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http://www.adn.com/sports/story/4596125p-4565753c.html Article on Wes Dorey, which happened to be right below the one on Fournier's return.

amn5hol, Thanks for the heads-up, and for the regular contributions here on Lincoln matters.

Looks like Sauer is thinking along the same lines as Zach (from INCH): "It won't get the headlines that the 1980 gold medal Olympic victory in Lake Placid got, but the gold medal in Helsinki ranks up there with one of the great moments in U.S. hockey history."

UND had teams from 1997-2000 that were outstanding. This version has a chance to be of that calibre. MN's teams during that period were not nearly as good as this one; it's not even close. Those matchups heavily favored UND, but they couldn't sweep in Minneapolis. I'm not saying this MN team is dominant; they have been up-and-down, with a much wider range of performance than most teams display. Their "downs" have been putrid (Maine), but the "ups" (Michigan, putting 50 shots on UNH) have shown that they are right with the best teams when they are on their game. Yuck. I feel dirty from talking up MN. I will be cheering for a Sioux sweep. I just think we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Agreed. How does that go? counting chickens... Let's just enjoy the ride.

Thinking about the lines for this weekend. I think I would announce a first line of: Parise, Murray, Stafford ... and let the cheers rain down on them. Then I would go with: Genoway, Bochenski, Fylling McMahon, Prpich, Canady Lundbohm, Porter, Hale That would leave these guys out: Palmiscno, Massen, Marvin, Fabian ... which is hard to do. The controversial choices would seem to be Canady and Hale. It sounded to me like Canady definitely earned his spot with solid and improving play over the last two weekends. Plus, he seems a good stylistic fit with the McMahon-Prpich combo. Hale stepped up his play in the holiday tourney, but I can't say how he looked against SCSU. Maybe other observers could help there.

Most reviews had the Sioux pretty sharp last night, after waking up. I have just listened here and there tonight, but it sounds like the Sioux PP has been not dangerous, then the PP ends and the Sioux promptly move the puck into SC's zone and forecheck well.

Finland-Russia 1-1 in the first. I don't relish the thought of having to beat Russia twice in the same tournament, and playing Finland in front of thousands of enthusiastic Finns sounds tough also. However, this game looks to end about 16 hours before the winner will have to take the ice against a rested USA team. This is a real opportunity for the US to advance to the gold medal game.

SSM won the Mac's Midget AAA Tourney in Calgary yesterday. Congrats to Duncan and Chorney. http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySports/cs.cs-01-02-0051.html Also, Dan Bertram, a 2005 recruit in the AJHL that every college wants (a Parise/Murray type of player) apparently injured his knee and may need surgery.

This is now updated through 15 games. This is how UND's and its opponents' scoring breaks down this year (UND's scoring listed first): 5x3 2-0 (When UND has the 5x3 advantage, it has outscored its opponent 2-0.) 5x4 5-2 5x5 60-22 4x4 7-0 4x5 2-10 3x5 0-1 6x5 1-0 (extra attacker goal) 5x6 2-0 (empty net goal) Total 79-35

Thanks for the note here. I'm sorry I can't help on Houghton, as I've only driven through the UP twice: 500 miles of fog on the way to Detroit, and 500 miles of driving snow on the way back. Of course, that was a round-trip from Grand Forks to Detroit (and Joe Louis Arena) in the Spring of 1987, so everything worked out fine.

Fantastic! Being the homer Sioux fan that I am, I have to note that this is a good result for the Sioux as well. Since the US has now avoided the play-in game, the US will play one less game than it played last year. Only two tourney games left for the US, so maybe the boys will come home with a little more jump in their legs than if they had three left. Considering that the Fristche (NHL), O'Sullivan (best offensive player in the OHL), Eaves line is supposed to be the top line, Zach's performance has been just amazing. Congrats to the whole US team.

