The Road to St Louis continues in Fargo.
Thursday @ 7:30 on ESPN 2 and ESPN+ app. Clymer and Roxy Bernstein will be the announcers.
GPL Podcast -- Weds @9:30 with Make Carman
U Mass -- 20-13-5, 6th place in Hockey East. Lost to BU in OT in the HE quarterfinal game.
Last year lost to Denver in 2OT in regional semifinal game.
Cole O'Hara (Jr) lead them in points-- 22-29-51. He only had 18 points last year.
Michael Hrabal ( So ) is their goalie -- 18-11-5, 2.33 GAA and .926 sv%
Team stats-
Goals per game -- tied for 12 @ 3.3 per game
Shots per game -- 19th @ 30.9
PK % -- tied for 14th @ 83.5%
PP % -- Tied for 10th @ 24.8%
Face off % -- 19th @ 51.5%
PIM per game -- 61st in NCAA @ 6.7 minutes per game
Minnesota-- 25-10-4, 2nd in B1G. Lost to ND in B1G quarterfinals
Last year lost to BU in region final.
Snuggerud (Jr) lead the team in points -- 22-27-49
Souliere (Gr) -- 13-7-2, 2.28 GAA & .918 SV%
Airey (So) -- 12-3-2, 2.42 GAA & .902 SV%
Team stats-
Goals per game -- 3rd @ 3.8 per game
Shots per game -- 3rd @ 35.2
PK % -- 52nd @ 73.9%
PP % -- 13th @ 24.4%
Face off % -- Tied for 46th @ 48%
PIM per game -- Ties for 62nd @ 6.6 minutes per game
Common opponents-- Omaha, Air Force, Alaska
U Mass was 3-1 and MN was 2-1-1
Last meeting-- Gophers beat U Mass 4-3 in OT at the Worchester Regional on March 25, 2022
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
love that you had this locked and loaded
“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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
also don't wanna hear any of the rest/rust argument. UMass hasn't played in 12 days either. Come out ready to roll. Their goalie is huge and very talented. Will be big to get the first goal.
also don't wanna hear any of the rest/rust argument. UMass hasn't played in 12 days either. Come out ready to roll. Their goalie is huge and very talented. Will be big to get the first goal.
Agree.
“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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turns out that being the #1 vs. #2 seed in this regional is a bit of a nothingburger.
Kato could surprise Western and either one of them will play a shut-down style against the Gophers if they advance.
Turns out that being the #1 vs. #2 seed in this regional is a bit of a nothingburger.
Kato could surprise Western and either one of them will play a shut-down style against the Gophers if they advance.
if we win, WMU and Kato are super different styles. Wmu is go go go all game and has a very aggressive forecheck. They’re very fun to watch
I thought someone commented they played like Kato. I don't know much about them. I did watch a period when they played ASU and thought they looked sizable and played with some pace.Turns out that being the #1 vs. #2 seed in this regional is a bit of a nothingburger.
Kato could surprise Western and either one of them will play a shut-down style against the Gophers if they advance.
if we win, WMU and Kato are super different styles. Wmu is go go go all game and has a very aggressive forecheck. They’re very fun to watch
Looks like the PK could be problem - UMass has a good PP. STAY OUT OF THE BOX!
Looks like the PK could be problem - UMass has a good PP. STAY OUT OF THE BOX!
on this note, when do refs get announced?
also don't wanna hear any of the rest/rust argument. UMass hasn't played in 12 days either. Come out ready to roll. Their goalie is huge and very talented. Will be big to get the first goal.
18 days is more than 12 days. 😉
Having one bye week can be good or bad based on rest vs. rust but there are multiple reasons why teams make sure to avoid having back to back bye weeks during the season (others than the holiday school break which is unavoidable).
Boston College, Providence, and U Mass all lost in the quarterfinals of the Hockey East tournament but had only one off week going into the NCAA tournament while the Gophers and Penn State who both lost in the quarterfinals of Big Ten tournament had back to back off weeks.
Coach had tried multiple times to get the Big Ten tournament format changed and until it is Big Ten team will be at a disadvantage going into the NCAA tournament.
Penn State (18 days off) and Michigan State (2 games in the last 25 days) are at a disadvantage too not just the Gophers.
Ohio State who played 5 games over the three week Big Ten tournament is the only Big Ten tournament team not at a disadvantage.
This don't mean certain teams will win or lose but it's a single elimination NCAA tournament in a low scoring sport where the difference between winning and losing is often very small so it is unfortunate the Big Ten continues to put its' teams at a disadvantage.
All that would have to happen to change this while playing all Big Ten conference playoff games on campus (like it is currently) would be to play the semifinal on Thursday and final on Saturday during the same week rather than a week apart. Having an off days between the semi final and final would give one or both teams (if both road teams win the semi finals) a travel day.
Looks like the PK could be problem - UMass has a good PP. STAY OUT OF THE BOX!
on this note, when do refs get announced?
