This weekend we will face the #1 team in the nation, and to be honest I'm glad it's Minnesota. We haven't had consistent success against them, but we have beat them in their barn before. We are currently the only team EVER to beat them in their current arena in the WCHA playoffs. We have done this three times, and swept them in the 2010-11 Playoffs. It seems there program has been bettered by the firing of John Hill, and good for them. We will forever have ties to the UM program as long as Don Lucia is head coach and Kurt Haider is our play-by-play guy. Kurt is from St. Cloud and it's great to hear his stories when were in Minnesota, and of course Don Lucia was an assistant under Brush and was the coach of UA_ for awhile. But when the puck is dropped, all that is forgotten and it is game time.
Minny has done very well for themselves thus far. Yes they are only in sixth place in the WCHA, but there are 8-0-0 in non-conference play that includes a trashing of BC (8-1) and a win against #2/3 Notre Dame (4-1). In non-conference play Minny has outscored their opponents 37-6, in eight games that averages out to be 4.6-.75. Scary offense outside of league play, but in league play they average a very solid three goals per game, while giving up 2.5. In their past 14 games there are 10-2-2, but in our home league opener against them we lost Friday night, but tied a game we should have won Saturday night.
Much of our season rides on this weekend series, if we split that could go a long ways towards confidence and some inspiration to salvage something from the season. Right now I will classify this as our most important weekend of the season. I don't want another tie, unless that is coupled with a win. Our team does not need a tie, our boys need some confidence to keep grinding.
We will have to play tight, minimize mistakes and strike when given the opportunity. We will have to do our best to take care of the puck, if you have the puck always have a back up plan. Minny is very dangerous again, and they have more than a few guys who can snipe. Unfortunately we will have to dump the puck and work our forecheck. Cycle the puck, as teams do not give us respect whenever we control the puck. Teams are very active around our guys that have the puck, puck control is a must. And if in doubt, just give the puck to Blake Tatchell. He is my favorite freshmen, kid has been a very pleasant surprise so far.
I'd hate to project another split, but I see our guys winning Saturday tight 2-1, after a 4-1 loss. I'd absolutely love to hear some "Overrated" chants Saturday night from some of our fans that I know will be there.
Excellent preview, and thanks for the stats. I have to agree with your prediction as well, of course I'd love for both of us to be wrong and for us to get a sweep. I think that is only the stuff of dreams, however, so I'll take a loss Friday and a win Saturday, or vice versa. Just, as you said, no more ties please.
ReplyDeleteIf this whole engineering things doesn't work out, I could be a statistician. I wonder if Kamal would get both starts, Gundy hasn't won a game against UM.
ReplyDeleteI made a post pointing anyone that goes to my old blog over here. Best of luck with this. I'll be reading.
ReplyDeleteThe Seapups have no chance against the mighty Gophers. I, like others have stated, am excited that there is a new place for you to scribble ramblings of your mediocrity. Mostly for my entertainment as your attempts to "rally the troops" to scream "overrated" at the rink this weekend won't happen. And if it does, good luck being heard over the goal horn--there's sure to be more of that this weekend. Did you see the game against Notre Dame? You can still forfeit now...
ReplyDeleteNice try Anonytroll @ 8:50. You still sound bitter that we cleaned your clocks two years ago at the Mari. Go piss in someone else's cornflakes and GTFO.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, indeed! And thanks again for taking the time to write this blog. Surely it can't be easy what with all of your other tasks at hand (being a student of Engineering and all). Your efforts are definitely appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks D, I was up late writing and spotted your post.
ReplyDeleteTo anon at 8:50, need I remind you if not for your late goal the Saturday night we faced you, we would have split the series with you. And if we stay out of the box, can you score enough goals? Only one of your six goals that weekend didn't come via power play. Next time take your tired, played out, washed up remarks somewhere else. Here's a thought, come up with something original or is that too much to ask from you? And next time, leave your name or are you too afraid we might find out who you really are?
Thanks Alaskana, I do what I can.
I'm watching the UNH/BC game, played in Boston, and it looks as empty as the Sully. Seriously, rows and rows of empty red seats.
ReplyDeleteA BC home game empty? The Celtics are playing tonight in Boston, maybe fans are saving up for the Boston Bruins? The Blue Man Group also has a show at 7 Eastern haha. Both teams are ranked in the top four nationally, doesn't make sense to me.
ReplyDelete