159K viewers is why hockey games are regularly joined in progress while wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, etc. are on.159k viewers is um...well...
Oh I know...if only people around here understood how bad that number is they might not complain so much about why some games aren't shown or why not much production value is put into it for most schools. Re-runs of 80s sitcoms do those numbers...
Oh yeah, I knew you were well aware, I just went the extra step of laying it out for the people that complain about how "little" attention the Gophers get, even though it's objectively more than any other team in the country.159K viewers is why hockey games are regularly joined in progress while wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, etc. are on.159k viewers is um...well...
Oh I know...if only people around here understood how bad that number is they might not complain so much about why some games aren't shown or why not much production value is put into it for most schools. Re-runs of 80s sitcoms do those numbers...
Another week down the stretch run with the NCAA tournament bracket getting more locks. This last week, we added 3 certainties to the postseason field in MN, Maine and WMU with OSU, BU, Providence, UConn, and DU looking EXTREMELY likely to join them and lock things in this weekend as the RPI difference between them and the cut has stayed quite large and DU, who's closest, will get rid of their last chance for extremely "bad" losses this weekend with Miami. So here's the PWR implications for the week, again with a Gopher slant as we look to hold onto a 1 seed (and make Fargo a much more certain scenario). Current odds are at 61% but this weekend is going to go a long way in tightening the band of where we end up.
AHA: doesn't matter
CCHA: Mankato technically alive for an AL but would likely take winning out and losing to Augustana in the CC game. They have LSSU and BSU to finish the year and any loss here or in the conf tourney prior to the CC is going to really hurt them given where the RPI sits.
ECAC: has officially become QU and everyone else yet again. QU has Yale and Brown at home. They're looking highly likely to be within the cut line, just a question of if they win their games and falter in the ECAC tourney or not getting the ECAC 2 teams in or not. Important as an ECAC autobid would have a pretty good shot at being the Gopher opponent should we end up the 3, and we know how MN vs the ECAC has gone in terms of demons to think back on.
NCHC: DU with a don't lose pair vs Miami, ASU with a redemption shot at getting back into the field vs WMU (should be a super fun series; cheer ASU unless you're afraid of playing the Sun Devils for some reason) and some autobid only scraps. Theoretically, UND could win out and get to the NCHC championship game before losing and maybe squeak in but for all intents and purposes, looks over aside from the autobid
B10: cheer for PSU. There's still an outside chance we could sneak up to the 2 but probably takes MSU at least 2 games with us winning out and beating them in the CC game. 2 seed and drawing the AHA or a poorer ECAC or CCHA winner can make for a lot easier pathway for a team that has had some sleepy starts this year
HE: Maine at UConn the big one for Gopher fans. would be nice to get some breathing room as Maine winning a bunch of games would put the Gophers in a spot they probably can't hold them off from passing us as RPI is really all we have to compare the 2 teams. BU has a slight chance and has a home and home with NE but realistically if Gophers at least play decently down the stretch, BU shouldn't be able to make up the ground.
Bid Projections provided no extra bid stealers:
AHA: 1
CCHA: 1
ECAC: 1 (just looks like QU is the class of the conference, but we all know what can happen in a 1 and done)
NCHC: 2 (do or die weekend for ASUs AL chances and it just feels like WMU is a little better at everything and playing better hockey)
B10: 4
HE: 7 (think UMass or UML ends up being the cut line team as they play each other twice still; just a matter of if an autobid from somewhere else bounces them). If this ends up happening, we're going to see some weirdness in scheduling for the NCAA tourney
Whatever Michigan St is wearing looks terrible. Might be the different colored breezers or something. 🤮
PSU wins in the SO
Big win by ASU over Western Michigan and Northeastern big over BU.
Big win by ASU over Western Michigan and Northeastern big over BU.
