Border Battle Weekend

[psych]

Ok, as evidenced by my posts after the 1st UND game this year, I was definitely pissed off and ready to fire Lucia. Yes, it was premature, and I apologize. I never jumped off the bandwagon, I'm just a competitive person and I HATE the Sue. I thought we played fairly well tonight, but our D did give up some chances, and unlike last weekend, Kangas couldn't make the big saves (he made a couple, but not the ones that mattered). Sacchetti really needs to hit the net. God he missed 2 (not one, two) open nets. That's just annoying. Nonetheless, I still believe these Gophs can win tomorrow night. As someone else noted, the Badgers aren't unstoppable. We can beat them.

[oldpirate33]

Does anyone have the attempted shot numbers? 32-19 SOGs is only bad if we didn't have many of our shots blocked...it my book at least.

it did seem like there were a lot of blocked shots. the bad thing is that a lot of them could have been avoided. it seems like the D will see someone go down to block a shot and still shoot it right into them. if they see someone down, take one step either way and let it go. fairchild and wehrs are especially guilty of this. not only does the shot not get to the net, it usually leads to a rush the other way.

this team needs to figure out they aren't going to score the pretty goal for the most part. get the puck to the net and crash. the second goal was a good example of this.

[Goalphers]

0-4-1 now against solid competition. They will be lucky to get a tie tomorrow like they did at NoDak. Injuries aside, this team is putrid like it was last year and will not make the tournament again. The DON has a lot of the blame to shoulder.

[MNGOPHER]

0-4-1 now against solid competition. They will be lucky to get a tie tomorrow like they did at NoDak. Injuries aside, this team is putrid like it was last year and will not make the tournament again. The DON has a lot of the blame to shoulder.

They played hard and had good chances. Don't give up already. They've gone through a lot of misfortune so far and will only get better.

[Goalphers]

Calling out gator??? Where is your spin on how wonderful this team is? I guess you only post when we beat the Northeastern school of the deaf and blind at home.

[Five-HoleFrenzy]

I'm looking at it this way:

After 4 games they were shut out 75% of the time.

Now after 7 games they have lowered that to being shut out only 43% of the time.

Hey, a 32% improvement is better that getting poked in the eye with a sharp stick.

[DrunkHockeyGuy]

Well at least they're playing hard......

There is something I Never thought I would hear from a gopher fan. Moral victories?

Take what you can get at this point.

That's unacceptable. For years I have been chided by gopher fans for talking about playing hard and moral victories. According to a good portion of you there is no such thing. If your not 1st, your last.

[DrunkHockeyGuy]

0-4-1 now against solid competition. They will be lucky to get a tie tomorrow like they did at NoDak. Injuries aside, this team is putrid like it was last year and will not make the tournament again. The DON has a lot of the blame to shoulder.

I am not a gopher fan but let me say what I think a lot would like to say. Go ask tubby for one of his basketballs and put it............

[trixR4kids]

We played in a very hostile environment and lost due to four mental mistakes. 2 by Kangas. And I think the Kohl center is a very intimidating place to play, perhaps even more so than Mariucci. It seemed that way in the first minute at least where we got scored on by a decent forecheck and a weak goal. Wisco fans aren't very smart but they are passionate and loud.

[Dolphin275]

We played in a very hostile environment and lost due to four mental mistakes. 2 by Kangas. And I think the Kohl center is a very intimidating place to play, perhaps even more so than Mariucci. It seemed that way in the first minute at least where we got scored on by a decent forecheck and a weak goal. Wisco fans aren't very smart but they are passionate and loud.

Hostile environment, I've heard libraries louder then the Kohl center tonight. Even Frank and Doug were commenting how quiet it was..

Good teams can play anywhere and the environment isn't going to dictate the outcome.

Were not a very good team..YET!

[trixR4kids]

IDK, I was at the game and quiet isn't the term I'd use to describe it. Calling it quiet would be a gross exaggeration at best.

And yeah I agree that the environment shouldn't dictate how we play and I don't think it will tomorrow.

[SiouxFanatic]

0-4-1 now against solid competition. They will be lucky to get a tie tomorrow like they did at NoDak. Injuries aside, this team is putrid like it was last year and will not make the tournament again. The DON has a lot of the blame to shoulder.

