Not sure what MI was doing differently, but MN did not handle the puck cleanly in its own end. It was surprising to me that our defensive corps got beat like that. They got beat in their own corners all night. That was the difference in the game.
Love the Cooley line, but if I have one minor grievance about them, it's that they don't play defense with the same enthusiasm as offense.
Oh well, sometimes a late season loss can be a needed reminder that you can't take a night off. Our boys don't have a rich history of winning this tournament.
Maybe a couple of tough calls by the refs but overall we lost because a good chunk of our team was not on their game. The majority of the D, aside from maybe Johnson, looked lost. Maybe the stats will prove otherwise but the 18-24-22 line did not impress me much. Also frustrating that all of our goals were on the rush and we didn’t capitalize on the zone time we did have. Oh well, fun game nonetheless and on to the NCAAs.
We hit 2 or 3 posts and should have been ruled a goal with the net off (first one, not the Knies rush) during zone time.
I understand the frustration on here because 2 Michigan goals were from very poor and unforced give aways. But this was a high level hockey game folks, and we had our chances. Light the fire Bob /Seniors and go get the Natty!
LaCombe and Faber had a tough night. Not sure what was Faber's deal since he played possessed the week prior. Overall, the defense was great the first 12-15 mins and then it seemed to get a little away from them. The 4th Line was not good last night as well. Have to do something about that since every game is likely to be a 1 goal grind going forward.
Just another thought about Michigan - it was the first time the Gophers played Michigan's full lineup this year. Having Mazur in the game makes them an even more dangerous team, and they have been beating teams badly since then.
It is entirely possible that what we saw last night could be a preview of the National Championship game given that Michigan is #3 seed now. I say bring it on.
https://twitter.com/AlexMicheletti/status/1637267222216278018
Strange response to this game . . . it didn't seem like a loss . . . perhaps it was the 3 pipes . . . and this play was worth the price of admission!
Hope to see them again in Florida for the national championship . . .
Not knowing what to do, they do what they know . . .
Knowing what to do, they sometime don't do it . . .
The 26th year of the Gopher Men's Hockey Profile got to be too much for this ol' codger to handle . . . what with all of the possible activity on the transfer portal . . . . So, I'm closing it down at the 25th year . . .
If anything Bob has tape on this newer Mich lineup should they meet again.
Not sure if any of you saw the postgame presser on BTN, but Bob was agitated by the play of his team. He pointed out the obvious flaws that we all saw, and said this game will make them better. It was almost like a kick the trash can type attitude. You could tell Faber was pissed as well. I have the utmost confidence that these 2 will have the team ready for the regionals.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Denver lost to UMD in NCHA playoff semifinal last year…and we ALL know how that ultimately turned out for Denver…so one less for the trophy case, but Gophers have the opportunity to win the trophy that truly matters in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay…it’s was as raucous a crowd at Mariucci as I can recall last night, so naturally some tears flowed into the beer after the very last game played on the Bandy configured ice sheet, which oddly appeared to favor the Wolverines.
Getting this team angry before NCAA’s is just what the doctor ordered. Now leave no doubt and win 4 games.
Theres noting wrong with being objectively correct ?Also anyone who is offended by a f*** Portillo chant after tonight is a total pussy.
Chanting the F word is D III garbage. We're better than that.
I would agree that Portillo is a cheater, but that's no excuse for lighting up the rink with f' bombs. That's as low-class as it gets. What's next, throwing things onto the ice?
I don’t think college kids share the same opinion on the F word.
I personally don’t care. I understand the whole my kids are here argument. But sports arenas aren’t going to be 100% family friendly 100% of the time.
What a rollercoaster that game was.
Michigan got a lot of the bounces, but also made their own luck.
Without the benefit of replay or rewatching the game, it seemed the Gophers made an inordinate amount mistakes in situations where making the right play would have relieved Michigan's pressure, whether it was sloppy passing or receiving passes, not clearing the zone or not taking the body. Michigan's forecheck was tenacious and at times, we just couldn't deal.
On a side note, it was great to see Lamb score. My kids have a connection with Brody's mother and we got to talk to her between periods. It was the first live goal we've seen him score this year, and we were all ecstatic.
Bring on Regionals.
It's Selection Sunday and Portillo is still a bum
Michigan was lightning fast all game. They were aggressive on the PK which hurt the Gophs setting up. LaComb was not in game shape in my opinion. As I said earlier, he was gassed going down the ice to create icing on Mich.. Puck bounced over his stick at the last opportunity.
