The Gophers decided to turn on the after burners in the last two games of the Providence series, smoking the Friars 8-4, and 8-3. All three games of this series were filled with countless power play, 4-4, and 3-3 opportunities. The refs calls weren't unfair, its just that he didn't let ANYTHING go by. In the end this had to help the Gophers, as they were a faster team, and could take advantage of the big ice. Last night, (Sunday) the Gophers scored 4 goals in 4 minutes in the 3rd period, all on breakaways! The first two came when the teams were both one man short. Friday was a stinko game for the home town team. They didn't wake up until half way through the 2nd, and even then had a number of mental lapses. BTW - the band at Friday's game was from the U. of Connecticut, whose basketball team was in Mpls for the NCAA tourney. The Providence people asked if they'd like to play at the hockey game and support the Friars! Does UConn have a hockey team, at any level? Now, on to Maine! This will be a VERY tough series. Maine has an incredible home record, and the Gophers have always had problems up there. One question... is Walsh really a whiner/egomaniac/jerk? Or is it just rumor? :-) :-). Some Gopher players were joking about making sure their sticks were legal down to the mm, and locking them in there hotel rooms before the games, to prevent tampering!! go go gophers... BEAT THE BEARS!! shari