This is true, that one PP sequence where they tied to execute five cross ice passes in a row comes to mind. I also agree that the North Dakota strategy of just going hard to the net on rebounds and causing chaos up front would prob be a better strategy if all else isn’t working.Bemidji had two high quality scoring chances in the first ten minutes and executed on both. After that the Gophers mostly dominated puck position but came up against an excellent goalie. Like the Omaha game, these are the games less talented teams play against Minnesota- and BC-type teams because they can't compete in a track meet. They either get a lead early and protect it or they keep it close as long as they can and tie it up at the end. If there's one thing I've learned from seeing countless games like this it's that sometimes the very talented team that comes up a against a hot goalie starts giving the goalie too much credit and they start thinking they need to make the perfect play to beat him, when more often than not it's the ugly goals and the odd bounces that do it. Create more chaos and rebounds in front of the net and get some garbage goals. Last night the Gophers got some good first chances but not as many second and third chances in front of the net. When the scalpel isn't working try the shovel.
It felt like Minnesota was trying to get a greasy goal. There were a number of high shots that didn't get through, and Bemidji blocked a lot of shots and covered rebounds well.
Minnesota isn't exactly known for their grittinness, and when cute isn't working, they can't punch their way through.
They need to figure out like Denver has how to balance grit with talent.