My question exactly. We who watch him regularly (at least I wish it was more regularly for me) know what a special player he is, but it hasn't translated as much on the scoreboard this year. I have to think you may have nailed the reason. Whatever the reason, he is having a fantastic tournament and making the Devils look brilliant.

First Period 19.21 0 - 3 PP1 USA 27. WERNER, Stephen (11. PARISE, Zach) 18.48 0 - 2 PP2 USA 11. PARISE, Zach (9. EAVES, Patrick) 18.30 2 min Russia 10. SEMIN, Alexander Highsticking 17.11 2 min Russia 14. TOUNIK, Evgueni Cross-checking 14.44 2 min USA 4. CARLE, Matthew Slashing 13.37 2 min Russia 26. GROT, Denis Roughing 13.37 2 min USA 17. KESLER, Ryan Roughing 11.34 2 min Russia 3. KORNEEV, Konstantin Slashing 10.49 2 min USA TEAM PENALTY Too many players on the ice 09.45 0 - 1 PP1 USA 12. O'SULLIVAN, Patrick (9. EAVES, Patrick) (7. SUTER, Ryan) 09.33 2 min Russia 4. SPIRIDONOV, Andrei Slashing 01.02 2 min USA 12. O'SULLIVAN, Patrick Tripping

Is that a humorous poke at SCSU's PC problems, or just a racial epithet? I'm not sure, but I'm not very comfortable with it.

http://www.iihf.com/news/iihfpr9403.htm Really good story about Brady Murray's hockey development, and his WJC decision.

My understanding of the six-team medal round is that the two group winners receive byes, and have only to win two games to win the gold. The second and third place teams in each group play a cross-group play-in game for the right to be in the final four. That makes the upcoming Russia-US game crucial. Current standings in the US group are: US 6 Russia 5 Everyone else 2 or worse If the US at least ties this game, they will win the group and earn the crucial bye. A Russian win will win the group for them. That would put the US in an ugly position: needing to win a play-in game for the right to play a rested and very good Canadian team. After cruising through the first couple of games, I think it was good for the US to face a little adversity against Sweden.

And of course Stuart and Sterling are teammates at CC. This is not the first US goal that has been scored "Sterling from Stuart." Is the US team that talented, or is Eaves that good a coach, or both?

sprig, thanks for the updates. I'm stuck at work behind a firewall that won't allow the audio. It sounds (reads) like Parise and Murray are really having a great tourney. I hope they have some legs left for the Spring.

We need to remember that it was just Findlay and Wayne State, but the play of the fourth line all weekend made the coaching staff's decisions tougher down the stretch, when the roster is complete. It looks like ten forward spots are locked up (by class): Lundbohm Bochenski McMahon Genoway Fylling Parise Prpich Murray Stafford Porter That leaves only two spots for these six players: Hale Palmiscno Canady Massen Marvin Fabian Blais praised Canady and Massen in particular after Saturday's game, then noted the fine play of the Hale/Palmo/Marvin line Sunday. I personally don't know what lineup I think is best. I'm guessing Hale and Massen basically have the spots to lose, with Canady and Palmiscno next in line, and Marvin and Fabian perhaps next. After their play last weekend, though, it's tough to say. By the way, I don't know if anyone caught Fabian's intermission interview Sunday, but he came across as very mature and confident. Anyone thoughts on how it will shake out?

And RPI's last loss that year came at the Winter Sports Center, in overtime, on Thanksgiving weekend, to UND. Chris Jensen lunged for a rebound, knocking the puck in while airborn, in the OT. I can still picture him landing on the ice, fully horizontal, and bouncing from his stomach back to his feet in one motion to celebrate. That great RPI team beat a great UMD team in the national semifinals in multiple overtimes before beating Chris Terrerri's Providence team in the finals.

