Though I'd share my thoughts on this weekends Gopher and Colorado College
series split.
 
First, I must admit that CC is a better team than I thought.  Sounds dumb
to say being that they were ranked #1 coming into this series, but who have
they really faced this year but the Gophers (a wacky 1-0-1 early season
home match-up) and DU (3-2-0 including a tournament championship loss).  CC
is definately solid through out their line-up.
 
Next, the Gophers really did shutdown the most potent offensive attack in
the country.  Both goals on Friday night were the result of major
one-on-one man coverage blunders (i.e., Wasley knock him on his ass!).
Several CC goals on Saturday night came on Gopher turnovers in the OZ or
NZ, with CC's fourth goal on Saturday night coming on a 2-on-1 rush that
occurred because of a strangely deflected CC weakside clearing pass.
 
Third, the Gophers offensive was anemic.  Yes, the checking and defensive
coverages were smoothering by both clubs leaving little room to get loose,
but the Gophers "created" little offensively when given the opportunity.
For example, Bonin on Friday night makes a great play to get into the
OZ during a penalty kill, steps up 20 feet in the slot and rather than shot
he throws the puck into someones feet that is covered tight to the net.  He
scored from basically the same area only 5 minutes before, but this time
neglects to shoot.  Also, in the 3rd period Saturday night the Gophers were
without question carrying the play to CC.  Of all the time they had
possession in the CC zone, maybe they had six half-assed shots?  Poor
decision making with the puck (when did the Gophers start to play 100%
dump-and-chase hockey?) and passed-up shooting opportunities when
presented.
 
Lastly, IMO opinion these are two "very" evenly matched teams.  A WCHA
Final 5 and/or NCAA meeting will be very interesting.  If this weekend was
any indication, I would give the edge to the Gophers if, and only if, they
can get more guns involved in the offense (i.e., Hankinson, Kraft, Trebil,
and Checco).  Execpt for Checco's missed 1st period breakaway on Friday
night, none of these players were a threat offensively.  The Gophers
defensive coverages will be there in a big game, but will the offense
show-up?
 
 
Steven M. Bernhardt
Post-Bacc Business & Marketing Education
University of Minnesota
 
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