Minnesota v Wisconsin

[binnyrus]

Never has this series come to so much importance!!!

If it weren't impossible for me this weekend I'd drive down and watch these games. It's sure to be the best hockey in the Twin Cities this weekend!!!

I get the feeling that perhaps the Gophers are finding inspiration . . . in not being able to rely on Darwitz (in particular) or Wall, other players are finding out what they're made of. In a way, it makes a very talented Minnesota roster more frightening than before!!!

In most cases I'd find myself cheering for the Badgers, but given UMD's pariwise predicament I believe I'm cheering for the Gophers!

I encourage everyone that can to go to these games - it will be the best entertainment value for the $$$ for sure!

[brookyone]

Originally posted by binnyrus


In most cases I'd find myself cheering for the Badgers, but given UMD's pariwise predicament I believe I'm cheering for the Gophers!

Now that wasn't so hard was it ? :) I'm going to print your post and frame it !!!

You're right of course. Some pretty large implications associated with this series. Aside from the pairwise / FF implications I'm sure Wisconsin would like nothing better than to beat the Goph's at home if for no other reason than to establish beyond all doubt, they can. As for the Gopher's, without getting overly analytical, I hope they realize what kind of a TEAM effort will be required to succeed the rest of the way...and from watching them, I get every indication they do. It does promise to be an entertaining series...I'll be there. GO GOPHERS !!!

[ARM]

I've found it is pretty hard to cheer for your rival, under any circumstances. Even though it is nice to see your conference do well, I can't quite bring myself to start chanting "U-M-D" when watching them in an NCAA final.

Wisconsin came into Mariucci late in the season two years ago and shut Minnesota out on Saturday, winning 2-0. On Sunday, they led 1-0 going into the third and 2-1 late in the 3rd, before the Gophers won in OT. So I don't think they doubt their ability to control us on our own ice.

[brookyone]

Well ARM, Wisconsin may not doubt that ability as you say...and I'm sure they don't, but this particular Wisconsin team has yet to actually prove it, which is what concerns me a little, because I think the Badgers will be absolutely hell bent to do just that. I guess for either team to sweep this series would be a huge lift for for that team...pairwise, L16, and that all important confidence. Plenty of motivation to go around this weekend. I read somewhere Wisconsin was getting good contributions from their freshman class not unlike the Gophers of late. Should be lots of interesting "battles' within the games this weekend...with goaltending as well. I wonder if Brenda Reinen would be especially motivated playing the team from her home state, like so many Minnesota ladies on other teams seem to be when playing against the Gophers ? Will she get the chance ?

[ARM]

I think both goalies have good numbers against Wisco. Reinen had the big win in a 3-2 WCHA final in 2002. Horak only gave up 3 goals in three games on consecutive weekends last spring, and only one goal in the series in Madison this year. But as has been pointed out, this promises to be a much different Badger squad.

[Badger Booster]

From what I remember from the series in Madison, the Badgers were able to play them fairly even 5-on-5, but things got really dicey on the penalty kill. The Gophers capitalized on special teams and the Horak/Reinen combination always plays well against the Badgers.

With that said, Wisconsin features about as balanced a line-up as they ever had. They roll out four productive lines in addition to 5-6 quality defensemen. The biggest surprise has probably been how good Horras and Dufour have been. Insiders may have known, but the average fan figured that goaltending was the biggest question mark.

Anyway, it figures to be a close, perhaps physical, series. For whatever reason, Wisconsin has played Minnesota somewhat better on the road (same with UMD prior to this year). Ideally, this will be a preview to a WCHA tournament championship game, if not a NCAA match-up.

[ARM]

B.B., You are right, shots were even the first day and Bucky had the edge the second. Most of the damage on the PP came from Darwitz and Wall, so I wouldn't blame Wisconsin for being confident. Had the Badgers come to town three weeks ago, I think they'd have quite likely earned a sweep. It's still possible, but the Gophs are playing much better now.

I don't remember the road being much of a factor in this series. I believe the Badgers have one win in the Twin Cities, one win in Madison, and one on neutral ice. The only tie I remember was in Wisconsin. I don't think total goals in any game has been over four since Johnson took the helm, so I don't expect a lot of fireworks on the scoreboard.

[ARM]

Badger story from The Daily Cardinal:

http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/2004/02/11/Sports/Young.Blood.Leading.Badgers-603573.shtml

[monstersfan]

The article probably overemphasizes the dominence of the freshmen. Rickard and Hunter are seniors and I think the Badgers would be hard pressed without them. The upperclassmen defenders are pretty critical- Carla McCleod playing for Canada frequently brings a chill down many fans spine. Sharon Cole, a sophmore, ends up out with some of the freshmen quite frequently- last years freshmen also put on a great performance, and it always seems like the Badgers get a big bost out of their freshmen. Hunter put on a show her freshman year, also tops in the WCHA and I believe Division I for scoring, and followed with a strong sophmore year. Carla was great from the start as well.

One thing about this year's freshmen is that they replace the first real recruiting class, so there's quite a few of them! ut all in all, they are playing very, very well.

[dave1381]

Originally posted by ARM
Most of the damage on the PP came from Darwitz and Wall, so I wouldn't blame Wisconsin for being confident.
As you suggest, I'd agree this statement a couple weeks ago. But after Sunday's game, Wisconsin will have to realize that Minnesota has developed sources of scoring outside of its PP, in particular, the finishing abilities of Wacker and Nichols should be vastly improved from October.

