jk

Dishman is a POI regular, not a Badger fan. His claim to fame is being the biggest UND hater.

If another of those players decided to come to UND, it would be great news. However, I think it's worth noting that even though message board participants (at POI, here and the HS board) may really like a certain player, it doesn't mean the coaches are necessarily as high on him. It should be fun to see it develop.

Scott, I know you are right, but di**man needs to be welcomed here. He is just about the worst at POI for spewing anti-Sioux nonsense, but it's not my place there to call him on it ... because I respect their website. Go away, di**man, unless you'd like to discuss hockey.

I tend to agree with the concept that this isn't necessarily the end of the world (season), but I have a few comments on the excerpts of your post. As for the fire being re-lit, it could be viewed as a little discouraging that the team played well and got beat 5-2. CC may be just coming out of their own swoon right now, so it could be that they are not struggling so badly. They are 4-1 in their last 5 (better than UND), they split with Wisconsin (better than UND) and they swept UAA (better than UND and most everyone else this year). "nor is it the start of a slide" -- I think it's not the start, but maybe the middle, and hopefully near the end. As for UND's youth, I was recently considering the same. There are a lot of experienced guys on the team, so it's tough to call the team "young." However, with three freshmen forwards on the top two lines, there is at least an argument.

With his 1-5-6 game last night, Zajac moved into the scoring lead in the BCHL. Congrats.

Agree with the general concept here. I'm not happy with the weekend either, but I think people have gone overboard a little. I'm keeping the faith. Without checking, I think most of UND's national title teams have had something like 8-10 losses on the year. This means those teams had their trying times as well. Struggling early in February does not preclude peaking in late March and April.

It's not gonna be that way this year. They probably needed this. This slump may not be over, but they'll come out of it this year. Also in 2000, they went to SCSU and scored their only goal after 119 minutes of hockey. One goal in two games. Two months later they beat SC 7-3 (I think) in the Final Five. I would love another shot at WI.

If the Sioux could just get one here, I'm sure they'll be able to get another. They just need to get a break. 62-24 shots attempted through two? That kind of play will get you the win most of the time. I'm not discouraged.

Well, that stunk. We have seen this too much lately. The team plays well, then allows the opponent a bit of hope and all of a sudden it's a battle. It was like the Denver game in that way. The Sioux really did play well for fifty minutes; they seemed in control and were clearly the better team. Had they scored on a few of their second and third period chances, they could have put it away. They need to fix this consistent effort problem. The team has now won one of its last four games. They have had poor third periods in each of the three games they didn't win.

One other thing about Oshie and Lee - the MN HS tourney should be must-see-TV for Sioux fans this year, as both Warroad and Moorhead have great chances to advance to the tournament(s). I don't think Woog's far off on Spehar. Try to black out everything you know about his Gopher career and go back to his glory days. In the legendary game, he was the only skater with any legs left in the later OTs, and had bunches of scoring chances. Only a superhuman goaltending effort kept him from netting the winner. Anybody know whatever happened to the goalie? Duncan's pace has slowed a bit. Toews is a big-time prospect, as he was the first pick in the WHL bantam draft last year. He may be the best forward his age in all of Canada. I don't know anything about the situation, but to me that says he is likely to end up playing major juniors rather than college. Maybe the director of hockey operations at his current school has some advice for him.

Great news on Oshie. He's a bit of a mystery, as I haven't seen any mention of him at the national festivals that USHR writes up. It's hard to know how he stacks up against some of the other forwards in his age group. Some Northern observers definitely like him, so it should be fun to watch him develop. Interesting that the commitment is for either '05 or '06. That reinforces an important point about both Oshie and Lee. They are both just high school juniors, with a lot of developing to do. We need to remember how rare it is for a player to make the jump straight from high school to the WCHA. Anyway, with that cautionary note out of the way, it's great to hear of these commitments.

This is now updated through 25 games. This is how UND's and its opponents' scoring breaks down this year (UND's scoring listed first): 5x3 3-0 (When UND has the 5x3 advantage, it has outscored its opponent 3-0.) 5x4 16-3 5x5 83-35 4x4 9-0 4x5 2-14 3x5 0-2 6x5 1-0 (extra attacker goal) 5x6 4-0 (empty net goal) Total 118-54 Special teams play has finally swung UND's way. The Sioux are +16 on the PP and -14 on the PK. Although some games have been a struggle lately, the best numbers are the Goals Allowed in the last five games: 0, 2, 2, 1, 1.

More outstanding work from the badger board. Maybe it's because they haven't been very competitive in the last few years, but the UND fans' hatred of the Badgers seems a little subdued. http://pub104.ezboard.com/fbadgermaniacsbadgerhockeyboard ------------------------------------- I am hockey fan, Hockeyfan I am. I do not like the hockey club from North Dakota, I do not like them one iota. I do not like the fighting Sioux, I do not like them anywho. I did not like to see them When we played at the coliseum. Now I do not like them at the Kohl, When our record is .500 and below. I am hockey fan, Hockeyfan I am.

http://www.uwbadgers.com/sport_news/mhky/h...3_16_21_20_mhky You can watch Saturday via UW's internet feed - and I think it's free.