I am not a gopher fan but let me say what I think a lot would like to say. Go ask tubby for one of his basketballs and put it............

True that DHG, I was gonna comment along the same lines but you said it much more eloquently.

Seriously though, has a GopherHoler somehow gotten lost and found his way to the true Gopher hockey fansite?

He's just as worse if even more than the gloom & doom Sioux fans that come to SS.com when the Sioux aren't playing good hockey during a stretch of games.

[Handyman]

I just have one question...it is about nothing specific since I saw none of the game and only heard the 3rd period but I think it needs to be asked:

At what point is does it go from "We played hard just couldn't finish" or "A couple mental mistakes hurt us" to "We don't have the guns to compete" and "we just aren't playing that well"? I ask this not to flame or claim the sky is falling but because I honestly want to know. A lot of the positive comments remind me of what Tech fans and UAA fans used to say when they would get swept by the Gophers but one of the games would end up close. The negative comments sound like SS fans who hate the team half the season. Is there some line in the sand where it flips and how close are the Gophers to it right now?

The team can win tomorrow and I think we all would be happy with a split on the road, but I think people need to accept the fact that with this team for this season is going to be up and down and will have zero margin for error. In the past the Gophers could afford to make a few mistakes and still find ways to win, this team isnt talented enough to do that. They cant overcome a bad game by Kangas, or tons of turnovers by the D...they just dont have the horses it would seem.

On to tomorrow...dont lose to Sconnie again.

[gator]

Calling out gator??? Where is your spin on how wonderful this team is? I guess you only post when we beat the Northeastern school of the deaf and blind at home.

My spin? When are you actually going to post something postive? You have always been negative and really post nothing but hot air. Your a troll.

[DrunkHockeyGuy]

Calling out gator??? Where is your spin on how wonderful this team is? I guess you only post when we beat the Northeastern school of the deaf and blind at home.

Your a troll.

Hey Gator, don't lump him with me.

[gator]

Calling out gator??? Where is your spin on how wonderful this team is? I guess you only post when we beat the Northeastern school of the deaf and blind at home.

Your a troll.

Hey Gator, don't lump him with me.

DHG, you have more hockey knowledge in your left pinky then this he/she has in their whole body. Plus, you'll leave somewhat positve posts even though you hate the Gophers (though I think you are a closet Gopher Fan ).

[Gopherguy33]

0-4-1 now against solid competition. They will be lucky to get a tie tomorrow like they did at NoDak. Injuries aside, this team is putrid like it was last year and will not make the tournament again. The DON has a lot of the blame to shoulder.

I am not a gopher fan but let me say what I think a lot would like to say. Go ask tubby for one of his basketballs and put it............

Thank you.

[PowPow]

I thought the game was entertaining to watch but I'm not buying the excuses either. Every team has good players injured, every team 'hustles' at some point. I really do think there's potential in the kids but someone is having a hard time pulling it out of them. One power play goal in 30-some opportunities?

It doesn't matter if it's the Vikes giving up an opening kickoff TD return or the Twins giving up a lead off homerun, when the first shot on goal goes into the back of the net the players AND the fans get kicked in the gut. Does anyone know what Kangas's save percentage is on the first 6 shots of the game?? He's the Brad Radke of college hockey. There's been at least three games THIS SEASON where he's allowed a goal within the first 5 shots; I'd be terrified to know about his career stats on that. I'm frustrated about alot of things but constantly giving up the first goal is killing us. Kangas is not to blame for all the goals scored on him...he was to blame for the first three last night. A good WHCA goalie stops those shots and gives his team a better chance to win. Yes, I saw the stat that Kangas is ranked very well for save percentage, etc. Stats are great and give us all an opportunity to compare and contrast over a season or career; show me the "first 5 shot save percentage" stat and if it's over .899 I'll shut up about it.

Last but not least, with everyone calling out tDon, has anyone considered that G. Potulny may not be adding the Assistant Coach value that has been here in the past? I loved him as a player but shouldn't he be in the mix when it comes to scrutiny along with Lucia? When the Vikings D was killing, Tomlin got the credit and then got a new job. When they sucked, Foge Fazio got canned. Maybe a bad comparison but Lucia's staff is accountable too. Maybe it's just Lucia that's accountable for bringing in hsi coaching staff. I don't know. I just don't like losing. Be well all and have a good day.

