jk

God UND has a problem with stopping playing in the last three seconds of a game.

I guess there are two good teams playing tonight.

UND with a terrific start to the third. Now Denver with a little push the last few minutes. Any of these point shots could find their way into the net with deflections, etc.

I love the north-south element he, Strinden and Berg bring. Just head up the ice, preferably straight to the net.

On Gaber's goal, he and Pyke were playing catch, then the third time, the forward marking Gaber went to a knee in the middle to block a lane for Pyke, and that opened up the ice for Gaber. Pyke got him the puck, Jammer set a textbook screen, and Gaber hit the spot. The PP has actually been pretty good when they get it set up, but they have just struggled so much getting there.

I was most shocked that Blake was physically able to throw that hit. Didn't know he had that ability. I think he just really wanted to win that loose puck and clear it. A little reminiscent of Oshie's famous hit when he and another guy were racing down the ice for the puck. How about instead of winning the race I just drop you. I don't even think it was a penalty.

The big difference is this team can score (not like Denver, of course, but by UND's standards), which means they can always come back. They won't always do it, but they can, so don't walk away.

The DU fans watching replays probably can't believe two Denver guys converged on the puck carrier, leaving the middle wide open.

Play of the game might have been Ludvig's save on Webster with 5-6 minutes left.

I think he's been ok.

God it seems like everyone is. UND just generally cannot seem to get set up.

Disagree that this looks like last year. UND barely touched the puck last year. They've had it plenty tonight. A couple missed assignments in the defensive zone and this happens.

Yes, but just horribly bad luck. Maybe too close to overturn, but it was high. Then off Pyke's chest and in.

One might see the score and assume the goaltender did not need to be great, but this was entirely his win, with some titanic saves along the way.

Yeah, Montgomery tried to return the favor to Ness and it was a great chance. They are feeling it for sure.

It felt like UND finally started competing with Bemidji in the last half of the second. Won some races, won some battles. Edit: and I'd say it started when Strinden decided to make a power move to the net.

That 21 26 27 shift with eight minutes left was the best of the game for UND. Attacked.

Wow, that wouldn't be my takeaway from this game. Bemidji exits and enters the zone with ease, and it's a chore for UND. Bemidji also seems to win about 80% of the 50 50 pucks. Ludwig is the difference.

It's not pretty or fun, but they're going to have to dump and chase. Bemidji just won't let them carry it in, and it leads to one turnover after another at the blue line.

Well, maybe not exciting.

I'd say the best part for me is not the ranking per se, but that they look the part. They've played some good teams and not looked out of place. They've played some iffy teams and made them look out of place. Can they still lose to anyone, or lose early in the tournament (if they make it), yes. But they look like a tough out.

The routine D to D play has been so much more composed this year. Last year so many seemingly routine plays went awry, and possession with it, leaving the team hemmed in again. Not sure if that's coaching, or different players, but it's welcome.

That shot is what I mean by elite talent converting chances. What a release.

Miami has had the better of the chances, and they're really quite good in the offensive zone. Lots of successful cross ice passes that have not turned into goals only because of UND's goalie. I wouldn't mind if UND back-checkers could disrupt some of those plays so Persson doesn't have to. UND has the elite talent this year to convert enough chances to win games like this, but they need to play better.

Carolina also does not currently have an affiliated AHL team, which has caused some issues with its prospects.