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FWIW, I traded e-mails with someone from the WCHA office regarding the procedures for breaking a 3-team tie. He said they are going to review that on Tuesday and he would get back to me after that.

dagies, Great input on both boards. I think you and I get to see them play so rarely that we feel the need to write everything when we finally do see them. I will admit to wondering myself if the roof was caving in during the second period Saturday. I couldn't get the feed, so I was following the Score Updates thread. It just seemed like: lost Friday, down 3-1, getting in fights... I could see it ending about 5-1 and then in the tank the rest of the way. It's a credit to the leaders on the team that they got the thing turned around in the third. A possible good sign (a huge stretch here) and also a sign of how the year has gone: The Friday loss to Duluth was the first one since the HOF game that was not part of a losing streak.

Jim, Your stats are daunting. I think it's probably safe to say that if both teams play poorly, Denver wins, because the Sioux's "poor" this year is pretty much as bad as it gets. If the Sioux play well and Denver struggles, the Sioux can win. If both teams bring their top games? I'm not sure it's automatically Denver. The Sioux can really play when they're on top of their game. Some mitigating factors to consider: USCHO posts indicate that Denver's Dora and MacKenzie were hurt Saturday. Their availability for this weekend is unclear, but people are wondering whether they will be out for the year. Sophomore forward Dora's 13-13-26 in 33 games is fifth in team scoring. Junior D MacKenzie is Denver's top scoring defenseman at 5-15-20 in 34 games. I haven't seen Denver play so I don't know if either of these players are among the handful that Gwoz puts on the ice with the game on the line. Since starting 23-2-0, Denver is 4-4-1 in its last nine games. This may be the time to get them. All that said, 27-6-1 is a heck of a record. Earlier in the year, they didn't just beat the middle and bottom teams, they beat the he** out of them. Is this the same team? I don't know.

I'm glad Denver comes in needing to win. I figured the Sioux would psyche themselves into a subpar effort thinking that Denver wouldn't show up. This Sioux team can play with anyone; they've proven that consistently over the last three months. They haven't been able to pull out too many wins, but they have been RIGHT THERE with every good team they've played. Plus Denver has recently been beaten by Minnesota and SC, swept by CC and tied by UMD. They're not unbeatable at all. Sadly, CC is getting beaten by UAA again tonight. If that holds, then the Sioux are currently alone in eighth, 24, 24, 23 and 22. The way teams are playing, I think there is a decent chance for an upset into the Final Five for UAA, UMD or the Sioux. I think the fork is into Tech, MSU and Wisconsin.

Disappointing loss tonight. The other contenders for fifth keep losing and this would have been a great opportunity to probably put MSU and UAA behind the Sioux. When I listened, it sounded like the game was evenly played, with good goaltending on both sides. The Sioux had plenty of third period chances, but couldn't bury the puck. I think Jason Notermann is going to score about 25 goals next year, because he is owed about 10 from this year. I am, of course, ever the optimist, but the dream of home ice is drifting away. I think the other contenders will maybe start putting a few points on the sheet, which will be the end of fifth. One big problem is that games in hand are less attractive when they need to be made up against the number one team in the country. Ah, well, get 'em tomorrow. The Sioux need the points. I'm thinking of the kind of year both UNH and BU had last year, and how they've done this year. That might be UND.

Considering how well UMD has played in the last month, a split seems like a realistic expectation for this weekend. However, considering how desperate the Sioux are for points, with sixth and even fifth still within reach, I hope a split is not considered acceptable at this point. I hope they're moving the puck at practice. The DECC's small rink is a big advantage against most league opponents, since there are so many of those big ugly sheets in our league. Fortunately, I think the Sioux will happily participate in a game where things happen fast. Has there ever been a bigger punishment for finishing one spot lower in the standings? Finish sixth, and you travel to a sub-500 team that's been inconsistent all year long. Finish seventh, and go to one of the top six teams in the country. And the difference between finishing anywhere from seven through ten is nothing: Go play a top team. I don't even know who of those four I would choose to play if I had the choice. I hope I get to chant: We're number six! Or, if I can dream: We're number five!