The '05 class needs to be good. UND loses 6 senior forwards (plus early departures) and 3 senior defensemen (again plus early departures) that Spring. I believe Spirko is an '84, so I doubt he would wait until 2005, although I don't know anything about the situation.

Someone at POI (who has a total of 1 post ever there, and therefore limited credibility) has said that Lee from Moorhead has verbally committed to UND. I have no idea whether it is true, but we should know soon enough.

I am not a fan of posting stuff from other boards and then taking shots at it, so that is not my intention here at all. I found this Badger fan summary of UND, and I think it's funny. Good rivalry stuff, IMO, if you are in a mood to not be offended. ------------------------------------ Current Record: 19-3-3, .820 (WCHA: 13-2-3, 29 pts.) Location: Grand Forks, N.D. (founded: 1883) (flooded numerous times since then) Enrollment: 11,500 (not counting sheep) Nickname: Fighting Sioux (real effing PC there boys!) Colors: Green and White (green and white? are you kidding me? what, LIME green and EGGSHELL white?) Conference Affiliation: WCHA Head Coach: Dean Blais (Minnesota '77)(son of bezelbub) Assistant Coaches: Dave Hakstol, Brad Berry (sodom and gemorrah) Captain: Andy Schneider (awaiting pardon from govenor) Assistant Captain: David Lundbohm, Ryan Hale (convicts) Athletic Director: Roger Thomas (son to wendy's founder Dave Thomas, but Dave chose to only reconize wendy as his only offspring) Home Arena: Ralph Engelstad Arena (built: 2001) (hell hole) Capacity: 11,500 (again, not counting sheep) Rink Dimensions: 200x85 Arena Address: One Ralph Engelstad Arena Drive; Grand Forks, ND 58203 Ticket Information: (701) 777-2236 Radio Station: KQHT 96.1 FM (Internet Broadcast) Press Coverage Local Media: Grand Forks Herald Student Paper: Dakota Student (I am not even going to touch this one)

Thanks for the extended recaps. In thinking about the "troubles" of late (Saturday struggles against UAA, MN and DU, higher shots allowed, lack of scoring depth), I have realized what I think about this team's ability and success. The money line makes this version of the Fighting Sioux a very good team, but only if everyone is going all out all the time is this a "special" team. I don't believe the talent level is overwhelming to the point where the team can get by with less than their best effort. We have seen ample evidence of this lately. My understanding of the Saturday Denver game is that no one who watched it would conclude that either team was clearly better, which is contrary to what I hope is the truth. (This is in contrast to the Saturday UAA game, where UAA hung in there but clearly was less talented.) As I mentioned earlier, I understand how the Sioux players could have lost their edge a bit by the end of the weekend - they had had their way with Denver earlier, maybe the emotional effort of the MN weekend catching up to them - but whatever the reason, the resulting battle showed what can happen when the other team plays with more passion than UND. When the team is "on" it seems like few teams can stay with them. They key will be to be at their best for four straight games in March and April. It's nice that the goalies are playing so well.

I didn't see the game, so perhaps if I had I would be a little more down, but I don't think this game is reason to get too down on the team. I look at it this way: The Sioux had outscored Denver 20-5 over three games, and had a 1-0 lead after two periods. The game seemed in control. Then Denver came out and got some momentum and played their guts out. I can't fault the Sioux for having lost a little respect for Denver and underestimating them. 20-5 will do that to you. I had the same uncomfortable deja vu after UND lost 2-1 to SCSU early. They couldn't seem to buy a goal. I've seen enough now to know that I'm not going to worry about it if they run into a hot goalie or fail to convert for a game here or there. As the third rolled on and it was apparent there was a real battle, I was happy to take the point and move on.

As to the quality of play, some of the POI guys can really skate and move the puck. There are a few scrubs (WPoS), but mostly they are very good. I feel qualified to call WPoS a scrub because I'm worse than he is. forecheck (or whoever feels in charge), when you list me as playing, you should know that I can't play very well at all. I can give someone a rest for a few minutes, but that's about it.

A few funky line combinations for consideration by the panel of experts (tks, gator): Parise, Murray, Stafford The Golden Line - A great team was able to keep them mostly in check. Against a good team (Denver), they should be able to show some of the brilliance we are used to seeing. Genoway, Bochenski, Hale A stretch, maybe, but I thought Hale was one of UND's best forwards against MN. Maybe he can loosen the defense up a little for the other two by banging Denver's loving, cuddly defensemen around a bit. Lundbohm, Porter, Fylling Cycled brilliantly in the HOF game against Duluth. Might be time to reunite these guys. McMahon, Prpich, Canady/Massen I've liked Canady's revival this Winter, but Friday wasn't his best game. Massen also didn't seem to have a strong game Friday, but I feel like he needs to continue to see the ice to try to get him going. This line could be matched up against Gauthier, who I think is Denver's best offensive player. The MN series was chippy and scrappier than heck, so I understand and appreciate Prpich's function in such a series. While I know Denver is also physically very tough, I'd like to see Prpich get back to playing hockey as though a puck were involved.

