Dave Berger

I completely agree. He definitely added a presence in the corners and in front of the net that we weren't getting often enough from Mitch MacMillan. I'd like to see him in the lineup (with Chyzyk and St. Clair again) on Friday night. Dave

And anyone want to weigh in on Keaton Thompson vs. Gage Ausmus playing on the blue line with Troy Stecher? My money's on Thompson, but I'm fine either way. Dave

I really liked Pattyn-Gaarder-Rodwell and O'Donnell-Grimaldi-Johnson tonight. Of course Mark Mac, Parks, and Caggiula need to stay together. I also thought that Panzerella brought something that was missing with Mitch MacMillan in the lineup, so I guess he can stay with Chyzyk and St. Clair. I guess what I'm saying is that I'll be happy if we see tonight's lines again on Friday night. Any thoughts? Dave

I wrote quite a bit about this in this article: The First Round Playoff Series: Why Is It So Difficult To Sweep North Dakota has now gone to a Game 3 six times over the past twelve home ice series. The previous opponents (and scores), all UND victories: 2013 vs. Michigan Tech: 6-0 2010 vs. Minnesota: 4-1 2008 vs. Michigan Tech: 2-1 2006 vs. MSU-Mankato: 3-0 2003 vs. Denver: 3-2 (OT) If you're keeping track at home, that's a combined score of 18-4. Dave

I won't post another article before tonight's game, but here's my Sunday Game 3 Prediction: North Dakota will answer the opening bell, open up a 3-1 lead after one period, and cruise to Minneapolis on the strength of a 5-1 victory. Dave

So I'm starting to see some consensus here: After national titles, some common themes keep appearing: Winning the Penrose Cup (and formerly, the MacNaughton Cup) is the second most important achievement, and the 15 white banners hanging at REA speak to that - they're the same size as the green banners on the other side. It's a battle every weekend, and to come out on top says a lot about the team's season as a whole. Plus, when was the last time that the league champion from the WCHA (and now, the NCHC) missed the NCAAs? Colorado College in 1994? A Frozen Four appearance ranks highly for most of you. Can't win a national title if you're not one of the last four teams standing. Winning the postseason tournament (insert as-yet-unnamed trophy name here/Broadmoor Trophy): not only is this more hardware, and the year gets listed on the wall inside the Ralph, but it also secures a bid to the NCAA tournament, which is why I think it ranks more highly for many of you. Also, most of us have been there to watch several of these since the WCHA Final Five was in St. Paul for so many years. NCAA tournament appearance. It's nice to be there every year, and a streak of consecutive appearances is pretty impressive. The last time UND wasn't in the tournament field was in 2001-02. National runner-up/2nd place finish: the game is on ESPN, and a green banner is just one victory away. Of course, the "kicked in the gut" feeling is never fun when the season comes up just short, but there's something about being one of the last two teams standing, especially if the game goes to overtime. What do you think? Does that sound about right? Any disagreements? Discuss. Dave

They scored three goals on six power play opportunities that weekend. Out of the five total goals that they scored. In other words.. Against North Dakota: 3 of 6 (50.0%) Against everyone else: 14 of 128 (10.9%) Probably too small of a sample size to be entirely accurate, but it is telling. Stay out of the box. Dave

Thank you for the kind words. Dave

NCHC Playoff Preview: UND vs. Colorado College Discuss. Dave

The First Round Playoff Series: Why Is It So Difficult To Sweep? Discuss. Dave

The First Round Playoff Series: Why Is It So Difficult To Sweep Discuss. Dave

You'll have to wait until tomorrow for that. Dave

NCHC First Round Playoff Preview Discuss. Dave

NCHC First Round Playoff Preview Follow the link to see which teams are headed to Minneapolis next weekend! Discuss. Dave

Is there any difference in winning this first round series in three games vs. sweeping? Just curious, thanks! Dave

I hear what you're saying about #3, #4, #5, and #6, but don't you think, looking back, a runner-up finish is more important than just making the NCAAs? Maybe just two ways of looking at the same thing. Dave

First time I remember hearing it used at UND was in reference to the 1996-97 championship team. Guys like Jason Blake, Jay and Jeff Panzer, and Dave Hoogsteen (among others) played fast and attacked with speed. The 1997 team steamrolled to the title with a pair of 6-2 victories over Colorado College and Boston University. In the final, the Fighting Sioux overcame a two goal deficit with a five goal second period, highlighted by a shorthanded goal and a power play goal (both by Matt Henderson) and a dagger with six seconds to go in the middle frame by David Hoogsteen, his second of the period. (Sung to the tune of Hong Kong Phooey): Hoogsteen Phooey, number one super guy Hoogsteen Phooey, quicker than the human eye He's got style, a groovy smile, and a shot that just won't stop When the going gets rough he's super tough with the Hoogsteen Phooey Chop (huh!) Dave

So I got to thinking... Obviously the green banner (national championship) is the most important single-season accomplishment. But outside of that, what ranks highest in your mind? Put the following in the order of importance (for you), and discuss: Appearing in the national championship game (runner-up finish) Advancing to the Frozen Four Winning a game in the NCAAs (appearing in the regional final) NCAA tournament appearance Hobey Baker award winner Winning the NCHC postseason tournament (Frozen Faceoff) Making it to Minneapolis for the Frozen Faceoff NCHC regular season title (Penrose Cup) Home ice for the NCHC playoffs 20 win season I'm interested to hear if there's any consensus on this. Dave

Weekend Preview: UND vs. Western Michigan Discuss. Dave

There will not be a shuttle from Brother's tomorrow night (Saturday). Dave

Weekend Preview: UND at St. Cloud State Discuss. Dave

Yes, the March stats I used included all games played - end of the regular season, conference tournament, and regionals. I also broke things down by month, and November is by far the worst month record-wise: 35-36-6 (.494). Compare that with: October: 34-21-9 (.602) November: 35-36-6 (.494) December: 36-16-3 (.682) January: 47-23-9 (.652) February: 40-11-8 (.746) March: 60-16-5 (.772) And we all know about April. I wonder if the dip in November has to do with the first time through the conference schedule. Next week, I'll run the numbers for first half of league schedule vs. second half of league schedule to see if I can find something. That would eliminate most of the variance from non-conference games and the league playoffs. Dave

I will check on that today and post updated information when I get it. Unless somebody else already knows the answer? Dave

Just another reminder that we'll have a pre-game event on the second floor of Brother's Bar and Grill on Saturday, March 1st from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Free appetizers, great fans on both sides of the rivalry, and a chance to view the Challenge Cup. Brother's is located two blocks west of the Kelly Inn off of Division Avenue. Please make plans to join us! Dave

The Second-Half Surge: Math or Myth? Discuss. Dave