Info on SSM's tournament last weekend from a So. MN paper: Zach Parise scored the game-winner with 25 seconds left in the finals as Shattuck-St. Mary's captured the championship of the Capitol Ice Tournament in boys hockey over the weekend in Madison. Parise's goal, assisted by Brady Murray, gave the Sabres a 3-2 win over Culver (Ind.) Academy in the title game. Murray was the top SSM scorer in the tournament with four goals and four assists, followed by Parise with four goals and two assists. The Sabres (46-4-4) were 2-1 in pool play. They beat IMG of Florida 7-2 with Kevin House making 17 saves and St. Louis 4-2 with Mike Mayhew making seven saves. Then, despite outshooting the Philadelphia Junior Flyers 42-9, SSM lost 3-2 in overtime. John Baennau scored the game-winner against House, who made six saves. In the semifinals, SSM whipped Honeybaked of Detroit 5-0 with Mayhew making 24 saves. House was back in goal in the finals with 23 saves against Culver. The Sabres will play in Culver's tournament Friday through Sunday in Indiana. Parise with six points in five games.

Actually, forecheck, Faul did not play in either game. Fournier played on that line with Palmiscno and Canady. The complete boxscores at colleghockeystats.com confirm that Faul did not play. But it sounds like we both liked #9 (Fournier).

I had the good fortune of attending a few more games this weekend. Fuher was out Saturday in favor of Lienweber; I'm not sure if it was an injury or CD. I didn't see Faul in either game. Interesting lines: Bayda, Skarperud, Bochenski Notermann, Lundbohm, Massen Spiewak, McMahon, Hale Fournier, Canady, Palmiscno Skarperud's goal on Saturday (UND's first) was the prettiest goal I've seen all year, for any team. Got the puck into the zone before making his move, let his linemates move ahead of him into the zone, cut L to R to the top of the R circle into the void created by his linemates moving through, then squared up to the net and moved straight in for a beautiful near-side wrister. In the second intermission Friday, I called Saturday a one-goal game, though I was unsure of the winner. With five minutes to go in the first on Saturday, Palmiscno dropped the puck to Fournier, who had skated right up behind him. They ended up checking each other in the confusion, and MTU headed the other way to score its first goal. I didn't see Palmiscno the rest of the night. Fournier only had a few shifts the rest of the way. I take it Dean wasn't very happy. From that point on, MTU played a tighter checking game, really shutting the Sioux down. I'd say chances were about even the rest of the way. I was a little down about the way the Saturday game finished until I remembered how difficult it is to fight the effects of human nature on both the winner and loser of a 12-2 game. Most of the time, a blowout winner will just not be able to put forth a dominating effort the next night, and the loser is looking for redemption. A telling sign of the difference in the two nights was faceoffs. I think UND won all of them on Friday, but lost a lot of them on Saturday. Considering how the season has gone, I'll take the four points and move on. In Friday's late third-period 5-3 PP, UND lines rolled 4-2-3-1. I was pleased to not see the first line out there until late in the 5-on-4. Much credit to MTU for not getting chippy either night. It was much less chippy than the Gopher series. Canady had a nice high-energy shift in the third on Saturday that just preceded the winning goal. It was exactly what the team needed at the time. After a weekend like that, I could say nice things about every player, because the puck was moving between all of them. Because of his size and lack of strength and footspeed, I think all a team needs to do to shut down Fournier is put a body on him. But to fail to do that is pretty risky, because the kid can pass the puck. A sign of nice vision is when the pass goes not to the player with him, but to the first (or even second) trailer. That's the guy Fournier hits. I think he'll contribute nicely. Is Bochenski the garbage man, or what?! Apologies for thinking ahead, and I'm not sure who you take out of the lineup, but Connelly, Fylling and Parise are faster than all but a few of the guys who played last weekend, so a not-slow roster will get a speed upgrade next year. That reminds me: it seems to be well-held that this year's Sioux don't have the team speed of the past. I disagree. Panzer and Lundbohm were the fastest guys around, and you don't replace them, but the third and fourth lines seem to be able to scoot better this year. I still really like this team.

