yzerman19

Berry is our counter to Guentzel! I think we will definitely see an improvement in our special teams and d play as a result of Berry. Not sure how the toughness factor will play out with Berry vs Eades...Cary is definitely a tough cookie.

I was trying to throw Bjugstad a bone- he did score 25 goals last year and has a knack for the net down low. There is no real comparison between an NHL all-star, conn smythe winning, arguably best two-way center in the NHL and a college kid with potential. What always stood out to me on JT in college, was not his hands per se, but rather his perfect positional play and excellent all around skill. Not saying he couldn't shoot (ask Frazee at the WJC) or wasn't a great passer...he had all of the tools. What stands out to me on Bjugstad is that he has great hands and a big body. Maybe its because it is unexpected or because Toewser did everything so well that it makes Bjugstad's hands stand out to me.

On paper, the Gophers and UND are very closely matched. I agree that Bjugstad is a game changer- he is an NHL center- the last college player I said that about was Toewser. Not comparing the two, as they play very different games, but just that Bjugstad is going to have a nice pro career- he isn't as technically perfect as Toews was, but he has better hands- although both are gifted offensively, plus his size will make it difficult for anyone to matchup with. With Budish on his wing, that is two extremely big and strong forwards with skill. I think that Forbert and Mac can matchup with that line, but I do not think any of the other d-pairings have the strength to do it. Not meant as a knock, just physics. For an offensive matchup, you need Knight out there against Bjugstad, if for no other reason than to win draws to prevent Bjugstad and Budish from being able to use their size on the forecheck and force us back against our defensive end wall. Kristo plays that wing, and although he has gotten better in our end, he is still more of an offensive player. That said, the second wing on our first line has to be strong physically and strong in positional defensive play. He also will need to be offensive enough to play with Kristo and Knight- not sure who that might be?? Maybe Rodwell, maybe O'Donnell, maybe Rowney. Bottom line is the Gophs top line is a very difficult one to match up with, and getting that assignment will be a challenge. I think that Grimaldi is the real x-factor, and if he comes back and plays at the level he is capable of, and plays center on the second line, it immediately changes the dynamic. Like in many years, the games will be decided by depth players, toughness, and special teams.

Is Hak an American Citizen? Isn't he from Alberta?

I don't recognize any names from our recruiting...should I?

agree with the adjectives that you've used to describe his skating, but being a better than average skater in the NHL to me is an "excellent" skater. Gaborik still probably has the best acceleration in the league right now... I think they broke the mold when they built Paul Coffee...

Matt Frattin is an excellent skater...If he skates better than Frattin, that is some kinda compliment

I think the Sioux won the MacNaughton in 2004, lost the Broadmoor to the Gophs in one of the finest college hockey games I've ever seen, and then lost that heartbreaker to DU in the Regional final...most potent offense in the country couldn't buy a goal... UND, Minnesota, and UMD were all the teams to beat...then DU pulls it off...one and done

NHL.com has Luke Johnson as an "A List" player for the 2013 draft

$190 at the hockey lodge

You are right that Zach doesn't shoot like say Kovalchuk, but he does have a knack for the net...always has...and the last I heard, 75 mph five hole shots from the low slot still counted the same as bar down 100 mph bullets from the top of the circle. Zach was always a playmaker more than a finisher at UND, and I think he continued that in the NHL. Just a side note, it is IMPOSSIBLE to score 30+ goals in the NHL consistently over 5-6 years by just playing at a million miles an hour. Zach shoots the puck where the goalie is not...when you do that you score...whether or not is a water bottle shot or a trickler on the ice.

My logic is based on market value and St Louis' comments about discussing something with " some term to it"

I love Travis, but his contract will likely be less than half of Zach's. I am very curious what the Osh gets- I'm guessing something in the 5 year 20 million range

Agree, Zach will play wing

I need a helping of that crow too. The Wild might've just gotten interesting to me... Other Minnesota sports franchises should take notice of the big-time free agent signing- you have to do it to compete

Neither team played with class. Period. I actually like the Pens more than the Flyers too. Your accusatory tone is amusing. Defensive are we?

Yes, UND plays MN in the Twin Cities on Hockey Day Minnesota

He is a class guy. NHL players spend 3 months a year in hotels- I think it is very cool that he is talking it over with his fiancee- after all, she is the one who has to live wherever too.

If the Wild had talent, they would make the playoffs. Heatley was once great, but his best years are behind him. Setoguchi is mediocre. Clutterbuck is a glorified grinder. Zucker and Granlund are unproven. I'll give you Koivu, but that is it. I live in the Twin Cities, love hockey, loved the Stars back in the day. Despise the Wild- have left tickets that I've been given on the fridge, because I'd rather do almost anything than watch their awful brand of hockey.

The only thing that I can see keeping Zach out of Pittsburgh is the way they played in the playoffs against the Flyers- not very classy, and Zach is a class act. Pitt is an immediate contender and has Mario in the owner's suite (both huge positives). Zach would likely be playing on Sid's wing (also very attractive). Minnesota would be a disaster for him professionally. Who wants to play in that system and with that lack of talent? Remember, Zach already has plenty of money. This isn't about greed, it is about the right fit. Making decisions based on $ is usually a bad call. Chicago could be an interesting place for him to land. Chicago is a contender, and a great city to live in. I love the Hawks, so I'd like to see him land there and skate with Toews and Hossa. I hope that he makes the best decision for him. He has earned the opportunity of a lifetime, so good for him, couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

It is good form no matter what. Sioux family! Er...UND family I mean

I don't like 3 games in 8 days vs Anchorage, with a flight to Alaskato boot. Recipe for at least one loss to a team that many other likely TUCs will sweep, thus hurting our Pairwise

I don't think Derek would crack that line up regularly...he would be the next guy out there though IMO

Imagine the team that almost was last year: Knight with Gregoire and Kristo Grimaldi with Nelson and Miller Rowney with Hextall and Parks Lammy with O'donnell and MacMillan Would've been sick, and I bet if Brett and Jason could do it over, they'd have stayed