NDH, I understand the sentiment, but, when in doubt, I like to put the points in the bank, especially at home. I have a feeling this weekend will have its tense moments, and I hope the guys can put last weekend's emotions to rest with the care necessary to allow them to come out firing this weekend. If you think another couple losses might be good for the attitude, there are a couple of road trips to Madison and Duluth where that might end up happening (I'm sure you'll be there to help prevent them).

It's just about time to move on, but I'm glad you posted this, sprig, because it helps to explain why I didn't leave Saturday demoralized, as I think I would have by a game with such a shot discrepancy. MN played really well, got a few bounces, received neutral officiating at worst, and the Sioux were still there in the last minute arguing about whether their tying goal was good. It was really good hockey by both teams, and I thought both teams earned two points on the weekend. About Koalska's goal: I don't have a tape, but I know the second Gopher through, and I think the intended recipient of the pass, was completely tied up by ZPar. Coming right behind him was Koalska, with Stafford just a half-step behind him. The way the senior Koalska was playing, it's not surprising he was able to break free of the pup Stafford, but it's noteworthy that Stafford wasn't out at the blue line watching - he was indeed right there and just got beat. About Waibel tackling Murray and Woog's noting it as a "good play," I agree 100% with Woog. With 10 seconds left, I would rather risk a penalty by tackling Murray than let him get the puck and perhaps toss it in front of the net where any number of funky things could happen. The risk-reward definitely favors taking Murray out.

I put this on POI, but it applies here as well: ------------------------ As a Sioux fan, here is what I wondered going into the weekend: how would UND handle the heat when a really good team poured on the pressure? Would they melt or stay composed? I have had the question answered to my satisfaction, and I leave the weekend pleased, and with two points. MN played great. I would grade the periods: Even, MN, Sioux, Even, MN, MN. The Gophers brought the heat in the last two periods tonight, and despite the shot totals, UND actually played pretty well in their own end. They let the goalie see the first shot, then they picked up their guys and cleared rebounds. It was a good defensive effort on the road against a great team, including having quite a lot of penalty-killing to do. This might sound funny to you guys since MN played so well tonight in getting the win, but for the first time I'm OK if UND has to play MN again later this year. I'm not saying they'll win, but I am confident now that they measure up. I am confident that all the ingredients are in place for a run, dangerous top-end offensive players, good depth, tough defensive defensemen, and goaltending. If there is still an Achilles heel, it is goaltending. As for MN, you guys will miss Koalska and Riddle. Sertich has sure gotten better. I really like that hack Taylor, but I appreciate the finer points of brutality on defense (of course I would as a Sioux fan). I fully expect to see these two teams at the end of the year. I thought the hockey this weekend was awesome, including tonight's game, which I thought was more closely contested than the shots indicate. I told my wife about two-thirds through the third that this period is just fantastic hockey - the kind of intensity only the college game provides. Good luck the rest of the way, except when you're playing anybody. ------------------------------ The Sioux goaltending has been outstanding, especially this weekend, so I guess when I say I still have a question about it I mean in comparison to the rest of the team. I think UND's offense and defense will be dangerous and stifling, respectively, the rest of the way. Because it is so crucial, I worry more about the goaltending than those other aspects of the team. I think this was the best I have seen ZPar play, and I thought it was Schneider's best weekend as well. Ryan Hale also earned himself a spot in the lineup next weekend, IMO.

sprig, You nailed it. I thought the Sioux won because they outgoaltended MN. MN was right there with UND 5-on-5, a real rarity this year. Officiating is part of the game. I think people complain about it too much, and look like whiners in the process. There was a lot of stuff going on in this game, both ways, and fans of both sides have a lot to complain about. Shep made up for the lopsided first period by giving the Sioux a few in a row in the third. Woog did nothing but blow kisses to the Sioux all night. He thought the Sioux would win Friday, and MN Saturday. He called it a match-up of two national championship calibre teams. He complemented the Sioux's depth, but most of all he praised their huge defensemen, and how hard they made it to get something going late in the third. So please lay off the Wooger; he was fine. [Of course it was "Lundblom" again, but its kind of endearing now.] Briggs sees better shots than Bochenski's every day in practice. Heck of a screen by Lundblom. Schneider played a good scrappy game. Nice for Porter to get the winner after missing the breakaway. Smaby was solid, Bina a little less so. For Minnie, Briggs seemed rock-solid early, but he seived out a bit in the third. The Talyor/Atherton duo on D is going to be tough for the next three years; they've gotten a lot better since November. Koalska had a better game than I've seen him have for a while, with good jump in his legs. Oh, yeah, and Ballard is a whale of a player. Not the greatest defender in the world, but just a fantastic hockey player. Also a bit of a hack, but I like that in a defenseman if he's on my team. Generally, I thought the first period was about as intense a period of college hockey as you'll see. Real passion on display, speed, skill, checking. Then, understandably, the delay took the life out of the game. It looked to me like both teams were skating in quicksand for much of the last two periods. Real gutty effort for the Sioux to pull out the win.