Oxbow6

I'd even go a step further, as far as the top line goes I'd even put Knight ahead of Nelson. But without question, Kristo is the straw that stirs the drink when that line gets it going.

Have seen most UND games this year and Kristo has been the best player on the ice, from either team, in well over half those games. I like Nelson, but he in no way changes the complexity/dynamic of the games like Danny does night in and night out.

Awesome!

Like someone posted earlier, don't discount the fact the Beavs are traveling back from Alaska. Long, long trip. Can take something out of you...even if you're 20. UND needs wins at this point. Sweep the BSU and get one win at the F5 and UND is in yhe NCAA on all accouncts (give me a thumbs up Jim!). PS...You know Denver was pulling for the UAA. That is the one series where the road team could pull an upset (did take into account SCSU/UNO as that's a toss up).

It is Sr. night...IMO that's the only explanation to start BE. Dell was rock solid and then some last night. This is a must win game. In Hak we trust but my comfort level about the potential outcome tonight just dropped a couple notches.

Don't see WI beating Minny tonight and it's tough to sweep UAA at home. That said WI is the tougher matchup. They have some good skill but their goaltending sucks IMO. If UND palys WI, that series will come down to 5v5 play...less special team the better for UND. No way I see the Beavers coming to the Ralph and stealing a game much less the series.

#41 Unreal...

Next 2 weekends will be make or break on the shoulder's of Dell. If he plays well, this team will win 4 straight heading to the F5. Blood, Mac and Mario better play smarter than they have lately and avoid the pointless penalties. Play 5v5 for most of the 120 minutes this weekend and these 2 games won't be close IMO.

So if the top 4 seeds hold serve from here on out and UND is #4, they probably play the late game Thursday is what you are saying?

Hypothetical question...if UND plays on Thursday in the F5, anyone know how the WCHA determines what time slot teams play in?

If this team can win at least 5 straight, including the first game at the X, I say they are in the NCAA for sure based on what I've read and seen. Couldn't agree witht the bolded statement more. This team IMO truly believes it's a top 10 team. They can play with anyone...as long as it's Friday night. The fatigue due to so many minutes on these guys is starting to show. Hak has done a great job getting them rest during the week, but they are spent come the end of the 2nd period on Sat. Look at the last 3 weekends. Penalties! Uhhhhhhggggg. This is the last time I will say this, but you just can't have your captain, an "A", and a former "A" being the top 3 guys in penalties and PIM. Blood is so close on a weekly basis of getting tossed with some of his antics...would have thought Hak dressing him down and stripping him of the "A" would have sunk in. IF this team can play 5v5 hockey, I'd favor them over any team. But when you can't score on the PP, and you give up PP goals and now shorties in 2 of last 3 games, that's not a good recipe for wins. This team needs 5 wins in a row...IMO you hitch that playoff mode wagon to Dell and roll with him. IMO BE's numbers have been better than this play. No way Shore should have found any room to fire at on the 1st goal. Goal #4 BE was just way out of position and the shorty was a combo platter of Mattson bailing on the play and BE not coming out to challenge the shooter more. My gut says the next 2 weekends at the Ralph, barring more injuries, will result in 4 wins. Will be interesting to see where we sit Pairwise after that.

Tough to win when you give up a shorty and 2 PPGs.

In Dell we trust...what a save!

Totally agree with #1.

I go back to the fact that our "C", an "A" and a former "A" are the top 3 on the team in penalties and minutes. Not solid leadership or discipline at times.

The last two goals have been less than stellar plays by BE. I think Dell plays the 3rd.

I assume we here in Fargo will be picking the game in progress at 9pm and not taped delayed as Cableone shows game on from 9-1030pm.

This game will hinge on BE and if he can collect himself from last night's last 6 minutes and right the ship in the 1st period as I expect the Pios to come out flying and pepper BE early. A softie early will not be good.

And can someone answer this...is the game on in Fargo thru Cableone?? I can't find it anywhere on the guide/schedule listings.

I'm with you...my daughter and I were discussing that very thing last night.

Have never been more proud of a Sioux hockey team...marginal talent and shorthanded, but more guts, character and grit than any Sioux team I've watched...ever. Hak's job this year with the injuries, walk-ons, ect. has been almost miraculous. 1st period was probably most dominant 20 minutes of Sioux hockey in years. Mac leads the team in penalties and unfortunately his rep due to that got him tossed IMO. Horrible call though. Kristo was best player on ice by a mile tonight...wow was he good. DU is chippy and Lee is a tool, but least he has a pair to scrap and claw. I'm not saying, I'm just saying. The announcers were great. They couldn't believe how long it took for Shep and TA to finalize a call. I wanted to scream "It's Shep and TA, what do you expect!" Our captain has to start playing better and smarter...our walk-ons are playing better/smarter at this point! The last 6 minutes of sloppiness hopefully will get the team refocused. I said earlier if UND was to win a game, it would be Friday. Now I'm greedy...want a sweep now. Eids still looks real shakey at times...flops, out of position and giving up one juicey rebound after another. But he is winning. IMO Dell is the one who will give us our best chance to make a deep run if he is healthy. Tough call as every game is a must win from here on out, but I think BE starts again tonight. Great win in a barn where we have struggled as of late.

I agree with Dave. If UND is going to win a game, it's tonight. We had little jump last Saturday after controlling play Friday vs. Tech.

My next door neighbor plays D for FSHS girls. Would interrsting if FSHS girls and GFRR boys won titles and both finished undefeated.

Totally agree...our top line was dominant on Friday vs. Tech, but looked like they were skating in mud Saturday. Nelson, in particular struggled. Couldn't keep a puck on his stick and had no legs Sat. The minutes these 3 guys have logged might be catching up with them. Add in the altitude and I think Sat. game will be a struggle. Need to win Friday.

I'm with you. DU is fast and skilled...probably more so than any team UND has faced to date...plus series is in Denver.