I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
I don't really care about the SOG at "the time". You can have the opinion they weren't on their throat, but I never felt Q posed much of a threat up until the the time the Gophers pulled back on the reigns - and even if their superstars were supposedly just running around in circles.
I don't really care about the SOG at "the time". You can have the opinion they weren't on their throat, but I never felt Q posed much of a threat up until the the time the Gophers pulled back on the reigns - and even if their superstars were supposedly just running around in circles.
i think it more is of the reasoning, when do you think they "pulled back on the reins"? we weren't dominating to get up 2-0 and they scored in reasonably short sequence afterward (there were not many shots/scoring chances prior). QU managed to get us off our game with an aggressive forecheck and coming in waves (coupled with manhandling Cooley all game who managed a total of 0 shot attempts). Gophers couldn't break through and hit them on the counter as they were so effective at all year.
QU was a really good team (the KRACH supported that all year) that played a playoff hockey style (had we had a penalty fest or open game allowed, we would've shit kicked them). Regardless doesn't matter now either way but yeah that one will live in Gopher infamy for forever and is probably why we talk about it every single year about this time in the absolute doldrums of the offseason before recruiting picks up again
I don't really care about the SOG at "the time". You can have the opinion they weren't on their throat, but I never felt Q posed much of a threat up until the the time the Gophers pulled back on the reigns - and even if their superstars were supposedly just running around in circles.
i think it more is of the reasoning, when do you think they "pulled back on the reins"? we weren't dominating to get up 2-0 and they scored in reasonably short sequence afterward (there were not many shots/scoring chances prior).
Again I don't care about the SOG and I don't think the tide turned because Q changed how they approached Minnesota, but rather it changed because of how Minnesota approached Q.
I am far from being the only fan to recognize that the Gophers dialed back their forecheck in the 2nd, and I still never felt like Q were a match until that happened even with the score being close.
Minnesota wins that game by 4+ goals if Motzko doesn't get in the way.
The problem is when you rely solely on your goalie to win they might get fatigued and eventually make a mental error. This is especially true when your team isn’t really built to play that style and doesn’t have much experience or success attempting it.I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
The problem is when you rely solely on your goalie to win they might get fatigued and eventually make a mental error. This is especially true when your team isn’t really built to play that style and doesn’t have much experience or success attempting it.I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
i agree with your premise entirely. Just think this concept that we were somehow beating the shit out of Q to that point is just really untrue and every single aspect of the analytics supports that. I agree at some point in the mid to late 2nd something changed. Whether that was intentional from Motzko, him adapting to seeing players tire, QU pressure, or all of the above, it obviously did not go well. Personally I would've rather we continued to try play the up and down hockey we are known for and you go down guns blazing (I can always live with losing playing your game).
My only point is that QU was also a really good team that year and I don't know why we think we going to dog walk them when they showed the exact same ability to smother Michigan 2 days prior (despite Michigan's stars showing up) and did the same with us in the first period depsite us leading.
The problem is when you rely solely on your goalie to win they might get fatigued and eventually make a mental error. This is especially true when your team isn’t really built to play that style and doesn’t have much experience or success attempting it.I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
i agree with your premise entirely. Just think this concept that we were somehow beating the shit out of Q to that point
No one said they were "beating the shit out of them".
Quinnipiac had an outstanding team that year. They deserved the win.
BUT...the Gophers blew the game with their approach. More succinctly, Motzko blew it.
Close gave up a softie, Snuggy missed an empty net, and Cooley took a stupid penalty. The rest is history.
The problem is when you rely solely on your goalie to win they might get fatigued and eventually make a mental error. This is especially true when your team isn’t really built to play that style and doesn’t have much experience or success attempting it.I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
i agree with your premise entirely. Just think this concept that we were somehow beating the shit out of Q to that point
No one said they were "beating the shit out of them".
stepping on their throat, fine. sub that. typically you only have that opportunity in the 2nd period of a team you are dominating/substantially better than. The game was close and back and forth until the 3rd where we really struggled. Felt in no way like this was one we were going to just win by 4+ (as was suggested) unless we're scoring multiple ENs
stepping on their throat, fine. sub that. typically you only have that opportunity in the 2nd period of a team you are dominating/substantially better than. The game was close and back and forth until the 3rd where we really struggled. Felt in no way like this was one we were going to just win by 4+ (as was suggested) unless we're scoring multiple ENs
Yeah, the only mismatch in that game was the talent pedigree--and that was on paper. Q beat Michigan two nights before and a good Ohio State team in the regional. Minnesota completed the Big10 sweep for them. Anyone who believed Minnesota was going to win by 4 goals was on crack. The only way that could have happened would be if Minnesota had a late 2-goal lead and Q got totally off their game trying to catch up.
