mikejm

I won't go as far as some of you and call Wheeler a bust. He's a big kid, with obvious skills. Physically (and statistically ironically) he is very similar to another Gopher right wing, Barry Tallackson. But while Barry never seemed to show a lot of effort on the ice and, instead, rely simply on his talent, at least Wheeler tries. Yeah, I don't like the fact that he tends to lip off and then turn away, but a kid with that much talent and (apparently) desire isn't going to be a "bust". Will he pan out as a first-rounder? I don't know. I'm just not ready to write the kid off.

I've gotten to know Hak personally and I'll echo OBG's words: this is as far removed from what Dave is as the east is from the west. When he said in his public apology that he was embarrassed, he meant it. This is not a coach you'll see standing on the boards whining about a call, or going postal on an official in the tunnel . Dave Hakstol's character is, from my personal experience, of the highest magnitude.

1. Why is everyone all of a sudden agreeing with me!?!?!?!?! First its Trunk Monkey and now you! Get your own opinions! 2. I think they are trying to work the play down low, but it seems they are aiming to get all four defenders on one side of the ice and sneak a back door on the back side. Minnesota just didn't allow the puck to get below the dots.

Two observations from an admittedly ignorant hockey fan: The Gophers' penalty kill is more vertical than horizontal in that their system puts two forwards above the circles, which forces the power play out further from the slot. Minnesota is counting on forcing the play out of the zone and requiring the attacking team to touch up and restart their cycle, or jumping a cross-ice pass along the blue line and creating a short-handed opportunity for themselves. I've wondered for quite awhile if the Sioux aren't trying to create a "clear out" by overloading one side of the ice and sneaking the free forward deep for a back door pass.

fixed your post.

One person who I thought needs recognition for a hard-working night Saturday is Kozek. He was fierce in his forecheck, and had some opportunities to score. He needs to finish. But he's showing me hustle I was beginning to wonder if he still possessed.

I wonder if there would even be a fight. Hakstol has one of the scariest stares I've ever encountered. Wonder if tDon wouldn't just crap his breezers and head to the locker room?

I share your concerns Heidi. In spite of what the scoreboard has been showing lately, and what some pundits would like us to believe, there is goal-scoring talent on this team that has been largely absent since November. We laid 6 on St. Cloud and 5 on Mankato, but really no offensive showcase since the 8-spot against Duluth around Thanksgiving. I think going into Mariucci and taking 3 points from the Gophers is a great showing, but I will feel a whole lot better about this team when I see some more goals. And a lot less shots allowed. Lamoureux has been playing really, really well. (And I am not exactly one of his biggest fans.) But I don't think we can count on him carrying this team by only allowing 1 goal per game the rest of the way out. Wins come a lot easier when you're putting up 4 or 5 goals a game instead for a weekend. (edit: Nice avatar Homey. )

Penalties/Minutes: North Dakota 17/91 Minnesota 17/69 160 penalty minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gotta love a UND/UMTC game, huh?

Box score finally posted to collegehockeystats.net A little ugly at the end there:

I'm not sure whether to be flattered or offended by this. But if you always agree with me, it is I who should be sorry, for you. Everyone around here who knows me knows I'm pretty much a stupid old man.

No, I think it was Kaip. But still, you're right: that wasn't Chorney's fault. Me too. The shot of Hak was really quick, but I thought I saw the bird. He and I have talked many times about other coaches losing their composure during a game and costing their teams. So I was really surprised when my eyes saw what appeared to be the bird. I know for sure he dropped a couple f-bomb. It don't take a degree in lip reading to figure that one out. Now THAT I didn't hear. And that is also very surprising.

I'd hit it.

Take the smack somewhere else Brainerd. Sagard is a good guy. You wanna pick a fight with a Gopher fan, there are a lot better targets.

You gotta love a coach who talks smack.

I suppose 3 points in their barn should be a satisfying weekend result, but it sure feels like the Sioux laid an egg. Another sluggish (at best) first period followed by kind of a tsunami wave. I really thought the Sioux would pull out a win, but Minnesota hung tough. It'll be interesting to see what Adam does with penalties. I don't feel good about how that will result.

Gorg. Dork.

They should've let Finley and Wheeler go. Now Adam is talking about "reviewing the tape" and calling penalties based on that.

RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice f-bomb by Hakstol

Wheeler just cost his team a power play. Dope.

How many passes have we put right through the slot with noone there to tip or shoot!?!?!?!

what a freakin' game!!!!!

Finley gets away with a blatant trip in the slot

Could the sleeping giant be awake? Finally?