ScottM

The way we're playing, or not playing, we don't deserve any NC$$ consideration for sliding in there on our butts. Probably better off sending a MAAC team, at least they seem to want to win. Pathetic, just pathetic.

F ...

WTF?

I agree jk. One of the things that I find very disappointing is that the coaches and many of the players are blaming "luck", "bad breaks" or whatever for this slump. Next they'll probably blame the ice, color of tape or something else. We need guys to step up and start playing like they care about winning, instead of whining about "woulda, coulda, shoulda".

Every new building has a break-in period of a season or two, before the crews figure out its dynamics and how to get the ice "perfect". Mariucci took some time before they got it to where it is today, and the Xcel Center had the same problems after it first opened.

Fortunately, or not, I had to leave work and get some errands done, so I missed the "thrilling" end. Thanks to you guys for the updates for a "working stiff". I really don't know what to make of the team right now. I see scary flashes back to last year's team: Can't keep a lead, guys who should be producing aren't, upper-classman leadership isn't there when it should be, no killer instinct, clock watching, forgetting the fundamentals ... I don't know. Are these guys afraid to win? Are they gripping their sticks too tight again? Are certain "slackers" infecting the rest? Seems like some guys show up every night, and others ... One part of me wants to see the team run the table and get into the tourney to set a foundation for next season ... the other part wants the season to end so that Blais & Co. can maybe do some housecleaning. I expected the team to finish 4-5 in the WCHA, but I didn't really expect to see them sliding there on their butts.

Yep. Protecting our "poor, defenseless" clients from the taxman. Every time I hit the audio feed, I'm informed that Explorer's performed an "illegal function" and then it kicks me out. Edit: Unfrigging believable.

Unfortunately, I'm at the office and our firewalls don't allow streaming audio. However, from the updates, it sounds like we're already watching the clock. Somebody needs to kick some of the "leaders" in the butt and get them to motivate the troops.

Is that a promise, or will he wander away?

I'd be more impressed in they had somebody from "Quizno's" dropping a puck. Much better subs. Somebody should toss a bucket of KFC chicken or some Big Macs on the ice and see if Jared starts after them or starts drooling.

Any bets on a shorter bench this weekend?

"Firebirds"? Is that what Devils Lake's new name is? They named them after a frigging car? Aren't they concerned it might promote pyromania or mullets? Sad.

I don't mind the "motivation" if that's what it takes to get some of these guys to play with a sense of purpose. Moreover, it is very much in keeping with Blais' philosophy of players working hard and contributing, or sending the slackers down the road.

Stafford, for his size, is pretty fast and has very good hands. I think he'll do very well in the WCHA. Crosby, may or may not, go the college route. Apparently, the an MJ program will draft him this summer. However, they tend to draft anybody with skates and it would not preclude him from going to college at some point. All in all, Crosby is a very talented *15* year old. Whether he'll still be a "star" in 2-3 years is anybody's guess.

Granted I haven't really tooled around GF, since I left in '95, but I'll start. Whitey's in EGF is *always* a good bet, pre and post-game. There are also a few other bars around there that serve food, but somebody else may better able to give you the lowdown on them. Bonzer's in DT is/was always a good spot as well. Great sandwiches, beer and other essentials. I'm pretty sure Dagwood's down University will be another gathering spot. You may have to do some driving to get around town, but it's really not that tough. Closer to campus, there may still be a few places on 42nd Street, which is pretty close to campus and REA. Walking distance? Probably depends on the weather more than anything else. However, the drive would be pretty quick, getting around is usually not a problem if you know the main drags. Definitely make an effort to hit the Red Pepper and have a "Grinder".

Who's the new recruit, Farce? Mike Tyson?

I agree that it doesn't make sense to bring Lamoureux in if we can't/won't play him. Let him get some experience on the USHL's dime. Conversely, given the nature of Sedevie's injury, as neck injuries can be dicey, it might not be a bad idea to take a serious look at Ziegelmann for at least a walk-on role. As far as I know, Duluth and CC are also interested. As far as Mankato fans are concerned, there were a group of them who were so elated they "tied" Minnesota in January, they were giving a buddy of mine "overrated" crap because he was wearing a Minnesota hat. This was at Stub's, and they were quickly escorted off the premises. Quite possibly the most classless "fans" in the WCHA, notwithstanding their team's current record.

