redwing77

Gee, I never would have guessed. Then again, there aren't many NDSU fans who really respect UND anyways, so the question is just as amusing as the assumed answer.

He's also listed as #10 in Hockeysfuture's January Calder Trophy poll. I think it is extremely exciting that he was able to jump right into the NHL basically. If I went back to last season and was asked "Which Fighting Sioux member I'd most like to meet and greet?" I know Toews and Oshie were exciting to watch. Spirko and Stafford electrifying. However, I'd like to talk to Zajac. I really think he helped make the team work.

I'm not in Grand Forks so it makes little difference to me what Goon says.

Hmmm... True. I guess fire the entire front office then. I agree with Goon, even though I am a BIG TIME parity supporter. It's not the league's business to ensure parity. If McLeod wants parity in the league then he really should ensure that the quality of officiating, quality of facilities, and the adherence to WCHA regulations is top notch. The rest has to be done by the schools.

I'd rather eat the food than the buffet

Though I have not met any of the players, I also have a tough time picking my favorite player. I like all of them and I guess I'm pretty vocal about that.

To be fair, that was Sioux-cia's idea. I said, though something that drastic might seem justified, it isn't practical. I then made a list of who I'd keep and who I'd axe. Of course, Greg Shepherd would be the first to go.

Hmm.. Home of the Fighting SIUE?

Watched the fight a little more. I also watched the Vannelli vs. McMahon fight (where Kaip and Smaaaaagaaaaaard (really, way too many vowels in his name) mixed it up too). I'm hoping people saw on Saturday what I saw in Kaip last year. I really think Kaip is another Mike Prpich...well, Prpich occasionally would score goals, but as far as toughness and grit is concerned, Kaip is very similar to Prpich. Both Prpich and Kaip back down from NOBODY. Kaip took on a guy, as noted, that was 3 inches and 40 pounds bigger than he is. He also is a pretty darn good fighter. In all honesty, I think he did better vs. Anderson than McMahon did vs. Vanelli.

I don't know. Offensively, the edge goes to the Saints. Brees is a better QB than Grossman hands down (Actually, I think Brees was a better collegiate QB as well). McAllister and Bush > Jones and Benson. Bears OLine > Saints OLine. Saints WR > Bears WR. Whichever team's offense runs the game better will win. Right now, as much as I would LOVE the Bears to win (to save us all from the endless feel good story loop on ESPN and the unbelievable hype that would follow), I think Brees is in a better position to win the game. AFC is a more open ended affair. I think Colts v Pats will be a better game. Actually, I think it could end up being a better game than the Super Bowl.

No need to apologize as far as I'm concerned. If he leaves an opening, go for the goal!

I think the Sioux are playing well enough to sweep the Beavers. Will it happen? I don't know. The Sioux aren't really playing great on Fridays yet. In their last 6 games, I believe they are 1-1-1 in the first tilt. 1-1 in conference. So, I guess they are .500. BSU is no patsy. They have two goaltenders that have really good numbers and one goaltender who's basically got the best excuse in the world (health. I can't say Sedevie stinks because, looking at what's happened to him this past year... I'd probably not be thinking too hard about my game either). They seem to spread the offense around (as there doesn't seem to be a lot of high scoring players on BSU). However, in my opinion, BSU's strength lies in their coaching. Serratore is a GREAT coach. In fact, I think there are many teams in the better conferences who wouldn't hesitate to woo this guy away if they had an opening. In fact, if the Bulldogs fire Sandelin (which will be sad but understandable), I wouldn't be surprised if Serratore is looked at. In any case, we'll see what happens. We need to play physical hockey. We need to shoot the puck more (especially on the powerplay). We need to stay out of the box. Phil needs to continue to play the kind of quality hockey he's been playing the past 6 games.

Actually, you said that you expected +2 out of Bina, not Finley. Which means you expected Finley not to be good. Yeah, you never said he was bad, but rochsioux and siouxforeverbaby seem to point out how wrong you are. Their arguments are more valid than mine because I don't use a lot of statistics, which is something you seem to rely heavily on...sometimes....when it supports your feelings. But yeah, I already know about the "disrespect list" so you don't need to go into that. I'll just accept that you're wrong on Finley and you are too stubborn to admit it. rochsioux- Nice find! Although, with how Bina has been playing, I find it interesting to see how he's only even in +/-. He's been super solid.