I gulped when Q scored that quick goal to make it 2-1 because that got them right back into the game. If Minnesota had gotten up 3-0, Q would have gone off script to get back into it, much like the Gophers did to preserve their lead. We all know how that turned out.
From the drop of the puck to start the third, Q took insane chances to keep the puck in the zone, but unfortunately, Minnesota never made them pay.
The problem is when you rely solely on your goalie to win they might get fatigued and eventually make a mental error. This is especially true when your team isn’t really built to play that style and doesn’t have much experience or success attempting it.I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
i agree with your premise entirely. Just think this concept that we were somehow beating the shit out of Q to that point
No one said they were "beating the shit out of them".
stepping on their throat, fine. sub that. typically you only have that opportunity in the 2nd period of a team you are dominating/substantially better than. The game was close and back and forth until the 3rd where we really struggled. Felt in no way like this was one we were going to just win by 4+ (as was suggested) unless we're scoring multiple ENs
Sorry but Minnesota carried more of the play and felt more dangerous until they held back. A close score isn't always indicative of close play. Not sure why this is being argued otherwise if you actually watched the game.
That is not a dig on Q btw who were a very worthy opponent.
The problem is when you rely solely on your goalie to win they might get fatigued and eventually make a mental error. This is especially true when your team isn’t really built to play that style and doesn’t have much experience or success attempting it.I’m going based on recollection because I’m not watching that shit again but I remember the gophers started icing the puck a lot midway thru the game if not earlier. Me and my buddy exchanged glances halfway thru the second and had a similar 😰 expression because it was clear they started playing to run out the clock wayyyy too early. My memory could be faulty though, it’s happened once or twice 😉 .
No you're correct that the Gophers started puling back possibly midway in the 2nd, but iirc the Gophers were still in control. But dammit they never should have stepped off their throat.
Given that the only scorers were Jaxon Nelson and Jon Mittelstadt, I'm not sure they ever stepped on their throats. None of the super star NHL talent did much of anything that game except run around trying to clear pucks.
yep shot attempts were 16-12 at time of us going up 2-0. Game was super even.
tbh if close doesn’t give up a muffin from the side wall after being solid all game, we don’t have this conversation. Yes they played more shell but kept high danger chances low and if we score on the pp early in the 3rd or Snuggy hits a wide open cage it again doesn’t matter (or we manage to get the puck and clear into an empty net when they pulled Perets). There’s a reason the xG was so low for both sides in the game and some of that was QU was not going to let us play a wide open back and forth game. Had you had a 2 goal lead in the 3rd that changes drastically. It is what it is, but both coaching and players weren’t enough in a game that tilted in terms of shots and chances late in the game (things were quite even through 2), which is pretty typical (see Denver’s win over BC)
i agree with your premise entirely. Just think this concept that we were somehow beating the shit out of Q to that point
No one said they were "beating the shit out of them".
stepping on their throat, fine. sub that. typically you only have that opportunity in the 2nd period of a team you are dominating/substantially better than. The game was close and back and forth until the 3rd where we really struggled. Felt in no way like this was one we were going to just win by 4+ (as was suggested) unless we're scoring multiple ENs
Sorry but Minnesota carried more of the play and felt more dangerous until they held back. A close score isn't always indicative of close play. Not sure why this is being argued otherwise if you actually watched the game.
That is not a dig on Q btw who were a very worthy opponent.
i was there in Tampa. Didn't feel that way to me, but to each their own.
i was there in Tampa. Didn't feel that way to me, but to each their own.
I was there, too. Row 20 straight up from the end Minnesota shot twice. And I agree, I didn't feel that way, either.
Minnesota was clearly the better skating team. That was obvious. Unfortunately, it was also obvious that the refs weren't going to call interference away from the puck. Cooley, Knies, Snuggy et al. had a stick across their chests all game long.
