Bulldogs at Gophers 11/3 11/4

[dhmn]

Instead of cluttering up both teams individual threads, here's a fresh one for the upcoming weekend's series.

UMD comes off a relatively tough sweep of SCSU (the Friday game, not the Saturday game) and UMTC comes off a split to Ohio State.

[Moveurfeet]

I l-o-o-o-v-e the Gophers and all they represent. The animal that is. Not sure about the team yet.

[LIFT]

This series brings out the best in both teams. Look for two hard fought games. The Gophers will need to keep things held together for 60 minutes of hockey both nights.

Any clue if Hanlon will be back for this series?

[dhmn]

From the October 20th Pioneer Press (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twincities.com%2Fmld%2Ftwinci ties%2Fsports%2Fcolleges%2F15802583.htm&ei=S2NFRZGlGomgogKx_pX1CQ&usg=__OGmI5TlngSrS99AT6YJyXCGeY2Y=&sig2=pR2uMEX53fhF0m4KMkyLEQ):
Brittony Chartier, who worked the NCAA final last year, will continue in goal for Minnesota, which is waiting for the return of Kim Hanlon. Hanlon, who underwent surgery to clean up an old injury, is expected back in two to four weeks.

A little vague, but I'd say the answer's probably that Hanlon could return any time now (keeping the vague theme the Pio started.) If she's ready I can't see them keeping her out , needing to get at minimum a SPLIT with UMD after dropping a game to OSU.

EDIT: I thought Hanlon beat UMD once last year but Chartier got both wins against UMD.

[taz91]

I would be very surprised to see Hanlon if she is healthy enough to go. UMD always seems to pepper the Gopher goalies. If the ankle isn't 100% there is too good of a chance of hurting it again. If I remember the original injury from last year she was just going across the crease and caught a skate.

As for the series, it will be very physical like usual. If either team sweeps it can really hurt the other team's season.

[dhmn]

It's still early in the year.. but if UMD wins Friday night I believe they'll win Saturday night as well, giving the Gophers a rare 3 game losing streak. Not since the WCHA championship of 02/03 and their 2 losses in the Frozen four that year have the Gophers lose 3 in a row.

Just giving a what if of course.. seeing how they've NEVER lose 3 regular season games in a row. Just to be a little fair UMD did lose 3 in a row last year when they got swept at SCSU after a loss to the Gophers.

[brookyone]

About last weekends potential effect on the coming weekend Gopher / Bulldog series, I don't see the loss to OSU as messing with the heads of Gopher players, or leading them to question themselves as a team. In the losing effort they did manage to outshoot OSU by better than a 2 to 1 margin. I noticed Vanderveer got the 2nd star in that one which leads me to believe she played extremely well and may have been a big factor in the win / outcome. What I might expect from that is the loss wouldn't sit too well in the minds of the players and they may be especially displeased about not achieving a better outcome. In other words it prolly sticks in their craw a little. In the post series article from the Minnesota Daily there are comments of that nature from Gopher coach Halldorson and player(s), noting how much better OSU was in the 2nd game. I'm just saying I suspect they'll have a good, and or intense week of practice in prep for the UMD series and be motivated / ready to go mentally. Though I don't think motivation is an issue for either team in this series regardless of the prior weekends results.

From an observer in Columbus, Buckeye goals, along with a number of quality chances which weren't converted were a result of Gopher miscues in their own end. I've noticed instances of those in each game I've watched. UMD offense seems to be going well so Minnesota will need to execute / clean things up in their own end. UMD will make you pay for any mistakes. Need I mention the importance of goaltending?

[dhmn]

From an observer in Columbus, Buckeye goals, along with a number of quality chances which weren't converted were a result of Gopher miscues in their own end. I've noticed a few of those in games I've watched. UMD offense seems to be going well so Minnesota will need to execute / clean things up in their own end. UMD will make you pay for any mistakes. Need I mention the importance of goaltending?

Nope ya don't, but.... UMD's giving up .50 goals a game while scoring 4.75 goals PER game. Kim Martin's let in 1 goal in 4 games, while Riitta has given up 3 in 4 games. UMD has 5 'team' shutouts, because Amie Meyer relieved Kim Martin in one of her shutout bids.

Chartier on the other hand, in playing all 8 games for the Gophers, has a 2.47 goals/against while the team is scoring just 1 goal more per game at 3.45.

While this might not mean much with some of the rivalry to look ahead to, it does sorta tell you again that goaltending importance.

[ManBehindTheCurtain]

Nope ya don't, but.... UMD's giving up .50 goals a game while scoring 4.75 goals PER game.

Chartier on the other hand, in playing all 8 games for the Gophers, has a 2.47 goals/against while the team is scoring just 1 goal more per game at 3.45.

Classic apples to oranges comparison. Chartier and the Gophers have 2 games against Wisconsin and 1 game against New Hampshire. UMD has played who, North Dakota and Saint Cloud? I accept that once again this season UMD will have high quality goaltending. However, this comparison at this point in the season is pretty meaningless.

[taz91]

I remember hearing the same comparison a few years ago when Gopher fans were bragging about how good Horak was. She had the same Un-Godly save percentage and goal against, but she was only seeing 15 to 20 shots a game if she was lucky. I believe the UMD fans used the "look who we've played" card also. IMO a comparison of goalies is a waste of time.