This is now updated through 13 games. This is how UND's and its opponents' scoring breaks down this year (UND's scoring listed first): 5x3 2-0 (When UND has the 5x3 advantage, it has outscored its opponent 2-0.) 5x4 5-2 5x5 51-19 4x4 6-0 4x5 2-10 3x5 0-1 6x5 1-0 (extra attacker goal) 5x6 1-0 (empty net goal) Total 68-32 Friday night marks the first game of the year where the opponent outscored the Sioux even-strength, by a 4-3 margin. UND's SHG and PPG accounted for the 5-4 final score. BONUS fun: When UND takes to the ice to play in its holiday tourney, it will have played just two games in the preceding 34 days. It'll be like starting the season all over again.

Check out the highlights for the "Free Fish n Chips" game. Zajac is number 15. He scores the second goal by going right around the defenseman. He scores the seventh by dancing from the corner to the slot, and he sets up the eighth by again walking right around the defenseman and then dishing to a teammate for an easy tap-in. Who knows what the future holds for Zajac and Chucko, but it's nice to have Zajac all signed up, as he looks to be a heck of a player.

I hacked it up a bit, but this is a Hockey's Future thread with comments from NJ Devils fans about David Hale and Paul Martin. It's nice to read. The two WCHAers seem to be doing well. ------------------------------- Now that almost 1/3 is gone and Martin and Hale have been playing regularly, let's hear your reviews. -------------------------------------- No complaints... ----------------------------------------- I complained in the beginning of the season about Martin, but now he's OK with me since I have another defenceman to complain about all the time. Hale I have no problems with. ------------------------------------ Its pretty incredible that the D has been as solid as it has all season despite having two rookies learning on the job from the vets and coaching staff. I think you have to really give it up for Laperriere, Burns, Stevens, Niedermayer, Carpenter, and the rest of the Devils coaching staff. Couple of thoughts: Paul Martin has progressed faster then David Hale and is looking way more comfortable getting involved in the offense with Burns pushing him to take more initiative in the attacking zone when he's in control of the puck. Someone in the Bruins forum was recently ripping Pat Burns for holding back Tverdovsky's offensive skills last season which I had a good laugh over when I thought back to last season. Burns didn't hold Oleg back at all with regards to carrying the puck, shooting the puck, and trying to get things going on the PP from the point. He has a good hard shot and terrific speed, but it wasn't very accurate to say the least. David Hale is still learning, but he's doing a commendable job for a kid fresh out of college. It wouldn't surprise me if both rookies stay up with the team all season long now barring injuries. Once Hale gets his hitting game and mean streak in order, things will probably come together faster for him with regards to watching him take things to the next level imo. ------------------------------------ I wholeheartedly concur. Martin made a pretty good defenseive play tonight vs the Isles. }:-)> ------------------------------------ Giroux who? They've made me forget for now, but I would still like to see Lou get another stay-at-home vet on the blueline for the post-season. I'm not comfortable with Hale-Martin-Albelin-Brown as the bottom 4 in a seven-game series. I'm not sure if the youngsters will be ready to take it to the next level. There was a reason Smehlik was acquired at last year's deadline. I don't know if Hale, Martin, or Brown could walk on after sitting out a round like Daneyko and Tverdovsky were able to last season. ----------------------------------- Martin really needs to add some weight, maybe in the offseason but he looks to be no more then 175. Come playoff time if he continues to impress they will be gunning for him making him cause turnovers. Hale has been really solid so far but needs to hit a bit more, I know it will come. Matt DeMarchi will be on the team next year and mark my words. This guy is the perfect Daneyko replacment, is showing some good offense in Albany, and is great defensivly. I wish they called him up instead of Brown. ------------------------------------ Martin and Hale have been impressive. The Devils haven't let up the least goals because of Stevens, Nieds, Raf and Brodeur alone. The two young kids have done what they've had to. Rookie mistakes are made no matter who you are. The Great One, Lemieux, Orr, Howe, etc. All of these guys made their fair share of rookie mistakes. Everybody does it and some of us are going to have to learn that. Hale has been great, IMO. Martin could up his physical game a bit but that's also something that we're going to have to live with. Not every player is physical. That's why we've got guys like Hale, Stevens, etc. ------------------------------------- Another assist for Martin (on an OT GWG no less)...he's on pace for around 20 points this year, and is something like 2nd in rookie plus/minus. Logged 20 minutes of ice-time last night. Good for him. ----------------------------------------- I though Martin was atrocius the first dozen games and has since become much, much better. He's stepping up and taking the shot in a situation where he used to step back and cover the neutral zone. On the flipside, I think Hale has stalled. I suppose it's harder for a nonscoring defenseman to get noticed, but I never had that problem with Colin White. Hale is just... invisible, it seems. Which I suppose is better than being visibly mistake-prone. ----------------------------------- I'll take a quietly effective rookie defenseman anyday. White made some standout hits and whatnot his rookie year, but also took a bunch of bonehead penalties from overaggressiveness. Hale's playing with his head first, which bodes well for us. The physical edge will come with time, and he's smarter than White will ever be. ------------------------------------ There is NO SUCH THING as overaggressiveness Did anybody get to watch A rookie in 1982 for the Washington Capitals that wore #3. Soooo many said he is "too agressive", "he wouldn't last". But on the Rookies............ Hale- I can't complain about Hale's play, but I have to admit I am more than a little dissappointed that the mean streak, aggressiveness and hitting ability hasn't been shown yet. I would really like to see Hale drop the gloves. For no other reason than to see a little more snarl in his game. I am really surprised to see how often he jumps into the play when the offensive opportunity arises. Hale is a much smoother skater than I remembered from seeing him while playing at North Dakota. His shot seems to very good although we haven't seen it all that often. Hale shows a tremdous amount of poise in difficult situations and seems to make the safe play everytime. My Grade for Hale is B+ ******************************** Martin - Between the two, Martin's improvement seems to to be much greater than Hale's. That being said, I think Martin needed to have a greater improvement. Defensively he looks confused and lost from time to time. I think "uncertain" is the word I'm I'm looking for. Martin still looks like he has trouble along the boards and behind the net, but there has been improvement. If Martin continues to improve at the pace he has, he will be an extremely valuable asset before this season is over. I am very surprised Martin has been given Powerplay time so early on, but he oozes offenses. His shot from the point in my opinion is as good or better (I know your thinking Rafalski, but Rafalski's shot is completely different. Rafalski will not over power a goaltender like I think Martin can) than any current devil. From my perspective, I think we have gotten more than could be expected from Martin at this stage of his career. My grade for Martin is C+ ---------------------------------- Lets just say...Lou thought there were ready and both are bring it so far.

