SiouxTupa

Oh man Stoney, you posted that just before I was going to! Pretty hilarious, I'd say.

Almost made Oxbow's head explode with that one

At Magness earlier this year one of the gals working the info desk tried to tell me how ugly our colors are, and how beautiful their "crimson" is. I just shook my head. MN, BC, and Denver = terrible colors. Harvard's "crimson" is also a much better color.

What gives me confidence about this team, more than the last couple, is that the bottom two lines are capable of sustained offensive zone time. They're not necessarily there to score, but being able to wear down the other team and generate chances is a huge boost to a team. Last Sat is a perfect example because that OD-Gaarder-Pogs line didn't generate much on the scoreboard (maybe nothing) but they controlled play for large chunks. I don't think we can say that about the last couple years' teams - probably going back to 10-11. I LOVE that the seniors are taking a big step forward in consistency. Parks/Mac were always going to be key players for this year's team, and they've always struggled with consistency. Hopefully their run of great play continues.

Imagine if they kept Olofsson for at least another year. Then they'd have a couple big time guys on the back end.

Murph did show up on the score sheet for the U-18 game. He had one assist on, I believe, Parks' goal. Had he not bonked on his breakaway maybe we could see him ease up, but for now, hard work will have to win out. He doesn't seem tenacious enough out there to warrant chances when most are healthy.

Rebound control is a big part of it, but it's pretty easy to see that the US defenders aren't clearing the front of the net. It's there for the taking.

US locker room better have a tough ceiling. Osiecki looks like he's about to explode. That last call was terrible though. Marbles have to even up sometime, right?

@UNDmhockey: Hakstol says St Clair and Stecher are in the lineup tonight. Murphy once again the odd man out.

Last year I thought UND was clearly the better team in both games, despite losing one. Last night I didn't think so. Hopefully they bring the sharpness tonight.

I slowly read your reply, thinking it would end with: the UND Kenny Rogers'

It's an amazingly fun road trip because of that high percentage of LOUD Sioux fans!

I'll go with O'Donnell Friday.

Shots in that one mid 1st are 11-1 Miami.

I'm also surprised to see Murphy out. If injuries and a weak opponent don't get him in, that's probably it for him. Maybe against U-18?

Agree, but I really hope he stays for another year or two...selfishly, I'll admit. His goal against Wisconsin on Saturday night was a killer play as well. He's definitely taken a step in confidence in addition to his quickness.

From my vantage point, this team does a fine job of cycling in the corners. UND has scored a ton of goals this year off board play, including Nick and Jordan's goals last weekend. The difference between it not working and it creating scoring chances is those forwards really moving their feet and out-working the opposing defenders. It's important to have every skater playing hard on the puck, or working to find open ice.

1. I think most here feel he could have made a jump in production during the 2nd half of last season. That could have translated to some good numbers this year. It's far from a given, however, and he would have had to work hard for it. 2. Was it a better move? That's between him and his agent/drafting team. He'll get more games, but less practice time. The players are typically younger and less physically mature in major juniors. I feel happy for him that he's contributing, and hope he does make it to the NHL at some point. If it only takes a couple years, like JT Miller, then it was probably a good move.

I agree with those who said it's strange dressing D as F when we have healthy F scratched. The coaching staff dresses the best players available and, despite the position change for Panz and Poolman, that must not be Murphy. I wish that kid the best, as it seems like his teammates like him. I'm sure I'm not the only one that's drawn Olson/Frattin comparisons. How awesome would it be to have another line in a couple years that's as dominant as the pony express was? Probably too early for that, but those three freshmen are impressive together.

Whoa, that would be a nice tourney win for the NCHC. Granted, Union is in a free-fall.

It's good to get some of the top pairing pressure off Nick. Plus, it might spark Luke, who could use a goal.

I love the color guy constantly complimenting UND! Such a Homer. Good energy that period, nice pressure at times. What about DU/UND for best rivalry? Draws more fans, more *ahem* hate.

That's my thought!

I'll say 4-1 UND, 2-1 UND

You know Dave, UND and St. Cloud also met in the Final Five championship game in 2006 and 2010. In 2010, UND played six games in nine days (three in three) to win that tourney. Maybe one of those games could be the "Most Important Meeting" in one of your future previews.