#2 Gophers vs #11 BADgers (Feb 5 & 6)

[frozen4champs]

My fears have been confirmed. We are Wisconsin's bitch.

Yep, in the last 24 games vs BADgers the Gophers are 14-9-1.

[JDUBBS1280]

My fears have been confirmed. We are Wisconsin's bitch.

Yep, in the last 24 games vs BADgers the Gophers are 14-9-1.

No doubt. And have almost twice as many wins head-to-head historically. Guy clearly isn’t a Gopher hockey fan.

[JDUBBS1280]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

[BuckyFan]

It's a great day for hockey.

[JDUBBS1280]

It's a great day for hockey.

Wisconsin won, so it’s clearly not. Great day for the BADgers, but not for hockey.

[JoeGopher]

And what were people saying earlier today about my comments being a 7-10 team nationally in any other year? I like this team. I think they just played an unfortunate schedule early where they weren't really tested until Wisco after the WJC break. They are playing to their ability and drive. I think they will finish either 2nd or 3rd in the B10 this year; get a bid for the tourney and lose in the first or second round. An improvement from last year and a necessary step for the years to come.

In case you're wondering, and I am guessing you're not, I predict they finish the year either 4-4 0r 3-5. Still a good year and an improvement from last year.

[frozen4champs]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

[Cowgirl]

We had a rough weekend. They happen. Better now than in the postseason. Let’s have some faith our guys will right the ship and make a good run the last four series.

RowtheboatskiumahgoGophers.

[JDUBBS1280]

And what were people saying earlier today about my comments being a 7-10 team nationally in any other year? I like this team. I think they just played an unfortunate schedule early where they weren't really tested until Wisco after the WJC break. They are playing to their ability and drive. I think they will finish either 2nd or 3rd in the B10 this year; get a bid for the tourney and lose in the first or second round. An improvement from last year and a necessary step for the years to come.

In case you're wondering, and I am guessing you're not, I predict they finish the year either 4-4 0r 3-5. Still a good year and an improvement from last year.

Look at their goal differential before this weekend. It was historically good. This isn’t a middle of the pack team in terms of talent. They played a team that should be in the Top 5 nationally and no-showed. This Gopher team is every bit as good as Wisconsin, but didn’t play like it this weekend. Wisconsin did.

[Cowgirl]

It's a great day for hockey.

Please go troll elsewhere.

[D2D]

Is this the same team that started the season 10-0?

Yes, but they're playing different teams.

Based on tonight's performance I would argue that they are NOT the same team. The earlier version would not lose a series to Wisconsin by a combined 12-1.

[JDUBBS1280]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

Thanks. Not sure how they couldn’t get up for this weekend. I’d makes the practices a living Hell this week.

[BuckyFan]

You'll be alright, cow. Try getting some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning, I promise.

[thinkbui]

One thing that's clear to me from this game is LaFontaine is definitely our #1 goalie. He may have been pulled after just over one period, but it wasn't really on him while Wisco never really gave Moe or Close their best shot. It was probably the right decision to pull him after that 4th goal and give him a rest before next weekend, but I actually wonder if our best chance to claw back into this game would have been to leave him in goal.

[frozen4champs]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

Thanks. Not sure how they couldn’t get up for this weekend. I’d makes the practices a living Hell this week.

If this doesn't put a chip on their shoulder, nothing will. The optimist that I am, I think they will circle the wagons and redeem themselves next weekend. Plus, they have the ND sweep on their mind from last time. We will see what kind of leaders they have.

[frozen4champs]

One thing that's clear to me from this game is LaFontaine is definitely our #1 goalie. He may have been pulled after just over one period, but it wasn't really on him while Wisco never really gave Moe or Close their best shot. It was probably the right decision to pull him after that 4th goal and give him a rest before next weekend, but I actually wonder if our best chance to claw back into this game would have been to leave him in goal.

Plus, if he was really nicked up in warmups, it may have been best to pull him to rest that.

[Cowgirl]

You'll be alright, cow. Try getting some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning, I promise.

That’s nice. Ass.