[pgb-ohio]

From an observer in Columbus, Buckeye goals, along with a number of quality chances which weren't converted were a result of Gopher miscues in their own end. I've noticed instances of those in each game I've watched. UMD offense seems to be going well so Minnesota will need to execute / clean things up in their own end. UMD will make you pay for any mistakes...Of course whether errors are forced or unforced is often in the eye of the beholder. ;)

But yes, if I were UMD, I'd definitely forecheck aggressively and try to benefit from such miscues. The Gopher D is obviously a young unit, and it's perfectly understandable that they haven't fully come together yet.

[brookyone]

Of course whether errors are forced or unforced is often in the eye of the beholder. ;)
Indeed. I've witnessed examples of each this season.

[binnyrus]

The rivalry between these two teams is the equalizer when comparing the "numbers".

I do think goaltending goes to UMD. I wouldn't be surprised to see Martin start both games.

It hurts UMD to not have Lanzl - team speed takes a bit of a hit there. (I'd be surprised to see Lanzl play again this half of the season. There may be some question to wether she returns at all.)

The thing with UMD (despite that they've played 'no one') this season is that they are in constant motion. I have yet to see an opposing player go un-harassed on the ice. I mean the opposition has had no room to operate, and it's not been the physical harassment UMD was capable of in the past - it's speed, it's lifting the stick, it's poking the puck away . . . a million little things that seems to have frustrated all of UMD's opponents so far. Now, it will most certainly be different with the Gophers since their overall level of skill is higher . . . so it should be interesting to see how the two teams react to each other.

I'm hopeful that UMD has more depth, though their 3rd line is suspect: Hawkins, Mattila and Demeule. However, very hard working.

The "D"has not been particularly well tested, so this series will be a way to measure that. Waggoner and Vacker have been the reliable two so far - with Sales close with them. Rassmussen and Trepanier are not tested. Most teams have not had a chance to muster much on the PP against UMD's chasing PK forwards. So, again it will be interesting to see how that plays out against strong Gopher squad.

I sense the two teams are fairly evenly matched. We'll see who comes out with the most enthusiasm AND who can take advantage of mistakes, miscues, opportunities.

I put my money on the Dogs. One game will be close, the other not so close.

[Moveurfeet]

Of course, the marquee question is whether or when Lanzl will return. For her sake, all of us hockey fans ought to hope she waits until she is fully recovered before returning, and we 'Dog fans ought to accept the increased likelihood we'll lose in return for her returning to full health.

Personally, I'm surprised that the Gophers' record isn't better, because I think they're a better team than that. And I also think that the emotional rivalry between these two teams makes any single-game result a toss-up. Just look at when last year's intrepid Bulldog team scored six goals against Chartier. And then we wilted in the final half of the season and the **** Gophers made it to the finals.

So I think this is the first best test for the Bulldog team. We've faced some good teams that deserve respect, but the Gophers' recruiting power, reputation and resultant power always make a win over you a satisfying result. We'll debate why our schedule doesn't include as much travel as the Gophers next summer, but for now we'll settle for debating it on the ice.

My mantra for the rest of the week: I love playing the Gophers. I accept Gopher fans ....

[dhmn]

I don't play Lanzl this weekend even if she says she's ready. She's too important to the overall goal of winning in the post season.

The Gopher defense as stated, needs some improvement before they're the caliber team they have been in the past.

The goaltending edge UMD has will last throughout the season. Riitta won't stand the chance of getting burned out by the end of the year, with a good rotation between her and Martin. I also Amie Meyer, while not a starter this season obviously, has the ability to give Martin time off next season, which I believe is the reason she's seen ice time.

[brookyone]

Are the Gophs minus their top scorer for this one? :eek:

http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/news/main/usa_hockey/news_06wom_101206//

Yikes!! Looks like it. Not the best of timing.

UW without the services of a couple key players as well...vs. MSU.

[WHKY blogger]

Are the Gophs minus their top scorer for this one? :eek:

http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/news/main/usa_hockey/news_06wom_101206//

Yikes!! Looks like it. Not the best of timing.

UW without the services of a couple key players as well...vs. MSU.

I dont think the players that have already been announced as being on the roster are participating in the camp. It says in the first paragraph that the camp is for the final 3 roster spots. Also I just saw Jinelle Zaugg when I was out to lunch today. In addition mark Stated that he and the players wouldnt miss any UW action during his press appearance a few weeks ago.

I think you might be safe this weekend vs. the bulldogs. This is a rare occasion where badger fans can cheer for the gophers.

[tUMD trombone guy]

wow...Badgers cheering for the Gophers to beat us? Must be scared...;)

[binnyrus]

This is a rare occasion where badger fans can cheer for the gophers.

All I can say is Bulldog fans ALWAYS cheer for Bucky.

Usually the wind from the south is warm, today's is a bit chill . . . .:cool:

[dhmn]

All I can say is Bulldog fans ALWAYS cheer for Bucky.

Usually the wind from the south is warm, today's is a bit chill . . . .:cool:

So that's why there's snow forecast for Halloween today......