Huge wins for the Gophers locking a 1 seed you mean 😎 especially when you add the Maine-Uconn tie
Now with over .01 over WMU at the 5 and a much comfier distance from Maine. 3-4 seed now pretty well restricted to MN, Maine, WMU and MN with a pretty sizeable lead. Win tomorrow and it'll be pretty close to locked and a very near lock to go to Fargo.
Elsewhere, not a whole lot that's going to move the needle much. NE is too far off the bubble at this point to make their win over BU mean much other than hurting BU. UMass tying UNH not a great result for them as they try hold off ASU and PSU from the last AL.
A guy that I’m pretty sure is in his mid 30s just scored for Notre Dame to take a 1-0 lead in Madison.
With Penn State's win at Michigan State (series win) they are now #13 in Pairwise.
5 of the 7 teams in the Big Ten are in the top 13.
With Penn State's win at Michigan State (series win) they are now #13 in Pairwise.
5 of the 7 teams in the Big Ten are in the top 13.
id prefer we sweep PSU and knock them back out
Next weekend is going to be an awesome college hockey weekend.
UMASS vs UMASS Lowell home and home
Michigan @ Ohio State
Gophers @ Penn State
Quinnipiac @ Clarkson
The bottom 6 around the cut line all with a chance to significantly improve their chances at, if not secure at large bids.
Curious would the Gophers or Bemidji ever host a regional at REA in Thief River? I would imagine its large enough, but I have no idea if its set up for broadcasting.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
I'd be curious if they have hotel rooms to support this.Curious would the Gophers or Bemidji ever host a regional at REA in Thief River? I would imagine its large enough, but I have no idea if its set up for broadcasting.
That's not a fun drive......
I'm fine with Fargo and Sioux Falls.
The best answer is to allow on campus sites.
Curious would the Gophers or Bemidji ever host a regional at REA in Thief River? I would imagine its large enough, but I have no idea if its set up for broadcasting.
That would be awesome. Best rink in the state besides the X and Mariucci. About three hotels and the casino and almost two hours from Fargo so that would be a no go.
This weeks USCHO Bracketology
Manchester Region
1. Boston College
2. Connecticut
3. Denver
4. Holy Cross
Toledo Region
1. Michigan State
2. Boston University
3. Ohio State
4. Minnesota State
Fargo Region
1. Minnesota
2. Providence
3. Michigan
4. UMass Lowell
Allentown Region
1. Maine
2. Western Michigan
3. Massachusetts
4. Quinnipiac
Last in: UMass Lowell, Massachusetts
First out: Arizona State, Penn State
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
BU @ UConn tied at 2 with 4 minutes left in the 3rd on ESPN+
They tied at 2.
Former Gopher great Eiserman scores a goal in the shootout to give BU the extra point..
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Can't make it up. The one that got away scores in a shootout.BU @ UConn tied at 2 with 4 minutes left in the 3rd on ESPN+
They tied at 2.
Former Gopher great Eiserman scores a goal in the shootout to give BU the extra point..
WAY better than last week's for sure. Of course, there will be 3 more of these before the final one that actually matters.Give me this regional in a heartbeat
Definitely interesting to see how much it changes from week to week, though.
@gopher6 This bracketology is being discussed in the prior few posts from yesterday....
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
I'm not a pairwise Nostradamus, but I find it interesting that they seem to keep putting Ohio State in Toledo and they are not even hosting the regional.
I'm not a pairwise Nostradamus, but I find it interesting that they seem to keep putting Ohio State in Toledo and they are not even hosting the regional.
it’s because of attendance and they think OSU will draw there due to the fact theyre in Ohio despite that WMU is actually closer. I can see the ncaa doing it though as there’s not really much for hockey in that area
I would think Western Michigan travels better than OSU. If you’ve ever been to a game in Columbus, you’ll understand.
I'm not a pairwise Nostradamus, but I find it interesting that they seem to keep putting Ohio State in Toledo and they are not even hosting the regional.
who is the host for the Toledo location?
Aloha!