[JDUBBS1280]

You'll be alright, cow. Try getting some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning, I promise.

That’s nice. Ass.

He’s a Wisconsin hockey fan, so cut him some slack. He’s probably been waiting to gloat on here for a decade.

[BuckyFan]

Not gloating, but it is a great day for hockey! (Bob Johnson).

[Bertogliat]

Hammer Time.

[Bladepuller]

Nuke 'em.

[Bladepuller]

It's a great day for hockey.

Ironic that a guy from South Minneapolis & an ex-Gopher coinedthat phrase.

[frozen4champs]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

Thanks. Not sure how they couldn’t get up for this weekend. I’d makes the practices a living Hell this week.

He did seem a bit more pointed during his media Q & A though. Vegoe has a recap of it on Twitter.

[BuckyFan]

No nuking... No hammering... Just some good natured ribbing from a rival fan. No disrespect intended. Don't be so thin-skinned. Peace out, Golden Gophers! See ya in the post season.

[Bladepuller]

WTF? You reel in your baits. Keep trolling.

[Diesel Gopher]

You'll be alright, cow. Try getting some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning, I promise.

I’d tell you to go yourself, but I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy that.

[JDUBBS1280]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

Thanks. Not sure how they couldn’t get up for this weekend. I’d makes the practices a living Hell this week.

He did seem a bit more pointed during his media Q & A though. Vegoe has a recap of it on Twitter.

Thank you sir. Will check that out when I’m done venting on Twitter

[JDUBBS1280]

No nuking... No hammering... Just some good natured ribbing from a rival fan. No disrespect intended. Don't be so thin-skinned. Peace out, Golden Gophers! See ya in the post season.

Sorry, but I have no respect for your program or your fans. Disrespect intended

[BuckyFan]

I’d tell you to go yourself, but I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy that.

Clever comeback if we were still in middle school. You can do better.

[Cowgirl]

Why does anyone post on an opposing fans message board? To TROLL.

I mean we do have the best college hockey message board there is.....

l

[BuckyFan]

Sorry, but I have no respect for your program or your fans. Disrespect intended

Wouldn't want it any other way!
#BorderBattle
#Rivalry

[BuckyFan]

we do have the best college hockey message board there is.....

That you do, you'll get no argument from me.

[JDUBBS1280]

Sorry, but I have no respect for your program or your fans. Disrespect intended

Wouldn't want it any other way!
#BorderBattle
#Rivalry

We’re 176-99-24 against you. Wouldn’t call that much of a rivalry. If you’d been coming around while we were sweeping the floor with your program in recent years, the responses you’re getting would be much more good natured.

[JDUBBS1280]

we do have the best college hockey message board there is.....

That you do, you'll get no argument from me.

You seem to not understand that we don’t care what you think either way.

[BuckyFan]

Good night and God speed Gophers!

[Jupiter]

He's been here since 2005 and basically wakes up today just to troll? Banned for a week. Meaning it will be another 5 years until he is back.

[Jupiter]

Post game comments from Motzko, McManus and Meyers.

[The Rube]

[JDUBBS1280]

Post game comments from Motzko, McManus and Meyers.

Thanks Jup!

[Vegoe]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

Thanks. Not sure how they couldn’t get up for this weekend. I’d makes the practices a living Hell this week.

He did seem a bit more pointed during his media Q & A though. Vegoe has a recap of it on Twitter.

He was holding back tonight from really speaking his mind. He's been around long enough to be even keeled as a coach, even when his team is not. All the calls for bag skate and hell week practices will only weaken their legs for playing Notre Dame. The only way to get through to kids who won't listen to coaching is taking away power play time, taking away ice time, taking away practice time, taking away coaching time, etc. It's not like they can make a trade or call guys up to send a message.

The way they've played tonight will not fly the next few weeks. Practice can be firm and targeted on what they need to focus on going forward, but based on what I've seen the past two years -- that's probably already happening and this team should know better by now. They might have some young D in Faber and Koster, but LaCombe and Johnson have been through this. Their forwards are very experienced--they should know what's coming.

