farce poobah

Agree. I think Roughriders has some of that. (If we can't be the Indians, we'll be the damn Cavalry.)

The one we can hear in the background all night...

I like how it took him 7+ minutes of the 3rd period to notice we were playing with 3 on ice officials. Edit - probably took his spotter 7+.

The puck hadn't dropped yet and we already got a shot at the linesmen. GAME ON!

Possibility 1: Take a shot every time the CC radio guy complains about the linesmen. Possibility 2: Take a shot every time the CC radio guy complains about a penalty call. Who gets more hammered?

I like how CC guy dives but their radio guy says UND guy was diving.... this is hilarious. /Angry radio guy makes my day.

This is good, because we hit a big run of playing opponents that are playoff caliber starting in mid November. It does make me wonder if playing weaker opponents - as we have been and will the next 2 weekends - has allowed the coaching staff to let guys fully heal up. No need to push anybody back too soon.

Since this is a Hockey East opponent, this 3rd period could really swing our pairwise later on. Time to bear down.

Simple question.

http://www.undsports.com/downloads2/1108104.htm?ATCLID=210446888&SPSID=58684&SPID=6405&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=13500 Odd statistic of the night: Schmaltz with 0 shots on goal. The only one of the 18 skaters without a SOG. Not saying he had a bad game, because he had the gorgeous pass on goal #2. OK who had Simonson as the #1 star going into the game? (Although they could have given it to Santa last night and I would have been okay with that.) That line not only got the first goal, but was really solid all night long.

Too bad the UVM webcast doesn't hVe a penalty clock

I think hockey should break ties using riding time. We've had the puck in their end most of the night. and a tip of the helmet to UVM for a solid free webcast.

if the season ended today, the Flyers would make the playoffs.

Voted for Roughriders, but could support either of the two that seem destined for a run off. Of course, the SS.com sample is not representative ...

I thought the Flyers looked like a team that's buying into the basics of Hakstol hockey.

Solid review, Mr. B. I like your inclusion of the Blais-Walsh connection. Way back in 2004, I wore one of the Walsh jerseys to the Frozen Four in Boston and got clapped on the shoulder by so many Maine fans I needed an icepack. It was amazing to experience their reaction to Deano's contribution to the rivalry. As for tonight, I don't think Maine can hold us to 3. Too much speed, and a defense that activates when the opportunity arises. Prediction: UND 5, Maine 2.

It is sad to see what's happened in Madison. However, I will bet my house payment that Minnesota has less than 6500 actually in the seats tonight for their opener against Vermont. (P.S. For those in town, stubhub is selling a lot of tickets in the $12-19 range.)

The settlement agreement was pretty clear that UND was obligated to adopt a new nickname. http://www.ag.nd.gov/ncaa/SettlementAgreement.pdf If the NCAA has subsequently agreed to waive that part of the settlement agreement, I'd love to see that document.

Denver continues to be chumps in nonconference play ... losing to Air Force in OT tonight. I see the B1G O-fer got no wins tonight. That plus a UND win puts me in my happy place.

The Wild trailed 3-0 and 4-1 ... but now take the lead 5-4 on Parise's hat trick goal. This could be a statement game.

NHL announced Raffi Torres gets suspended for 41 games for a head shot in preseason. Nice to see the Dept of Player Safety getting serious about guys who just don't get the message. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=781798&navid=DL|NHL|home

Arizona is definitely getting encouragement from Arizona State's Athletic Director ...

Great question. For games against U of Arizona, yup.

UND power play will be getting a lot harder to defend ... with the injection of additional sniper talent.