ScottM

Yep. Seeing at least one of the SSM games this weekend to check out Stafford and Smaby. And just maybe see if Crosby is a "flash in the pan".

From my own perspective, Brandt lets his emotions cloud his judgment on the ice and loses focus, and often sight of the puck. When he stays in the net, he's usually pretty good. However, he often moves to play the puck, and then either gets caught out of position or takes his time getting back. During the Minnesota series, every time he moved out of the crease my heart skipped a beat. I think he was better off when he kept it simple, like in the early part of the season. That said, I think that may be more an issue of game experience than anything else. Maybe some game time will help him settle into his groove and grow into the position. However, goaltending is our biggest weakness IMO.

Vote early, vote often folks!!

I heard Spiewak hired Bush's campaign manager from Florida.

Ooops. Make that "at least two points". I expect Roberg to register a hat trick too.

You could shadow Handyman.

I think Mankato is really the surprise of the league IMO. Most people figured they would be in the basement. I think they'll play pretty tough this weekend, but I'm not sure they really have the horses to stay where they are until March. I'd expect Minnesota to take at least points this weekend. It'll also be nice to see Potulny back in action.

The "highest rated show" ... in what size is the F-M market? A million dollar deal? Did the Clear Channel management smoke crack before that meeting? I'm surprised Fatty didn't post his 1040 online some place. Given how much Fat Eddie likes to tell everybody about his "money" and success, I'd guess he's probably lacking "something" below the belt. Maybe that's why Maureen divorced him.

I would submit that the Grand Forks argument can also be applied to the entire state. NoDak constantly wrings its collective hands over people leaving the state, especially after college like I did, and attracting new businesses and people to keep the state from drying up. However, the general risk tolerance is unbearably low and the legislature does very little in the way of making the state more "friendly" to out-of-state firms looking to expand, or move. I've considered moving back on occasion, but there's very little to attract me back. Well, except for Sioux hockey, but beyond that ...

I have to agree with Jim. Generally, if you go onto a board, the admin has sole discretion of who can do what. This is particularly true of team-specific boards. I think Sal and UPB do a pretty nice job of running their board, and most Minnesota posters are pretty even-handed when discussing hockey, players, etc. ... their misplaced loyalties notwithstanding.

What do you expect? 'SU couldn't even make the decision about going D1 without worrying about what others would think about it. However, once they stuck their neck out only to see their more beautiful, older sister (UND) staying put they were pretty much stuck with it, and on off to play Middle of Nowhere State they go. 'SU's school motto should be: "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" Let's see, if the Stream Yellow crowd is so "moral", that means 'SU can't play UND, Florida State, Illiniois, Utah, San Diego State, Notre Dame (unless they're completely hypocritical on the name issue), and a myriad of other schools that use people of different groups for their nicknames, etc. Then again, to appease the PETA types, who might object to Bison, they should change their own name to Pansies, until the florists get upset.

This is probably the biggest boost Fat Eddie's had in his career of late. A no-name, brainless former DIII college QB gets his chance to spill his self-indulgent bilge in the Twin Cities, and gets stiffed inadvertantly by one of the most successful coaches in college hockey the day of a game with UND's biggest hockey rival. Hell, if Fatso needed the work so badly, he could have washed my car. If it makes Fatty feel better, my grandmother listens to him on occasion. Fat Eddie Schultz: Got Class?

I'd rather be ranked Number 1 in April when it really counts.

Looks like Blais' battle with Fat Eddie is only heating up. "Bush league"? Schultz should look in the mirror. FatEddie

Fat Eddie is nothing but a pathetic, self-promoting blowhard. Screw him. If his "loyalty" to the Sioux program is based on his ability to gain an interview with Blais, he'd be better off cheering for Minnesota when they're rolling.

Looked like Ballard's "jewels" met the blade of Hale's stick, a few times. Ryan was really cranking on the stick too. Maybe David should have come over and pulled Ballard's sweater over his head as well. Not sure if Ballard, or any Minnesota player, taunted Parise, but he definitely drew his fair share of checks. Generally, nothing too major. It was great watching Greene clobber Martin after his little dance with Zach. Good to see the team sticking up for each other.

Amen. I thought the zebras were generally pretty fair to both teams tonight, and pretty much let them play. If Adam had been running the show, they'd still be on the ice.

Prpich came to UND with, IMO, an Archibald-type background and potential. However, I'm very pleased to see that he's putting up points and otherwise contributing to the team. Very tough in his skates and he's not afraid to go to the net. Not many PIM, but I'll live.

I'd have to agree with those who like Woog's commentary. He's still in tuned to the college game and he knows the people. I can't blame him for being a bit of a homer at times, but he's generally pretty fair when it comes to critiquing the play of Minnesota and other teams. Besides, sometimes he gets so excited about the play, I can almost imagine him running down to get behind the bench himself.

Well, if 50 people can whine enough to get logo merchandise out of one store, perhaps all good Sioux fans should buy from merchants other than BN. There are a myriad of places to buy logo wear and other things, including textbooks, especially online, so let BN die on the vine. I sent Mr. Frank an email expressing my displeasure with BN's lack of spine, and informed him that I would never shop at BN, anywhere, again and tossed the $100 gift card I just received. I suspect Amazon and Borders will be getting my business in the future. Another asinine "victory" for the PC nazis. Has there been any comment from the Alumni association? Moreover, how long is BN's contract with UND? Perhaps, REA can sell textbooks, and shot glasses.

DeMarchi may be a stone cold moron, but he's not stupid. If he tries a really cheap shot on any player, Parise or otherwise, he's going to have his hands full in a hurry. Moreover, Lucia can't afford having his team taking dumb penalties, and neither can we. Unlike last season's team, this team doesn't take "stuff" from others. They stick together and it shows on the ice. However, if DeMarchi, or anybody else gets too chippy or cheap, I'd guess D. Hale, Greene or perhaps Schneider will be happy to "chat" with him.

Alright, kids, this is it. Going into Mariucci is never easy for any team, but I like our chances for pulling at least 2 pts next weekend. We're going to have our WJC crew back, and I think the team is playing very well and with a lot of confidence right now. In addition, even though Guyer and Tallackson should be back for Minnesota, they will *probably* still be missing Potulny and will be missing Welch. If we play tough, smart and stay out of the box, we should do okay. It should be a great series and I think both teams will really step it up.

He's got my vote. Right now, unless things change during practice, I'd bet Ranfranz and Brandt start at Minnesota. Just win, baby!!

I'd love to see Ranfranz get a start against Minnesota. I think it would be a good reward for his hard work and the fact that he actually seems to want the job. Nice effort by the team to salvage a point tonight. Definitely love the *new* never-quit attitude this season.

We've beaten the teams we've had to beat, most of the time, regardless of what the whiners say. (FWIW: Minnesota's BB team played Sacred Heart today. ) Virtually every team in any sport will always schedule "weaker" opponents to tune up for conference play. I agree that the "softer" schedule probably helped the team come together and regroup after last season. Confidence is defintely a good thing to have and I think it showed last night with the tie with CC as we were missing three key players. Now, if only the goalies would get a bit more and own their job. I expect the team to lose here and there, but I think they also have the grit to learn from the losses and develop. I feel better about our chances of finishing higher in the WCHA after seeing that the team is getting the job done and getting better over time. Fortunately, we've avoided too many serious injuries that would have adversely afftected the team, and others have filled the gaps for injured and missing players.