This game was a welcome relief for Gopher fans, and a typical WCHA game, especially in the second half of the season. On the Gopher side, Minnesota came out of the scoring slump by coming up against a struggling goalie Judd Lambert. For the first time this season, the Gophers managed to score seven goals in a lopsided contest in which Minnesota never trailed. It also featured the end of the power play troubles, as Minnesota had four or five PPG's for the game, a welcome relief from the 0 for 37 streak. In fact, Minnesota came out and scored in the first few seconds of their first power play, as if to make a point, and set a tone for the whole game. Question: how long will Don Lucia, coach of the CC Tigers, stick with Lambert? In his last three games (not counting a brief stint against MN on Friday, when Bach left with a sore shoulder, but returned shortly), he has given up: 6 goals against UMD (whose leading scorer was suspended); 8 goals against Wisconsin (including 5 PPG's); and 7 against Minnesota (their highests goal total of the year), for a GAA over that span of 7.00. I don't know what the save percentage has been in those games, but the Minnesota numbers were 7 goals on 23 shots, I believe. Not real good. One has to think that having Ryan Bach in goal for these games changes the mood considerably. I understand that Lucia was already thinking of a goal change in Saturday's game, but changed his mind due to a sore shoulder on Bach, because of something that happened in Friday's game. But don't think for a moment that Minnesota's goaltending was without flaw. Jeff Callinan, again starting in goal for Woog, looked pretty pathetic both nights. He needs some serious rest, I think, but it is tough to start Jeff Moen, even after his good half-game against the Brynas Tigers from Sweden. Especially in such a big game as next weekend's Wisconsin series. Misplaying this situation could do serious damage to both goalie's confidence. Woog had better play it carefully. And surprise of surprises, Peter Gerranazzo made it alive out of Minnesota. I think he took some big hits, as well as a five minute major, on which the Gopher's scored twice, to take the lead for good. Just what I wanted to see: get revenge on the ice by scoring some goals that were his fault. If only Minnesota had kept him scoreless... Colorado College looked like a beatable team, both nights. That was very gratifying to see. Also, on both nights, just a few minutes of poor defensive play led to scoring spurts from the Tigers (3 on Friday, two on Saturday). They are very dangerous. But if contained properly, they are also very mortal. Hopefully Minnesota will take this momentum into Madison for some tough games against Wisconsin. As I said before, I am REALLY worried about the series after that: Michigan Tech and Minn-Duluth. Both could be watershed events for this year's hockey. Colorado College has a relatively easy series with St. Cloud, especially if reports of an injured goalie are true. Anyone have any updates? But then the road gets significantly tougher. All in all, a good weekend with some encouraging signs for the Gopher program, both in their own play (Saturday night), and in the conference situation. Not bad for a tough home series. Lee-nerd [log in to unmask] "Violence is the last resort of the incompetent." --Isaac Asimov