Moving On: Brown vs. Gophers

[GWH Fan]

I'm looking forward to this set. In case you forgot, or maybe you wanted to forget, these were the games last year that gave us such wonderful highlight video. Can we expect such sparks again this year?

[LIFT]

Though the fight was amusing, I am hoping for two solid nights of hockey this weekend. The ladies have been showing signs of improvement each week and now it's time for a sweep. Lets aim for 120 minutes of solid hockey this weekend and steer clear of the penalty box.

GO GOPHERS!

[whitecapfan]

I'm looking forward to a sweep as well...I hope they can put together a couple solid games...I wonder if Coach will try any new combos?? It will only cost you a $1.07 to get in the games this weekend!!! Not a bad price to watch some great hockey!!

[brookyone]

I'm hoping the Gophs are mentally prepped to quell the undoubtedly upset minded and capable Brown Bears...and as noted, put six periods of solid hockey together. I don't expect to see any fireworks the likes of which were witnessed last season when these two met.

I'm also hoping for a nice little homecoming for Ms. Moos...but not too nice. ;)

Great ticket deal...hope many take advantage.

GO GOPHERS!!!

[Easton]

Lift, I agree with 120 minutes. Some need to stay out of the box. I believe it is very difficult for the Gophs to get any flow when they are 5 on 4 or worse!
Liked the way they continued to battle on Saturday.

[camman15]

I'm hoping the Gophs are mentally prepped to quell the undoubtedly upset minded and capable Brown Bears...and as noted, put six periods of solid hockey together. I don't expect to see any fireworks the likes of which were witnessed last season when these two met.

I'm also hoping for a nice little homecoming for Ms. Moos...but not too nice. ;)

Great ticket deal...hope many take advantage.

GO GOPHERS!!!


Don't know what you're worried about,.....the "U" has way too much fire power for this Ivy,.....don't be fooled by the Bruins win over UNH last weekend; that was a game (along with game 2 vs. BC) that in some crazy fashion got away,.....Gophers will win convincingly both nites,.....


Well, don't want to say "I told you so",.....but every once in awhile, I know what I'm talking about,.....

[brookyone]

Don't know what you're worried about,.....the "U" has way too much fire power for this Ivy,.....don't be fooled by the Bruins win over UNH last weekend; that was a game (along with game 2 vs. BC) that in some crazy fashion got away,.....Gophers will win convincingly both nites,.....as far as fireworks?, what are you talking about? rough play?
If you'd been in attendance at Ridder last year you'd know what I was talking about. Don't confuse worry with due respect and or humility. I don't think people should be assuming or talking "sweep." Though that be their right if they chose it's not something I'm going to practice. I used to be a Vikings fan ya see. ;)

[camman15]

If you'd been in attendance at Ridder last year you'd know what I was talking about. Don't confuse worry with due respect and or humility. I don't think people should be assuming or talking "sweep." Though that be their right if they chose it's not something I'm going to practice. I used to be a Vikings fan ya see. ;)


No I wasn't there but I do know the "cast" of characters for both teams and the coaches and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what happened if there were fireworks,....
You can err on the side of caution all you want with your predictions,.....Brown is in for a long weekend, a very long weekend,.....

[brookyone]

You can err on the side of caution all you want with your predictions,.....
WHEW!!! Thanks!! ;) The only predict I made was for a Gopher sweep in the just for fun weekly WCHA prediction thread...ocassionally tainted by homerism. I felt reckless...what can I tell ya.

[camman15]

WHEW!!! Thanks!! ;) The only predict I made was for a Gopher sweep in the just for fun weekly WCHA prediction thread...ocassionally tainted by homerism. I felt reckless...what can I tell ya.


Hey step up, I for one, don't agree with fanatics, but this isn't being a "homer",....what's true is true; the Gohpers are a better team,.....the coaching edge may go to Brown, but as MIC Zamboni always says: coaches VERY seldom determine outcomes, players do,.....look out "Bruno"!!!,.....

[brookyone]

the coaching edge may go to Brown,
...or it may not. Just the same, I am a fan of Digit. I won't disagree with the firepower edge Minnesota may enjoy. Box scores to date haven't really evidenced the overall Gopher firepower level tho, in my opinion. I'm hoping to see that materialize before too long.

As others have mentioned, in the last four games there have been too many opponents forwards getting behind the D. Any team can hurt you in that instance.