This will prime them for the tourney.
We are classier than having to use 4 letter words.Theres noting wrong with being objectively correct ?Also anyone who is offended by a f*** Portillo chant after tonight is a total pussy.
I've said it before in a thread a few weeks ago. The F word is more common than ever, especially among younger people. It's part of their every day vocabulary, so I'm not shocked they think nothing of using it like they did at the game. I would rather see us be more creative in our chants, but again, as common as it's become I'm not shocked.
It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
Some tough bounces for the team. A bunch of players did not seem to be on their game. Others have mentioned LaCombe and Faber, but Justen Close seemed to be way off giving up rebounds he did not give up all season. It was almost like the team did not believe some of those rebounds would happen, then scrambled around.
But Michigan got one of their goals on a lucky bounce off the boards and then two goals on plays that 99 times out of 100 we clear.
We are classier than having to use 4 letter words.Theres noting wrong with being objectively correct ?Also anyone who is offended by a f*** Portillo chant after tonight is a total pussy.
I mean at least 1/3 of the crowd doesn’t feel that way. You personally may be, but you’re not going to get 10k+ people to be on that same page.
Interesting that one of the few D that showed up last night was Thomas. He’s been great.
Interesting that one of the few D that showed up last night was Thomas. He’s been great.
I agree. I’m betting we don’t see a game like that out of our D again.
Im always left wanting a little more out of Nelson’s line too. 22 got caught on some long shifts yesterday.
Typically I agree but after he kicked the net off for the 4th time on a golden opportunity I couldn’t care less if ppl use the F word. You can pretend to be classy about not chanting a word you say in daily life I guess though.
That said I’m more frustrated that the team got outplayed by the same opponent from last year in the same game. This year’s game I thought they played better overall but it was kinda similar in some ways. Nelson’s line didn’t really get anything going which surprised me. The top line had their moments but they were a bit too cute at times. Hopefully they chalk it up as a learning experience and come back stronger a week from now.
Interesting that one of the few D that showed up last night was Thomas. He’s been great.
I thought that both he and Johnson were our two most solid defensemen. Mittlestadt was alright but Chesley and Koster left a bit to be desired and both LaCombe and Faber had nights to forget.
Interesting that one of the few D that showed up last night was Thomas. He’s been great.
I agree. I’m betting we don’t see a game like that out of our D again.
Im always left wanting a little more out of Nelson’s line too. 22 got caught on some long shifts yesterday.
I mentioned this last night but that line of 18-24-22 just did not pass the eye test last night. They looked too lethargic, passive, and indecisive.
I actually really liked the energy from the third line last night. I thought at least when they were going forward they were quick and always trying to make something happen.
Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
Could be one hell of a NC game if we meet the ugly helmets again. Hope we get another chance!
Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
No disagreements from me. There were some very subpar performances last night from the defense. And the 4th line is a total liability in a game like that.
Interesting that one of the few D that showed up last night was Thomas. He’s been great.
I agree. I’m betting we don’t see a game like that out of our D again.
Im always left wanting a little more out of Nelson’s line too. 22 got caught on some long shifts yesterday.
Willing to make that bet too
All 3 of our goals came on home runs. Nothing out of our zone time.
That and the zone time didn’t favor us which was more concerning. Part of what makes this team dangerous is they can score in different ways like off the rush or grinding it out down low but they sorta got out hustled/muscled last night.All 3 of our goals came on home runs. Nothing out of our zone time.
I’ve been dismissing winning the conference tournament for 20 years arguing the big dance is more important, a fair trade off, and that a late loss can be good… All it’s done is give Denver 3 more titles, WI a title, UND a title… I’m over it. I’m pissed they lost back to back championships to MI at our house.
MI has 3 championships off our loss in the B1G. I’m hope the 20th anniversary is the final voodoo we need to clear the NCAA hurdle.
Have to go win it all now. We can’t win only one banner with this incredible team. Go on a four game heater and don’t let up until you’ve won #6.
I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it. They didn't play their best game, and I bet we don't see the same mistakes this coming Thursday.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
And for god's sake, I hope tBob institutes a 50 push-up rule for any more blind drop-back passes that connect maybe 1 out of 100 times...
I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
Not surprising hyperbole coming from that source but it dumb to call it a choke when we were leading 3-2 in the third and then hit a bunch of pipes.
