burd

You're right that it doesn't hurt, brian. I don't know, but I think BC and others like BU, Mich, and UMinn usually get shipped only when their seeding is lower. UMinn gets a similar sweetheart deal, though obviously not as sweet due to the dearth of options close to Mpls. But it always sticks in my craw a little so see them playing in town so often. But it's a marketplace reality we have to deal with, since the FF is not coming to GF anytime soon. And we can, because we're good enough.

BC hasn't been winning tournaments because of home ice advantage.

As to the teams from the east, I wasn't implying that we are not as good as them, just that we don't know how the personnel and styles of play match up. One thing I think Denver's D will remember from this series is not to give the shooter so much room on the odd man rushes if the shooter is Boeser or Caggiula. They really let them into prime scoring position several times, letting the goalie take the shooter. That said, there really is no good alternative with those three, is there?

Whatever the cause of this play is, it sure is a privilege to watch. Until we play the top teams from the east we will not know for certain how they match up, but I like our chances. If the boys do win a banner this year, the most obvious and indisputable change has been the name. Quite sure that is the difference maker. Ducks down for incoming . . .

And still couldn't win a natty. How does a guy explain that underperformance? Simple question.

This makes a lot of sense to me.

No way of knowing, but Hak did have some teams that got me excited in a similar way. All I care about is that it is a privilege to watch this team, and I intend to enjoy it while it lasts, banner or no banner.

I think they still dump and chase, and they still keep the puck to the perimeter in the D zone and first pass out. But they seem to be forechecking in a different way, though I obviously don't have an informed explanation of how. Interested in hearing what those on here with substantial coaching experience have to say.

In what way, exactly, AZ?

We shoulda been Hawks earlier.

Be nice if we could play Providence or BC in a holiday tournament or nc game just where we are at. Damn good, but how damn good.

Somebody posted before the game that Denver would probably be coming at Boeser harder in this game. Look for teams to start hitting CBS as much as possible.

good call.

While we are pouring praise on this team, another thing I like about them is their ability to keep cool heads. LJ sometimes takes bad penalties, but we don't have guys you know are going to get the gate once or twice a game by being boneheads. I know guys like Prpich were big crowd favorites, but I really like the culture of this team.

When is the last time UND has had a class with four defensemen like Ausmus, Stecher, LaDue, and Thompson?

Exactly. Elite talent on display in the O zone, but much much more. Great back checking by all forwards, shutdown D, and goose egg in goal. Chicago takes defensive responsibility very seriously, and you can tell Schmaltz is focusing on that.

sideways, no less. Smart

We've been talking about the CBS line, but Poganski has had a fantastic series so far. Mostly from hustle.

Hawks have three penalties to none and outshoot DU 19-3.

Great play by LJ

Agreed, Fetch. And not wanting to go down that road, but I'd like to add that we should be watching this special talent play whenever we can not because they might win a banner in April but because of what they show us night in and night out. Because it is the hockey we love and the way it can be played.

I'd say we got some calls last night.

I recall that very clearly. It's gotten to the point where opponents are giving all three of those guys space on the PP (and even 5 on 5), knowing each one of them can get out just about any one-man pressure and dish the puck. There's three guys who can maintain possession on the ice at one time (and two top notch Dmen behind them). Oshie and Toews could maintain possession, and Duncan could snipe, but those guys as a threesome could not maintain like these three. I'd say Toews could use his reach and skills to maintain better than any of them, but as a threesome I'll take CBS. Schmaltz is getting to look more like P Kane every game. There's a world of difference between D1 hockey and the NHL, I know, but he's certainly getting there. Of the three, Boeser might have the most to learn on defense, but they excel on D as well. As was the case with DOT, you better enjoy what you are seeing while you can, because this doesn't come around that often.

Got it. My bad.

I'd agree. And I'd also say that with the D we have, this is as talented a team as they have had in a long time. Goal is still under review.