farce poobah

I'm happy to have gotten out of the first 0-0. We killed off 9 minutes of powerplays, and I'm sure our top guys are gassed, and the guys who don't kill penalties are ready to fly. Look for some interesting shifts in the second.

What a terrific kill!! Still 0-0 5:30 in.

Geez, Duncan. 5 minute major CFB.

GAME ON!!!

I just think keeping Minnesota off the board will hurt their morale... they start pressing and lose interest. On the other hand, if they get a couple on the board, their whole bench gets going. I'll take 0-0 after 40 if that's what we have to do ... because I think we'll win the 3rd.

I thought Martens played REALLY well last Friday, but he sat Saturday and that line was not effective without him. His skating continues to improve, and with some playing time he's reading the plays much better.

Keys to the game tonight: 1) No odd-man rushes ... be patient. If we don't give them an easy goal, they might not get any. 2) Work the ref. No stickwork, and if you feel the tug, go down. This incompetent crew only calls hooks and trips if the guy falls. (While letting real penalties go uncalled ...) Don't give them powerplays. 3) Move the feet, pressure the puck carrier and get presence on the puck.

This is the first time I can remember that the Saturday lineup is the same as Friday. Interesting message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uZBMaaAzhE

For 40 minutes, the problem was that we DIDN'T behave.

I hope Nick got to see it. Anyone see them?

We're gonna need help ... New Hampshire is going to have to lose a couple in there.

Looks awful. Any chance the Badger fans would go bonkers for Northeastern? Ugh. Send us east.

Yeah. Finish second and we get to play Minnesota; that would be loads better.

... The argument now will be that this proves the rest of the CCHA doesn't suck.

I thought we got better as the game went on. I don't know why, but the first period Friday at Mariucci is always a problem. Might be because its not just Olympic (which we can practice on) but the corners are square, the nets are deep, and the walls are dead. Maybe its because our guys aren't used to starting games in a half-full arena. The second PP unit really got away from what they did the last month. The FIRST PP unit needs to stop being so right-handed. Gophers had all four guys on that side of the ice at times and we didn't go back across to the left. We need to have Oshie let loose from left dot...

Gotta give TJ Oshie props for setting the tone in OT with a great, GREAT shift to start the OT. Martens with great creativity and a beautifully executed pass.

Finley great play to stop a 2x1 brreak. 10: left still 1-1.

End 1. 1-1. 17 minutes to get our &&&& together.

Good! A bit of feistiness from Genoway! Coincidentals. :30 left 1-1.

Sioux not winning very battles along the boards. 4: left 1-1.

1:20 into the 3rd Sioux PP. and its the 3rd awful Sioux PP.

OSHIE - draws his 3rd penalty in the first 12 minutes. I love the guy.

MN with a chance. 8: left period 1, 1-1. We look a little puzzled by the ice size and what it does to the tempo (slows it down). Common for a Friday at Mariucci.

I know its Friday night and we're on the road, but I have a feeling we're going to play well tonight. Keys: 1) PATIENCE with the puck. Plays develop slowly on the big rink. 2) USE the whole surface. Killing penalties especially, we're used to a possess-clear it approach. MN often makes a pass, and that's often better. Angles exist all over; use them. 3) DEFENSE: Hold your ground and make them come to you. Don't get caught out in nowhere land when the play moves behind you. 4) MOVE feet and DRAW penalties.