[Greyeagle]

I cannot believe how poorly this team passes the puck.

I am not a gopher fan

No way. Seriously?

[Gopherguy33]

I wasn't as disappointed as many were with the game last night. I thought the things that bothered me most are things that can be corrected. Kangas had a bad night. It happens sometimes. He has played well this year and had an off night. I would have loved to see him stop a couple of those goals. They continue to miss the net. Ness had his from the point with nobody within 15 feet and he missed the net, Nico was hustling and in the right spots. I like him there(1st line) and he will finish. I loved what I saw from Budish and Birkholz. Oh, one thing..did I see pat White go to the net? I screamed holy sh*t put it home! He is playing much better this year too. I see many more good things than bad and see hope for this team.. The only thing that is really bugging me, pass to the stick or space not the skates!! Split tonight and we have 6 of last 8 WCHA points going into an easier portion of the schedule. Nick Larson played with determination, as did most of the guys. Jake Hansen...WTF? Go Gophers!!!

[JWG]

I'm disappointed but not devastated. This echos back to 2007-2008 when we couldn't get a bounce to go our way and we'd lose 1-0, 2-1 every night. We had chances, we created chances, we had opportunities, but couldn't get the puck luck. We had at least 2-3 opportunities to bury a puck and it just didn't go, including the one that miraculously slid through the crease, in front of the leg of the goalie and hit the front of the pipe. That had all sorts of opportunities to deflect into the net and didn't. Then there was Sacchetti or Schroeder's double-tap (can't remember which) in front of the goal that just wouldn't go. The puck wasn't right to his stick, so while I think you have to bury it, it wasn't a perfect opportunity.

I guess my point is, they're a lot closer to 2-3 more goals last night then they are to looking horrible. I think this team will improve over the season as we're now playing a lot of underclassmen. May not mean we're the conference winner by the time they figure it out, but should position us well for a good Final 5 and NCAA run if they can manage a Top 5 finish.

Time will tell, but traditionally this team is good either early or late and not bad all season.

[Gophers are the best]

When are we going to see the Gopher teams we've had before? The one's that lost maybe 10-12 games a year and made a great post-season run? I miss those teams and I think we all do. What is going on outhere in finding great players? Is that the problem not finding the right players to wear the M?

Anyone know?

[PowPow]

When are we going to see the Gopher teams we've had before? The one's that lost maybe 10-12 games a year and made a great post-season run? I miss those teams and I think we all do. What is going on outhere in finding great players? Is that the problem not finding the right players to wear the M?

Anyone know?

I know, but I can't tell you. It will violate my non-compete.

[frozen4champs]

Kangas was bad. Plain and simple, the Gophers are not going to score 4 + goals a night vs the good teams, so they must rely on solid goaltending. He needs to make a tough save, and steal some games for the Gophers. You can not give up a softy 1 minute into a game.

When tDon sees another blind backhanded pass, that player needs to sit. TOO many turnovers.

Need to put Schroeder on the point on the PP. Get a body in front of the net, and fire away. If the Gophers get 4-5 more PP goals, they could have won a couple of more games.

Where has Fairchild gone?

How can Woog say that Kangas is a top 3 goalie in the WCHA?

On Woog, I've heard 2 different people say that something is wrong with Woog. It's medical. He's not drunk. Hope they were wrong.

Go Gophers, and let's get a win tonight.

[ScoobyDoo]

On Woog, I've heard 2 different people say that something is wrong with Woog. It's medical. He's not drunk. Hope they were wrong.

I've heard this too. It is getting sickening having everyone on the board(s) calling him a drunk.

[Greyeagle]

On Woog, I've heard 2 different people say that something is wrong with Woog. It's medical. He's not drunk. Hope they were wrong.

I've heard this too. It is getting sickening having everyone on the board(s) calling him a drunk.

Yikes, that isn't good as it seems to imply something neurological.

[PowPow]

On Woog, I've heard 2 different people say that something is wrong with Woog. It's medical. He's not drunk. Hope they were wrong.

I've heard this too. It is getting sickening having everyone on the board(s) calling him a drunk.

I'm a drunk and even I can see that Kangas is not a good goalie currently. Woog does seem a bit off center. Every once in a while you see him just staring into space on camera. If he was hammered, we'd have a lot more woogisms.

