Herf

I live in Madison now (originally from Bis. and went to school in G.F.). Madison is a great place to live. For my wife and I, it is the ideal size, big enough to get almost everything you want from a large city, but small enough to not feel uncomfortable. I'd be interested in getting together with some fellow fans if we decide on a place.

I was lucky enough to watch the game last night (and lucky enough to be married to a wonderful woman who also enjoys watching the Sioux - making it a GREAT way to spend a fine Valentine's evening). Here are my observations: Brandt - Made three big saves, one when Leinweber fell down and two where he kind of got out of position, but luckily was fast enough to get back. The kick save on the post was pretty, even if he made it tougher than it was. All-in-all, he made the "2 or 3 big saves" everyone keep stalking about. First goal was Marvin's fault (or possibly a forrward not rotating down), left Bull all alone in front of the net and he buried it, no chance for Brandt. Goal number 2 was a bad luck deflection off of Schneider. I though goal number 3 was soft, five-holed Brandt, but it looked like he was in position to make the save. I would like to see Ranfranz get a shot tonight. If he looks shaky, pull him ASAP, but give the guy a shot. Periods 1 and 2 - The team sat back and let Denver bring the play to them. It wasn't pretty. Period 3 and OT - D started jumping Denver at the offensive blue line and took away center ice passing - looked more like they played earlier in the year. DU had a hard time breaking center ice. Also looked like all of the physical play may have started wearing down DU. Offense generated quite a few quality scoring chances with Berkoehl making some good saves. I noticed that they were rolling four lines for the majority of the game, sans late in the thrid and OT. Power play - Non-existent after the first one (I didn't realize it was ranked third in the nation, kind of surprised me). Penalty kill - not good until Fylling's penalty in the third. Can the more knowledgable hockey strategists out there tell me why the Sioux kept packing in towards the goal? It looked like Denver had their point set up halfway between the blue line and the goal. They'd move in close and the Sioux would keep backing up; it was scaring the heck out of me. I understand playing a small, passive box, but this looked like the sardines defense. If the Sioux come out with the instensity they showed in the third, tonight's game should be good for the Sioux faithful.

Team GP Pts CC 28 44 UND 28 38 UMN 28 34 Mankato 28 32 SCSU 28 32 Denver 28 32 UMD 28 30 MTech 28 17 UW 28 13 AA 28 8

Hi all, been reading for awhile, but haven't felt the urge to add until now. I've watched some taped games and it seems like Siembida is thinking too much (the old line about "don't think, react"). He's made some decent saves, but he looks hesitant in some cases or really "jerky" in others, not moving very fluidly or with purpose and certainty. I just keep telling myself that somebody has to come around sooner or later (at this point, it is looking like later).