This next week is why Motzko gets paid the big bucks. There are a lot of eyes on the program, just look at the Star Tribune on Saturday and they have a huge opportunity to define where they're headed the rest of this month.

And... Wisconsin is back. Maybe that's a good thing?

[00xtremeninja]

Sometimes in life you get your dick knocked into the dirt. It's how you respond that matters. No time to feel sorry for themselves, gotta be ready for ND

[Cowgirl]

Sometimes in life you get your dick knocked into the dirt. It's how you respond that matters. No time to feel sorry for themselves, gotta be ready for ND

Never experienced that, but I’ll use my imagination.

Shake it off and get back to work!

[JWG]

I’ll reserve judgment until after the Notre Dame series. After their last four games and a 30 goal outburst they may have needed a wake up.

[DreamLoss]

But yeah, not worth getting too down on the team after that game. We're still the better overall team and I think we'll come out stronger tomorrow and win.

Wow, was I ever wrong. This series reminds me of the 2-8 and 3-6 losses against Penn State last season (both of which I was unfortunately in attendance for).

Tonight was embarrassing but I have a ton of confidence in Bob and the team to turn it around.

[JDUBBS1280]

Really anxious to hear what Bob has to say after this disaster of a game. This team should get a week of solid bag skates after this effort. Two goals on the weekend. Brutal.

He said on the radio post game that they were flat as a door nail. Said he did not see this coming. He said he didn't think he had to blow anything up. He seemed fairly calm. I just think he was shocked and really did not have much to say about it. I think he will practice them like he did after the losses to ND earlier.

Thanks. Not sure how they couldn’t get up for this weekend. I’d makes the practices a living Hell this week.

He did seem a bit more pointed during his media Q & A though. Vegoe has a recap of it on Twitter.

He was holding back tonight from really speaking his mind. He's been around long enough to be even keeled as a coach, even when his team is not. All the calls for bag skate and hell week practices will only weaken their legs for playing Notre Dame. The only way to get through to kids who won't listen to coaching is taking away power play time, taking away ice time, taking away practice time, taking away coaching time, etc. It's not like they can make a trade or call guys up to send a message.

The way they've played tonight will not fly the next few weeks. Practice can be firm and targeted on what they need to focus on going forward, but based on what I've seen the past two years -- that's probably already happening and this team should know better by now. They might have some young D in Faber and Koster, but LaCombe and Johnson have been through this. Their forwards are very experienced--they should know what's coming.

This next week is why Motzko gets paid the big bucks. There are a lot of eyes on the program, just look at the Star Tribune on Saturday and they have a huge opportunity to define where they're headed the rest of this month.

And... Wisconsin is back. Maybe that's a good thing?

I’d bag skate them. They’re young. Their legs can take it. If you can’t get up for a big series like this, there are big issues. Getting swept is one thing, but this was a complete embarrassment. No time to be soft IMO. Just my $0.02, but I certainly see your points.

And UW is good this year. Is that “back”? It is good to have a good UMN/UW/UM. The conference needs it. But UW hasn’t been consistently good in a long time and I have my doubts that they’ll return to that.

[Cowgirl]

Is fatiguing them physically the best recourse? I don’t know. I didn’t grow up playing hockey and I’m not sure archaic methods of punishment will yield the results we want. Not denying a message needs to be sent, but physically or emotionally abusing our guys isn’t the right answer. Yes they should have some extra work this week, but hopefully their mental coaches (this has to be a thing these days?) can help them fix their headspace.

We’ve had a taste of tArrogance and I know we have all been starved of it for some time, let’s hope coach knows how to get the best out of these guys. I do believe we have a very special team, but we need to bring our A game to every series the rest of this season.

Keep the faith, Gopher fans. It’s my middle name, so I’ll do as much as I can.

[JDUBBS1280]

Is fatiguing them physically the best recourse? I don’t know. I didn’t grow up playing hockey and I’m not sure archaic methods of punishment will yield the results we want. Not denying a message needs to be sent, but physically or emotionally abusing our guys isn’t the right answer. Yes they should have some extra work this week, but hopefully their mental coaches (this has to be a thing these days?) can help them fix their headspace.