Getting the cart ahead of the horse... but 2028 could be interesting... Depending on the Gophers seed, if UND or Augustana make the tourney... would the Gophers rather be in Fargo or Sioux Falls. They are practically the same in drive time.
| Regional | Fargo, ND | Scheels Arena | March 23-26 | University of North Dakota |
| Regional | Rochester, NY | Blue Cross Arena | March 23-26 | Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester NY Sports Commission |
| Regional | Allentown, PA | PPL Center | March 23-26 | Pennsylvania State University and PPL Center |
| Regional | Sioux Falls, SD | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | March 23-26 | Augustana University (South Dakota) and Sioux Falls Sports Authority |
| Frozen Four | Chicago | United Center | April 6 & 8 | University of Denver and United Center |
Getting the cart ahead of the horse... but 2028 could be interesting... Depending on the Gophers seed, if UND or Augustana make the tourney... would the Gophers rather be in Fargo or Sioux Falls. They are practically the same in drive time.
Regional Fargo, ND Scheels Arena March 23-26 University of North Dakota Regional Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena March 23-26 Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester NY Sports Commission Regional Allentown, PA PPL Center March 23-26 Pennsylvania State University and PPL Center Regional Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center March 23-26 Augustana University (South Dakota) and Sioux Falls Sports Authority Frozen Four Chicago United Center April 6 & 8 University of Denver and United Center
why would Denver be the host team for this Frozen Four in Chicago and not in Denver?
Aloha!
Getting the cart ahead of the horse... but 2028 could be interesting... Depending on the Gophers seed, if UND or Augustana make the tourney... would the Gophers rather be in Fargo or Sioux Falls. They are practically the same in drive time.
Regional Fargo, ND Scheels Arena March 23-26 University of North Dakota Regional Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena March 23-26 Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester NY Sports Commission Regional Allentown, PA PPL Center March 23-26 Pennsylvania State University and PPL Center Regional Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center March 23-26 Augustana University (South Dakota) and Sioux Falls Sports Authority Frozen Four Chicago United Center April 6 & 8 University of Denver and United Center
Both towns are decent. I don't really see a difference. I REALLY enjoyed the regional in Fargo a couple of years ago. Arena was great, other than lack of parking. Big thanks to Cowgirl and Diesel for helping out on that.
I've been to Sioux Falls the last couple of years for youth hockey tournaments. It's also a good town. I will say T Denny Sanford builds excellent sports facilities for these communities.
I am actually very disappointed I have a conflict this year for the regional weekend. If things go well, I may try to hit St Louis to make up for it. I am jonsing for a good sports road trip.
If the Gophers are in Fargo and you decide to go I highly recommend Blackbird Woodfire Pizza in the downtown area. We also went to a golf simulator during the off day and watched the other regionals while drinking pitchers of beer and "golfing." Great time.
The arena itself is a great venue. They do serve alcohol.
The arena itself is a great venue. They do serve alcohol.
I see the Fargo Force have a ticket deal... all you can eat (hotdogs, chips, popcorn) and drink (pop and domestic beer). As a beer vendor, the all you can drink beer can be a problem. So many loop holes and more awareness for the whomever is handing out the beer.
why would Denver be the host team for this Frozen Four in Chicago and not in Denver?
Vermont is hosting this year in St. Louis... UND is hosting next year in Vegas... Some make sense some don't.
If the Gophers are in Fargo and you decide to go I highly recommend Blackbird Woodfire Pizza in the downtown area. We also went to a golf simulator during the off day and watched the other regionals while drinking pitchers of beer and "golfing." Great time.
The arena itself is a great venue. They do serve alcohol.
my family all lives in fargo and agree. blackbird is pretty damn good and a fun little spot they have down there now
Getting the cart ahead of the horse... but 2028 could be interesting... Depending on the Gophers seed, if UND or Augustana make the tourney... would the Gophers rather be in Fargo or Sioux Falls. They are practically the same in drive time.
Regional Fargo, ND Scheels Arena March 23-26 University of North Dakota Regional Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena March 23-26 Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester NY Sports Commission Regional Allentown, PA PPL Center March 23-26 Pennsylvania State University and PPL Center Regional Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center March 23-26 Augustana University (South Dakota) and Sioux Falls Sports Authority Frozen Four Chicago United Center April 6 & 8 University of Denver and United Center
whichever one the whioux fans aren’t at. 🤮
I am curious how host schools are chosen; do they make bids too? Nodak doesn’t have anything else to sink their money and efforts into so they bid every year for something. 😂
Getting the cart ahead of the horse... but 2028 could be interesting... Depending on the Gophers seed, if UND or Augustana make the tourney... would the Gophers rather be in Fargo or Sioux Falls. They are practically the same in drive time.
Regional Fargo, ND Scheels Arena March 23-26 University of North Dakota Regional Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena March 23-26 Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester NY Sports Commission Regional Allentown, PA PPL Center March 23-26 Pennsylvania State University and PPL Center Regional Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center March 23-26 Augustana University (South Dakota) and Sioux Falls Sports Authority Frozen Four Chicago United Center April 6 & 8 University of Denver and United Center
whichever one the whioux fans aren’t at. 🤮
I am curious how host schools are chosen; do they make bids too? Nodak doesn’t have anything else to sink their money and efforts into so they bid every year for something. 😂
With some of the doom and gloom with the future recruits, the Gophers may be lucky to win 5 games. 
Sioux Falls is the easy choice for the regional of choice...
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
This is a good point. Fargo was fun because the fHawks missed the tourney.Getting the cart ahead of the horse... but 2028 could be interesting... Depending on the Gophers seed, if UND or Augustana make the tourney... would the Gophers rather be in Fargo or Sioux Falls. They are practically the same in drive time.
Regional Fargo, ND Scheels Arena March 23-26 University of North Dakota Regional Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena March 23-26 Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester NY Sports Commission Regional Allentown, PA PPL Center March 23-26 Pennsylvania State University and PPL Center Regional Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center March 23-26 Augustana University (South Dakota) and Sioux Falls Sports Authority Frozen Four Chicago United Center April 6 & 8 University of Denver and United Center
whichever one the whioux fans aren’t at. 🤮
I am curious how host schools are chosen; do they make bids too? Nodak doesn’t have anything else to sink their money and efforts into so they bid every year for something. 😂
it would have been a much different event had they been there.
Amazing gophers are in 1st place despite being 8 pts behind MSU in the head to head match up. Can mostly credit our superior Pts performance in the Penn State Home Series (+5 pt advantage for Gophers) and the Wisconsin Away series (+3 advantage Gophers)
| Total Pts | Vs Each Other | Vs Rest | |
| Gophers | 46 | 2 | 44 |
| MSU | 44 | 10 | 34 |
| Home | Away | Away | Home | Home | Away | Home | Away | Home | Away | Home | Away | ||
| Total | Penn | Wis | Notre | Mich | MSU Vs Min | OSU | Notre | MSU Vs Min | Wis | Mich | OSU | PSU | |
| Gophers PTS | 46 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 6 | |
| MSU PTS | 44 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 | |
| Difference | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | -4 | 0 | -2 | -4 | 1 | -1 | 0 | -4 |
The Gophers are 13-1 in regulation against Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin and Notre Dame.
Michigan State is 9-4 in regulation against Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame.
WTF is with the one loss?! /tArrogance
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
WTF is with the one loss?! /tArrogance
It was a 5-1 loss at Ohio State where the expected goals were Gophers 3.8 Ohio State 2.8
Ohio State scored 2 goals on a 5 minute major and got an empty net goal.
I know what the loss was. I still ask WTF? (c)tArrogance. 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
A couple of big games tonight.
#14 Lowell @ #12 U Mass on ESPN+ at 6pm.
#11 Michigan @ #10 Ohio St on BTN at 7pm. Michigan trying to hold on to the last home ice spot in playoffs.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Ooo... something worthwhile to watch tonight.
Go……tie?