stoneySIOUX

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.

He didn't want US

Great offensive player LOL he can't!

Sean Ritchlin is a Big10 guy. Played at Michigan.

JINX!!!

1-0 DU

Runaway favorite

Personally, I think we finally saw Johannes look like he did in the first half when he got moved up to OMac and Blake's line on Friday. Those three created a bunch in the third. That's my top line as long as Johannes is healthy.

For every broken stick and every time he uses the word "pussy" we are +.5 goals.

Yeah, it's not an injury.

?

Not sure if it was reported. Team had it as "undisclosed" but he was sick. Sorry, I thought that was pretty well known.

Mystery? He was sick. Then Hobie got a little hot, Bubs made the call to stick with him at the Faceoff, and it didn't work out. Luddy will start Friday.

Totally agree. I picked them a couple times in my bracket picks.

There's a Midco sports thread going on, FYI