Also, four WCHA series last weekend, FOUR SWEEPS. Last year, it seemed to be all splits and ties. As for worrying about UW and AA, I think the Sioux need to worry about their opponent in every league game this year. It seems like there are going to be a lot of tough games. It's great for the fans and nice to see some of the lower programs crawling up off the mat. -------------------------------- Did anyone happen to see the discussion on USCHO about this game? Trailing 4-0, LSSU started pulling its goalie midway through the third period. It almost worked, too. Must have been wild. Second Period uaf-1 Cam Keith (Curtis Fraser, Kelly Czuy) 4:48 uaf-2 Cory Rask (Ryan Lang) 17:48 uaf-3 Curtis Fraser (Cam Keith, Kelly Czuy) 18:04 Third Period uaf-4 Ryan Lang (Paul Austin) 7:30 lssu-1 Bo Cheesman (Tim Kreuckl, Dominic Osman) EAG 8:21 uaf-5 Tom Herman (unassisted) GWG ENG 9:01 lssu-2 Derek Smith (Dominic Osman, Colin Nicholson) EAG PPG 12:06 lssu-3 Derek Smith (Jon Booras) EAG 14:21 uaf-6 Curtis Fraser (unassisted) ENG 14:45 lssu-4 Dominic Osman (Trent Campbell) EAG 15:02 uaf-7 Cory Rask (Tom Herman) ENG 19:06