burd

I look at it selfishly at this stage of my life. If School B gives me many more weekends of great, winning hockey, I'll take that over many weekends watching so-so hockey. Everyone wants the team to win the banner, but those are single event pleasures except for the bragging rights, which hold less value now than they once did. I'd love to see Hak solve the championship riddle, but to have the third highest winning percentage of all active coaches is no small feat. That's a boat load of winning hockey we have the benefit of watching.

I agree and can't even say why. There have certainly been more talented teams in recent years, but this group has a resilience that is very appealing. The locker room leadership must be good.

With away series at Miami and UNO next semester and UMD at home, it will be a real challenge to replicate their usual second half surge. But there is something about this team that is special. Not sure what it is, maybe he lack of a real star. They skate well throughout the lineup, and maybe they understand that they all can and must make a difference. It's a good bunch.

As the thread starter suggested, it comes down to which coach can adjust the best.

UNO may not be very good, but they have sure controlled play tonight. Ice is tilted. If we lose, it won't be because of bad refs.

Boys did a lot of standing around that period. A lot.

That doesn't sound like Alvarez. He just isn't engaged enough in hockey to make that kind of statement unless it was a blanket statement about all sports. Unless you're a hockey fan at Wisconsin, I suppose you have to feel good about how things have gone under Alvarez. He brought football back to prominence as a coach, and the BB has been very good during his tenure as AD. The hockey, though . . . . And that's a shame.

I just don't see Jordan as being anywhere near ready. But then, I don't know what one more year would do to get him ready for what is going to come at him in his own zone (bigger, faster, seasoned players who will know the book on him).

He would get used in the NHL if he went up as he is today.

I've been waiting for Murphy to connect--he seems so close a times. Has shown good hand but just can't complete the play. When he failed to convert on that clean break to the net last night, I just decided maybe he doesn't have the confidence yet. If he had been patient and held the puck for another split second, he would have had the entire net to shoot at. It's the way its been for him. To turn the corner, I think he needs a couple of goals. This UND roster is really looking solid with the talent spread among the classes. Just a lot of good hockey players willing to work.

I found Miami a fun team to watch. Their fans will enjoy some good hockey this year.

Jordan S is definitely a high-end talent and has been big for us, but watching him so far this year makes me hopeful he will stick around for next year. Nick helps, of course, but he needs to improve in his own zone, IMO.

I think it's great. I can think of only one team I wouldn't want them to beat.

Even for a hockey player hoping to advance his hockey future, there is plenty for a 19 - 20 year-old to like about a big ten campus.

I think we got spotted one.

This may seem strange, but I have no problem with getting beat by a good team this time of year if we've been beating so-so teams. As long as they learn.

I enjoyed that hockey game. Much sooner watch us play a team with a lot of skill, and Miami has that. Should be a good one tonight.

Miami's got a little higher skill level, at least from their forwards.

Is MMFF playing in the Toronto system?

Be careful not to take a fossilized view of modern college hockey, something that is easy for schools like UND to do. It doesn't much matter now who the powers were in 1987. If Union can walk in and demolish the best of the rest, they are not a lesser power.

A lot of high schools do that.

You're exactly right. But being able to beat the teams you should beat is easier said than done, especially on the road.

No apologies needed, scpa. If I need to be called out now and then, no harm in doing it.

I think Wikipedia has it also called a Hammer Salute. Nice weekend for the boys. I have to say, though, that Blais never would have let that one in tonight.

You would also think Mattson would be suited for Olympic ice, with his skating ability.