[whitecapfan]

As others have mentioned, in the last four games there have been too many opponents forwards getting behind the D. Any team can hurt you in that instance.

Good point Brooky...most of the U's D are always jumping up in the play and often don't have players to back them up...the D must realize too that if they are going to carry the puck they can't turn the puck over at the blue, if they're going to take the puck the must get it deep...our D are having tons of problems with getting people behind them on the PP as well...maybe too many 'offensive' D on the PP?

[camman15]

Good point Brooky...most of the U's D are always jumping up in the play and often don't have players to back them up...the D must realize too that if they are going to carry the puck they can't turn the puck over at the blue, if they're going to take the puck the must get it deep...our D are having tons of problems with getting people behind them on the PP as well...maybe too many 'offensive' D on the PP?


I would respectfully disagree with almost everything you are saying,.....the game today demands as many 5 player units that can all play in the offensive zone as possible,.....hey, it's the way the game is played and if this aggressive style creates odd man rushes, so be it,.....stay home defense are a dinosaur in today's game, so get use to the idea that the D now play down on top of the circles in the offensive zone, and why not?,.....for one thing it opens up more scoring opportunities and the Gagnon/Brodts of the world don't want to sit back on the blueline and have to wait for the puck to come to them,.....and you can never have enough offensive minded players on a PP, in my mind,.....successful PPs are the difference in winning and losing at this level,.....

[whitecapfan]

I would respectfully disagree with almost everything you are saying,.....the game today demands as many 5 player units that can all play in the offensive zone as possible,.....hey, it's the way the game is played and if this aggressive style creates odd man rushes, so be it,.....stay home defense are a dinosaur in today's game, so get use to the idea that the D now play down on top of the circles in the offensive zone, and why not?,.....for one thing it opens up more scoring opportunities and the Gagnon/Brodts of the world don't want to sit back on the blueline and have to wait for the puck to come to them,.....and you can never have enough offensive minded players on a PP, in my mind,.....successful PPs are the difference in winning and losing at this level,.....

I understand that the goal of hockey is to score goals...but the problem the gophs are having is turning the puck over at the blues...thus giving up odd-man rushes back the other way!! Why are the gophs giving up so many breakaways then?? Where are the D??

[brookyone]

I would respectfully disagree with almost everything you are saying,.....the game today demands as many 5 player units that can all play in the offensive zone as possible,.....hey, it's the way the game is played and if this aggressive style creates odd man rushes, so be it,.....stay home defense are a dinosaur in today's game, so get use to the idea that the D now play down on top of the circles in the offensive zone, and why not?,.....for one thing it opens up more scoring opportunities and the Gagnon/Brodts of the world don't want to sit back on the blueline and have to wait for the puck to come to them,.....and you can never have enough offensive minded players on a PP, in my mind,.....successful PPs are the difference in winning and losing at this level,.....
I disagree. No way any coach is comfortable with allowing odd man rushes on a regular / semi regular basis because as you say, that's the direction the game has / is evolving. Minnesota's D always participates in the manifestation of their offensive strategy...no one is advocating pre historic :confused: style of "stay at home" defenders...though I have no problem with having a couple of those on the roster, and that characterization doesn't come close to applying to the Gopher defenders...they are offensive minded. You'd know this if you'd been watching them play anytime in the last three seasons (at least). I can guarantee you coach H and crew aren't comfortable with odd man rushes by Gopher opponents...she speaks of the importance of not allowing them often enough.

I'd speculate the issue with opposing forwards is due at least in part to youth & inexperience at this level...adjusting to the speed of the game. A little seasoning, instruction and fine tuning of their instincts they'll learn when to jump in and when to back off. I'm very happy with the D players Minnesota has...they'll be fine. I should also note that the vets may bear some responsibility in allowing opponents to get behind them.

PP's always important but I like a team that can dominate at even strenght and consider that attribute equally, if not more important and a key to winning. Coupled with hopefully staying out of the box more than your opponent.

[HU2K4]

I understand that the goal of hockey is to score goals...but the problem the gophs are having is turning the puck over at the blues...thus giving up odd-man rushes back the other way!! Why are the gophs giving up so many breakaways then?? Where are the D??

That's probably not on the defensemen. If Chelsey Brodt creates a 3-on-2 by filling the weakside wing position, it becomes the responsibility of the third forward to rotate back and cover for her in case the puck is turned over while she is still trapped in the offensive zone.