We’ve had a taste of tArrogance and I know we have all been starved of it for some time, let’s hope coach knows how to get the best out of these guys. I do believe we have a very special team, but we need to bring our A game to every series the rest of this season.

Keep the faith, Gopher fans. It’s my middle name, so I’ll do as much as I can.

Not sure if I would call bag skates archaic. Not sure how effective it would be with this group, and you and Vegoe certainly do make some good points. However, it is a little concerning when the team can’t get up for a big series. Again, it’s not that they got swept. They got embarrassed.

I am not a sky falling type of guy, and I still think this team is very good. However, they need to learn to bring intensity every night and this is the second series this year they got completely outworked. If this isn’t the right time to put the pucks away at practice and make them skate, then I don’t know what is. Teams shouldn’t have to repeatedly learn this lesson. It’s frustrating.

[streakygopher]

There is no way to spin this positively, so I won't even try. They were humiliated in every aspect of the game.

Their arch rival just came into a bigger rink and beat the Gophers at their own game - twice. In the process they swapped spots with them in the league standing. Wisconsin scored on their first three shots in two games, and dropped a snowman on them tonight. It was quite shocking.

After starting 10-0, they're a .500 club - and they've lost against the better teams. Wisconsin is so far ahead of the Gophers right now. Minnesota is completely deflated and devoid of confidence.

I think this team has been overrated for some time now, and I expect they'll slip badly in the polls as a result of this Chernobyl weekend.

[JDUBBS1280]

There is no way to spin this positively, so I won't even try. They were humiliated in every aspect of the game.

Their arch rival just came into a bigger rink and beat the Gophers at their own game - twice. In the process they swapped spots with them in the league standing. Wisconsin scored on their first three shots in two games, and dropped a snowman on them tonight. It was quite shocking.

After starting 10-0, they're a .500 club - and they've lost against the better teams. Wisconsin is so far ahead of the Gophers right now. Minnesota is completely deflated and devoid of confidence.

I think this team has been overrated for some time now, and I expect they'll slip badly in the polls as a result of this Chernobyl weekend.

They certainly deserve to fall drastically in the polls, and I am not sure that is a bad thing. I am still convinced this team is a really good team. You don’t get the goal differential (even minus the ASU series) they had and win all games in regulation if you are an average team. They have the potential to be a great team, but they are certainly not without weaknesses and seem to really struggle with adversity.

[Cowgirl]

There is no way to spin this positively, so I won't even try. They were humiliated in every aspect of the game.

Their arch rival just came into a bigger rink and beat the Gophers at their own game - twice. In the process they swapped spots with them in the league standing. Wisconsin scored on their first three shots in two games, and dropped a snowman on them tonight. It was quite shocking.

After starting 10-0, they're a .500 club - and they've lost against the better teams. Wisconsin is so far ahead of the Gophers right now. Minnesota is completely deflated and devoid of confidence.

I think this team has been overrated for some time now, and I expect they'll slip badly in the polls as a result of this Chernobyl weekend.

Next weekend will define if that statement is true.

[USHANABI]

I'm recalling a game on MSC back in the winter of '89 - Friday, February 10th at North Dakota.

The Gophers started the season with 6 straight wins that year and had already beaten North Dakota at home ( Williams Arena - 2-1 and 7-1 ). And, at that point in time, were 26 - 7 - 3 ( in all games [ their only losses to Northern Michigan, Minnesota Duluth { 2 }, RPI { NC }, Western Michigan { NC }, Michigan Tech, and Boston University { NC } ] ), 19 - 4 - 1 ( in the WCHA ).

Robb Stauber was the goalie. But in the largest ever win for a North Dakota team against the Gophers, they poured in 9 unanswered goals against Stauber.

To say the least, it was disheartening to watch - like Stauber was blind-folded, or had a hole in his mit . . . 9-0!

The Gophers went 8 and 4 for the balance of the season. Garnering "Consolation" honors in the WCHA tournament ( beating CC [ twice ], before losing to Denver and Wisconsin ). Then, in the NCAAs, beating Wisconsin ( twice ), Maine ( 7-4 ) in the semi-final, before losing the "CLANGER" in OT to Harvard ( 4-3 ).