[Handyman]

Can we not speculate about something we have no idea about...it never ends well when someone who "heard something" starts talking about the health of others. Unless your last name is Woog or are his doctor leave it alone.

[momo]

The gophers record in the regular season the last ten years against wisco, no.dak, and denver is 45-46-15, so to assume that our record against them this year should be alot better is far fetched. I realize that we are 0-4-1 so far this year, but 3 of the 5 have been on the road. Sorry for the semi-positive post, I know some of you will be pissed at me for that.

[HockeyBum]

I don't think it's a lack of effort. Aside from 2 or 3 guys, I just don't think that this team has a lot of talent. It's a collection of mediocre players (at best). When a guy like Sacchetti is on your top line, you've got some problems. I think they'll end up in about 5th or 6th place, right about where they belong.

[frozen4champs]

Can we not speculate about something we have no idea about...it never ends well when someone who "heard something" starts talking about the health of others. Unless your last name is Woog or are his doctor leave it alone.

Sorry I threw that out. Just wanted to point out it could be something else..

[g_manpucker]

Here are my views on the game:

-Kangas was like he was last year...bipolar. He would make great saves one minute then give up 2 VERY stoppable goals Patterson in net tonight please, Alex isn't the hot hand right now.

-Too many turnovers off of lackluster hustle, stupid passes, and DAMN DROP PASSES...IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE GUY, HE MIGHT NOT BE THERE, DON'T PASS THE PUCK!!!!

-The Gophers did show some fire but if you have a chance to shoot at the net, take it. I thought a lot of open shots were not taken so that they could pass the puck. If they take those shots the SOG would have been 30-30.

Before the weekend I predicted a 3 point weekend for the Gophers, last night was the time to earn the 1 point and it didn't come through. I hope that tDon points out what was pretty obvious to most of us last night, because reading the posts we are all agreeing on what the problems were. They need to fix the mistakes, play harder, and give Alex the night off. I am ready for a Gopher victory tonight!! Go Gophers!!

[Gopherguy33]

Here are my views on the game:

-Kangas was like he was last year...bipolar. He would make great saves one minute then give up 2 VERY stoppable goals Patterson in net tonight please, Alex isn't the hot hand right now.

-Too many turnovers off of lackluster hustle, stupid passes, and DAMN DROP PASSES...IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE GUY, HE MIGHT NOT BE THERE, DON'T PASS THE PUCK!!!!

-The Gophers did show some fire but if you have a chance to shoot at the net, take it. I thought a lot of open shots were not taken so that they could pass the puck. If they take those shots the SOG would have been 30-30.

Before the weekend I predicted a 3 point weekend for the Gophers, last night was the time to earn the 1 point and it didn't come through. I hope that tDon points out what was pretty obvious to most of us last night, because reading the posts we are all agreeing on what the problems were. They need to fix the mistakes, play harder, and give Alex the night off. I am ready for a Gopher victory tonight!! Go Gophers!!

Patterson in tonight per hammy's tweet.

[raskol22]

Was it Sacchetti backchecking on the 4th goal? I thought it was but now I'm uncertain. Either way, that just drove me insane. He had a step on the guy. His only job is to make sure that guy doesn't get that shot off. He failed, we lost. And I was loving our chances of tying it up until that point; we were buzzin'! But, dammit, just another example of a team that hasn't played with enough fire for far too long. I want to see desperation, anger, aggressiveness, all done smartly, of course. I haven't seen that in far too long. I continue to blame the coach. But I still like him and hope we turn it around. Whatever, I don't think anyone wants the inane Lucia debates to start. I don't care, I just want to cheer for a team I can be proud of again. Here's hoping...

[Orion]

Does anyone have the attempted shot numbers? 32-19 SOGs is only bad if we didn't have many of our shots blocked...it my book at least.

I don't have the numbers but there were a lot of blocked shots. And how many times did we passpasspass and whoopseedrizzle, forget to shoot?!

I don't buy into this, 'but we had alot of shots blocked' excuse. Two things: A, if we were playing better hockey we would be blocking shots just like the other team. B, if we were playing better hockey we would have more shots. Either way, we are still getting outplayed and it shows in the shot total by us not getting things done offensive or defensively.

