In what was being dubbed a "must win" for UND, the Sioux defeated the St.
Cloud State Huskies by a score of 5 to 3 in Grand Forks.  UND looked much
better tonight and played a much faster and physical game then last
night.  Virtually all aspects of the game were better, especially the
transition game.  Once again, the defense seemed to have another sub-par
performance.  UND is getting in a bad habit of doing minor mistakes in
front of their net and the end result more often then not is a goal for
the opposition or a great save by Kvalevog.
        SCSU once again grabbed the lead by scoring mid-way through the
first.  The period would end with SCSU ahead 1 to 0.  In the second, UND
scored twice, and SCSU scored once.  The final goal of the period was
scored during a five minute major penalty which SCSU received for
checking from behind.  The power play started out looking sharp, but
after the first minute completely fell apart.  UND finally put together a
nice play to get a goal with a few seconds left in both the powerplay and
the period.  This was probably the turning point in the game.  The third
period was virtually all UND as the Sioux scored three more goals to
SCSU's one.  The one dark spot on UND's performance for the third period
came during SCSU's goal.  A Husky player had the puck behind the net,
passed it to the front, where THREE SCSU players were standing waiting
for it.
 
Quick thoughts:
 
UND outshot SCSU by a total of 41 to 21.  Even though this margin is very
similar to last night's game, the style of the two games was completely
different.  Last night SCSU was getting all of the loose pucks, tonight
UND was.
 
By the third period, the physical shape of the two teams was becomming
evident.  SCSU could not keep up with UND.
 
UND's poor handeling of the puck in their defensive zone is going to cost
them several games unless it ends..  IMHO, this area needs the most work.
 
The Sioux were 2 for 5 on the power play.  This stat is somewhat
misleading, as one gaol came with 10 seconds left in a five minute major.
 
Kvalevog appears to be taking a more active role in the game.  Tonight he
made a couple of errant passes to the blue line which were intercepted by
SCSU players.
 
UND now travels to the unfriendly confines of UAA to take on the Sea
Wolves.  I don't remember the last time the Sioux won up there, but it
seems like it has been an eternity!
                                                charles
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