Go Gophers!

[north45]

Good night and God speed Gophers!

It has always amused me when BADger fans gloat about their team. Teams with rosters heavily loaded with Minnesota hockey players and usually few if any Wisconsin developed hockey players. Granted Holden Cau(l)field is a great hockey player but all in all Wisconsin itself doesn't produce much talent at all.

[frozen4champs]

Is fatiguing them physically the best recourse? I don’t know. I didn’t grow up playing hockey and I’m not sure archaic methods of punishment will yield the results we want. Not denying a message needs to be sent, but physically or emotionally abusing our guys isn’t the right answer. Yes they should have some extra work this week, but hopefully their mental coaches (this has to be a thing these days?) can help them fix their headspace.

We’ve had a taste of tArrogance and I know we have all been starved of it for some time, let’s hope coach knows how to get the best out of these guys. I do believe we have a very special team, but we need to bring our A game to every series the rest of this season.

Keep the faith, Gopher fans. It’s my middle name, so I’ll do as much as I can.

I agree. I think a spirited practice is more of a solution than fatiguing them with a bag skate. Just like tBob did after the last ND series, work on puck battles and the basics and try to keep their legs fresh. They can draw on last years Whioux series and lets hope they can finish this year like they did last year.

[ex_goldy]

I wouldn’t bag skate them but build from it. Someone commented that WI had some horseshoe luck. I saw some lax skating and disinterest, low effort. Players create their luck. This is what you earned, poor play at this level is going to stick to you as a player. Show the mistakes and get it all in the open, even if there were so many it takes hours. Noter Dame is playing some great hockey and will be a tough series. It’s not on Bob, and it’s not just a reflection on the program, it’s on them. They dug a hole. Another week of we will see what happens.

[USHANABI]

Notre Dame is playing some great hockey and will be a tough series.

If you DVR'd the Notre Dame vs Ohio State game last evening, then that is, indeed, what you saw - in an identical score game ( though apple and oranges opponent comparison ): 8 - 1 Notre Dame https://und.com/ndhockey-highlights-vs- ... te-2-6-21/

I guess I would stress again that 17 minute TED Talk by John Wooden in the signature . . . .

Go Gophers!

[JoeGopher]

I am all for the comeback and the proverbial off game or off weekend, but how many times does it have to happen? They split with Wisco earlier this year and then got embarrassed by ND. They re-grouped and hammered ASU and tOSU. Then they get even more embarrassed by Wisco, like historically embarrassed and they need to get another chip on their shoulder? The need to re-group once again? They couldn't get up for a series against their #1 rival when 1st place in the B10 is on the line?

Next weekend will be very telling, but ND has been playing .500 since they swept us and they destroyed tOSU worse than we did. This and the Michigan series will likely decide their fate for the NCAAs.

[Kelly Red]

I saw a profound difference in attitude by early second period, I even remarked on it to my husband. The camera would pan the BADger bench and they were all relaxed, easy and laughing. Gopher bench? Even after one period they were tense, blank faced and stiff. It was a beat down. We rejoiced when it was us and AZ, now it sucks big time with WI. Next series will show us a lot as others have said.

[JDUBBS1280]

I hear all the points made on the bag skate vs spirited practice discussion and after a night to cool off I agree. No need to wear the team out going into another tough series. However, I am not completely convinced that handling this the way we handled the Notre Dame or North Dakota sweeps is the answer either. A good team should not have to keep learning this lesson. Off nights happen, but this weekend was a complete no-show against a good team who just leap frogged us in the standings. For the life of me, I don’t understand how you come out that flat for this series.

[JWG]

The Gophers are not as bad as this weekend.

[JDUBBS1280]

Good night and God speed Gophers!

It has always amused me when BADger fans gloat about their team. Teams with rosters heavily loaded with Minnesota hockey players and usually few if any Wisconsin developed hockey players. Granted Holden Cau(l)field is a great hockey player but all in all Wisconsin itself doesn't produce much talent at all.

