OUCH!  UND drops the first of a best two-out-of-three series against the
Badgers of Wisconsin in front of 3,600 at Englestad Arena.  This game is
a perfect example of UND out-playing their opponent for about 90% of the
game but making too many mistakes which eventually cost them the game.
The first period ended at a 1-1 tie much to the delight of the Badger
fans and the chagrin of the Sioux fans.  The reason, UND had outshot UW 7
to 18 (I believe).  As it turned out, the first period was a precursor
for the rest of the game, as UND outshot UW around 50-25.  Very few
penalties were called, so the refs allowed the players to play a fairly
physical game which was almost free of any fights.  The second period ended
with a 3-3 tie.  UW's first two goals should include assits from UND
defensmen.  Also, the second and third goals could not have been stopped
by most goalies in the NHL.  With about 12 minutes to go in the third, UW
scored back-to-back goals about a minute apart.  However, UND was able to come
back thanks to a power-play and a lot of tenacity.  Regulation ended at 5-5.
        UND dominated most of the overtime and at times appeared to be on
a powerplay.  However, Daubenspek played incredible and stopped
everything that was shot at him.  MId-way through the overtime, Kvalevog
also made a great stop on a UW breakaway.  So, with 20 seconds left, UW
charges at the net for one last shot, and UND turns them away at the
goal.  With 9 seconds left, the puck goes to a UW player at the blue-line
(errant pass from a Sioux player set this one up) and he takes a moderate
shot at the UND goal.  Kvalevog stops it...at least we thought...however,
it SLOWLY rolled past him after hitting him.  4 seconds left...and UW won
the game.
QUICK COMMENTS:
        Daubenspek played great.  However, it appears that if you try to
go top-shelf against him, he is weaker.
        Kvalevog cannot be blamed for this lose.  The second and third
goals were very tough to stop.  Unfortunately, he should have made that
last stop.  He also needs to cover up his rebounds better.
        UND seemed better conditioned for the game.  UW appeared very
tired by the over-time.
        Naumenko partially seperated his shoulder.  His status for
tomorrow is questionable.
Prediction:
        NONE!
                                                        CBell
 
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