I don't think the article overstate's the freshmen's role too-too much. But obviously having three veteran defensemen with some degree of national team experience takes a ton of pressure off both the forwards and goaltending.

[brookyone]

http://www.gophersports.com/sportsNews/press_release.asp?news_id=8571&sport_id=whock

The story from gophersports.com regarding this weekend's series. The Badgers past success' have mostly come in the second half & the WCHA tourny. Hope the Goph's can put an end to that trend this weekend.

[dave1381]

more fawning in the WSJ (not the Dow WSJ) over Wisconsin's goaltenders...
http://www.madison.com/wisconsinstatejournal/sports/67968.php
This kind of goes along the whole lines of what was discussed in the Kazmaier thread about defensemen getting overlooked for everything. I don't think you can make too many comparisons between these goalies and Jackie MacMillian, because I imagine Wisco relied much more on the goaltending during Jackie's first seasons when they weren't as well coached and have the airtight system they have now. I mean, the goalies are fulfilling their role and exceeding expectations, but rivaling Shari Vogt for first team All-WCHA they are not.

Also, USCHO should really compile a list of commonly made journalistic errors regarding the pairwise rankings and link them to the bottom of the rankings page (something more concise than the FAQ). You would think USCHO picked the teams for the NCAA tournament given what most publications write. The fact that the current PWR don't yet take into account some of the newer NCAA selection rules emphasizes this point.

also, a nice Mark Johnson article...
http://www.badgerherald.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/02/12/402af571ac495

[binnyrus]

I expect two low-scoring games. Wisconsin is not prone to the 2nd MN v Dartmouth blow-out kind of game. Defensively the Badgers are about as good as it gets in the WCHA. I expect that if MN can't get some great PP opportunities they'll have a hard time scoring straight up.

Should be interesting to see if WI can generate the two or three goals/game I'm thinking they'll need to come away with the wins.

Given my previous post re: who I'm pulling for this weekend I predict:

2-1 Gophers

2-2 in the 2nd game

I hope those of you that attend can give us all some good tidbits about the games . . . like, is Wendell going to be shadowed?? Does WI have anyone that can keep up with the speed of Nichols??

I didn't look - are they at Ridder for this??

[brookyone]

Yes, the games are at Ridder. In the first meeting in Madison, The Badgers were able to contain Wendell. I believe she had just one point all weekend...think it was a PP goal. That isn't necessarily a bad sign (for Gopher fans) as Krissy being Krissy, I think the odds are she'll beat you sooner or later. I don't expect anything like last Sunday against Dartmouth this weekend either. I do however, think the Gophers will need a similar TEAM effort as they had in the win against Dartmouth...both nights.

[binnyrus]

Hey Dave: I think we'll take the fawning . . . anything to promote the great game that it is. Especially for the Badger players . . . they have suffered with lack of attention down in Mad-town. They've deserved better for quite some time now.

[trs45]

Not really sure why everyone thinks the Badgers have a lack of support. Wisconsin consistently has a higher attendance than most other teams in the WCHA. Just because people don't post on the message board doesn't mean there is no support

[binnyrus]

My comments about WI support aren't so much about the fan support but about the school's support. I missed the UMD series in Madison this year, but went down the last two years . . . one was played at the Capitol Ice Arena and the other at the Kohl Center. At neither series did a program exist - and I'll admit that I"m comparing here to what UMD has for it's team.

Nothing comprable was available for the Badger team. No summary bios on the players or coaches . . . no summary history. Maybe this season they've done more . . . I know I'd have paid a buck or 2 for a program - as most fans will.

And, I'm sorry, but there's no way a school of the calibre of Wisconsin should be having their women's hockey team play at the Capitol Ice Arena. It looked to a visiting fan, like the school was farming them out so they didn't have to "deal" with insignificant sport. I'm glad to see them playing at the Kohl center more regularly.

Just my impressions . . . I've got to believe the Wisconsin Budget is more expansive than UMD's for the amenities . . .

Like I said . . . I'm just glad they're getting more attention!!

[trs45]

Definitely have to agree with you on the points that you made. The only negative with them playing at the Kohl Center is that the games look so empty, and when you go out to Capital Ice it just seems like there are so many more people there.

[ARM]

Originally posted by binnyrus
is Wendell going to be shadowed?? Does WI have anyone that can keep up with the speed of Nichols??

We'll see, but I doubt Wisconsin would shadow Wendell. Some teams have had success doing that to Darwitz, but Wendell doesn't really need space to be effective. Mankato tried it against Krissy and it didn't really work. Plus, it would take the Badgers out of their normal system, which they play so well. Regarding brookyone's comment about the first series, part of why Wendell was shut down was she was tossed out of the first game in the first period.

I think Nichols creates problems because she is a small/quick player who is stronger on the puck than most her size, not necessarily through pure speed. Wisconsin is well-suited to defending against her with their mobile D and defense-minded forwards.

One thing that could help the Minnesota offense is if their forwards can spot their D sneaking to the net on the weak side of the play when the puck is in deep. Players like Ashley and Brodt have been going to the net regularly over the second half, but the timing has to be right.

[dave1381]

Mark Johnson, I can recall him often saying, we believe in our system, we're not going to change our game for one or two players, blah, blah... so I doubt Wendell will get shadowed. And they kept her off the scoreboard even strength last series, right, so there's no reason to mess with success. (unless of course they did shadow Wendell the first series and I didn't hear about it, but, I don't think that happened)