While I doubt that it will be as easy as it was two weeks ago, the Sioux handled MTU in Houghton and should be able to do the same at REA. I hope the team practices well this week, because Saturday's loss has the potential to be devastating psychologically to the team. If they can show up with the same kind of passion and energy they had last weekend (or close to it), I think they should do fine. If they lay an egg (like Friday against Mankato or AA), they will lose. There is a chance MTU will fold its tent up this weekend, after losing close games at Winter Carnival. Positive motivations would be to win in beautiful REA and to gain some revenge for the series a few eeeks ago. Someone on the internet (nimiller?) wrote that Ryan Connelly might be out for the year. Anyone have any information? I'm also wondering about the status of Fournier. Bummer to try to return from a concussion against MTU - that's a good way to get another. Based on what I saw last weekend, if there is one forward spot open and a choice needs to be made between B. Connelly and Faul, I would choose Faul. I like attacking hockey, and he was definitely scrapping out there. With all the recent talk of Kollar playing again, and with the youngsters average lately, I think he'll play a game this weekend. If so, I hope he does well. Also, how's Schneekloth?

Ddan, thank you. At least I know I'm not crazy for feeling some optimism. Or, if I am, at least I'm not alone. I agree on many points. 5-on-5, the Sioux are right there with MN. I'd love to see the even-strength SOG for these games, since I can't recall UND recording a PP shot on Saturday (ugh), and I'm sure MN was active on its PPs. Until you mentioned the major PK, I forgot how proud I was of the team for that successful PK. They cleared the zone often, and changed at least two guys on every clearing. Each new set seemed to be on a mission. That was really great. I thought Brandt and Siembida played about the same game - made a lot of big saves, but four or five goals is a lot to give up. I wish they could have made a few of those miracle saves that Siembida made in Mariucci. Come on Sioux, turn the corner. Turn the 1-goal losses into wins. It seems highly unlikely, but nothing would be sweeter than pulling a couple miracles out of Mariucci next month. PS - Apparently Pohl said on KFAN today that Canady pulled the Slap Shot move of stick-slapping the Gophers leaning forward on the bench as he skated by. That was the unsportsmanlike conduct in the third on Saturday. I couldn't see it very well from my seat. Obviously it was very stupid at a terrible time, but I wish I could have seen it. Looks like Mr. Canady might be trying to generate the next generation of ill will between these programs.

Thanks for the feedback. I can't disagree with much that you write. Scott, of lazy, complacent or scared, I choose scared. It's like: How about if one of you just try to get the puck down behind Hauser and kick it around back there for a few seconds. Anyway, on another note, the arena is going to be an asset to the program, school and community for decades. I arrived at the rink Saturday at 5:30, and I could have spent a lot more time there than I did. The beauty of it is not the much-discussed brick, marble and leather, but instead the history of the program that is displayed all over the place. It is like a museum of Sioux hockey. A lot of love went into the place. The nice thing about the brick and marble, though, is that they will help the structure endure. I would not be at all surprised if fifty years from now the REA is the proud old home of Sioux hockey, still beautiful, with the only real additions to the structure made of cloth rather than steel and brick.

Just got back from GF.

Anyone in GF/Fargo: What's the weather forecast now? I was planning on driving from MSP early Saturday (returning Sunday), and that's seeming like less of a good idea now. Nothing like a 4.5 hour drive turning into a 6 or 7 hour ordeal. The latest word on storm intensity/timing would be appreciated. Thanks.

