Minnesota VS Harvard The Championship

[Johnm]

Ok Thread Started have at it!


My prediction Minnesota 4 Harvard 2


Wendell and Darwitz with 2 goals each.

[toots]

after watching both semis and reflecting on the speed of each team, I would have to give the edge to Harvard. Their passing speed is just phenomenal.

Each of the goals scored by the opposition on Horak and Boe were of the flukey, bouncing variety, so I think it might be a nerve-wracking low scoring affair.

I hope no one gets hurt. The refs certainly swallowed their whistles. On second thought, there were penalties called, but alot of stuff not called. Honestly, though, I am not sure all the falling isn't due more to the ice conditions than trips or interference. If we as spectators are comfortable, the ice must be real soft.

I am hoping for another epic (but hopefully not in OT).

Harvard 2-1

[ARM]

I didn't think that the Dartmouth/MN game was very physical. Nothing like the first game between these teams this season. Mostly what went uncalled was holding/hooking away from the puck, and refs always seem to allow more of that in the postseason. If the boxscore and the Harvard broadcast are any indication, the Saints/Crimson game was rougher.

From postgame remarks, it sounds like Harvard expects to play better tomorrow than they did yesterday. I know that Minnesota has a better game in them; I hope they can produce it on the biggest stage. They seemed very tight for the first half of the game. It wears on you to be behind in a "must win" game; maybe it will help them to have come from behind in the semis. That first NCAA win might be a big monkey off of their backs.

I think they will get scoring chances against Harvard, but not as many high quality ones as against the Big Green. For the Gophers to triumph, I think they will have to do a better job of finishing. They also need to tighten up in their own end, because Dartmouth had a number of quality chances that they didn't convert. Weatherston in particular was a threat.

Harvard is probably the fastest team that we have played, but UMD played a very quick, high tempo forecheck. The Gophers improved against it as the season went on.

I think Minnesota was helped by having TV timeouts. Because their first line is so high caliber, it allowed them to get more ice time. Harvard will benefit in that they can keep Ruggiero on the ice even more.

Hopefully, it will be a good game. Sometimes these games produce, like when the two teams met in the regular season last year. Other times they fizzle, as in Harvard's NCAA victory, when the Crimson dominated.

[NTR]

I can't wait. H has one potential great piece of news - rumours are that Banfield (#2 D) will return after suffering a concussion against Brown in the league semis. Katey has done an amazing job coaching team D this year, but I don't see how they shut down MN without her - Rugger may be worth two guys, but that still leaves Kelly Stephens free ;)

[toots]

more thoughts on this match-up:

Horak plays the puck very well and is active (this is probably a "duh" to MN fans, but only second time I've seen her). Harvard is going to have to keep those feet going on the forecheck IF they get the chance.

I read the Providence Journal piece and Katey Stone said she hopes Banfield can play. If that is the extent of NTR's "rumors", I don't know if her return is likely or not. Coaches say a lot answering reporters questions and why would Stone says, "No, she won't play"? She will be missed if she can't play, but Caitlin Cahow was flying last night. This girl has gotten better and better and only a frosh. Of course, playing as Ang's partner certainly frees her up to commit, since she knows who is covering back there.

[brookyone]

Glad to see Minnesota "get it done" in the semi final. The Wendell / Darwitz / Stephens line certainly a contender for D1's best. My guestimation is the Goph's will need scoring contributions from the likes of Clarke, Wacker & Nichols and others in addition against Harvard as well as a stronger 60 minute effort. The semi wasn't the teams best. They looked a little out of sync at times, perhap's attributable to the gap between the Final Five and Providence. Should be less a factor on Sunday...hopefully a non factor altogether. I think we'll see a better game from Minnesota on Sunday. GO GOPHER'S !!!

[fan for life]

I believe that neurologists would not allow a player to play contact hockey so soon after a concussion like Banfield suffered. This is not like playing with a broken bone. I think NCAA should establish or tighten up the criteria for returning to play after concussions. This goes for football as well.

[skatinfiend]

In a CSTV interview during the Dartmouth/MN game, Coach Stone said she expected Banfield to play Sunday.

[Crossbar44]

The criteria for a player returning to play contact sports after a closed head injury include a normal CT of the head, a normal neurological exam and lack of subjective signs such as a headache. There is no medical reason to place a time limit on a players returning to action.

[fan for life]

Seven days from concussion before going on the bike, no symptoms and skate, no symptoms and hit, no symptoms, then play. This standard has been applied. Without a doubt Banfield suffered a concussion sufficient to warrant this protocol.

[fantasticfrito]

I'm going to be stranded at work during the game so I'm hoping someone can post updates... any takers? :D

[dave1381]

exactly... seven days... which is why she did not play on Friday, and she will play on Sunday, since the injury took place on Saturday.

[NTR]

Dave, what do you (or Katey) know? I think we should let a Dartmouth poster who admits she hates Harvard make personnel decisions for the NC game :rolleyes:

[crimson11]

Will the game be shown only on CSTV, or on another channel in the Boston area as well? I'll be at the game but my grandmother is a big fan and she wants to watch it from home.:)

GO CRIMSON!!

[unofan]

Even though I'd like to see both teams get food poisoning and be unable to field teams, gotta root for the Gophers. Hahvahd can kiss it where the sun don't shine.

The men did the choke job against Maine, blowing a 4-1 lead in the 3rd to lose 5-4. Hopefully the women can follow suit against the Gophers.

Would be down in Providence right now, but after getting home from San Diego at 1am after 18 hours of flying/airport delays/bus driving, wasn't in the mood to bust my *** for a stupid consolation game.

[fan for life]

You hit a nerve with this one. Too many athletes are taking risks with their brain and their future.

I do support Harvard in the final. It's my anual consession to another Ivy.

[ARM]

In case people aren't yet tired of reading:

http://www.projo.com/college/content/projo_20040328_28ff1.fc4e7.html

http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/womens_hockey/articles/2004/03/28/crimsons_biggest_test_crammed_into_final/

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/colleges/8294049.htm

http://www.startribune.com/stories/512/4689565.html

[unofan]

Originally posted by fan for life
I do support Harvard in the final. It's my anual consession to another Ivy.

No one associated with Dartmouth should ever root for Harvard in anything. Ever.

Any other Ivy team, go ahead. But Hahvahd (sucks)? That's grounds for treason.

[Johnm]

This is going to be a Great Women's Game! I wish it was on ESPN so the whole nation could get to see it. It would be terrific for Women's Hockey and College Hockey as a Whole!

[fan for life]

UNOFan intuitively I am with you but my daughter and the Dartmouth team does cheer for Harvard in these situations. It may be related to the fact that twins played on the 2 teams. The players on Harvard have been very nice to Dartmouth as well. Maybe it's the girls not Harvard we cheer for. God knows its not the institution. I do love it when the bonus h is thrown into the name. By the way, have you ever noticed how thin skinned SOME of the fans are? ;) GO GIRLS I hope the game is as good as last years match up;)