[brookyone]

That's probably not on the defensemen. If Chelsey Brodt creates a 3-on-2 by filling the weakside wing position, it becomes the responsibility of the third forward to rotate back and cover for her in case the puck is turned over while she is still trapped in the offensive zone.
I agree any "cause" can not rest solely with the D crew...everyone on the ice shares the responsibility.

...and here comes another response. ;)

[MRgray]

...or it may not. Just the same, I am a fan of Digit. I won't disagree with the firepower edge Minnesota may enjoy. Box scores to date haven't really evidenced the overall Gopher firepower level tho, in my opinion. I'm hoping to see that materialize before too long.

As others have mentioned, in the last four games there have been too many opponents forwards getting behind the D. Any team can hurt you in that instance.

I was really impressed by the Bears when they lost to UNH 5-1 and then came back to beat them 3-2 the next day... and UNH IS a better team than Brown for sure. Digit Murphy rocks, and while Minnesota does overall have more talent, I don't think the Bears should be taken too lightly. They aren't a great team but I think they are capable of surprising people from time to time. Relative to last year, I think Minnesota is weaker than they were before, but Brown is better. Brown had a freshman win both the 3-2 UNH game and the recent win over Cornell, so they have a strong freshman class. But I don't follow the mid-western teams that much, so I don't really know how Minnesota is this year...

GO BROWN BEARS!!!

[camman15]

I disagree. No way any coach is comfortable with allowing odd man rushes on a regular / semi regular basis because as you say, that's the direction the game has / is evolving. Minnesota's D always participates in the manifestation of their offensive strategy...no one is advocating pre historic :confused: style of "stay at home" defenders...though I have no problem with having a couple of those on the roster, and that characterization doesn't come close to applying to the Gopher defenders...they are offensive minded. You'd know this if you'd been watching them play anytime in the last three seasons (at least). I can guarantee you coach H and crew aren't comfortable with odd man rushes by Gopher opponents...she speaks of the importance of not allowing them often enough.

I'd speculate the issue with opposing forwards is due at least in part to youth & inexperience at this level...adjusting to the speed of the game. A little seasoning, instruction and fine tuning of their instincts they'll learn when to jump in and when to back off. I'm very happy with the D players Minnesota has...they'll be fine. I should also note that the vets may bear some responsibility in allowing opponents to get behind them.

PP's always important but I like a team that can dominate at even strenght and consider that attribute equally, if not more important and a key to winning. Coupled with hopefully staying out of the box more than your opponent.


I again, respectfully disagree with your analysis of the mindset of either the players or the coach, (or for that matter ANY coach), unless that is, your Laura Halldorson in disguise,.....I think it's safe to say cashing in on opportunities of odd man breaks (percentage wise) in the women's game is much lower that that of the men, and Laura knows that,.....what seems to be an issue is the lack of offensive production accross the board in women's hockey, and without the "nickers" the "U" usually has, I'd think the coaching staff would encourage some odd man advantages down below the circles, especially with those defense who are like a 4th forward anyway,.....the trade off should be in favor of playing more on the offensive side of the puck, in that if your defenders are well schooled on how to defend odd man breaks, you have a goalie who will shut the door 9 times out of 10; down the other end you'll score on a higher percentage of pressure situations,.....

[brookyone]

I again, respectfully disagree with your analysis of the mindset of either the players or the coach, (or for that matter ANY coach), unless that is, your Laura Halldorson in disguise,.....I think it's safe to say cashing in on opportunities of odd man breaks (percentage wise) in the women's game is much lower that that of the men, and Laura knows that,.....what seems to be an issue is the lack of offensive production accross the board in women's hockey, and without the "nickers" the "U" usually has, I'd think the coaching staff would encourage some odd man advantages down below the circles, especially with those defense who are like a 4th forward anyway,.....the trade off should be in favor of playing more on the offensive side of the puck, in that if your defenders are well schooled on how to defend odd man breaks, you have a goalie who will shut the door 9 times out of 10; down the other end you'll score on a higher percentage of pressure situations,.....
Luckily I can put my faith in the Gopher coaching staff and what I believe their philosophy regarding game strategy to be rather than what you obviously feel that should be. I think they're vastly different and I have to be honest, I'm siding with Laura, Brad, Charlie & Jeff on this one.