[Orion]

We played in a very hostile environment and lost due to four mental mistakes. 2 by Kangas. And I think the Kohl center is a very intimidating place to play, perhaps even more so than Mariucci. It seemed that way in the first minute at least where we got scored on by a decent forecheck and a weak goal. Wisco fans aren't very smart but they are passionate and loud.

Hostile environment, I've heard libraries louder then the Kohl center tonight. Even Frank and Doug were commenting how quiet it was..

Good teams can play anywhere and the environment isn't going to dictate the outcome.

Were not a very good team..YET!

I am starting to wonder if the quiet home crowds are some effect of the big ten schools? I'm curious to see what it is like when I head out to MI in a couple weeks. Not a fair test though since its over Thanksgiving. It just seems like schools are trying to be more pc in their athletics.

[Hammy]

Admittedly, I am not at practice every day to break down goalie performance... but Lucia is starting to lose me a bit with his decisions in that area.

The alternating of goalies seemed to be working fine (even though the end results didn't show wins the first two weekends). It sounded like he was going to start Patterson today yet I hear a change of heart has happened and it sounds like it will be Kangas again. Does Kangas have some sort of secret information on Lucia that allows him to continue getting the nod even when it may not be deserved?

I wasn't happy about the goalie decisions last year and appears like it is starting to happen again this year. Lucia admitted he should have done a better job rotating goalies last year and yet this year....

He needs to get over that late season performance from Kangas a few years ago. That shouldn't earn him indefinite leeway as the #1 guy. Patterson is a good goalie. Split the damn starts and let game performance dictate "the man" down the stretch.

[dryfly]

I don't buy into this, 'but we had alot of shots blocked' excuse. Two things: A, if we were playing better hockey we would be blocking shots just like the other team. B, if we were playing better hockey we would have more shots. Either way, we are still getting outplayed and it shows in the shot total by us not getting things done offensive or defensively.

Out shot + Out Played = Out Scored = Losses

Pretty hard to deny.

Once in a while being out shot isn't an indicator of deeper problems - especially if a team has a number of snipers who only need a shot or two to finish... or a smothering defense that doesn't allow the opposition to finish easily and so giving up shots isn't likely to result in many opponent goals. Neither case describes this particular Gopher team. We need to get more action around the opposing team's net and a lot less around our own or it is going to be a long season.

I said a couple of weeks ago - the coaches need to send the message - go to the net or go to the end of the bench.

[The Rube]

Does anyone have the attempted shot numbers? 32-19 SOGs is only bad if we didn't have many of our shots blocked...it my book at least.

I don't have the numbers but there were a lot of blocked shots. And how many times did we passpasspass and whoopseedrizzle, forget to shoot?!

I don't buy into this, 'but we had alot of shots blocked' excuse. Two things: A, if we were playing better hockey we would be blocking shots just like the other team. B, if we were playing better hockey we would have more shots. Either way, we are still getting outplayed and it shows in the shot total by us not getting things done offensive or defensively.

Playing against a defensive, trap-playing team will increase the chances of your shots being blocked. That's all I'm saying. Even if you have the best snipers in the league, when you're playing against a team like MTU or WI, you're going to see a lower SOG total, and with a lower SOG total, chances are you are going to have a lower goal total.

It's not an excuse, it's part of what happened last night to contribute to the loss.

[dryfly]

Admittedly, I am not at practice every day to break down goalie performance... but Lucia is starting to lose me a bit with his decisions in that area.

The alternating of goalies seemed to be working fine (even though the end results didn't show wins the first two weekends). It sounded like he was going to start Patterson today yet I hear a change of heart has happened and it sounds like it will be Kangas again. Does Kangas have some sort of secret information on Lucia that allows him to continue getting the nod even when it may not be deserved?

I wasn't happy about the goalie decisions last year and appears like it is starting to happen again this year. Lucia admitted he should have done a better job rotating goalies last year and yet this year....

He needs to get over that late season performance from Kangas a few years ago. That shouldn't earn him indefinite leeway as the #1 guy. Patterson is a good goalie. Split the damn starts and let game performance dictate "the man" down the stretch.

I agree - but Kangas did look pretty good last week too - so maybe the coaches are praying that Kangas returns even though UAA isn't Bucky at home.

