JWG

LeBlanc, Hartzell and Gaudreau

To the question a few pages back. Yes, of course this same discussion is happening on other team's boards. MN has a, "Fire Lucia hire Guentzel" thread. Though, I would say those calling for Lucia's head are mostly irrational arguments with not recommendations on who to hire. All you have to do is look at the field this year, 2 ECAC teams, only Jan Brady State from the 6 WCHA teams, etc. Odd year in college hockey with no major powerhouse in the Frozen Four. In the one and done format, the best teams don't always win. In a best of 3 I think we'd have seen much different results.

MN will play late on Friday night - it's the MN rule. MN always gets the late game in either the quarter or semi final for attendance reasons. The coaches agreed to this years ago. Thus, if seeds hold, it would be UND vs. UMN at 7pm Friday.

I think that has everything to do with the fact that MN had it from last season and had a chance to keep it, so it stayed with the team? It was presented to the team by Lucia in the locker room so I bet MN just loaded it on the bus for their trip up to Bemidji. At some point they'll have to let SCSU have it for awhile.

But first in WCHA play and many left to go.

1 min left still 6-5, but penalty on DU.

The Sioux will be fine and 1 game does not make the season. Case in point, I've watched them play 4 years in a row at the NCAA Frozen Four, even if they did have a slow start. A little early to pack it in.

Your'e kidding right? We had the Top #2 seed and the Top #4 seed and the most difficult road of Denver and CC. I agree, our path should have been easier than the Sioux's as you had top seeds to go through, but Cornell and Maine are far more difficult than Mercyhurst, Colgate, and UNH. I'll debate Michigan.

UND is in at 10 in the PWR. Plan on it.

Yes, ESPN regional produces the games, that's why I'm nervous about them being on ESPN U, I wonder how quickly distribution of that channel will happen.

SWEET... Now if only the NCAA Regionals would be so easy...

Because this year he got the money and is still playing now with the shot at a Stanly Cup ring. If the Devils manage to repeat for the cup I have a feeling that "void" of no NCAA ring will vanish quite quickly. Besides, had he waited, he maybe wouldn't get the $$$ because of a new CB agreement. I say any player offered cash this year is gone regardless of age, team, or previous decisions. You just don't know if it'll be there in October. He maybe could go play in Europe if he's locked out from the NHL. I think they'd find ways to keep playing.

Please, you can have Sid... and Chad, too -I don't like his KFAN show all that much either. They showed Sid sitting with Yankees Steinbrenner during the Yankees vs. Twins playoff series. Nice to see the hometown guy hanging with the opposition. Just move to NY...

You can go to the NHL right away. in 2001 Travis Roche went straight from the NCAA title game to play for the MN Wild the very next day. It was odd to all of a sudden cheer for Travis only 1 day after seeing him as a rival.

Hobey voting will be done by the next round of games. The award will be given Friday after the semi's, but the voting I believe is done before game play. At this point, Lessard and Parise and company have done all they can.

He speaks the truth. For a team that has locked up their tournament seeding (as Denver had), not playing in the conference tournament isn't a bad gig. For example, had Duluth been upset they would have remained a #2 seed and not had to worry about Lessard's status. It didn't end up mattering, but I'm sure the extra rest would of only of helped. The conference tournament is nice, but would most teams give it up to advance to the Frozen Four? Probably. 6 conference champions, only 1 makes it to the Frozen Four this year. The ups and downs of hockey.

Being #1 is way over rated. All 4 #1's had a hard time with their #4 opponents. I don't think Michigan State created much of a challenge such that playing Notre Dame would have been better for UMD. This UMD squad would have beaten Notre Dame just as easily as the rest of us. Heck, this UMD team probably could of blown through all of the regionals considering how the other games looked.

Thanks

I would root for the Sioux if the Gophers weren't playing. Not that I expect that sentiment returned. Let's be honest, everyone roots for the underdog and typically less competitive team. The Sioux and their fans have nothing to be ashamed of. You won the conference title in the most dominant and difficult league in college hockey. One game does not prove or disprove a team's talent and ability (that's why we play a season). The WCHA went up against the CCHA in 4 games and won all four. The CCHA played one game against the east and won. The teams in the WCHA post the hardest strength of schedule. Look at our leagues losses in overall record and most come within the league, NOT against other teams. You should feel very proud to win the WCHA. Its very hard to do, and while many fans of ALL teams will say winning the NCAA tournament is all that matters... that just proves you got lucky at the right time. Winning the conference (especially in the WCHA) proves you worked hard and shows consistent talent and skill night in and night out for 6 months, not just 2 weeks. Win did the Gophers last win the WCHA? 1997, and we had to share that title with who??? Let's be honest, we only "hate" each other because we both have great programs with high expectations and long winning tradition. You had the better season than any other WCHA (or any other college) team out there. Kudos... that's something 60 other teams can't say.

I know more... I'm a Chicago Bears fan... Good game guys, the Sioux really did play well. Lets be honest, both teams deserved the win. Its a game you're happy with win or lose during the regular season. With only 3 seniors you have a lot to look forward to. Great season... (you'll all agree in a few days)

Ok, this absolutely kills me : 5 CCHA teams for the first time ever go to the NCAA tournament: Miami-Ohio LOSES to WHCA (Denver) Ohio State LOSES to WCHA (Wisconsin) Notre Dame LOSES to WCHA (Minnesota) Michigan State WILL LOSE to WCHA (Minn-Duluth) Michigan will win against the East. Its just too bad NoDak didn't get to extinguish Michigan in the 1st round so we could be the sole destroyer of the CCHA. I love being a WCHA fan.

Ain't that the truth... It'll probably be in the Top 10 (or Bottom 10). Oh well.. coverage is coverage

Hell freezes over as Sioux fans and Gopher fans agree.... Victory Sports sucks.

Good luck in the West folks. I hope you make it to Boston, but of course, I hope that's where it end as I'm hoping the Gophers will be there as well. Great game last night, glad to see a back and forth final and a close game. It'd be fun to see us play again.