In one of the most lackluster performances of the year, UND comes away
with a 4-2 victory over MTU.  After last week's sweep of UM, UND appeared
to play most of the game without sustained intensity or drive.  The
simple truth of the game is UND would have to have one of its worst
performances ever and MTU one of its best for an upset to occur.  At
times, it appeared that was a possibility.
        UND socred the first three goals of the game during the first 35
minutes of the affair (D. Hoogsteen, Blake and Rice) and appeared to be
coasting to a victory, when MTU decided to make it interesting.  Toward
the end of the second, Tech had a shot that looked like it hit two pipes
and then came out.  I was sitting right on the line, and it looked like a
goal.  However, the refs immediately waved it off.  With only three
seconds left in the period, Tech did score a goal thanks in part to the
Sioux appearing to give up on defense.  The thrid period was fairly
uneventful with both teams getting one goal.  Schweitzer started in goal
for UND and had 19 saves, while Caravaggio ended the night with 42.
 
Quick Comments:
 
Boring, boring, boring!  Tech has to be the slowest team that I have seen
this year.  They love the "clutch and grab" style, but even more than
that, everything about the team is slow.  As the teams were getting ready
for the face-offs, the Tech guys were usually either 1)tying their skates
2) Going to the bench to get something or 3) holding little group meetings.
Sure, once or twice isn't a big deal, but after it became the norm of the
night, it seemed to drag down the pace of the game with it.
 
UND appeared to play down to Tech's level during the night.  The
transition game was weak and the speed was not there at all.  If the
Sioux use their speed tomorrow, it will be a blow-out!
 
The student section was probably 2/3 full which is an outrage.  UND is
number 2 in the nation and has a great shot at the WCHA crown, and what
happens?  Only 1800 (or so) students show up!
 
                                                        charles
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