I feel like it’s taken until the last third of the season for us to figure out how to break down a team that sits back and waits to take advantage of a mistake. There’s been a few times where when teams try to force us to the edges on the breakout we use a long pass up the middle to create a breakaway and most importantly have scored on them. Getting a lead forces them out of it and we are very tough to play against with a lead so the whole game tilts in our favor.
It’s possible he means having confidence in a game plan that can defeat teams dragging us down. It sure didn’t look like we had an answer for that against Kato last year.
He doesn't think a lack of mental preparation will be an issue for this year's team as it was for last year's team when they played Mankato. What's not to get? He feels they will be mentally prepared for BU and Mich/QU in this year's Frozen Four.I don't get it. A Frozen Four game against the team that knocked you out the year before?Caught part of an interview with Brodz on KFAN today and he said that last year they weren’t “mentally ready” for the Mankato NCAA game but doesn’t think that will be an issue this year.
He’s saying why the hell were they not mentally prepared for Kato last year? I kinda thought the same thing after hearing that lol
I'm guessing they believed they were prepared but when the lights became bright things changed. I like the honesty and the fact they can use their experience from last year to be better prepared.
I think any of these teams are capable of winning and I've been a fan so long that while I'll be disappointed if they don't bring home the hardware I won't lose any sleep either. Great season, lots of great moments. Enjoy what's in front of us and accept what happens. Then move on. Go Gophs!
On a final note, I will be very sad to see this core group leave. I had previously been very critical of LaCombe but thought he really came into his own this year. I'm a big fan of the four year guys really hope they all have a great weekend in Tampa.
I can also see how playing Mankato would require you to be ready for frustration and failure. If the team was not used to dumping it and forechecking hard all the time, he can say they weren’t ready mentally for that.
Maybe a bit much for people to be up in arms but anyone who watches that interview and doesn’t think that what he said/how he said it doesn’t become bulletin board material for a team like MN is kidding themselves.I don't know if anyone cleared this up, but that isn't exactly what Fantilli said. He said something more to the effect of If we play the game we are capable of playing, no team can play with us.So let’s see U of M vs Mich for championship and Gophers get #6
After hearing Fantilli say that no team can beat them on national TV, I am sure our guys will be more that up for that game.
To me it sounded like he thinks they don't always play to their potential, but when they do he doesn't feel any other team can match them. He may not be far off. But the Gophers have played them to three straight one goal games, so they can at least play at their level. It's a coin flip with those two teams. Hopefully we get to see a rematch!
Plenty of Gophers (including Paul Martin during the 2003 season) have said similar. People are way too up in arms over it the comment is rather tame.
I don't know if anyone cleared this up, but that isn't exactly what Fantilli said. He said something more to the effect of If we play the game we are capable of playing, no team can play with us.So let’s see U of M vs Mich for championship and Gophers get #6
After hearing Fantilli say that no team can beat them on national TV, I am sure our guys will be more that up for that game.
To me it sounded like he thinks they don't always play to their potential, but when they do he doesn't feel any other team can match them. He may not be far off. But the Gophers have played them to three straight one goal games, so they can at least play at their level. It's a coin flip with those two teams. Hopefully we get to see a rematch!
I think that is a very fair way of interpreting what he said. I didn’t think of it that way.
Maybe a bit much for people to be up in arms but anyone who watches that interview and doesn’t think that what he said/how he said it doesn’t become bulletin board material for a team like MN is kidding themselves.I don't know if anyone cleared this up, but that isn't exactly what Fantilli said. He said something more to the effect of If we play the game we are capable of playing, no team can play with us.So let’s see U of M vs Mich for championship and Gophers get #6
After hearing Fantilli say that no team can beat them on national TV, I am sure our guys will be more that up for that game.
To me it sounded like he thinks they don't always play to their potential, but when they do he doesn't feel any other team can match them. He may not be far off. But the Gophers have played them to three straight one goal games, so they can at least play at their level. It's a coin flip with those two teams. Hopefully we get to see a rematch!
Plenty of Gophers (including Paul Martin during the 2003 season) have said similar. People are way too up in arms over it the comment is rather tame.
