Minnesota and Wisconsin split the series-
        3-1 in favor of the Badgers on Friday nite
        6-1 in favor of the Gophers on Saturday nite
     Two fairly exciting games, Friday being the best of the two as far as
being close, Saturday being the best as far as the play. Friday nite's
game illustrated poor passing technique, bad skating, and overall sloppy
play. Saturday's game was much better for both teams, but Minnesota's
defense was very stifling on this night.  The player who scored the
Badger's only goal (can't remember his name) undressed Mike Crowley at
the blue line. First time I can remember seeing Crowley get that roasted
before. Oh, well, first time for everything.
     Daubenspeck for Wisconsin is quickly gaining the skills needed for
being an effective NHL goalie. It seemed that he is gaining an affection
for using the stick on opposing players that pass near his net, and
overall raising a ruckus for potential scorers. I counted 4 times he
either used the stick for slashing or highsticking. He'll need that in
Ottawa if the Senators give him a chance to play next year.
     I am very surprised Ryan Kraft played on Saturday, as well. Woog
stated after Friday's tilt that Kraft would sit. This was his second
(called) checking from behind this season, and that is not a good trend.
This is the one play in hockey that can end careers, and players such as
Kraft's caliber should attempt to avoid hits like that. He did play,
however, and scored twice.
     Wisconsin and Minnesota are very similar teams, and their current
records reflect that.
     Minnesota's Erik Rasmussen is beginning to enjoy throwing his big
frame around on the ice. Many big hits on both nights, and also set up
some goals, as well. Beginning to see why Buffalo drafted him in the
first round last spring, the potential is enormous. He is still learning
the game, and will only get better. He is on the Eric Lindros path, but
not there yet. He is that kind of player.
     Looks like Steve DeBus will be Woog's goalie for most of the year.
He has started all the games I've seen, and has played fairly well. Set a
high standard for himself last year with that unbeaten streak near the
end of the year (10 games, I think). Had gotten fairly used to the goalie
rotation the past few years, looks like we have a constant in the nets.
     Gophers face North Dakota next week, will be a good series.
 
 
*-------------------------*-----------------------------------------------*
+  Nicholas D. Jankovich  + * * P R I D E   O N   I C E * *    === ===    +
+ University of MN-Duluth + Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey     / \ / \    +
+ School of Bus and Econ  + Gopher fan in Bulldog territory   /  ===  \   +
+   [log in to unmask]    + Where would we be without MSC?? ===       === +
*-------------------------*-----------------------------------------------*
+   ...the sun shines on my face as I blaze my own path; it sustains me   +
+        Strengthened by its newness, comforted by its crossroads         +
*-------------------------------------------------------------------------*
 
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