[g_manpucker]

Starting Alex is a mistake!!! Last year we kept waiting for him to turn it around and when he didn't and Patterson started to get some time it was TOO late. Even though we lost the first two series I was happy with the alternating goalies, it should have continued last weekend. Of course a #1 goalie was going to sweep the weekend, a #2 would probably have done it also with the way the Gophers played last weekend. Lucia NEEDS to send the message to Alex that the job is his to win and lose, 2 soft goals is not going to keep you in net...those 2 goals were totally on Kangas.

The last goal Nico let up and Fischer should have pressed his guy earlier, but it started with a turnover. To win tonight we have to take care of the puck by making short good passes...not rink wide passes, no look passes, or the dreaded "Minnesota Wild" drop pass!

[MarkDL]

Admittedly, I am not at practice every day to break down goalie performance... but Lucia is starting to lose me a bit with his decisions in that area.

The alternating of goalies seemed to be working fine (even though the end results didn't show wins the first two weekends). It sounded like he was going to start Patterson today yet I hear a change of heart has happened and it sounds like it will be Kangas again. Does Kangas have some sort of secret information on Lucia that allows him to continue getting the nod even when it may not be deserved?

I wasn't happy about the goalie decisions last year and appears like it is starting to happen again this year. Lucia admitted he should have done a better job rotating goalies last year and yet this year....

He needs to get over that late season performance from Kangas a few years ago. That shouldn't earn him indefinite leeway as the #1 guy. Patterson is a good goalie. Split the damn starts and let game performance dictate "the man" down the stretch.

The sad thing to me is, as a Coach you want your players to learn from their mistakes, yet Lucia hasn't taken the lesson of last year to heart. The right things are said, but not put into practice or abandoned.

[Tuuk]

Don't get me wrong, I have high hopes that Kangas can return to form (on a consistant basis), but if Patterson doesn't get a shot when Kangas is a little off, when will he? I'd be a little concered that Patterson may end up wanting to go somewhere that gives him a legitamate opportunity to play. I'm not looking to push tDon off a cliff, but I agree with Hammy that his handling of the goalies the last couple years has been less than stellar.

[F Da Sue]

Admittedly, I am not at practice every day to break down goalie performance... but Lucia is starting to lose me a bit with his decisions in that area.

The alternating of goalies seemed to be working fine (even though the end results didn't show wins the first two weekends). It sounded like he was going to start Patterson today yet I hear a change of heart has happened and it sounds like it will be Kangas again. Does Kangas have some sort of secret information on Lucia that allows him to continue getting the nod even when it may not be deserved?

I wasn't happy about the goalie decisions last year and appears like it is starting to happen again this year. Lucia admitted he should have done a better job rotating goalies last year and yet this year....

He needs to get over that late season performance from Kangas a few years ago. That shouldn't earn him indefinite leeway as the #1 guy. Patterson is a good goalie. Split the damn starts and let game performance dictate "the man" down the stretch.

If I'm Patterson and Kangas gets the start tonight I would pull a "Cepis" and start playing for a different team in January of 11'. Patterson is a good goalie who was highly recruited by numerous top programs.

[trixR4kids]

I just have one question...it is about nothing specific since I saw none of the game and only heard the 3rd period but I think it needs to be asked:

At what point is does it go from "We played hard just couldn't finish" or "A couple mental mistakes hurt us" to "We don't have the guns to compete" and "we just aren't playing that well"? I ask this not to flame or claim the sky is falling but because I honestly want to know. A lot of the positive comments remind me of what Tech fans and UAA fans used to say when they would get swept by the Gophers but one of the games would end up close. The negative comments sound like SS fans who hate the team half the season. Is there some line in the sand where it flips and how close are the Gophers to it right now?

The team can win tomorrow and I think we all would be happy with a split on the road, but I think people need to accept the fact that with this team for this season is going to be up and down and will have zero margin for error. In the past the Gophers could afford to make a few mistakes and still find ways to win, this team isnt talented enough to do that. They cant overcome a bad game by Kangas, or tons of turnovers by the D...they just dont have the horses it would seem.

On to tomorrow...dont lose to Sconnie again.