Fun fact - There are almost as many Minnesotans with their name on the Stanley Cup (34) as there are Wisconsinites who have played in the NHL all-time (38).

[streakygopher]

I am all for the comeback and the proverbial off game or off weekend, but how many times does it have to happen? They split with Wisco earlier this year and then got embarrassed by ND. They re-grouped and hammered ASU and tOSU. Then they get even more embarrassed by Wisco, like historically embarrassed and they need to get another chip on their shoulder? The need to re-group once again? They couldn't get up for a series against their #1 rival when 1st place in the B10 is on the line?

Next weekend will be very telling, but ND has been playing .500 since they swept us and they destroyed tOSU worse than we did. This and the Michigan series will likely decide their fate for the NCAAs.

I don't think the losses to ND were an embarrassment. I felt MN got a little outfoxed by Jeff Jackson and couldn't come up with an answer to Notre Dame's style of play. The Gophers got bottled up in that game and frustrated by better team play. Let's hope Motzko has a solution for that this weekend. It's his job to figure it out.

No team should need to get blown out so they can "re-group." It's pretty obvious to anyone watching last night that Minnesota pretty much gave up early in the second. They couldn't get off the ice fast enough, and it showed. On the sixth goal, for example, Stucker acted like it wasn't in his job description to make any attempt whatsoever to engage the oncoming forward skating who skated unchallenged past the face off circle. To me, the worst part about last night is that it felt like they gave up. Oh, and Gophers' goaltending this weekend SUCKED.

Every team has a throw-away game or two during the season. For Minnesota, last night had better be theirs. They can't let that happen again.

[JDUBBS1280]

I am all for the comeback and the proverbial off game or off weekend, but how many times does it have to happen? They split with Wisco earlier this year and then got embarrassed by ND. They re-grouped and hammered ASU and tOSU. Then they get even more embarrassed by Wisco, like historically embarrassed and they need to get another chip on their shoulder? The need to re-group once again? They couldn't get up for a series against their #1 rival when 1st place in the B10 is on the line?

Next weekend will be very telling, but ND has been playing .500 since they swept us and they destroyed tOSU worse than we did. This and the Michigan series will likely decide their fate for the NCAAs.

I don't think the losses to ND were an embarrassment. I felt MN got a little outfoxed by Jeff Jackson and couldn't come up with an answer to Notre Dame's style of play. The Gophers got bottled up in that game and frustrated by better team play. Let's hope Motzko has a solution for that this weekend. It's his job to figure it out.

No team should need to get blown out so they can "re-group." It's pretty obvious to anyone watching last night that Minnesota pretty much gave up early in the second. They couldn't get off the ice fast enough, and it showed. On the sixth goal, for example, Stucker acted like it wasn't in his job description to make any attempt whatsoever to engage the oncoming forward skating who skated unchallenged past the face off circle. To me, the worst part about last night is that it felt like they gave up. Oh, and Gophers' goaltending this weekend SUCKED.

Every team has a throw-away game or two during the season. For Minnesota, last night had better be theirs. They can't let that happen again.

This perfectly articulates how I feel.

[bearpaw28]

I hear all the points made on the bag skate vs spirited practice discussion and after a night to cool off I agree. No need to wear the team out going into another tough series. However, I am not completely convinced that handling this the way we handled the Notre Dame or North Dakota sweeps is the answer either. A good team should not have to keep learning this lesson. Off nights happen, but this weekend was a complete no-show against a good team who just leap frogged us in the standings. For the life of me, I don’t understand how you come out that flat for this series.

Hockey is a game of momentum. When you let your opponents #1 sniper (Caufield) slip behind the D a couple minutes in for a breakaway goal, its deflating. But the Gophers bounced back & it was 1-1 going into the 3rd. Caufield sniped one & Holloway got loose on another breakaway goal & that was that, they lost the 3rd period & game. On Saturday, taking early penalties & getting behind 2-0 was a BAD way to start out, but Meyers scores a nice goal to make it 2-1, then BADgers respond on a weak goal let in by Laf, momentum is squashed again & things got out of hand after that, particularly because the goaltending was pretty awful all night. Simply have a regroup, learn from what happened and be ready to battle vs the Irish.

