In a game of sharp contrasts, fans of both WCHA front-runners got a good
look at what they may expect from the Tigers and Gophers this year.  In
a 5-2 Minnesota victory, there was good news and bad news for both
squads.  The initial good news went CC=92s way as they dominated the
Gophers with defense for the first 45 minutes of the game, holding MN to
just 11 shots on goal through 2 periods, while firing 21 of their own.=20
The Tigers command of the game, though, resulted in just a 2-1 lead
after two.  Around five minutes into the third, though, the good news
(and ultimately, the best news) shifted to the Gophers and their
backers.  In the span of about 7 minutes, MN scored three unanswered
goals for a 4-2 lead that they would never relinquish, adding an empty
netter with 4 seconds to play.  The bad news initially went the way of
the Gophers as they struggled to mount any offense, something they will
struggle with early this season.  The really bad news for Tiger fans was
watching the wheels come off completely in the last 15 minutes of the
game.  CC lost their cool in the third period with a couple of critical
(and stupid) penalties as MN took complete control of the game.  This is
the struggle that CC will face this year, trying to replace some of the
players that provided that effort to put shots and games away when they
had the chance.  Surprisingly, experienced players like Rud and Cheyne
catalyzed the Tiger=92s demise, leaving youth and inexperience (and a
talented MN team) to take over in the final period, and the Tigers
paid.  It will also tell a lot about CC, how they come out for
tomorrow=92s game.  Will they return with controlling, smothering defense=
,
and disciplined play, or more of the retaliation, turnovers and sloppy
play.  Knowing Lucia=92s style, I think the former is more likely.
 
On a fairly serious note, CC freshman Dan Peters, cross-checked into the
boards from behind by Ryan Kraft, left the game immobilized on a
stretcher with what may be a back or neck injury.  I=92m sure fans of bot=
h
teams wish Dan well.
 
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