farce poobah

And just to add one more important factor to the competitive balance of East vs West ... is the emergence of the USHL and NTDP over the last 25 years. Prior to the USHL's stellar growth, a Western hockey coach such as at UND had two primary sources of talent: Minnesota high schools and Canadian Tier 2 juniors. The 18-19 year old Americans faced a gap in their development path, which was closed by the USHL's success. (THANKS GINO!) And it just so happens that more of them stay West than go East. I'm not aware of a similar-quality prep league in New England ...

One other important factor contributing to competitive parity was the reduction in maximum scholarships from 25 to 18. I don't remember (and can't find via google) when that happened, but my recollection is in the early 1980's. That's further spread the talent pool ... while the big name schools still get more of the very elite with full rides, its certainly the case that a full ride at say Mankato is more appealing to many than a half-ride at Minnesota. (Minnesota had an incredible depth of roster in the 1970's ...)

40 teams playing NCAA Division 1 hockey in 1982 seems a bit high ... I would have said about 30 (guess: 10 WCHA + 6 CCHA + 12 ECAC + 2 independents). If you have a source, I'd love to see it. .... as I have been wondering the same thing. Another important factor is the founding of Hockey East in the mid 1980's. Until then, the ECAC was the only D1 hockey conference ... and abided by more restrictive rules than NCAA limits allowed on # games and length of season. This led to recruiting disadvantages ... and a dominant run by Western schools. So until 1985, a Western school had its toughest run just to get to the conference semifinals ... and then got cupcakes from out east in the first round of the Frozen Four. (1982: UND 6 Northeastern 0 in the national semifinals, for example). Once Hockey East was founded, there emerged a strong competitive differential over time compared to the remnants of ECAC ... including a lot of national titles - Maine and BU in the 1990's and BC more recently.

Unusual statistic tonight: After 1 period in Washington, NYI 15 blocked shots. WAS 0 blocks.

Brock Nelson! With the first goal of this years Stanley Cup playoffs.

Kinda makes me wonder how much Robbie Bina practiced that 180 foot 2-bounce shot on the PK.

Expectations for 2015-2016: 1. I expect UND to struggle a bit before New Years. Seven seniors - especially of the quality they carried - simply cannot be replaced without some time to build chemistry on and off the ice. 2. I expect UND players to stay out of the headlines for off ice activities. 3. I expect UND players to stay in class and get respectable grades. (I have no idea how any of these athletes do it ... I would have surely failed.) 4. I expect the rookies - especially up front - to add some immediate impact. 5. I expect the defensive corps - provided the offseason departures aren't too wicked - to be the heart of the team's competitive advantage. 6. If Zane stays, I expect us to hold opponents regularly to 1 or 2 goals. 7. I expect us to sweep Wisconsin. And to build a solid non-conference record which gives a leg up in NCAA Pairwise. 8. I expect the NCHC to be a dogfight every night, with no clearcut favorite yet ... a lot of splits. Maybe 10 losses wins it. 9. I expect UND to make the NCAA tournament as a 1 or 2 seed with Zane (and a 3 or 4 seed without). 10. I expect us to win our regional. (80% winning percentage in the Hakstol era ...) Most likely by beating Mankato in St Paul. 11. After that, I have no idea. I quit making forecasts, and definitely don't wager on the Frozen Four. 12. I would like - but don't expect - a series with Arizona State soon. An exhibition? (I'm happy to hear the rumors of Omaha and St Cloud on their schedule.) 13. I expect UND to lead the nation in attendance again. Home and road. I expect average gameday chat to attract more viewers than the average team draws fans. 14. I expect the NCHC tournament to increase attendance again, and outdraw the Big Mistake in St Paul and the WCHA. 15. I expect rumors of Notre Dame departing Hockey East to heat up, and I expect Bowling Green to continue stirring the pot on realignment until they join their MAC brethren in a conference somehow. I expect one more big announcement in PAC 12 land, most likely U of Arizona. 16. I expect to see TJ Oshie bring the Stanley Cup to Warroad and Grand Forks.

With the importance of special teams, I think he can have a fine career as a top-four penalty killer in just about any team's rotation. His quickness and ability to read plays are top notch. Those attributes also put him onto a checking line. I don't see him cracking the top two lines regularly, however. Not quite the scoring touch. Comparable UND alumni career: Dave Tippett.

Against Minnesota at Mariucci. He gave us a shot to win. Also a good trivia question - even for Sioux hockey fans - who was the goaltender for the last game UND season didn't end in the NCAA tournament.... http://www.uscho.com/box/mens-hockey/2002/03/09/north-dakota-vs-minnesota/

Boston must be pretty damn good to have all that hate art created in their honor.

I'd like to see Pattyn stay on as a coach.

I think this is an underdiscussed topic ... that relatively lower-profile move 3 years ago (2 recruiting classes ago). Here I'm going to have to disagree. Let's start with the fact that I admire Cary Eades. From the moment he walked onto campus in the fall of 1978, his drive and passion lifted others around him ... to two NCAA titles as a player (one during the era where two NCAA wins got us a title) and more as a coach. The guy wins wherever he goes ... high school, college, USHL, Canadian Juniors, anyplace he competes he's gotten it done. If not for a career ending injury, he might still be playing pro. (Well .... maybe not.) But it was clear that we needed in our coaching staff someone who's played the defenseman position at all levels, who could raise the play of our defensive corps from really good to outstanding. This starts with getting the best recruits, which has happened these last couple recruiting classes. Its safe to say that the d-corps has elevated their game under Berry. (So much so that I worry he gets summoned away by the big bucks of the NHL.) If I'm a high profile recruit looking to go the NCAA route and play under someone who really develops defenseman for the next level, UND has to be at or near the very top of that list. With a limit on coaching staff size, someone had to go. I'm sad it was Eades. Nobody bleeds greener blood than he. But the hiring of Berry to coach the D has worked. As a layperson, I'd say its working spectacularly well. I'd welcome thoughts of those who know the game better than i.

Your play on the ice and your character off the ice represents the school and state as well as any senior class I can remember. It's clear you left it on the ice, with a full honest effort. To the future, I can say confidently that whatever organization you join, they will be better off with you as part of it. Keep your heads high. You've earned it. Thank You.

Another commonality of these Frozen Four frustrations has been the enormous, massive turnout of Fighting Sioux fans. Well done.

This one is a lot like 2006 ... great team, great goalie who had an off night. (West regional champions ...)

Rodriguez should be suspended for the final.

I just want us to play the full third period. Full intensity. Show the nation our character. Whatever the score.

I would say 9

If anyone can Manufacture 2 goals out of nothing it would be UNO.

IF we're going to do Fargo Dome, let's do a Frozen Four.

Zach Attack!!! Two more goals tonight as the Wild fight for a playoff berth. Sounds like great atmosphere at the X tonight.

Fighting Zoo. Whatever animal is YOUR mascot, WE have one that can kick its a$$.

Excellent. UND can raise some money by renting nickname rights to the AHL team ... revenues going to help fund football and basketball.

But hey, the arena is already decorated in Fighting Sioux gear so we know what the team nickname would be ...

It's an oxymoron, but without the oxy.