CC bounced back and got the split they wanted in an incredibly tough
building and pressure packed game.  On balance, Minnesota had the better
of most of tonight=92s action, especially in the last two periods when
they outshot CC 26-3.  The bulk of the third period was spent in CC=92s
end as the Tigers circled their strong defensive wagons and held off
numerous quality chances by the Gophers.  At the center of the
suffocating defense was goalie, Judd Lambert who stood tall in the goal
even after being run hard by the Gopher=92s Abrahamson in the second
period.  He ended up stopping 34 of 35 shots for a .971 save
percentage.  Minnesota, on the other hand, mounted a high-powered attack
that only lacked the finishing touch to tie the game.  For CC fans, this
is the type of game that will be replicated often as the offense grows
more effective.  Last year, the offense protected leads by offering the
other team few offensive chances of their own.  This year, especially
early, that burden will fall on the defense.  For Gopher fans,
encouragement comes in the form of a young defense that has played
better than expected.  Fans of both teams likely believe that the Feb.
21-22 meeting of these teams has a good chance to decide the league
title.  Bravo to both sides.
 
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