farce poobah

Shades of 1987 ...

That makes it even.

I was happy at the karma of the second UND goal, coming right after a couple Q interferences that could have been called.

It wasn't real people posting. It was that crazy Microsoft social media robot.

Also, I was impressed - again! - with Cam Johnson. When some other guys got nervous, he stayed focused. Hats off to Cam.

I note the Pacific Rim line was minus 5 tonight. Clearly, they are better than the CCM line.

As it stands today, Russia's track and field athletes are not eligible to compete in the 2016 Olympics. The cynic in me says they sold down the river the U18 team, in order to be able to say they are now seriously implementing a real anti-doping program. I'm not buying it for a minute.

Nice candidate - I am not familiar with Kaufman, but he sounds like their version of Steph Pattyn. I've been a fan of Eades since his days as a player - as intense off the ice as on it. If the head guy was anyone but Blais, I can't see him pursuing this scenario. But maybe ... if he gets along with the AD.

On a totally different subject, it will be interesting to see who applies at Nebraska Omaha. Given Blais' age, and the lack of an heir apparent coaching elsewhere who would come "home", I think a lot of the NCHC/WCHA/Big Ten assistants have this job on the radar, as a stepping stone to a high-profile head coaching job in a couple years. Any buzz?

Its also crap that Duncan Keith's 6 games is the longest suspension of the year.

As long as we get to post mortem on Michigan's season (which is fun when it happens that we're still playing), I think their season long preparation left them short. They only played 3 games against tournament teams. UND's pace, puck pursuit, physicality all seemed to catch them by surprise.

Agree that its a huge loss - SCSU starts next fall with no goaltenders with any college experience. I'm surprised only 3 SCSU players have been drafted AND I'd be surprised if they don't lose a couple more underclassmen.

Its cool when the UND departures don't hit this list until mid April.

If there's a contest for #2 all-time North Dakota sports story behind Mr Maris, I vote for Fritz Pollard. He went into the heart of Nazi Germany in the 1936 Olympics and won a silver medal. Pretty damn brave. http://und.edu/news/2016/02/fritz-pollard.cfm And, to the thread topic, I bet he could beat Forrest Gump, too.

Classy reaction from Michigan's Alex Kile:

I think Quinnipiac has enough speed and skill to keep up with BC. Difference is BC has a lot of experience at the Frozen Four, and all its distractions.

UMD needs a heavy line.

I like that Compher was the one that passed the puck to Johnson for UND's 2nd goal. Thanks Dude.

I really liked the shifts that we forced CCM line to play defense. Herbie would say you attack them.

I don't think Ferris v St Cloud ends 4 3. That prediction of six is looking good.

Upon second reflection, I think its unlikely that ASU would get a straight up immediate conference invitation from either the B1G or the NCHC. The hit to everyone's RPI/PWR would be too much. I can see some type of scheduling agreement. (home and home, next 2 years, for example) If I am thinking like an athletic director, I'm also wondering what else ASU can offer that's worth my while. Miami or Western would love to play a football money game at ASU in front of 90,000. UND would be pleased to get a couple basketball games and/or a weekend of baseball. Or swimming - a chance to rub shoulders with USA coach Bob Bowman or Michael Phelps. Or golf. Or research. As a P5 member, ASU has a foot in the door to block things like the Big Ten's age limit proposal. Just a lot of possibilities.

The biggest improvement in his game has been defensively, where he is a puck pursuit maniac. Stellar. Elite caliber. A couple times his clever stickwork against bigger guys reminded me of Marian Hossa. He's certainly not built like Hossa, but in playing both ends of the ice with truly elite intensity is what makes him so much fun to watch. Here's hoping we get three more games this year in a UND uniform to enjoy this guy. And while I think Schmaltz shows NHL caliber, he may not be the best guy on that line over the course of the season.

RIP. Thanks for your years of dedicated service to this sport we all love.

Congrats UMD. 2-1.

I heard they need to be introduced to their own goalie since they never get close to him.