dagies

Just my guess but with his lack of PT so far I would guess they'd put him on one of the lower lines and see what he can do.

I think the kicking incident hurt Westrum's image, but I agree that he and Blake were pretty similar players in many ways. I'd have loved Westrum on the Sioux and hated Prpich on the Gophs. That's part of being a fan, there are some things you don't necessarily have to be consistent about, and some things you have to be. Unless you are talking about actions that are potentially injurious, your "goon" is my "hard nosed player" and vice versa.

At the risk of developing a perception without having seen him play, perchance LaPoint will be a similar style player to Brian Lee. Slick skating, mobile defenseman with good size and offensive skill, but maybe not a bruising style. Nothing wrong with that if they are effective.

Regardless of what a word's origins are, it's contextually important to factor in what that word has morphed in meaning too. For instance, "Yankee" was supposed to be a derogatory word at the beginning, but look at it now. What a word may have meant at one time isn't always the same as what it means now. I doubt there's more than a handful of people who, at this time, were really aware of any negative connotation of the word "squaw", but the other 99% of us all know it to be a female Indian, or something very innocuous and similar to that.

Yes, it's worth the drive. Mankato is 1-1.5 hours away, and the drive isn't bad. The rink is fine though I find Mankato fans the least desirable of any I've encountered (Duluth, GF, Mariucci, SCSU). Still, no reason not to go. There are also 300 level seats available, and I believe I've sat up there before. The rink isn't so big that any seat is all that bad. Down low can be nice, but you'll be looking through the glass/posts to the far end of the ice, so keep that in mind. I think that's why the 200 level seats are all sold out as the prime locations. Also, if you are buying off Ticketnazi (I think that's your only choice), pay attention to which end of the rink you are asking for tickets. The rink is in the shape of a horseshoe and the Sioux attack the open end of the horseshoe twice.

Do you have some issue with Zajac's contributions so far? I agree, though. This team needs to get some scoring all across the lineup. I also expect to see more from Kozek. I still think there is a chance Genoway and Miller will make themselves felt as the year goes along. I believe there's hope, but it sounds like this was an ugly weekend. This weekend in Mankato will be a good test. Go on the road, and take on a team that, at least as fans, we expect to beat. But winning on the road is tough. This week I would think Hak has the team's ear, and they will be ready to go. No one will be overlooking Mankato after last weekend, and certainly not if Toews is out.

Wow. Turns out it's all YOUR fault.

Wow, when I read GPL I was given the impression we fans were blaming the loss on the refs. Funny how the coffee clatch got the majority consensus wrong again.

Friday only, here. You should be ok. Or together we'll destroy the weekend. One way or the other.

Considering my record of seeing Sioux games in person, it very well may be.

#01, we'll see you in 319. Just a warning, I've been on the wrong end of some ugly games in Mankato.

Agreed. And a nice reminder of how much better I think we look in classic stripes vs. diagonal.

Don't forget Martens. He looked like he could contribute in his game against QU.

Thank you, Pat! If Hakstol really DID hear Blais in the back of his mind, he would have pulled Lammy at the 4 minute mark.

Absolutely. It's not the end of the world. But a few points early in the season can help keep you from worrying if your team has enough points to even make the playoffs!

A friend sent me this email today:

Prepping for deer hunting. Maybe some grouse hunting depending on available time. Thanks for the info, puck!

Me: At the time I made this post I didn't bother to look up if our early season troubles were last year or the year before so I left my comment a bit vague. But essentially what I was trying to say was that recently there was a time when we struggled early in the season. I have friends with season tickets and they went longer than they cared to without seeing a win at home. I remember hearing that from them. So yes, I was just counting the first part of last season because my point was "early in the season". I can see how the "at least early in the season" can be misunderstood to be more inclusive of the whole year. I'm well aware of the arguments about whether the Sioux have been as good in the new Ralph as in the old and a believer that they are, overall, just fine in the new Ralph. However, last year proved they can have a rough stretch at home and I'd prefer if we don't repeat that.

Last year the Sioux were 7-8 at home heading into February. This includes being swept at home by WI, MN and SCSU. There are some posts that agree with me. Try this one.

If you had the ticket package last year, you get preference this year, etc. However, I believe there are plenty of seats for first time buyers, whether it be 5 game packages or individual. I've bought packages for probably 7-8 years now so I'm not sure on that last part.

I'm hoping the Sioux establish home ice advantage better than recent history, at least early in the season. Maine is a team with another very strong goaltender. If they play a strong defensive game like Bucky, then I guess anything can happen. A few breakdowns defensively by the Sioux, and a solid effort by Maine could make life difficult. Hopefully the Sioux take care of their own zone this weekend. If so, I like our chances to sweep. I think the Sioux will have the edge offensively. Defense and goaltending can be the great equalizer. Would be fun games to see (they all are, aren't they?). I wonder if they'll be on TV in Blackduck, MN...

Something we can agree on!

Good luck to him. It's one heck of a story. You have to give him credit for sticking to it and never giving up.