[JDUBBS1280]

I hear all the points made on the bag skate vs spirited practice discussion and after a night to cool off I agree. No need to wear the team out going into another tough series. However, I am not completely convinced that handling this the way we handled the Notre Dame or North Dakota sweeps is the answer either. A good team should not have to keep learning this lesson. Off nights happen, but this weekend was a complete no-show against a good team who just leap frogged us in the standings. For the life of me, I don’t understand how you come out that flat for this series.

Hockey is a game of momentum. When you let your opponents #1 sniper (Caufield) slip behind the D a couple minutes in for a breakaway goal, its deflating. But the Gophers bounced back & it was 1-1 going into the 3rd. Caufield sniped one & Holloway got loose on another breakaway goal & that was that, they lost the 3rd period & game. On Saturday, taking early penalties & getting behind 2-0 was a BAD way to start out, but Meyers scores a nice goal to make it 2-1, then BADgers respond on a weak goal let in by Laf, momentum is squashed again & things got out of hand after that, particularly because the goaltending was pretty awful all night.

I agree with all this. Gophers are an ultra-talented team, but seem to lack mental toughness. You make your own momentum. Instead of giving up, you fight harder. I don’t see that in this Gopher team, which is what is frustrating.

I also think the team came out fairly flat each game, which is why they were coughing up pucks (leading to the breakaways) and taking bad penalties. Again, not sure how you come out flat twice in a big series. It’s disheartening.

[frozen4champs]

Saturdays game set up for the perfect storm. Jaxon Nelson takes a 5 minute penalty to basically start the game. Not only is he one of the best PK guys, but his absence disrupted the whole lineup. Reedy had to be moved off the top line and replaced by Burke. Just a mess. ( I would say Nelson is one of the 5 most important players on the team, not the 5 best, but important. as Bob says he is the Swiss Army Knife of the team). Then Brinkman takes a penalty, and just like that, it is 2-0. The Gophers were never really able to get their rhythm going and then Laffer lets in an easy one and its over. Against a very good BADger team, you can't get away with that stuff and must eliminate mistakes. Same thing against ND. They will want to lull you to sleep, and then wait for a mistake.

[streakygopher]

I hear all the points made on the bag skate vs spirited practice discussion and after a night to cool off I agree. No need to wear the team out going into another tough series. However, I am not completely convinced that handling this the way we handled the Notre Dame or North Dakota sweeps is the answer either. A good team should not have to keep learning this lesson. Off nights happen, but this weekend was a complete no-show against a good team who just leap frogged us in the standings. For the life of me, I don’t understand how you come out that flat for this series.

Hockey is a game of momentum. When you let your opponents #1 sniper (Caufield) slip behind the D a couple minutes in for a breakaway goal, its deflating. But the Gophers bounced back & it was 1-1 going into the 3rd. Caufield sniped one & Holloway got loose on another breakaway goal & that was that, they lost the 3rd period & game. On Saturday, taking early penalties & getting behind 2-0 was a BAD way to start out, but Meyers scores a nice goal to make it 2-1, then BADgers respond on a weak goal let in by Laf, momentum is squashed again & things got out of hand after that, particularly because the goaltending was pretty awful all night.

I agree with all this. Gophers are an ultra-talented team, but seem to lack mental toughness. You make your own momentum. Instead of giving up, you fight harder. I don’t see that in this Gopher team, which is what is frustrating.

I also think the team came out fairly flat each game, which is why they were coughing up pucks (leading to the breakaways) and taking bad penalties. Again, not sure how you come out flat twice in a big series. It’s disheartening.

Ask yourself this: How does a team that, ostensibly, has the best D corps in the league and a Hobey candidate in the net give up 8 goals? To any team? The only explanation is a break down in mental toughness and giving up.

Now, that happens in sports. Teams go through the motions when all they really want to do is get the hell off the field or off the ice. I witnessed it last night.

It's just that it's really bad timing to do that at home. Against your arch rival. Twice. Playing your style of game. On your big rink. With the league lead hanging in the balance.