That was my first reaction when hearing it. Like you said, doesn’t upset me. Just thought it was a bold thing to say that other teams (QU/MN) might use to further fuel them vs MI.
From Bob's media availability today-- Some highlights
Took a couple of days off.
Team is excited.
There is a chance Kurth can play.
Faber wanted to be the leader this year. He is a born leader.
Loves playing the early game.
BU has depth. All 4 lines can score.
Hope they learned a lesson from their trip to Arizona.
Talked about Brodzinski. He said maybe he was brought in a year early. Came right in after high school. Wishes he was a junior. He has a lot of good hockey ahead of him.
Thinks they are getting back to playing their best hockey.
Faber was next--
Says it is hard hockey this time of year.
Little details. Do it for the guys next to you.
He isn't superstitious, but other teammates are. Watches movies the nights before games.
Has leadership meetings once a week.
Talked about what it means to play for the Gophers. Said the Herb Brooks quote about playing for the front of the jersey.
Feeling 100%. Shoulder is good and his weight is back.
Talked about Closer a bit. Rock of the team.
Brock says he doesn't know much about goalie mechanics, all he knows is that Closer stops the pucks.
Ryan Johnson was last--
Need to be prepared to lock teams down.
Young guys have been very acceptable of the leadership.
Very good mix on this team.
Says older guys include the young guys in off ice activities to help build teamwork.
Talked about his faith.
Learned a lot from last years Frozen Four in Boston.
Says BU is very similar to the Gophers.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I want a good game. Period. No crap questionable calls. No cheap play. No laziness. A good game.
Im jealous of those who are going to Tampa. We usually go to the FF every year no matter what. This year we’re in Italy and sold our tickets to friends. The Thursday game will be at 10pm which is doable. The championship is at 2am. I’m too old for that ? but will go to bed and dream of a victory.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Just as long as it doesn't become bulletin board material until after the BU game.Maybe a bit much for people to be up in arms but anyone who watches that interview and doesn’t think that what he said/how he said it doesn’t become bulletin board material for a team like MN is kidding themselves.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Is this available online anywhere?
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Brodzinski and Mike Grimm talk for about 40 minutes. Great interview. One thing of note is how he says everyone loves Cooley and how good of a kid he is, they were nervous a high draft pick would come in and be a little arrogant. Not the case at all according to Bryce.
It’s possible he means having confidence in a game plan that can defeat teams dragging us down. It sure didn’t look like we had an answer for that against Kato last year.
But it was good to analyze Denver's game against them. Opened up completely different ways to work against that type of play. Keep that tape handy!
And, Go Gophers!
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 . . .
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Why not just have NCHC, CCHA and Atlantic there? Why even have a HE and ECAC crew? Serious question
I suppose the ECAC crew all live in Boston.
Maybe a bit much for people to be up in arms but anyone who watches that interview and doesn’t think that what he said/how he said it doesn’t become bulletin board material for a team like MN is kidding themselves.I don't know if anyone cleared this up, but that isn't exactly what Fantilli said. He said something more to the effect of If we play the game we are capable of playing, no team can play with us.So let’s see U of M vs Mich for championship and Gophers get #6
After hearing Fantilli say that no team can beat them on national TV, I am sure our guys will be more that up for that game.
To me it sounded like he thinks they don't always play to their potential, but when they do he doesn't feel any other team can match them. He may not be far off. But the Gophers have played them to three straight one goal games, so they can at least play at their level. It's a coin flip with those two teams. Hopefully we get to see a rematch!
Plenty of Gophers (including Paul Martin during the 2003 season) have said similar. People are way too up in arms over it the comment is rather tame.
I would think the loss a couple weeks back would be more motivating...
If there's such a thing as a good loss, that was the one. It sucked that MN lost in front of a full house, but they had the look of a team that hadn't played. They just weren't sharp.
I was there and disappointed with the result, but that game will be erased from my memory if they come back to Minnesota with a shiny trophy.
I agree except that in order to make me feel even better I will remember that game as the one that set the stage for the ultimate prize. It makes being at that game all the more enjoyable.