I heard it will be Marco Hunt and Greg Sheppard. 😎
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Looks like the PK could be problem - UMass has a good PP. STAY OUT OF THE BOX!
The Gophers are 2nd fewest in the country in penalty minutes per game at 6.6 U-Mass is 4th fewest at 6.7
I agree U Mass has a good power play at 24.8 % (10th best in the country) and agree it is important to stay out of the box.
I do find it interesting that the Gopher power play all season has been criticized (repeatedly said to be awful) yet our power play is 24.4 % (13th best in the country)
Apparently that extra 0.4 % U Mass has makes a huge difference in the quality of the two power plays. 😉 😀
IMO fans because they see all the mistakes their team make (since they see their team play a lot while seeing other team's games a lot less) are a lot more critical of their own team.
Tristan Broz scored the double OT goal in Denver's first round NCAA tournament playoff win last year over U Mass.
Our two transfers Wood and Souliere (if he plays) will likely be big factors on if U Mass gets eliminated in the first round this season.
Wood has 8 goals in his last 10 games.
I thought someone commented they played like Kato. I don't know much about them. I did watch a period when they played ASU and thought they looked sizable and played with some pace.Turns out that being the #1 vs. #2 seed in this regional is a bit of a nothingburger.
Kato could surprise Western and either one of them will play a shut-down style against the Gophers if they advance.
if we win, WMU and Kato are super different styles. Wmu is go go go all game and has a very aggressive forecheck. They’re very fun to watch
I only got to see WMU in the title game against Denver but for much of the game they reminded me a lot of Notre Dame. Denver would control play in the offensive zone but struggled to actually get the puck to the net and then when WMU managed to get the puck they were quick on the transition into the offensive zone so our D are going to have to be on their game. Hopefully they learned something from that series. Game flipped
complety in the 3rd though when it looked like Denver hit the wall and then WMU dominated play until the end.
Gophers ML -200
UMass ML +154
Over/Under 5.5
https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/umass-%40-minnesota/32016562
Whatever the stats say, this team should be more dangerous on the PP with the talent they have.
When do they announce what the game time will be for the Regional final?
When do they announce what the game time will be for the Regional final?
It is either 3pm or 5:30pm central. Not sure when that is decided.
typically after the first round games so they can plan it for tv
Correct. The 2nd round times will come out either late Thursday or Friday morning once they can figure out which game ESPN prefers as the late game
typically after the first round games so they can plan it for tv
I'm usually super excited about the NCAA Regionals. This season I'm torn on what to believe with this team? They are very talented, but will they play gritty enough to score those greasy goals that usually decide it? Lastly, whoever Coach Motzko picks in goal he has to be solid.
Gotta believe this team of ours is gonna come out shot out of a cannon and bring it to the net in waves. The time away since the loss to ND has them chomping at the bit to get it on. Anything else is wasted energy to think about. Lower expectations by the analysts is just what the doctor ordered for this team to prove otherwise.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
I just finished my bracket, and have the Gophers winning it all 
I just finished my bracket, and have the Gophers winning it all
Didn't do a bracket, we're winning it.
It ain't no guess...
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.
I'm usually super excited about the NCAA Regionals. This season I'm torn on what to believe with this team?
Well ya when we don't even know who will be in net.
Maybe this was brought up already, in the selection show I got a kick out of them bringing up the fact that Minnesota has so many NHL ready players that it can be a distraction for them in the tournament. And this is something new to gopher hockey??😂
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
also don't wanna hear any of the rest/rust argument. UMass hasn't played in 12 days either. Come out ready to roll. Their goalie is huge and very talented. Will be big to get the first goal.
18 days is more than 12 days. 😉
Having one bye week can be good or bad based on rest vs. rust but there are multiple reasons why teams make sure to avoid having back to back bye weeks during the season (others than the holiday school break which is unavoidable).
Boston College, Providence, and U Mass all lost in the quarterfinals of the Hockey East tournament but had only one off week going into the NCAA tournament while the Gophers and Penn State who both lost in the quarterfinals of Big Ten tournament had back to back off weeks.
Coach had tried multiple times to get the Big Ten tournament format changed and until it is Big Ten team will be at a disadvantage going into the NCAA tournament.
Penn State (18 days off) and Michigan State (2 games in the last 25 days) are at a disadvantage too not just the Gophers.
Ohio State who played 5 games over the three week Big Ten tournament is the only Big Ten tournament team not at a disadvantage.
This don't mean certain teams will win or lose but it's a single elimination NCAA tournament in a low scoring sport where the difference between winning and losing is often very small so it is unfortunate the Big Ten continues to put its' teams at a disadvantage.
All that would have to happen to change this while playing all Big Ten conference playoff games on campus (like it is currently) would be to play the semifinal on Thursday and final on Saturday during the same week rather than a week apart. Having an off days between the semi final and final would give one or both teams (if both road teams win the semi finals) a travel day.