I was under the same impression Sioux-Cia was. Likewise, I agree with Siouxmama. And I'll also point out that, though Chris has had a few bad games, he hasn't done anything to warrant any kind of demotion.

Two responses: Goon- I didn't say I didn't like Friesema as an official. Trust me, we all know there are far worse. Is he the best? Don't know. No track record. Sioux-cia- I agree with your assessment of officiating but something drastic like releasing all of the officials may not be the best. I wonder how many of the "better" officials are merely calling it like Greg dictates it is to be called whether they like it or not? Officials I'd retain (even if it is only on probation): Campion Friesema Zelkin (if he's still around) Hunt Albers Officials that would be gone: Adam Schmidt Anderson D. Shepherd (mixed feelings here. When he has a bad game it is REALLY bad. I have seen him call a good game every now and then though...) Mason If I've forgotten anyone, who cares. Anyways, good takes!

I'll disagree. This is different than the "He blew a call" or whatever things. The NCAA enforces a no fight rule. When there is a no fight rule in place (one I actually favor, so don't get the wrong opinion), you have to counter the reasoning for allowing fights in other ways. The most obvious way to do it is to have coaches and players on board with this and play in a style that doesn't resort to cheap shots and poor sportsmanship. Of course, that's rather idealistic and naive. So, the practical solution is to add enforcement and protection aspects to the rule book and, hence, the officials' jobs. Friesema, as a ref in this league, has to step up and protect the players on both sides. He failed to do that. It teetered on the brink last night and was out of control at times tonight. He has to set the tone of what is and isn't allowed and Friesema didn't do that. As for the HE incident, holy cow.... am I understanding this right? An HE official confronted a player? Or did a player confront the official? WOW! I think HE may be short an official! This has definitely been a notable year in the area of officiating.... Means and perhaps Jutting accosting Campion and now Hanson pretty much ending his HEA career. Lives-to-Play- Really? Somehow your response doesn't surprise me in the least. Finley, Zajac, and Kaip played MAGNIFICENTLY tonight despite not registering a point. Props to Kaip (again) and Radke for taking on players who were bigger than they were. Anderson had 3 inches and something like 11 pounds on Kaip (6'1 200 vs 6'4" 211 or so IIRC). As for if this was the best game we've had all season... I don't know.. defensively the Saturday game vs. CC was pretty darn good. Offensively speaking, yeah, I think this is right up there.

I disagree. Derek Boogaard's only strength is fighting. Finley is, yes I'll say it, better than Boogaard in that he can do something OTHER than fighting that contribues to the team. Like being the thorn in Matt Zaba's side Boogaard somehow managed to get to the NHL with his fighting ability alone so I doubt Finley would beat Boogaard in a fight.

It nearly happened. Beagle made a run at Finley. Again, UAA outshoots UND. Pete Friesema, according to my google search is a former CCHA official I guess (to answer an earlier question). Interestingly enough, Peter Friesema is also listed as an official for the Central Hockey League. My players of the game: 1. Phil Lamoreaux -- Get a shutout, makes a ton of saves. Stellar performance. 2. Robbie Bina -- A goal, a solid performance defensively. Arguably the best defenseman on the ice. 3. TJ Oshie -- Yeah, he's snake bitten but he was all over the ice. BIG TIME Good on the penalty kill. Scores a goal, gets at least one assist. Could be #2 easily. Just to not be homer, Opposing player of the game: I dunno...Shyiak?

Yeah, Freesma has no control right now. Corrin (who I don't understand why he got away with punching Jones after the penalty was called) takes on Vandevelde. Really, something bad's going to happen I just know it.

I dunno. I'd rather see that one than the dumb McDonalds one I'm seeing every commercial break here.

Lawson is really an oddball.

Porter and Waldrop 4 minute doubles for roughing. Jones and Corrin and Tuten. This game is quickly getting out of control.

Porter and Waldrop 4 minute doubles for roughing.

Clark gets run and then Waldrop and Beagle run Porter and Zajac takes exception. Chippy. I don't know if I like UAA's play, but I like SHyiak.