stoneySIOUX

I know ALL of the smoke has been on Wood to Minny, but I think the kid must be really considering his options because he's still unsigned. Would be lovely, but I know we're strongly in contention for Wilkie.

Yeah, would love to be planning for that, too. I guess I just prefer to move on when stuff sucks.

Zmolek and MacDonald would be formidable. Big, big boys. Lock down D.

Good call. That is weird.

Yep, definitely were always going to be in on a portal D.

Them having Rizzo from 4 years ago does nothing to your premise that they are killing us in recruiting. They just aren't. They beat us to Pohlkamp likely because of Carle. Bubs is Canadian. He was never going to coach Pohlkamp.

Aren't we talking portal and recruiting? Are you referring to Rizzo?

They are absolutely not killing us in recruiting. They also got one guy this week.

There ya go.

There's a significant difference between acknowledging problems and saying things like "nothing good happens here anymore"

Not a rule, but a high preference. If UND bid the Ralph and no one else bid, they could certainly get it.

Nah, I'm good. Don't feel like I need to get into a pissing match about how depressed I am about the program.

Logic says there's something between the two that would be a little more rational. Just saying.

I thought Will Smith could get picked over Gauthier, but Cutter showed out in the regional. I think they got the Top 3 right, for sure. I expect Gauthier to win it, but Blaker could be the benefit of a splitting vote scenario between Celebrini and Gauthier.

Exactly. I don't understand why bringing in a portal goalie is a bad thing.

^^^ THIS! I'll never understand it.

I do, and I wish I didn't do it. I don't have to and I probably shouldn't because it truly is a toxic conversation. The conversation about performance is often not proven in fact but more of the "I think" we're not playing well. That's where I get frustrated with the "they aren't playing hard" or "they don't care" ... without solutions, it's just nonsensical whining. It's absolutely not that coaching is ALL catching a bounce. Not even close. The good coaches get their teams to the spots where the bounces matter. From there, it's execution of what got you there and then, yes, a bounce or two. Bubs did the work recruiting, helping players to improve, installing systems, updating systems, making changes, getting his team to this point.... now, save a dramatic in-play change where sometimes things need to happen, it's up to the players. Lastly, talking about not meeting expectations consistently, that's where I push back. This is where unrealistic expectations come into play. Talked about this before, but losing in 5OTs to UMD, to Notre Dame in OT, to BU in OT where a rule change was made that would have changed the outcome ... does this really reflect that UND is not meeting the expectation? Those games are wild and I think it's unfair to knock Bubs or the program because we didn't win those games. My thought is that crap, that's just hockey.

I'll agree with that. YES. Let's go. Man, I've got that nervous excitement going like crazy. I noticed it when it was 2-2 for Minny/UNO last night. Ugh, I love/hate the tournament lol

People get crucified on this board for saying parity is a factor, but ignoring it, especially in a game that is often a one-bounce game, is just wild to me. I think many fans don't have reasonable expectations anymore, frankly. The overreactions are absolutely obnoxious and drips with entitlement. A large amount of our fanbase sees every loss we have as "the boys aren't trying hard enough" or "they aren't real Sioux" or "the boys don't care enough" or "Bubs can't get them up for a big game", and that's what bothers me. We seem to have this expectation (not all of us, but some -- still the minority, but a loud and vocal one) that we should win every game just because we're North Dakota and that's how it works. College hockey is just different now than it used to be. Added parity with how the game of hockey works, we now have a game that is anyone's game each night. More often than not, the best team wins. I'm hoping we're the best team tonight. And if we aren't, it's not due to a magic potion whispered from Bubs, it's because the other team played better and finished their chances.

Does this say more about the board or more about the team?

Well, frankly, until about 7:30 tonight lol

Lol it's Persson. Someone referenced the goalie "Situation" earlier this week, so I think that's where that's coming from.

Except when UND is in it. I hate it so much lol.

HA! Well put. He just chooses to play offense.