No, not at all. They can steal games from you even though they have almost zero offensive talent up front.
Which further strengthens my point that the NCHC is the toughest conference top to bottom we have ever been in.
The Division I move would have dragged hockey down right along with all the other programs without the New REA.
Thank God we will never know whether I am right or wrong.
Harsh, but true.
When the same thing happens over and over again, you can't blame it all on bad luck.
That being said, this year's team looks ready to make a serious push for #9.
Here's a scary thought:
If Ralph Engelstad hadn't had the vision to build a $104 million arena, hockey would have the same problems as all the other sports.
Things indeed could be worse.
Miami.
That's it.
The fifth place team in our eight team league pushed us to the limit at home this past weekend and they are on the bubble for making the NCAA tournament.
Heck, even Miami can steal points from you if you don't show up ready to play.
The WCHA was tougher than the NCHC? I don't know about that. The old WCHA was a great league, but there was some deadwood at the bottom. The NCHC is the deepest league top to bottom I have ever seen in this sport.
I am watching playoff games from 1997. I watched Jason Blake when I was going to UND and now I am watching his son light the lamp. Where have all these years gone?
That must have been during the period between the WIHL and WCHA. I believe the WIHL folded over teams using overage Canadians. And I believe Minnesota was the driving force behind that. I guess some things truly never change.
The constant pressure on our goaltender is troubling; the end of the 2nd period was almost a disaster. Persson can't be asked to carry the team like this going forward. The toughest competition is ahead of us.
We seemed to flip a switch midway through the 3rd and put it away. Great to win the Penne Rosa at home on senior night.
Games in Omaha are meaningless for the NCHC, but still count towards the PWR. Games are on Midco btw.
WMU has been the better team all weekend (except for their turnovers). That is not what we want with the playoffs around the corner. I hope this isn't another late season swoon in progress.