Smoggy

All of a sudden this weekend doesn't feel so empty. Thanks NorthDakotaHockey.

Sure, but my problem is that it's supposed to be a sports radio station. If I wanted politics and news, I'd listen to every other AM station.

I could be wrong on this, but these hockey players that are brought in to private schools are normally given scholarships. I think that's why the state of Minny needs to change some rules as far as open enrollment goes.

For all the hype of the Penalty Box, they just couldn't come through in the end.

I don't like it because of playoffs. Let's say that UNO destroys UND in the two regular season games and is clearly better, but all of a sudden the playoffs roll around and UND gets a win because they've already have seen UNO twice. It's hard beating a team once in a season. It's difficult to beat them twice. If it ends up being three times, it's really tough.

Too bad he was murdered by his wife who was from Thief River Falls. Phil Hartmen that is. Not Lionel Hutz.

I was the one stating that Ballard won't play on an NHL PP. The only way he would is if the team uses two dmen. Ballard is too offensive minded on the PP and will consistently get beat by an NHL forward going for a shorty. The one d man system needs to have a solid guy back there. Most teams put a forward on the blue line to "run" the PP. Just my opinion. Maybe he will get a shot with Phoenix, though. I don't think Phoenix is known for their d men.

I have to agree with you Sagard on this post all the way. The problem with Ballard in the NHL is that he isn't the big intimidating d man. He can skate and shoot very well, but doesn't have the size or physical presence. Ballard will probably never get an opportunity on the PP in the NHL, and that is where he truly shines. While Ballard hits more than Roche did, I would say their skills are comparable. I can see Vaneck wanting to sign. I seriously think he may go to Europe. Especially if a bunch of NHLers will be playing their next year. Lock up a spot now. No point in Buffalo and Phoenix signing these two with the lockout looming. Can you truly count on them getting work somewhere for next year when they aren't established NHLers? I'm not sure how the minors would work, but my guess with a lockout would mean that the team can't put these guys anywhere.

I'm wondering if there is any truth to this: I heard that Parise was so "disgusted" after the game that he didn't even fly back with the team. Supposedly he left with his dad right for NJ. Any truth to this?

Thanks goodness for DirecTV sports pack. I'll be able to watch the replay of Zach's first game. I'm sure I'll get the replays of the Bruins games as well.

I'm going with a yes. The Hobey Baker is what you did this college season. Zach's college season is over. Actually, I think Zach's stock just rose for Hobey Voters. At least if they go with the same reasoning as they did when Ryan Miller won. "We have to give it to him, because he's going to leave for the NHL." And then he returns.

I think it would be interesting to have a tourney at the beginning of the year. I'm sure the hockey would be a little worse, but then you don't drain for the NCAAs. The possiblities are endless as far as set up. I wouldn't take two weekends to do it. Of course, we'll never lose the tourney because of the $$$$$$$$$$$$. It would be nice to have a balanced schedule.

Let's get back to the topic at hand. Somnor is an idiot. He's trying to come off like he has some special inside info. He makes it sound like Blais has told him personally that he's leaving, just because he "knows him so well." I don't see Blais taking a head job like Columbus. Almost all rebuilding jobs end up in the coach being fired. He makes great money at UND and is guaranteed a job. He might make better money in the NHL, but for how long? Has any college coach had a successful pro career? Herb Brooks is the only coach I can think of, but I'm not sure I'd say that he had a successful pro career.

I don't mind when a scrum breaks out in front of the net. When it's spontaneous, then fine. Fight. I have a problem with the dancing around for two minutes while players size each other up. Not exciting watching that.

The debate is whether or not Zach would be eligible for the playoffs.

I've gotta think that Voce has now won the Hobey. People out east won't have a clue who Lessard is. Plus, the west people will split votes between Lessard, Parise and Bochenski.

This is hockey, not basketball and football. Plus, the Gopher basketball and football teams are nothing to cheer for anyways.

I think an offensive defensemen would have made things worse. Most of the second and third period DU was sending a forward deep and just trying to bomb the puck down ice. If our defensemen had gotten caught deep we could've gotten in trouble. At the beginning of the game I thought we needed to use our defensemen more, but by the end they were taking shots.

It'll be bad tomorrow. Unless the Dogs put a whooping on.

If it happens, then so be it. We have some promising players coming next year. I just hope that if someone signs they don't become the next Roche. Or Commodore, Bayda, or Lundbohm for that matter. I hate seeing these guys leave early only to play in the minors.

I'm sure we'll know in the next few days.

First off, the rink wasn't the reason we lost. It would have been a different game for both teams on a smaller surface. We weren't able to forecheck and hold the line as well, but we had plenty of opportunities. DU just did a great job of not letting us get near rebounds. Secondly, the NCAA needs to set a rink standard. I can't think of any other sport in the NCAA that allows different demensions. Baseball would be about it, but it's the same distance to run base paths.

I was thinking this at the beginning of the game and it came true. Damn was this game remniscent of last year. I counted three pipe/cross bar shots. Needless to say I won't be rewatching this game to verify that.

The longer it's 0-0 the more I see our defensemen jumping into the play. We need to be careful, because DU has been going for the homerun.

Denver is firing the puck as soon as they cross the blue line. Their hitting the net and the strategy has given them some opportunities. Our defense needs to start blocking some of the those shots.