This game was a welcome relief for Gopher fans, and a typical WCHA
game, especially in the second half of the season.
 
On the Gopher side, Minnesota came out of the scoring slump by coming
up against a struggling goalie Judd Lambert. For the first time this
season, the Gophers managed to score seven goals in a lopsided
contest in which Minnesota never trailed.
 
It also featured the end of the power play troubles, as Minnesota had
four or five PPG's for the game, a welcome relief from the 0 for 37
streak. In fact, Minnesota came out and scored in the first few
seconds of their first power play, as if to make a point, and set a
tone for the whole game.
 
Question: how long will Don Lucia, coach of the CC Tigers, stick with
Lambert? In his last three games (not counting a brief stint against
MN on Friday, when Bach left with a sore shoulder, but returned
shortly), he has given up: 6 goals against UMD (whose leading scorer
was suspended); 8 goals against Wisconsin (including 5 PPG's); and 7
against Minnesota (their highests goal total of the year), for a GAA
over that span of 7.00. I don't know what the save percentage has
been in those games, but the Minnesota numbers were 7 goals on 23
shots, I believe. Not real good. One has to think that having Ryan
Bach in goal for these games changes the mood considerably. I
understand that Lucia was already thinking of a goal change in
Saturday's game, but changed his mind due to a sore shoulder on Bach,
because of something that happened in Friday's game.
 
But don't think for a moment that Minnesota's goaltending was without
flaw. Jeff Callinan, again starting in goal for Woog, looked pretty
pathetic both nights. He needs some serious rest, I think, but it is
tough to start Jeff Moen, even after his good half-game against the
Brynas Tigers from Sweden. Especially in such a big game as next
weekend's Wisconsin series. Misplaying this situation could do
serious damage to both goalie's confidence. Woog had better play it
carefully.
 
And surprise of surprises, Peter Gerranazzo made it alive out of
Minnesota. I think he took some big hits, as well as a five minute
major, on which the Gopher's scored twice, to take the lead for good.
Just what I wanted to see: get revenge on the ice by scoring some
goals that were his fault. If only Minnesota had kept him
scoreless...
 
Colorado College looked like a beatable team, both nights. That was
very gratifying to see. Also, on both nights, just a few minutes of
poor defensive play led to scoring spurts from the Tigers (3 on
Friday, two on Saturday). They are very dangerous. But if contained
properly, they are also very mortal.
 
Hopefully Minnesota will take this momentum into Madison for some
tough games against Wisconsin. As I said before, I am REALLY worried
about the series after that: Michigan Tech and Minn-Duluth. Both
could be watershed events for this year's hockey.
 
Colorado College has a relatively easy series with St. Cloud,
especially if reports of an injured goalie are true. Anyone have any
updates? But then the road gets significantly tougher.
 
All in all, a good weekend with some encouraging signs for the Gopher
program, both in their own play (Saturday night), and in the
conference situation. Not bad for a tough home series.
 
                                                Lee-nerd
                                                [log in to unmask]
 
"Violence is the last resort of the incompetent." --Isaac Asimov