Did anyone catch any of the Coach's Show this week? I seem to recall reading somewhere that everyone would be ready to go this weekend except Fournier. I assume Palmiscno would go in his place, with Massen and Hale. The sad part for me personally is that I think I still have yet to see Fournier play. My recollection is that he was a healthy scratch in the HOF game and the Friday SCSU game, then he was hurt for the first MN series. So I was really looking forward to seeing him move the puck. I cannot wait for the weekend to get here. Is Grand Forks buzzing for the series?

The best hockey-playing Wendell is Erik's sister (and US Olympian) Krissy. I believe she may be the US team's top scorer as a 19 (?)-year old. In her last year in HS, word was she would have skated on or near the top line of any boy's HS team in MN.

Super quiet around here. I don't have anything new, but after seeing Shattuck play and dwelling on next year for a while, I'm tired of that. I want to think about this year. I will be making a pilgrimage to the shrine for the Saturday Gopher game, my first trip since the HOF game. The HOF game was much more about the event than the hockey; the crowd was pretty much shot before the puck dropped, after getting worked into a lather for Ralph and the pre-game festivities. So I'm hoping everyone will give the Gophers the greeting they expect (and deserve) for this series. I don't know if my seats will be close enough to matter, but I'm going to try to think of some nice things to say to the Gophers: Taffe - Jeff, How do you think you're going to like St. Louis? Oh, that's right, they traded you. Pohl - Don't worry Johnny, I heard they're starting a new super-slow-mo league for players with your wheels. Tallackson - Way to go Barry, you stayed eligible for a whole semester. Welch - Were you the leading scorer in the community college league? Guentzel - Having dinner with the Guyer's again tonight? Wendell - Krissy! P Martin - Look out for the blue line Paul. DeMarchi - Matt, you're supposed to pass it to the guys on YOUR OWN team. Weber - You must really suck if you can't beat out Hauser. Well, in looking back at these, most of them are really dumb. But I'm open to suggestions.

Or how about #47, D. Blais? Flin Flon? Now, that's Canada. I forget the story, but the town may have some link to a fictional character named Flintabatty Flonatin, or something like that. Do you think they always schedule team picture day the morning after team party night?

I posted this on PrideonIce: "I went also. Good game. The fans got pretty excited when BSM tied it up with 2.5 minutes left in the third. SSM was the better team by a lot, but that's why the play the game. My amateur opinion is that Parise and Murray seemed to be smoother and faster skaters than Hirsch. Hirsch, on the other hand, took the puck straight to the net every chance he got, resulting in a bunch of chances. SSM's first goal was Hirsch from P and M, but the goal was all Hirsch's. He got the puck on the side boards and headed for the slot, deking first the D-man then the goalie. I didn't hear the announcement of Parise's goal, but I think it was unassisted. He just got the puck at the blue line, skated to the top of the circle and blasted a slapper. I was standing right behind the goal and appeared on the game highlights on WCCO last night. (I was the one with the Sioux sweatshirt.) I'm famous! The OT goal was Parise catching up to a puck across the blue line, separating with his speed, moving wide to the left (drawing the D with him), and making a nice pass to Hirsch cruising down the slot all by himself. He made a nice R-L-R and tuck it behind the goalie move. This goal was equal parts nice plays by P and H. What I wouldn't pay to see SSM and Greenway slug it out this year. I've only seen Guyer in last year's tourney on TV, but he and Parise seem to be similar caliber players." I'll add a bit. I got in a few minutes into the first, so I missed introductions, and SSM doesn't have names on their jerseys. It took exactly one shift for me to figure out which one was ZP. When he moves through neutral ice with the puck, he is instantly afforded space by opponents, as he looks very dynamic moving with the puck. You can see the opponents thinking, "oh shoot, back up! back up! back up!" He'll be noticed right away in the WCHA, and eventually be a star. He will be surprised next year at how quickly time and space disappear, and this will take some adjustment time. His WCHA opponents will be surprised at how dynamic he is. His linemates will be surprised that the puck is on their stick in the slot a lot. ZP might not be the fastest player on SSM, though. That would be Murray.

The USHL site says: "Cable viewers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa will be able to watch the 2002 USHL Prospects / All-Star Game on Fox Sports Net North again this year. Viewers outside Wisconsin can tune in at 2 p.m. on Feb. 9 to catch the action. Wisconsin viewers will see the broadcast at 5 p.m. on Feb. 9. Familiar hockey voices Wally Shaver and Doug Johnson will be calling the game." Sioux recruit Matt Greene and returning player Quinn Fylling will be playing in this game, as well as recruits for nearly every top program. I'm excited about Fylling's return next year. He skated a regular shift all year his freshman year and showed flashes of real skill. I think he'll be able to step in and be a mature player right away, and hopefully he won't seem as physically overmatched as in the past. Most of all, I'm glad he brings the team speed up a bit, as he is a fine skater. Plus he has a cool name for a fast guy. Plus he's a native North Dakotan. I'm not sure where he fits into the lineup, but that will be Blais's problem next fall. The competition for PT will be even more intense next year.

Might as well get this one started, even though it's a bit away. When the Sioux take the ice against the Gophers on February 8, it will have been something like 104 days since their last home win against Wisconsin in late October. It's time to put a stop to that. I think the Sioux can do well against MN. Even though MN controlled play for a lot of the time in Mariucci, there are a few reasons to like UND's chances. First, a lot of the edge in play occurred on the PP, where MN is excellent. Second, the big rink suits MN's game, especially on the PP, where they can just play their positions. It also limits UND's cycling. Third, the Sioux are going to get a home ice advantage going one of these days - the Gophers could be just what the Sioux need to get going at home. In the Gophers favor, they will have Dan Welch fully up to speed and may have retired Hauser by then. I like how the Sioux forwards match up with the Gophers, all the way down to line 4. The big difference between these teams continues to be puck-handling defensemen. I was encouraged last weekend to hear several rushes that sounded like: Sioux D get control of the puck in own zone, quickly ahead to F in neutral zone, quickly ahead to F crossing the blue line. It was that quick transition game that more than anything has been the hallmark of Sioux hockey under Dean Blais. I'm looking forward to seeing how those talented Gopher D-men like being cycled down low. They may do just fine, but perhaps they will feel forechecking pressure they're not used to. I'm optimistic, but I guess the Gophers are really good this year, so perhaps I should calm down. It was Michigan Tech, after all.

Posted by me on Friday: .What I'd like to see this weekend (not predicting, just wishing): 4-2, 7-3 sweep, no suspensions, no injuries. Sweep, total goals 10-4; not bad. No suspensions - good. I was wondering if Schneider was going to get the gate with his 5 in the third. Injuries - rats. I hope Siembida, Connelly and Fournier are OK. They are all important in their own ways. Keep it up Sioux. Now let's play the high-energy game against MInny.

I think UND is at the point where Bayda, Skarperud and someone can compete with any other first line in the league, save perhaps Hartigan, Dicasmirro and someone. But I think the key to success down the stretch is to get Spiewak, Notermann and Lundbohm going. They were together down the stretch last year and were very dangerous. I like them back together now and they had four? points between them last night. Then you can throw out some exciting talent and energy for the third and fourth lines and I like it.

OK, let's go Sioux, have a good weekend. One nice thing about playing out East is that I can get to bed a little earlier. The CC games ended 11:00 or 11:30, then you have a little while to check the message boards to get some feedback, and it's after midnight. And you college students keep your thoughts to yourselves about my bedtime. Another nice thing... I obtained a ticket to the Saturday Sioux-Gopher game. What I'd like to see this weekend (not predicting, just wishing): 4-2, 7-3 sweep, no suspensions, no injuries.