Just got back from the gopher game. (I need to get my hockey fix somehow while away from UND.) They looked unbelievable, not to mention they had on yet another new and different jersey again. Michigan didn't put too much offensive pressure on the gophers, but when they did Briggs made some huge saves. If he can play well, they will be a scary team to face the rest of the year. Glad we are done with them for the regular season.
Other things I noticed were that the gophers had really good passing. The gophers would always drop a pass to their trailer up the middle in the slot and nobody from Michigan would pick them up. They had many odd man rushes with great speed and anticipation. Things I haven't seen from the Sioux yet this year, but it may be starting.
Montoya had no help at all in front of him and the gophers could have easily scored more than 5. The backup goalie for Michigan did very well in the 3rd but I am sure that good old Montoya will start again tomorrow just as Briggs will. (Noticed that Bruckler didn't start for Wisco. which was wierd) I really think that UND should do the same, starting Phil each night now for conference games.
Not too many penalties called in the game and I think the refs are starting to pull back a little as many predicted.
It's amazing how the younger Potulny has come on so strong. He really can find the net and reminds me a lot of the Lundbohm brothers how David found his groove after his brother left.
I just think all of the pieces are coming together for the gophers and it really makes me mad because they might be good for a few more years. Their success will bring in more recruits and it will make it tought to compete.
Eventhough I hated seeing the gophers cruise to an easy victory, it made me feel better glancing at the updates to see us finally getting some much need scoring against a weak team.
Just wanted to share my thoughts and growing concern for the surging gophers. I really think they will be the team to beat down the road.
P.S. I really hate watching a hockey game just to see a "good game" and not have my heart in it as I do with the Sioux. You UND students take advantage of your chance to watch your team each game because you will truly remember the moments and won't always be able to watch them on a regular basis the rest of your life. (unless you are diggler, the most educated college student I know)