Nicholas D. Jankovich ([log in to unmask]) had some good comments about the
UW-MN series of the past weekend, which pretty much told it as I saw it as
well.  The two games were indeed very different, a sloppy defensive
struggle and a run-and-gun offense-fest.  Unfortunately for Wisconsin, I
don't think they really wanted to get in one of the latter kinds of games
with the gophs, who have a few too many goal-scorers on their bench for
Badger comfort.  Having said that, I agree that UW actually looked sharper
on Saturday night, but had a real problem finishing their plays.  DeBus was
giving up a lot of rebounds, but there was always someone in maroon, not
red, to slap the puck away.  We hit the post and just missed on too many
shots as well, but we all know that you have to make your own luck.  The
Saturday game was closer than the 6-1 score, with the badgers only two
goals down until the mid-third period, when all hell broke loose.
 
Other comments from Saturday... rough game, with a lot of after-the-whistle
nonsense from both sides.  Referee Anderson was marginal on a lot of calls
(uniformly bad for badgers and gophers, I think), including an incredible
blown interference call that led to the second UMN goal.  (Two players
going for a puck shooting towards them collide, and the offensive player is
called for interference. Sure, whatever....)  Head of refs Shephard was in
attendance on Friday I know, hope he was there to witness that one.
 
I'm cautiously optimistic about the Badgers.  The 8-3 win over Denver last
weekend showed that they _do_ know how to score, so they have to remember
what they did then and continue to be mostly strong defensively.  I expect
Dauber to continue to impress the pro scouts and keep WI in games.  The
WCHA will be up for grabs this year, and UW should be there at the end.  I
predict a 4th place finish or so, hopefully at least 3rd.
 
Seen held up by a gopher fan: "Dauber = SIV".... wonder how he would spell
"Minnesota".
 
Nicholas's .sig says:
>+ Where would we be without MSC?? ===       === +
 
In Madison, WI, where live TV feeds are sent back to MN by MSC, and we get
to see a tape-delay only of home games, and nothing of away games.  I want
my MSC :-)
 
Drop the Puck!
-john nash
 
-==-John R. [log in to unmask] Chem. Dept-==-
                 --- "When in doubt, roll!" ---
 
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