The third place game this year just may mean the difference between making the NCAAs or not for someone. Not to mention that it's all about the Benjamins. And as a fan, I like going to 5 games in 3 days, and hanging out in St. Paul between games on Friday and Saturday.
UMD could lose Thursday and still be in if:
WCHA Play-in #1: Minnesota defeats Minnesota-Duluth.
WCHA Semifinal #2: Denver defeats Wisconsin.
WCHA Semifinal #1: North Dakota defeats Minnesota.
WCHA Championship game: Denver defeats North Dakota.
WCHA Consolation game: Wisconsin defeats Minnesota.
& if in all other conf. tournaments high seeds win out.
He didn't really give up softies, so much as get hung out to dry by the lack of backchecking. Most of the goals he gave up he didn't have much of a chance on.
If you end up playing tDogs, you are definitely going to need to stay out of the box. UMD's powerplay clocked in at 40% against CC, and has been near the top in the country all year.
CC could not score 5x5; both of their goals came with the extra man.
Basically, a good clean game is what both teams need to keep the score close. Hopefully we will see you Friday night!
Both games in Minneapolis were close, with the Bulldogs leading in both games, and dominating on the forecheck for long stretches. Friday they gave up the tying goal due to a missed call on a blatant interference penalty in front of the Gopher net, and Saturday they had a couple poor defensive breakdowns after taking a 3-2 lead into the third period, and allowed unmarked Minnesota forwards to glide in and put the puck in a half empty net. The D looked much better against CC and even in the high altitude they played tough for 120 minutes. Thursday night is going to be a battle.