I tend to agree about a number of the sophomores. I had pretty solid hopes for guys like Massen, Canady and McMahon coming into the season. Every now and then they've played very well, but, injuries notwithstanding, they have haven't been very consistent overall. However, I think they still have some good upside, but they just have to find a way to tap into it. While I'm not ready to start playing, "What Until Next Year" yet, I think our incoming class will be very good and should hopefully mesh well with the underclassmen we have now, and the juniors coming back. I'm especially excited about Matt Smaby coming on board. The guy is big like Greene, although a bit lighter right now, but can handle a puck like a forward and has serious wheels. Murray will be a very welcome, and dangerous, addition to the lines too. I've always been a big fan of the way hockey is played in the BCHL and other Canadian leagues. You can find alot of great two-way players there who aren't so wedded to their primary position like most US players. Personally, I'd like to see more recruiting visits made to that part of the world, especially for "role" players, not just stars.

I don't believe I used youth as an "excuse" so much as a "reason" for the team's current funk. Older teams tend to be more resilient, and generally more capable of working themselves into a winning mindset. I think it's myopic to leave the team's fortunes on a few guys like Prpich, Parise, Money, etc. while letting some of the older guys, including the captains have a free ride. It's great to have talented underclassmen, but those guys should not have to carry the entire team, especially if the older guys are taking up space. I think too many of the team members have been content to ride on the coattails of whomever is producing at the moment. If EVERYBODY on this team is not committed to getting back on track and ending the season on a winning note, I'd suggest those players have the balls to turn in their sweater before their mindset becomes terminal to those who actually care about winning.

After reading recaps of the game, and thinking about it, I take a small measure of comfort in the fact that we didn't suffer a third period collapse, as opposed to the second period breakdown. I think the team's overall youth is really starting to show. We have a boatload of sophomores and some highly regarded frosh upon whom we have heaped a great deal of praise, criticism and hope. A more mature team would probably be able to correct itself more readily than one primarily comprised of 19-20 year olds. A case in point is Ranfranz. He's one of the older members of the team, and generally more stable in goal than Brandt and Siembida, last night's game notwithstanding. Unfortunately, we don't have that level of maturity and poise spread more readily across the forwards and d-men. That said, age and immaturity don't really account for the fact that the TEAM should tighten its guts and play at a higher level which we know they are capable of. This is the responsiblity of the team's leadership, most of whom seem noticeably absent of late. Anybody, with any degree of lucidity, expected the team to take some losses this time of the season, as witnessed by the pronouced lack of "newbies" on USCHO and here the past couple of weeks. However, the true measure of a good team is how they regroup and refocus on their game. Unfortunately, I think the jury is still out on this team. I think the team needs to take a good look at itself and make whatever changes they have to end the season on a winning note. People have mentioned PWR and other criteria for getting into the playoffs. However, IMO, the way we're playing right now, we don't deserve any post-season consideration and should probably just focus on playing a full 60 minute game each night. If we can at least manage that aspect, the post-season cards will fall where they will. On a related note, after reading alot of the crap Mankato "fans" have been spewing, I've become a very big, temporary CC fan.

While I agree that the season isn't a lost cause, I really think somebody, preferably one of the captains, would light a fire under the team. This time of the year is crucial, and these guys don't really play like it's important. While the losses/ties are indeed disappointing, I think I'm upset by the fact that much of the team just goes through the motions. I don't care if Blais has to play two lines, a walk-on goalie and three d-men, it's time for the guys who really want to be on this team to step forward and play like it. BTW: I think Ranfranz is playing like he really wants a slot on the team. At least somebody is.

Preseason, I had picked the team to finish in the top 5, probably 4-5, and ready to really make noise in the '03-04 season. However, I did think that they could do better than win more than *1* &%$ing game past Tech. Unreal. Did these guys already book tickets to Buffalo? Don't they care anymore? Two-a-day practices, anybody? "Gentlemen, this is a puck." Pathetic.

I agree about Palmo, a good kid, but a bit out his league with Money and Parise. Put Spiewak or Massen, or maybe Prpich, for a bit more strength over the puck, as well as some ooomph.

On the "hype", I'd also worrying about burning out too early. Granted, now is when good teams start to peak, but if this series is perceived as "the Series" by the players, they could be in for problems if they lose this weekend and then have to play CC next. If the Sioux take Friday in a blowout, I'd *guess* Mankato could be ripe for a sweep. As Hammy, noted this much "buzz" can adversely affect coaches and players who are not used to their success, e.g., SCCC.

I agree that it's crunch time for the team. There's alot riding on this weekend, not just points, but also momentum. It's time for the leaders and the top-guns on this team to get it going and realize that there's alot at stake right now. Jutting's done a fine job with Mankato, but if we play our game and work hard, and smart, we can get some points this weekend.