No positive spin here. They blew it.

[JDUBBS1280]

I hear all the points made on the bag skate vs spirited practice discussion and after a night to cool off I agree. No need to wear the team out going into another tough series. However, I am not completely convinced that handling this the way we handled the Notre Dame or North Dakota sweeps is the answer either. A good team should not have to keep learning this lesson. Off nights happen, but this weekend was a complete no-show against a good team who just leap frogged us in the standings. For the life of me, I don’t understand how you come out that flat for this series.

Hockey is a game of momentum. When you let your opponents #1 sniper (Caufield) slip behind the D a couple minutes in for a breakaway goal, its deflating. But the Gophers bounced back & it was 1-1 going into the 3rd. Caufield sniped one & Holloway got loose on another breakaway goal & that was that, they lost the 3rd period & game. On Saturday, taking early penalties & getting behind 2-0 was a BAD way to start out, but Meyers scores a nice goal to make it 2-1, then BADgers respond on a weak goal let in by Laf, momentum is squashed again & things got out of hand after that, particularly because the goaltending was pretty awful all night.

I agree with all this. Gophers are an ultra-talented team, but seem to lack mental toughness. You make your own momentum. Instead of giving up, you fight harder. I don’t see that in this Gopher team, which is what is frustrating.

I also think the team came out fairly flat each game, which is why they were coughing up pucks (leading to the breakaways) and taking bad penalties. Again, not sure how you come out flat twice in a big series. It’s disheartening.

Ask yourself this: How does a team that, ostensibly, has the best D corps in the league and a Hobey candidate in the net give up 8 goals? To any team? The only explanation is a break down in mental toughness and giving up.

Now, that happens in sports. Teams go through the motions when all they really want to do is get the hell off the field or off the ice. I witnessed it last night.

It's just that it's really bad timing to do that at home. Against your arch rival. Twice. Playing your style of game. On your big rink. With the league lead hanging in the balance.

No positive spin here. They blew it.

You nailed it.

[Bladepuller]

The film sessions will, or were, not fun. Sotting with your teammates and having your play be dissected is not fun.

Get Carl Fish out there, somehow. His grit is needed.

[JDUBBS1280]

The film sessions will, or were, not fun. Sotting with your teammates and having your play be dissected is not fun.

Get Carl Fish out there, somehow. His grit is needed.

I know this will sound mean, but I hope it is a miserable and humiliating experience. I know this is amateur hockey, but wearing the M should mean something. I don’t like watching my favorite teams lose, but I hate watching them just quit on the ice. That’s what drives me up a wall.

These types of losses either build character or expose a lack of it. We’ll see which the next few weeks.

[streakygopher]

The film sessions will, or were, not fun. Sotting with your teammates and having your play be dissected is not fun.

Get Carl Fish out there, somehow. His grit is needed.

I think a film session will be humiliating punishment enough.

[gopher6]

I think Motzko should pull a Brooks and have them skate a few hours of Herbies

[gopherfun83]

Hopefully this will be a good wakeup call for the Gophers.
The whole team must feel like crap after this weekend's poor performance against their top rival. There are still a lot of games left. A couple of years back UMD got swept at Wisconsin and ended up winning the National championship. This team is capable if they play with fire and Gopher pride. Bring back the throw back jerseys. Go Gophers!

[sunbone]

I think Motzko should pull a Brooks and have them skate a few hours of Herbies

This always cracks me up. If a coach today acted like Herbie did back in the day he wouldn’t have a team left to coach. Times change.

[JDUBBS1280]

I think Motzko should pull a Brooks and have them skate a few hours of Herbies

This always cracks me up. If a coach today acted like Herbie did back in the day he wouldn’t have a team left to coach. Times change.

Though not necessarily for the better.

[Composer]

I think Motzko should pull a Brooks and have them skate a few hours of Herbies

This always cracks me up. If a coach today acted like Herbie did back in the day he wouldn’t have a team left to coach. Times change.

I agree. Another way things have changed is that so much more is known about sports physiology. I doubt that Cal Dietz would appreciate having to fix the damage done by such a stunt.