stoneySIOUX

Do we struggle the same way every year? I already addressed this. We haven't won a title since 2016. I get that. I'm saying the reason is not some mythical belief that the boys have to have that is blessed upon them by Bubs. The boys have the motivation. We've lost for one reason... It's hockey. It's a bounce game in a one-and-done scenario. Us losing in 5OTs to Duluth is not an indication of a lack of motivation. Losing to BU in OT on a play they literally made a rule about the next season is not an indication of a lack of motivation. Losing to Notre Dame, again in OT, is not an indication of a lack of motivation.... it's just frickin' hockey.

Hahaha the '72 Soviets. I think UNO matches up well with us. We didn't play well enough. It wasn't because Bubs didn't have them mentally ready to win the game. We just didn't get it done. That's hockey.

Nope. No, don't try and spin this. This is my entire point. All this belly aching out here, but no solutions. We're talking about pixie dust, magic spells, etc.... motivation. Our boys play at UND. They understand our history. They understand our standards. They absolutely want to win. Sometimes hockey happens and the other team plays better. It really is that simple.

Like what?

I think they came out really well on Friday, yes. And then what happened?? *GASP* The OTHER TEAM played better.

Checklist for UND to win this weekend: 1) Bubs needs to yell and scream so the players are so scared of him that it motivates them somehow 2) Just do it. Go out and just win. Go. Get out there. Win the game because I said so.

I think it's nonsense to think the players aren't motivated. It's not a magic potion. You don't just drink something, hear a coach say a magic word, watch a video of something inspiring and boom, go win a national championship. Some times one team just plays better than the other.

I think it's hilarious that you think Bubs just avoids trying to motivate his team. It's just dumb.

Go hug your picture of Sandy sitting on your night stand.

HE'S BEEN GONE FOR 20 YEARS.... MOVE. ON.

I agree with this in general, but the boys on the team understand the community, understand the fanbase, history, etc. It's always spoken, and it's written on the walls. Bubs not yelling at them is not the reason they didn't beat Omaha on Friday.

Yeah, ZERO coaches do that now. None. Zero. Zilch. Mike Babcock is on line two for you.

What don't you understand? You said the coach should yell at them and break their sticks. You suggest that's how this team would win more playoff games. Is that your approach?

Tell me. How are you "fixing the team" this year? How are you "fixing the program overall"? Would love the insight.

Buddy, I think it's fine if you think that's how a coach should do things now, but it's just not like that anymore. It's been 20 years. Time to adapt.

Yeah, that'll do it

You've said this a couple times, but maybe we can define it? What defines a "late-season slump" for you? Two months? One month? let's take a look further: 23-24: Went 4-3 in March, swept in Omaha a week after winning the Penrose. I can see this as being a slump for a team with 26 wins. Still can right the ship -- Verdict: Slump 22-23: Played their best hockey down the stretch, IMO. 5-2-2 in their last 9 games after being swept by DU. Missed tourney. Verdict: No slump 21-22: 10-4 in Feb and March, but lost in Frozen Faceoff semis, and lost first round of NCAAs to Notre Dame in OT. Verdict: No slump 20-21: 9-2 in Feb and March. Lost 5OT game to UMD. Verdict: No slump 19-20: 12-4-2 in the second half, won the Penrose, won last game after being 6-2-1 in Feb, Mar. World shut down. Verdict: No slump 18-19: Bad all year 17-18: Mediocre year, 5-5-2 in Feb, Mar. Won their last game, oddly enough, against UMD in the Frozen Faceoff third place game. Verdict: Slump 16-17: February they weren't good going 2-4, but they won 5 straight to win in March before losing in Frozen Faceoff semis and having an OT loss, which I don't think was a loss, to BU in the NCAAs. Verdict: No slump 15-16: Ended pretty good. Verdict: No slump So, 2 slump ending to seasons in 10. Thoughts? Personally, I think there are plenty of normal explanations.

That's a take.

FYP

What I think CC does well is outwork their important. Omaha is very similar in that vein. If UND can keep them to the outside and clear first rebound, I'm not worried. I think this team is SO much better when we score first. We're a team that can absolutely blow a team away once they get rolling.

Latkoczy made a lot of good saves, but CC doesn't generally, IMO, really generate a ton of Grade As. They seem to rely on their great speed, ridiculously heavy forecheck, and chaos in front of the net. Works great for them.

Back on track.... I watched a majority of those CC/Omaha games and CC wholly controlled play in all three. With that said, I was considering why Omaha swept us a few weeks back. One missing piece was Mr. Zmolek. I think this kid is an absolute anchor to this team. I'm excited for Friday.

Not arguing any of that at all lol, but he's a proven HOF coach.

Really? 9th all-time with 739 wins, 56 playoff wins, 2 Jack Adams Awards (one in 16-17), made the Cup final twice. He's a great coach whether you agree with his style or not.

And that's not real. If we win, we'll be in Sioux Falls.