In all honesty, despite the loss and the rusty play it was a fun game to be at. It was close the whole way, had some amazing moments, and was the first time I got to bring my sons to Mariucci. The atmosphere was as I remember from back in the day where Gopher hockey was the hot ticket in town.
Wow, that's a surprise.
Reading twitter has got me all riled up. People saying Lane Hutson is “head and shoulders better than Matthew Knies”. Gimme a break. Ready for Knies to drop a hat trick on BU Thursday.
Really hoping Knies, Cooley, et. al. take the ugly dogs to school
“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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Would it be wrong to get on Twitter and antagonize the Quinnipiac players and fans to rile them up against Michigan?
This BU game is turning into an NHL sponsored cold war lmao. Leafs fans are backing the Gophers and Habs fans are backing BU. It’s been funny to watch it unfold on Twitter.
. . . with all the media timeouts.
Noticeable even just watching it on the TeeVee . . . . A lot of talk about not having to play as many lines. So, I was going through all of the scenarios. One advantage of only 13 or 18 players on your team ( when playing 2 or 3 lines ) - every player gets a scholarship.
Was thinking if each line averages say, 45 seconds per shift ( more or less ), then in an average 20 minute period ( with 3 - 5 minute "advertising" time outs and an ~ 10 minute buffer contributing to the 45 minute average period time ), each line ( when running 4 lines ) would be on the ice for a total of 6.67 shifts per period ( 300 seconds or 5:00 ). Play just 3 lines and the total shifts per line are 9 per period ( 400 seconds or 6:40 ). Play 2 lines and the total shifts per line are 13.34 per period ( 600 seconds or 10:00 ).
At a minimum, the average length of rest time between shifts ( not counting the 5 minute "advertising" time outs ) for the 4-line arrangement is 1:52.5; 3-lines, 1:07.5, and 2-lines, 0:44.9.
You can see that with the addition of the 3 - 5 minute "advertising" breaks, each player ( based on the number of lines and the number of shifts ) would be guaranteed the equivalent of an additional 33.7 seconds / shift of rest time.
The 3 and, especially, 2 line scenarios would torque the minds of hockey staff and players everywhere and so one would have to begin teaching them as early in a players development as possible.
One could even factor in combining / permuting the 5 possible players ( broken down by Centers [ left and right handed ], Forwards [ left and right handed ], and Defensemen [ left and right handed ] which adds another level of complexity. This would allow all those players to participate on a rotating basis in whichever number of lines a coach would choose to play.
Eventually I think the 3 goalies ( if equally matched ) also would each be assigned to 1 of the 3 periods on a rotating basis.
You can see why hockey is close to the fastest game in the world . . . .
Meanwhile, Go Gophers!
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 . . .
Have 2 of the final 3 for Hobey ever been from the same team? I doubt it.
Star Trib had something on it, I think it is the first time under the current format?
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.
Hopefully next year the whole fancy pants line will come back and be the 3 finalists for the Hobey! ? 
Have 2 of the final 3 for Hobey ever been from the same team? I doubt it.
It's happened twice before. CC in 2005 and BU in 2009.
In both cases one of the two would win it.
That was a great interview, good questions & insight and it's fun to watch Bob on the big stage. I don't know him at all but it seems he really tries to cultivate an aww shucks attitude but every once in a while you can see the fire and passion leak through.
Thanks for posting!
“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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the previous format I think BC did it...back when Gionta was on the team.
That was a great interview, good questions & insight and it's fun to watch Bob on the big stage. I don't know him at all but it seems he really tries to cultivate an aww shucks attitude but every once in a while you can see the fire and passion leak through.
Thanks for posting!
I agree, GE. He comes across as very likable and seems genuine. Different sort of personality from the Serratores, but just as entertaining.
I’d love to see a Doc patch on the Gopher jerseys at the Frozen Four.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
Have 2 of the final 3 for Hobey ever been from the same team? I doubt it.
It's happened twice before. CC in 2005 and BU in 2009.
In both cases one of the two would win it.