I hate having to say that "we could/ have should" etc but even the Bucky fans yesterday were not pleased with what they saw. Badgers were back on their heals for the most part and played like trash, they just got two sloppy Kangas goals and one where Patrick White just lost the puck between his skates resulting in a two on one. Difference between them and us is as you said the margin for error, we have none and they didn't play good hockey at all but still got the win.

Also the fact that Kangas is playing today angers me. Patterson has yet to play a bad game (both seasons) and Kangas has already played one this season and however many last season. I've been waffling in regards to Lucia's future but this really doesn't help his cause.

[Jupiter]

I may run this site, but I am a fan not an X's and O's guy... But here are my thoughts from my "fans" perspective.

- You can't score unless you get your shot ON NET. I am really getting sick of guys trying to pick their spots and only have the puck go a foot or two wide and there is no chance for a rebound. Shoot low and crash the net for a possible rebound.

- When we aren't missing the net... We have guys right in front of the net with the puck not shooting. They try to make that last pass and everything falls a part. If you have a shot take the shot. (On net of course)

- Can our defense actually get a shot to the net??? It seems to me that they can't and they know it. You see them try to make a play to avoid the shins, yet they still end up hitting the shins of a player in front of them. It getting almost comical.

- Is it just me or is Schroeder just not skating hard? He seems to be coasting. A few times in this early season I have waited for him to turn on the jets and nothing happens. Just last night he could have had a 2 on 1, but he didn't bust his ass to get to the puck and they got their D back in to position. Very frustrating.

- We greatly improved our season faceoff win percentage last week against Anchorage, but against real opponents it has been awful! We cannot win an important faceoff to save our life. Late game offensive zone faceoff losses are killing us. Not winning faceoffs on icing calls are hurting us big time too. Just last night UW was very tired and iced it 2 times in a few seconds. Yet we lost both of those faceoffs and failed to take advantage. We must improve in this area or we are going nowhere.

[streakygopher]

If we added up all of the Gopher power play opportunities, Minnesota would score TWO GOALS in what equates to a 60-minute game playing with a man advantage (30 or so power plays). Not sure how many short handed goals they have given up this season, but wouldn't surprise me if the Gophers would LOSE these sixty minutes playing every minute with a man advantage (short handed goals against > power plays for).

[trixR4kids]

As drunk as I was I noticed how bad the faceoffs were. Schroeder particularly.

Also if Schroeder keeps playing like he does is he gonna go to the pros or will he be back for another year? Or none of the above?

[kmd]

I am starting to wonder if the quiet home crowds are some effect of the big ten schools? I'm curious to see what it is like when I head out to MI in a couple weeks. Not a fair test though since its over Thanksgiving. It just seems like schools are trying to be more pc in their athletics.

The student section during the Showcase at Yost is about 5% of what it usually is, and it's the alumni band instead of the regular band.

Michigan's athletic department doesn't do too much to try and be PC. They really cracked down on people using "c-cksucker" at the end of the C-Ya cheer (though it's starting to come back), and they try to have the band play over the C-Ya cheer, but nothing besides that. I don't think they even did anything when the students managed to have the F-bomb come across loud and clear on Fox Sports Detroit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI-sYE1DsMs , about 1:07).

Michigan State as a whole is too much of a football school. Even the year after they won the national championship, they seemed to have trouble getting people interested in hockey. AFAIK, the administration has never done anything about their vulgar cheers (like "C-ya, b****!"), at least nothing that's succeeded. But they did recently create a student group called the Puckheads, and from what I've heard the administration is calling the shots and keeping things watered down. And despite all of that stuff, the atmosphere has always been good the Michigan-Michigan State games, so there's really no excuse for things being dead at a Minnesota/Wisconsin game.

[Gophers are the best]

Something with this Gopher team has got to change I think we can all agree on that. I can only guess that the level of frustration with the current team must sky high but you also make your own luck by crashing the net, going for rebounds, playing hard for 60 minutes two nights a week. How hard is that to do? I really can't understand why for the last 3 years that this mediocre level of play has just continued. Do these guys not realize that talent won't win games for you? That you have to play hard and work hard for 60 minutes a night? This is just ridiculous. I think that if these guys have another bad year finishing outside the top 5 in the league, not making the WCHA Tournament and the NCAA Tournament than I think it could be time to look for another coach as much as I hate to say it. I like the Don a lot but I also hate losing season after season etc.

I hope the Gophers can pull off a victory tonight!