin. Because of the previous coach the Sioux weren't in position to get them and until they get a top-end prospect, they will struggle to beat top-end teams. During the Olympic year I think the Sioux will contend, then hopefully get access to blue-chip talent.

You would think that they would be over-recruiting more at defense than forward. With the high draft choices they have at defense, they must realize that many could be gone well before their four years are up.

Which might also lead Kangas to be an early flight risk should he keep putting up good numbers.

I'm not saying this team doesn't have its issues, as it gets frustrating for most Sioux fans and coaches with early season struggles. I am simply trying to express that it's never nearly as bad as people would have you believe after losses, and not as great as others would have you believe after wins. It's probably somewhere in between. So yes, constructiveness is probably needed. Sorry if you came off as being the sole example. I don't remember other things said, so maybe everyone's frustrations get pushed to a point where they lash out, like mine evidently did as well.

You also said this is a team without talent. Do you stick by that, or does it change from week to week as well?

So what is it, is this team "flat out terrible" or not? I guess if they lose this weekend they revert back to that.

If the predictability of the Sioux from the years under Hakstol follows form, they will lose on Friday, then dress in their Black jerseys for Saturday and hopefully win under an almost must-win situation. It would be much easier on Sioux fans if they would win on Friday like they seem to do at home. Either way, a split to remain in contact with the leaders is necessary. The Sioux will have shots at both them and Minnesota later in the year at home, when hopefully they find their stride again.

My bet is that he is talking about LaPoint.

According to Hakstol they are pleased with the performance for the mostpart in all the games except Boston University. I'm sure they would like better results, but I'm sure Wisconsin would as well. Would you rather be the other extreme where you win the first half of the season all the time and then can't seem to find a win the second half. If Minnesota and Colorado both keep up this pace the whole year, then you have to give them props, but Colorado dipped late last year and Minnesota the year before, so you can't go through the whole year in the WCHA without a slump. The Sioux continually build under Hakstol, so I will cut them some slack. Again, I think they definitely need one this weekend to keep in touch with the upper teams, but I was happy with the way they played last weekend, just not as happy with the results.

Gotta agree, if the Sioux didn't have that 2-3 minute stretch in the third period the fans would be feeling pretty good right now. That said, they definitely need some results from this weekend.

Don't want to wait until the last minute to get rid of these, so I will let them go for $20 each if you buy all eight of them.

I definitely don't want to hear the Sioux players saying we didn't match their intensity, because both teams have reason to be desperate. Just the chance to put a team that was picked to finish with home ice deep in the hole would be enough to be focused on the task at hand. Put them as far behind you now, because when you play them again on the last weekend of the regular season, you don't want that series to be for home ice.

I won't belabor this anymore, but one can only ask if the scenario did come up where the Ralph hosted someone elses home game while playing the Sioux, what do you think the reaction of the rest of the league would be?

... and if the "X" was halfway between Mankato and Minnesota, then it would be different. You are not comparing apples to apples.

It hurts the integrity of the league when teams don't have to play under the same conditions. I know, I know its good for the league. Maybe every team should have to give up a home game and play at the X. I wonder what the commissioner would say if the Ralph talked Anchorage or Michigan Tech into giving up home games and take part of the proceeds from a weekend in the Ralph.

I am looking to sell both Friday and Saturday together, as it might be fairly difficult to get rid of tickets for just Friday.

Are you still interested?

Have 2 tickets for each night against Alaska Anchorage on Nov. 14 & 15 in Section 302A Row G, right above the entryway in the upper deck. Looking for $20 per ticket.

I think the people assume the worst because it is early in the season and the Sioux have had a tough time beating Wisconsin period, especially at the Ralph as of late, nevermind a desperate Wisconsin team. Hopefully, the Sioux do an about face from their traditional early season struggles under Hakstol and can win a couple this weekend. If they ended up being the team getting swept, the Sioux would suddenly become the desperate team and would have to come from the hole once again. I don't know if my heart can take another year where every game after Christmas was basically a playoff game.

Unable to go to Duluth this year, so I have 4 tickets for Friday in Section 12 Row 1, and 4 tickets for Saturday in Section 9 Row 1. Looking for what I paid, $30 each.

You seem to be tuning into this thread quite a bit. Haven't you figured out whether it appeals to you or not, or do you just like to pretend you are the moderator?