farce poobah

Every time the announcers say "Fighting Hawks up by 30", my first reaction is "oh crap". Then a second later I realize that's us. [Sigh.]

"This one is tight as a new boot!" At least I can enjoy the announcers ...

I think the NCHC top three all have a good shot at the Frozen Four. And since defense wins championships I gotta put UMD (who led the NCHC in goals allowed) as a strong contender. Looks like some great matchups. If it plays out as a Denver vs St Cloud semifinal, I would definitely stay to see (or come early). Two of the best hockey clubs I've seen in a long while. Just not as good as UND.

Given how good our nonconference opponents have done tonight, collegehockeynews.com has us sitting #1 in the Pairwise. At least for the next half hour.

And now a 3rd SHG on the same major PP. That must be a record.

I don't think it helps the B1G more than the NCHC, but it definitely helps the B1G against a lot of other leagues. The average age of B1G teams (and a lot of the NCHC) is lower. By chopping some of the older players off the teams they compete against, they expect to gain a competitive advantage. If you sort the link below by Average Age, you can see which rosters are generally younger and older. http://www.collegehockeynews.com/stats/?season=20152016

I like that we started the third period with 3rd and 4th lines.

I caught some comments from Lou Nanne about "he's a sound two way player" and "he's going to North Dakota and they like that kind of player". High praise from one of the Gopher faithful. 30 years ago, it was the opposite. "Player A takes a roughing penalty. Good thing he's going to North Dakota where they love guys who like to fight." Etc etc., it was often negative and never positive. Interesting that the opinions about UND hockey have changed so much over the last 35 years.

I'm personally hoping that there's not a first round matchup of Notre Dame vs Michigan. If that happens, I'll bet ESPN ignores everything else.

http://www.startribune.com/st-cloud-state-dropping-6-sports-programs/370796061/

Have been to Manhattan a lot on business, and a few times personally. What's it like getting around ... Car: fuggetaboutit. Subways are solid and run often (late night I would avoid unless I'm with a group that includes BodyGuards). Taxis are everywhere in Manhattan, fast and reliable. I've got friends that Uber and they've had good experiences at lower costs than taxi. Personally, I love walking Manhattan (again, not late night). Build your schedule with extra time so you aren't disappointed (leave early, etc). If you're bringing family, and money is no object, lodging around Times Square is entertaining. MSG is about 1/2 mile walk from Times Square (or a couple subway stops). If you need a more budget-friendly choice, pick something that's close to subway or trains and you can get to MSG (and the rest of what NYC has to offer quite easily). My first experience with that part of Manhattan was in the 1980's and it seemed a lot like Crocodile Dundee to me. But the area around MSG and Times Square has cleaned up well and is a lot safer now. (Safer than Fargo?) The old adages and common sense still apply (stay in a group, etc). Hope this helps.

A very well-written viewpoint - another writer who loved the outdoor game in Minneapolis: http://www.thepostgame.com/daily-take/201602/san-jose-minnesota-outdoor-hockey-nhl-stadium-series

UMD up to #15.

Collegehockeynews.com has a decent app as well

Agree. And through 40 minutes, our puck pursuit has been excellent.

My concern about UNO is that their goaltending might improve to average. Last night 2 of the 3 their sieve allowed were long unscreened shots. Granted we had a lot of other good chances, but my point is that their 18 skaters are pretty good. Put Cam Johnson behind them and they are a top 10 national team. That said, I think we continue the trend of strong Saturday performances. F'in Hawks win 5-3.

In modern history, I agree. If I go back to the mid 1980's, Jim Archibald. Fabulous offensive skills and an incredibly nasty disposition.

Really bad line change on that first goal. Ugh. Puck wasn't even into UNO zone and we try to pull off a change. Thompson and Wolanin were on the ice, but just barely, and didn't get enough support from the forwards. Lot of fundamental mistakes on that first UNO goal.

NCHC refs would never have called Guentzel for unsportsmanlike conduct if Wolanin hadn't flattened him a second later.

Yeah. Gotta lay off the Lime.

If Pominville starts scoring, the Wild will be in good shape.

Jon Casey played D for Team Minnesota

That kneeing penalty was complete horsebleep. Unless they are going to start calling the 1000 times that occurs each game.

Excellent video coverage by USC. Unsurprising, given their status as college baseball powerhouse.

I agree. I was wondering how the heck UMD's record is not a whole lot better. (Last night, anyway,) They play good team hockey, they possess the puck well, they force opponents well meaning they get it back, and they are generally tough to play against. Before the game, I thought "goaltending!" must be their weakness but Kaskisuo was solid last night. I'm totally perplexed. All I know is I would rather play just about anyone else - ABD - in the playoffs.