I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it. They didn't play their best game, and I bet we don't see the same mistakes this coming Thursday.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
And for god's sake, I hope tBob institutes a 50 push-up rule for any more blind drop-back passes that connect maybe 1 out of 100 times...
agreed. We lost that game at the blue lines. Poor clearances in our end (puck has to get out at minimum) and entering their end (puck needs to go in deep). They try get too cute at both blue lines at times and it leads to rushes the other way. The ice is going to get tighter now. Have to be steady in that regard.
True, a lot of the losses for this team the past couple years started with uncharacteristic blue line play. LaCombe should be better next game but I mainly just wanna see that crew play to their potential and not flub passes etc. Against teams like Mankato there’s only so much you can do if the refs swallow their whistles on obstruction but yesterday seemed more mental than anything.I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it. They didn't play their best game, and I bet we don't see the same mistakes this coming Thursday.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
And for god's sake, I hope tBob institutes a 50 push-up rule for any more blind drop-back passes that connect maybe 1 out of 100 times...
agreed. We lost that game at the blue lines. Poor clearances in our end (puck has to get out at minimum) and entering their end (puck needs to go in deep). They try get too cute at both blue lines at times and it leads to rushes the other way. The ice is going to get tighter now. Have to be steady in that regard.
Agreed. While I think it's likely they messed up the offside challenge, and definitely missed at least one icing toward the end of the game, I can't honestly say that the refs played a huge part in the game yesterday, by action or inaction.Against teams like Mankato there’s only so much you can do if the refs swallow their whistles on obstruction but yesterday seemed more mental than anything.
We've definitely seen games where the Gophers are completely outplaying a team, and the stripes let them get away with a ton of obstruction in assorted forms (last night was not one of these), so it will be interesting to see how the refs call things in the NCAAs. I wonder who we'll get for refs, too.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Playing well below the level that you're capable of, is pretty much the definition of choking.I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it. They didn't play their best game, and I bet we don't see the same mistakes this coming Thursday.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
And for god's sake, I hope tBob institutes a 50 push-up rule for any more blind drop-back passes that connect maybe 1 out of 100 times...
I'll let y'all parse out the definition of "choke," but remember: A man isn't the equal of himself one day to the next. Why would anyone expect a team to be?
It's late in the season to be learning lessons, but I look at this big-drama game as exactly that. This team is very young, and a bunch of them just got a firsthand look at the big crowd and bright lights with a shiny trophy on the line. They lost. At home. For the second year in a row! Let it hurt for a little bit and come back stronger. It's no different than any other life lesson.
The pressure is on not only the team but also the coach. This year he has all the horses.
Playing well below the level that you're capable of, is pretty much the definition of choking.I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it. They didn't play their best game, and I bet we don't see the same mistakes this coming Thursday.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
And for god's sake, I hope tBob institutes a 50 push-up rule for any more blind drop-back passes that connect maybe 1 out of 100 times...
Except that’s not what happened
#1 got beat by #3.
Not a choke.
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 think some guys definitely played well below their potential and as a result the team did as a whole. I do think Michigan is a very worthy opponent though. I think both things can be true.
You think that Minnesota played as well as could be expected and just got outplayed? Because, that's not the game i sawPlaying well below the level that you're capable of, is pretty much the definition of choking.I disagree with the "choke" comment. Choking is being the #1 team in the country and losing to a Lake Superior State team in the regional opener 7-3. Losing a 4-3 game is far from it. They didn't play their best game, and I bet we don't see the same mistakes this coming Thursday.Michigan played well enough to win that game, and they're likely the 2nd best team in the country. But don't kid yourself, Minnesota lost last night because they choked. Hopefully it's a lesson learned for the boys.It’s been said a few times above, but we have to give credit to Michigan. They were flying last night.
And for god's sake, I hope tBob institutes a 50 push-up rule for any more blind drop-back passes that connect maybe 1 out of 100 times...
Except that’s not what happened
How many times have people watched the Pitlick goal in the past 24 hours? It’s been all over every social media app I gotta be pushing 100 times myself. Can’t escape it. Not that I want to.
The best part is how the dman just drops his head and skates into the corner knowing full well that Pitlick just made him immortalHow many times have people watched the Pitlick goal in the past 24 hours? It’s been all over every social media app I gotta be pushing 100 times myself. Can’t escape it. Not that I want to.