If I were coaching a defensive team like Q, I'd focus on the penalty kill. Refs might call 5 or 6 penalties on one team but they won't call the 20 they deserve. If you can kill all but one or two penalties, you have a chance to beat better teams. That's especially true in the post season.
https://twitter.com/SchlossmanGF/status/1947274023152353286
I actually give a @#$* about the Twins
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
looks like maybe it’s been taken down? Would assume it was the Martone news
looks like maybe it’s been taken down? Would assume it was the Martone news
Yes. Here is another version of it.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1947265745991119215
I actually give a @#$* about the Twins
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
I mean I’ll give MSU this, between hiring Nightingale as head coach, their NIL money, and their recruiting they are certainly serious about their hockey program. Do I love the way that college hockey is going in this respect? No. But this seems like a classic “don’t hate the player, hate the game” situation. If the U wanted to play that way I wouldn’t be wholly against it. But until then, I’ll enjoy talking some good natured sh$T about “Mercenary State University”.
looks like maybe it’s been taken down? Would assume it was the Martone news
Yes. Here is another version of it.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1947265745991119215
Been watching college hockey my whole life with no other sports team mattering as much as the Gophers, but this 'player to the highest bidder' just seems to be completely the wrong direction for a college sport, especially one that loses money for almost all schools involved. Just hope this, transfer portal etc. don't get to the point that I no longer have the passion to watch anymore. (Not that I am saying they had a choice in it..)
Anyone who believed Minnesota was going to win by 4 goals was on crack.
Okay... This one makes me laugh because that is EXACTLY what Pat Micheletti said to me during the pre-game meal for the media that night. He said it was going to be a 5-1 win for MN.
Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!
♃
Anyone who believed Minnesota was going to win by 4 goals was on crack.
Okay... This one makes me laugh because that is EXACTLY what Pat Micheletti said to me during the pre-game meal for the media that night. He said it was going to be a 5-1 win for MN.
If only…😢
Keaton Verhoeff leaving WHL for North Dakota. #2 prospect behind McNenna.
Really excited about the NCAA growing into the clear dominant NHL development pathway.
Rennick Hendrickson (Beckett’s younger brother) to UMD.
Good for him. Likely the Gophers would’ve never come calling.
Rennick Hendrickson (Beckett’s younger brother) to UMD.
Good for him. Likely the Gophers would’ve never come calling.
Still a chance that if he continues to progress, a transfer portal slot may be possible.
Gotta love the idea of UMD being the POI farm team in the next era.
Max Cullen to Duluth
That's odd. Thought he would follow the brothers here.
I think they're cousins? Not brothers
Correct. Marks kid
I gotta laugh, after Rennick Hendrickson and now Max Cullen, UMD is living up to their “Gopher rejects” moniker pretty well 😂
https://twitter.com/collegepucknxt/status/1967292782055444853?s=46&t=3T_aqyWV0c5WnrFBAyJLTg
Ryland Rooney to Wisconsin
Good player but I doubt we offered after landing Conboy and Jarvis while saving room for Schneider and Fitzhenry.
Watched Sparty’s games this weekend. The CHL players they brought in got a lot of noise, but Ryker Lee popped the most by far. Absolutely dominant with the puck every shift.
Watched Sparty’s games this weekend. The CHL players they brought in got a lot of noise, but Ryker Lee popped the most by far. Absolutely dominant with the puck every shift.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6517345/2025/07/29/ryker-lee-usa-michigan-state-predators/
Really fun read on his path. He was fun to watch at the WJSS -- I did think he had a lot of rollercoaster to his game, but it was summer and also a showcase. I'll be interested to see him in season.
https://twitter.com/chnews/status/1991302766925426869
I actually give a @#$* about the Twins
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Interesting. Someone is getting a good player...wonder what happened there.
Gopher?
After all he is clearly the goat.
They were Fleeced.
Ewe got that right!
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Beck Thoreson of Moorhead (NTDP U17) to North Dakota. It rumored to be us or them.
Must have accelerated his education to commit, he was supposed to be part of next summer’s August 1 class.
Schlossman said UND or Duluth as finalists.
Schlossman said UND or Duluth as finalists.
Touche. For what it’s worth he was always UND from what it sounds like. Legacy.
Beck Thoreson of Moorhead (NTDP U17) to North Dakota. It rumored to be us or them.
Must have accelerated his education to commit, he was supposed to be part of next summer’s August 1 class.
Standard operating procedure at the NTDP to accelerate. I remember when Matthew Tkachuk couldn't accelerate his studies in time and ended up in the OHL and that did not make certain people at USA Hockey happy.
Michigan State picks up a 1st round goaltender for next year: