jk

Two shooters. I'd have them on different lines. I like moving Rowney back with Zajac and Mario though, and in general I agree that however they slice it the forwards should be four lines deep.

Don't know but I expect to see vast fields of open seats, so you're probably OK. This was a key weekend last year, and they laid a couple stinky eggs that nearly cost them an NCAA bid. Any slip-up the rest of the way and they were out of the tourney; fortunately they hardly lost the rest of the way. Near perfection the rest of the way seems like a tall order this year, so they simply must do well now, in these key nonconference games. It will be hard to generate energy in a big empty building, but they've got to get past that and win a few games.

Can't imagine he'd be anything other than a junior.

This is a positive for later, but twice during the game a USA player made a dynamic move, swooping in and grabbing a puck that looked like it was closer to 50/50, and I thought: "who is that!?" and it was Kristo both times. Of the newer guys, I think Fienhage continues to look better all the time. In fact, each of the six regular defensemen made good plays last night that I noticed. Trupp was obviously good; there's a little more space in an exhibition, and he looks good in space. Cichy is getting closer. On the downside the PP rarely got set up; they're dying for a QB.

cherry picker

We're surprised the BC guy is lighting up the Sioux?

Nice act of self-levitation by the net.

Feels like an exhibition. Either the Sioux are better or USA is worse than the last time they played, because then Team USA looked like the better team, and tonight it's pretty even. Maybe the US will get some chemistry and get going as the game goes on.

That's the most interest Schroeder's shown in hockey all year.

Was it a 4:00 p.m. start? Can't believe I missed it.

There's a world of difference between the two teams as well. First, there were four legitimate NHL forwards on that team, plus a Hobey winner. Second, and more important, the overall defensive group this year is much, much better. That list of recruits you posted included three true freshmen on defense, plus another who accelerated. MacWilliam (this year) is miles ahead of any of them (that year) in defensive play. Their inexperience was the difference at the end, sadly.

I know you said "very," but it's still a gross understatement. It's an absolute whiff. We trot out terms like "joke" too often, because it should be reserved for situations like this. This isn't: he turned just before he got hit. There's not even anything to debate, except what hallucinogens the ref was on.

Sioux defensemen have full physicality rights against all the US forwards except Kristo, who gets a free pass. They can give what they reserve from Kristo to Schroeder.

I'm planning on it anyway. The hockey gods owe us a couple and I think they're coming back that weekend.

I agree with a lot of this but I'm planning on UND sweeping Denver.

??

He's obviously hurt, since he was questionable going into the weekend and he looked far from 100% on the ice. The coaches decided an impaired VV was better than their other options, so he played. If he hadn't, given all the faceoffs he won Friday, it's likely this would have been a 0-point weekend. Thanks to Chris for playing hurt.

Ton of PPs for the Sioux. Missing Genoway quite a bit there. Look for the marbles to go the other way in the third.

Hextall's hit on Smith was pretty close to CFB. Ok I guess the called it too.

Wheels came off at the end there. Bucky also not letting the Sioux anywhere near the net. 2-0 on PPs and 0-2 on the scoreboard not a recipe for success.

In Vandy's defense, that's been a money move for him in his career. Just a good backcheck this time.

Pretty even so far, difference is Smith put his chance in and Malone's went through the crease.

Vandy looks quite a bit under 100%. Not winning races to the puck, to put it mildly.

I agree. In addition, this (along with the Notre Dame tourney) could be the difference between a little NCAA tourney breathing room in the second half and sweating out every game with no margin for error, the position we're so familiar with. Just for my own peace of mind , I'd appreciate it if they'd solidify their position.

I was answering this question, which doesn't refer to illegal hits, when I mentioned Trotter. I agree it was a fluky injury.