Minnesota @ St. Cloud State

[brookyone]

In case anyone has any thoughts or comments on this weekends matchup. I heard the Gophers spent time practicing at Mariucci this week in preparation. I think the Gopher top line enjoys playing on a big ice sheet. I seem to recall something along the lines of a 7-5 shootout late last season in St. Cloud. I'm pretty sure we'll see closer games both nights than this seasons earlier games at Ridder.

http://www.gophersports.com/sportsNews/press_release.asp?news_id=10134&sport_id=wHock

[brookyone]

From the Minnesota Daily:

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/02/04/63091

[ARM]

St. Cloud got solid goaltending from St. Jacques, which helped keep the game closer. The Huskies scored first when Maguet was left alone in front and seemed to like their chances at that point.

Minnesota went on the power play soon after, and Wendell smacked a thigh-high rebound out of the air and into the net. A couple of minutes later, Darwitz started Stephens on a 2-on-1 with Wendell. Normally, you will see another pass or two on such a rush, but Stephens kept it and cranked in a slapshot from the wing. That was probably the goal St. Jacques would want back, but I expected a pass and maybe she did as well.

A key play came when the Huskies were called for too many players while on the power play, St. Cloud lost their PP opportunity, and Wall ripped one high into the net on the eventual Minnesota power play.

The scoring ended early in the second when Nichols walked out of the corner with the puck and slid it through the five hole. Nichols centered Ross and McKenzie on the second line, while Palkie skated with Philipczyk and Souba. Most of St. Cloud's sustained pressure came against Minnesota's 4th line.

St. Jacques best save came on a Darwitz breakaway. The puck flipped over her and rolled just outside the far post.

As people predicted, the Huskies were more competitve than they were at Ridder in October. Once Minnesota went up 3-1, it felt like the game was over.

[kalehr]

ARM, thanks for the recap. I'm hoping today's game will be another solid one for the Gophers. Good to see the scoring was spread beyond the 1st line again - that will be critical in the playoffs. You mentioned most of St. Cloud's pressure was against the 4th line - can you tell us who was playing on the 4th line?

[brookyone]

You mentioned most of St. Cloud's pressure was against the 4th line - can you tell us who was playing on the 4th line?
That was Whitney Graft centering Stacy Troumbly and Becky Wacker.

[kalehr]

Thanks!

[ARM]

If you liked the scoring from other sources on Friday, then you'd really like Saturday. Goals from McKenzie, Souba, Miller, and on the PP Troumbly. St. Cloud played much better, and at time had good pressure, no matter who was on the ice for Minnesota. The 4th had a better night for the Gophers (and not just Stacy's goal). They had some even strength shifts where they almost scored.

Minnesota could play better, but that's probably just because I've seen them play many games and have high expectations. A sweep on the road is never a bad thing.

Props to the Husky fans for turning out in better numbers to support their team. No thanks to that Sin Bin Crew, who'd best make an appearance at Ridder for the WCHA tourney.

[Top Row]

.... St. Cloud played much better, and at time had good pressure, no matter who was on the ice for Minnesota. .....Props to the Husky fans for turning out in better numbers to support their team. ....No thanks to that Sin Bin Crew, who'd best make an appearance at Ridder for the WCHA tourney.
[Wheeze Hack Hack Wheeze]
OUCH!

[ARM]

If you're that sick, why aren't you in bed? Let's see ... 1:30. Right around bar closing time.

[Top Row]

Had to make sure you got back okay. Had to get up to take my sleeping pill.

[brookyone]

I don't like missing games and it looks like I picked a bad one to miss. I would have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all those goals from non traditional sources. Great to see Maggie and Anya each notch their first. Happy to see Stacy get one also and it's nice to hear the 4th line played well...all very encouraging for the remainder of the season. I must admit I was a little surprised when I first saw the box score at collegehockeystats. Most of all though I really like #22 showing up in the box score regularly. Wouldn't mind witnessing a repeat performance by all when the Sioux come to Ridder.

P.S. ARM, I was mistaken regarding Chaska...they're still playing.

[greenmtngirl]

HOORAY!!! for Maggie and Stacy! It's so exciting to hear about them scoring. Wish we could have been there to see it. Go Gophers go!

[brookyone]

Seems the ladies weren't real pleased with their own effort this past weekend. I didn't see the Saturday game but I do tend to agree with their thoughts in general regarding Friday nights game. Play was a little lackluster. Still got the four points though. As a result of their self assessment, we'll probably see increased energy vs. UND this weekend.

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/02/07/63122

[ARM]

Judging by the change in play for the 3rd period on Saturday (look at the change in the shots), I'm guessing something was said in the locker room after the 2nd. At times, they'd run the soft-clearing-pass play, and follow it up with the let's-all-go-behind-the-net-and-leave-the-slot-open defense. Aka, "Do you think Brenda's awake?"

I think there are bound to be night's when the offense struggles. It bothers me more when the defense is spotty.