This weekend pairs the Buckeyes up with a team that has arguably been the most dominant team in the country thus far this season. If I read correctly, Minnesota has outscored its opponents 40-1. It doesn't get more dominant than that. The Gophers will present a huge challenge for our Buckeyes, not to mention first place is on the line. I will gladly take a split in this one! If the Buckeyes can get one at Ridder Arena against possibly the best team in the country right now, I will be happy with that. CrazyDave, Brookyone, other Minnesota posters, how do you guys see this series playing out? I think a series like this on the road will definitely let us know what we still need to work on! I just hope we can get one win so our kids don't lose confidence and start doubting ourselves. I think we have a shot at having a great season this year. It's amazing what a team can accomplish after losing star players when they suddenly realize that everyone has to step their games up to make up for the losses of those star players. That is precisely what appears to be happening this season ... everyone on the team is stepping it up and contributing. It's been great to watch so far. Are we as good as our ranking? Time will tell, but I really like the direction as well as the hard work by our coaching staff and kids, and I am going to enjoy the ride.
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Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
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Originally posted by osualum86 View PostThis weekend pairs the Buckeyes up with a team that has arguably been the most dominant team in the country thus far this season.
Originally posted by osualum86 View PostI will gladly take a split in this one!
Originally posted by osualum86 View PostI just hope we can get one win so our kids don't lose confidence and start doubting ourselves.
Originally posted by osualum86 View PostAre we as good as our ranking?
Originally posted by osualum86 View PostTime will tell, but I really like the direction as well as the hard work by our coaching staff and kids, and I am going to enjoy the ride.
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Originally posted by osualum86 View PostCrazyDave, Brookyone, other Minnesota posters, how do you guys see this series playing out?
And despite having become a Gopher fan I grew up in Ann Arbor, so I'll feel *much* more comfortable now that OSU has played the only two teams in the league I root for them to beat.
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
With first place at stake I can't see Minnesota looking past the Buckeyes, and I look for the Gophers to win both. For OSU to spring an upset I think the Gophers would have to take excessive penalties, including a couple stretches of being at a two man disadvantage. It could happen, but is not too likely IMO, as the Gophers have shown more discipline than has sometimes been the case in years past. That said, I don't see either game being as lopsided as any of the Gophers' first six games, as the Buckeyes will be the most talented team the Gophers will have faced so far. No doubt they'll come in looking to show they belong at the top of the conference, and having already taken 3 of 4 from UMD and North Dakota, they won't be lacking confidence. They'll get their opportunities, but I expect the strong Gophers forecheck and the solid defensive play they've shown thus far to result in a greater number of QUALITY chances, in the Gophers' favor.
So all things considered I'll go with an opening game score of 4-1. The second game will likely be more defensive and closer; I'll go with 3-2 (or 4-2 with an empty netter).
Go Gophers!Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Thanks for the thoughts everyone, and Fever, I agree with you 100% that a sweep shouldn't cause our team to doubt themselves or lose confidence. D2D, I tend to agree with you that Minnesota's defensive prowess will probably be the difference.
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Gopher preview of the series:
No. 1 Gophers Host No. 6/7 Ohio State for Weekend Series
http://www.gophersports.com/sports/w...101712aaa.htmlMinnesota Golden Gopher Hockey
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Originally posted by D2D View PostGopher preview of the series:
No. 1 Gophers Host No. 6/7 Ohio State for Weekend Series
http://www.gophersports.com/sports/w...101712aaa.html
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Being a goaltender, Noora normally needs to have a short memory, but she might want a little redemption after giving up four goals in the wild second game last February in Columbus (despite getting the win). And I'm not sure what to make of Ms. Knapp's sudden improvement so far this season; I'll say that she'll do better keeping the Gophers off the board, but not thatgood. So my picks are a Gopher sweep, but only 3-1 and 4-1.Give blood... Play Gopher Hockey!
Men's National Championships: 1974, 1976, 1979, 2002, 2003
Women's National Championships: 2000, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Ohio State game notes say that the Buckeyes are off to the best start in program history:
http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/spo...101712aac.html"... And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;" -- Rudyard Kipling
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
I pretty much expect the Buckeyes to be loose and play with confidence. Sweeping at Duluth has to provide a boost to the squad for subsequent road series no matter where. The Gophers task is to approach the series in a typical WCHA battle / workmanship manner...all out. Full throttle. I expect the toughest series to date for Minnesota. I'll be completely happy with two narrow margin victories. I must agree with osualum86 regarding the impact of the new coaching staff and expect the type of effort and competition from the Buckeyes I'm used to seeing from Bemidji vs. Minnesota.
Will WCHFan and the good folks from Hudson WI...and former CDH fans be attending?Minnesota Hockey
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Of course we're going to be a huge underdog this weekend. The Gophers should plan on playing at half-speed. Lots of pizza and ice cream right before face-off. Better yet, franks and beans...
OK, to be a little serious, I see both teams bringing their 'A' game this weekend. Truly wish I could be there. While I'm going to refrain from making any specific predictions, I also foresee relatively low scoring games. From a Buckeye point of view, that's a must. I don't expect that anybody in the nation will put big numbers against a defense led by Bozek, Ramsey & Raty.
The formula? Play hard, play smart, get a couple of bounces, maybe get some points. Just as importantly, use the series as a measuring stick. A return trip or two to Mpls. next March would be beyond awesome. This weekend, we find out what it will take.
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Originally posted by CrazyDave View PostBeing a goaltender, Noora normally needs to have a short memory, but she might want a little redemption after giving up four goals in the wild second game last February in Columbus (despite getting the win). And I'm not sure what to make of Ms. Knapp's sudden improvement so far this season; I'll say that she'll do better keeping the Gophers off the board, but not thatgood. So my picks are a Gopher sweep, but only 3-1 and 4-1.
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Re: Ohio State @ Minnesota 10/19 - 10/20
Originally posted by pgb-ohio View PostOf course we're going to be a huge underdog this weekend. The Gophers should plan on playing at half-speed. Lots of pizza and ice cream right before face-off. Better yet, franks and beans...
I guess I wasn't paying proper attention...but 1:00PM start on Saturday?! That's crap, making the rematch very unlikely for me. What's next for crissakes...9:00AM?Minnesota Hockey
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