Because I was curious……
2005
Winner: Marty Sertich, F, Colorado College
David McKee, G, Cornell
Brett Sterling, F, Colorado Colleague
2009
Winner: Matt Gilroy, D, Boston University
Brad Thiessen, G, Northeastern
Colin Wilson, F, Boston University
Have 2 of the final 3 for Hobey ever been from the same team? I doubt it.
It's happened twice before. CC in 2005 and BU in 2009.
In both cases one of the two would win it.
Because I was curious……
2005
Winner: Marty Sertich, F, Colorado College
David McKee, G, Cornell
Brett Sterling, F, Colorado Colleague2009
Winner: Matt Gilroy, D, Boston University
Brad Thiessen, G, Northeastern
Colin Wilson, F, Boston University
I would think that 2005 year stings at CC given how good and talented they were and to see their biggest rival win it all. Not that Denver sucked...but that is never fun.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
Have 2 of the final 3 for Hobey ever been from the same team? I doubt it.
It's happened twice before. CC in 2005 and BU in 2009.
In both cases one of the two would win it.
Because I was curious……
2005
Winner: Marty Sertich, F, Colorado College
David McKee, G, Cornell
Brett Sterling, F, Colorado Colleague2009
Winner: Matt Gilroy, D, Boston University
Brad Thiessen, G, Northeastern
Colin Wilson, F, Boston University
I would think that 2005 year stings at CC given how good and talented they were and to see their biggest rival win it all. Not that Denver sucked...but that is never fun.
Um….yeah, um.
Watching Miracle for good luck, besides there is no college hockey on tonight. We had the 76 and 79 Gophers championship teams sign it a few years back. This year's team is something special. Pride on ice is back! Go Gophers 
I'm trying to decide if I should risk putting in my '02 and '03 DVDs either this weekend, or load one of them on my tablet for the flightWatching Miracle for good luck, besides there is no college hockey on tonight. We had the 76 and 79 Gophers championship teams sign it a few years back. This year's team is something special. Pride on ice is back! Go Gophers
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Watching Miracle for good luck, besides there is no college hockey on tonight. We had the 76 and 79 Gophers championship teams sign it a few years back. This year's team is something special. Pride on ice is back! Go Gophers
Great minds think alike. Saw the clip in the Nagobads article and thought watching the whole movie seemed a great idea!
seeing as I have an extra night on my hands to find something to do…
I also got the urge to watch Miracle. I put it on last night for family movie night. Like always, it was enjoyed by all! This team is special and I’ve been very impressed watching them all year! Can’t wait til the 6th!!
Marty Sertich. Roseville kid. Couldn’t be a nicer guy. Still out trying to develop kids and cohosts a squirt (or maybe mite) outdoor tourney at the Oval.Have 2 of the final 3 for Hobey ever been from the same team? I doubt it.
It's happened twice before. CC in 2005 and BU in 2009.
In both cases one of the two would win it.
Because I was curious……
2005
Winner: Marty Sertich, F, Colorado College
David McKee, G, Cornell
Brett Sterling, F, Colorado Colleague2009
Winner: Matt Gilroy, D, Boston University
Brad Thiessen, G, Northeastern
Colin Wilson, F, Boston University
Dawning on me that we only have a couple more chances to see Ryan Johnson play for the Gophers. He’s been my favorite player for 4 years. Damn. Career went by in a flash.
And only a couple more to watch "the fancy pants" line...
Yikes, hadn't even thought of that. Had the chance to chat with him for a while up in Bemidji this year. Really nice guy, and rather shocked by how "far" I'd driven just to watch the Gophers. I pointed out that several of us regularly do the run to Madison or South Bend as the two most frequent road trips. (I didn't have the heart to tell him that I've driven 3/4s as far to get to a specific liquor store on a Saturday afternoon)
The important part was, he definitely sounded like he and the team felt they had unfinished business after last year in Boston. So, definitely seems like they've got the right attitude.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Dawning on me that we only have a couple more chances to see Ryan Johnson play for the Gophers. He’s been my favorite player for 4 years. Damn. Career went by in a flash.
Most underrated player on the team for sure, great player and I bet he will be a really solid pro.