You're claiming the time off is a disadvantage despite the results being if not the opposite at worst inconclusive.
There are tickets available at $100 per and up. Last year at Sioux Falls tickets were easy to buy when you got there. Is It easy to get tickets when you get there or should I buy them ahead of time? With Mankato there I’m wondering if tickets will be harder to get.
Sioux Falls has a much bigger arena and wasn't sold out. Fargo will be sold out so I'd buy beforehand.
Tickets are still massively overpriced on the secondary market. Really hoping they’ll come down in the next couple days…
there are currently some for over $300 (plus fees) per ticket for Thursday. Through the ncaa they were $100 for the whole weekend! Almost bought some a month ago when there were still a few seats left. 🤷♀️
I'm usually super excited about the NCAA Regionals. This season I'm torn on what to believe with this team?
Well ya when we don't even know who will be in net.
Maybe Bob throws them a curveball and we start with 6 skaters.
Tickets are still massively overpriced on the secondary market. Really hoping they’ll come down in the next couple days…
there are currently some for over $300 (plus fees) per ticket for Thursday. Through the ncaa they were $100 for the whole weekend! Almost bought some a month ago when there were still a few seats left. 🤷♀️
Yeah I'm still surprised at the prices. I imagine they will plummet as we get closer but who knows.
Falloon is also out 🤦🏼
@rau4skiumah2-0 Source re: Falloon?
Pre tournament presser just got released on YouTube and Motzko said that Falloon will be out for three weeks. I’d share the video but unfortunately, despite being in my 20s, I’m pretty technologically illiterate.
@rau4skiumah2-0 Thanks, I believe you no worries. Tough looks, I think Falloon has been a much better player than people give him credit for.
Guessing Begley comes in as 12th F, Whipple as the 13th skater, but I’d honestly like to see Michel as 13th F since Motzko doesn’t play Whipple when he does dress now. I think Michel in the lineup has a bit more potential upside, considering Michel and Begley are both gonna be somewhat overmatched anyways.
In hindsight, the 2023 team (and 2024, to a lesser extent) had some incredible luck with no real injuries when it mattered. House settlement imposing a 26-man roster limit for men’s hockey will be an unmitigated disaster, but good luck getting the NCAA to even care (assuming they aren’t just intentionally trying to undermine men’s hockey, which would be a rational self-interest move for the basketball people)
Yeah, another addition to an already not ideal scenario. But as Motzko likes to say, “no one’s going to feel bad for the Gophers”. Boys just need to trust themselves and play for each other.
Also, the NCAA's have 3 timeouts per period and longer breaks so you can shorten the bench a bit.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Most likely ticket prices will stay high. Whioux fans will go just to cheer against the Gophers.
3 tv timeouts per period in the NCAA’s let you role 3 lines. Spot in Mittelstadt and Nevers for Pahlsson/Hendrickson now and then.
Most likely ticket prices will stay high. Whioux fans will go just to cheer against the Gophers.
They didn't 2 years ago though. Don't know what would be different this year.
https://twitter.com/evegoe/status/1904332140432523510
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
3 tv timeouts per period in the NCAA’s let you role 3 lines. Spot in Mittelstadt and Nevers for Pahlsson/Hendrickson now and then.
Correct. It should be 3 lines from here on out.
Most likely ticket prices will stay high. Whioux fans will go just to cheer against the Gophers.
They didn't 2 years ago though. Don't know what would be different this year.
It’s possible there was such high demand from Gopher fans that year that UND fans just caved and resold their tix. I don’t remember what prices were like, but I do remember all my college buddies who aren’t even really hockey fans keeping up with that team every weekend.
Most likely ticket prices will stay high. Whioux fans will go just to cheer against the Gophers.
They didn't 2 years ago though. Don't know what would be different this year.
It’s possible there was such high demand from Gopher fans that year that UND fans just caved and resold their tix. I don’t remember what prices were like, but I do remember all my college buddies who aren’t even really hockey fans keeping up with that team every weekend.
I don't know, but conventional wisdom would say that the higher demand 2 years ago would make for higher ticket prices. I know I paid less than half of what most of them are going for right now for this year's game. I feel like this year the Nodak fans are either planning on attending or are just holding out to get maximum price for their tickets.
I think a big difference for NoDak fans compared to 2 years ago is it's a better regional to watch. I know things were tight with SCSU that 2nd game, but for the most part, that regional was more or less going to be the Gophers' region.
This year? Western Michigan is a hot new thing that's a 1 seed & the Minnesota-UMass game is expected to be a better game than Minnesota-Canisus was expected & ended up being. Entertainment wise, this year is a better regional.
I "might" have 2 extra tickets for this weekend. I gambled back in December after the Michigan sweep that Gophers would be in Fargo.
When does the team leave for Fargo?
When does the team leave for Fargo?
Today
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/1904641685939720657
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective