farce poobah

We're not questioning your vision, just your judgement.

I DID watch the game (replay on TV) and agree with "call the game right". Calling the game right includes two major aspects missing from many WCHA games - not all! but a lot: 1) Consistent standards 2) Reliably enforced. Last night, Anderson and Shepard failed miserably at that test. The pattern is they typically increase the severity of penalty for the initial hit based on the response from the 'wronged' team. For example: * Hansen gets 5 (and only 5) for the identical hit that Boe gets 5+Misconduct later in the game. No response from Mankato - no gooning it up - ok fine. But in the 3rd, Boe gets a more severe penalty, based on the Gopher response. Pick a standard and apply it consistently: either 5 or 5+Misconduct but not varying based on what happens after the event. * Schack retaliates on Bruess (after the hit on Lucia late in the second) and gets no extra penalty for jumping Bruess' back and punching him from behind. It was so obvious that even Woog commented on it. He got a frickin freebie. Not surprising that he went Bertuzzi later in the game. The later punishment was reasonable, but missing the first creates the powder keg and primes it. Hockey is dang tough to referee. But the consistent failure of the WCHA to add well-deserved discipline AFTER the fact contributes to the idea that "I can get away with it". That said, to the original question, yes I think Minnesota is out of control. Coach John Hill's comments before, during and after the series in Grand Forks illustrate that clearly. And their actions last night indicate it even more. For every one's sake, before this really escalates, I hope the WCHA has the balls to slap a Bertuzzi-like suspension on Schack for his Bertuzzi-like actions last night.

They still suck [clap clap clapclapclap] They still suck [clap clap clapclapclap] They still suck [clap clap clapclapclap]

Hey its all I have left tonight. Besides, I remember feeling just awful on Feb 4, 2000.

Its a great omen. Last shutout in St Cloud was Feb 4, 2000, 3-0, and we ALL know how that season ended.

Any Kellys Heroes quote is a good quote.

I guess the Sioux weren't that good after all.

Good thing that Grand Forks is so much like home. BTW, Jonathan Toews turns 21 this coming April.

I'm sure Hextall will take the pressure of Gregoire.

Instead of dividing the league along geographic lines, how about two clusters "Original Six" CC, Denver UM, UW UND, Tech "Newcomer Six" UMD, SCSU UAA, MSU-M Bemidji, [#12 insert here] 26 league games - 4x with a designated rival, 3x in your cluster, 2x with the other cluster. I don't care for it a lot, but it would preserve rivalries better than other solutions. And it would allow for more non-conference games. ... Bringing the total allowable games back to 38 without extending the season would help a lot.

Final 4-3 CC.

I look forward to the DU games. Hockey for real men. None of this Tonya boy facewashing crap - you're going to get knocked on your a$$, so better dish some out.

... better than the Sioux PP 2-2 back to 5x5.

... um ... these aren't the Gophers. You have to play 60 minutes against Tech.

Obsession. The first 15 minutes of the Gopher pregame show has been mostly about last weekend's series. Lot of excuses (not quite 10000). Ample credit to the play of UND.

Blake with leukemia plays all 82 games last year. Let's repeat that for emphasis. With leukemia. In the lineup every night. I know if I'm looking around for blame, I'd certainly point the finger at the guy with leukemia. Yes for $20mm the Leafs have a right to expect production. But really.... He's a great example of above average talent (but not great talent) with exceptional work ethic. And the prototype Sioux player of the late 90's - exceptional work ethics.

Yes, the quiet majority tends to get outposted on message boards. Most here hope Lucia continues as head coach for as long as he wants. Although, I have to admit its tempting to start a "Hire John Hill" endowment. I'm sure a lot of Sioux fans would consider donating money if the UofM were to hire him as the full time mens hockey coach.

Or 40.

Agree entirely. Another example: 2000 WCHA Final Five, title game. Bayda's hit on a Badger D 30 seconds into the game. Sets the tone for a big win. After 5 minutes of Friday's game, I said "UND just dished out a weekend's worth of body checks in the first five minutes (exaggerating, but just a bit). I like our chances." The best leading indicator of Sioux success is whether they're throwing body checks. (Second best is whether we're winning the battles along the boards.)

Quiz time: Who's older - Jonathan Toews or Alex Kangas? Answer below. In the meantime, let's note that certain Gopher fans (not all) epitomize the old saw of "repeat a lie often enough and you'll start to believe it". Answer: Kangas is older. Toews, another overage Canadian at UND, entered school, played two years, and started playing in the NHL before Kangas ever played in a game with the Gophers. Fact. Toews: Born April 29, 1988 Kangas: Born May 28, 1987

Well said. Ditto.

Yes!

This from a fan who loves the Canadian enthusiasm for this game that I love so much ....: Once again, the referees are being intimidated into not calling penalties against Canada and calling too many on their opponent. Canada may well be the best team, but we'll never really know because of the large favoritism they're getting. Let's get more of these tournaments on neutral ice.

Meanwhile in Minneapolis, Brown got a shot on goal. Edit: make that 2. One of which went it. 4-1 Gophers.

Satellite dish ?