The Spar-an thing was driving me nuts tonight. Also if I was the coach or captain and you saw your guys time and time again getting crushed by hits well after playing the puck (or sometimes not even playing it at all), I would be encouraging a reciprocal kind of action. Someone had said earlier, stand up for yourself and your teammates. This team is lacking in that FAFO grit in addition to skill, size and experience. I believe that the vast majority of the players have tremendous skill, but don’t seem to be able to play with that skill consistently. Our guys that have size aren’t really throwing it around and making their presence known. Still holding out hope that something clicks with this team and they start winning games. Go Gophers
The Spar-an thing was driving me nuts tonight. Also if I was the coach or captain and you saw your guys time and time again getting crushed by hits well after playing the puck (or sometimes not even playing it at all), I would be encouraging a reciprocal kind of action. Someone had said earlier, stand up for yourself and your teammates. This team is lacking in that FAFO grit in addition to skill, size and experience. I believe that the vast majority of the players have tremendous skill, but don’t seem to be able to play with that skill consistently. Our guys that have size aren’t really throwing it around and making their presence known. Still holding out hope that something clicks with this team and they start winning games. Go Gophers
We know that whenever we play physical we get called for it; probably because we aren’t known for it. Maybe we need to change the narrative. While I don’t condone the blatant violence we see a lot more in hockey these days, I do believe you can still play a more physical game without being douchey.
The Spar-an thing was driving me nuts tonight. Also if I was the coach or captain and you saw your guys time and time again getting crushed by hits well after playing the puck (or sometimes not even playing it at all), I would be encouraging a reciprocal kind of action. Someone had said earlier, stand up for yourself and your teammates. This team is lacking in that FAFO grit in addition to skill, size and experience. I believe that the vast majority of the players have tremendous skill, but don’t seem to be able to play with that skill consistently. Our guys that have size aren’t really throwing it around and making their presence known. Still holding out hope that something clicks with this team and they start winning games. Go Gophers
We know that whenever we play physical we get called for it; probably because we aren’t known for it. Maybe we need to change the narrative. While I don’t condone the blatant violence we see a lot more in hockey these days, I do believe you can still play a more physical game without being douchey.
At least find out where the line is. I get it we don’t take penalties now, but we almost look scared of doing anything. There’s plenty of legal ways to assert yourself that we don’t do. Most force the opponent to react and usually a retaliation gets called.
Yeah that's a valid point and I think something they ideally would've figured out years ago when they kept losing to the cows. I remember arguing that those teams got screwed by bad reffing and that that college hockey in general would stand to benefit a lot from better/tighter reffing. At the same time I do think that's an adjustment I'd like to see the team make and historically they should've adjusted to better.The Spar-an thing was driving me nuts tonight. Also if I was the coach or captain and you saw your guys time and time again getting crushed by hits well after playing the puck (or sometimes not even playing it at all), I would be encouraging a reciprocal kind of action. Someone had said earlier, stand up for yourself and your teammates. This team is lacking in that FAFO grit in addition to skill, size and experience. I believe that the vast majority of the players have tremendous skill, but don’t seem to be able to play with that skill consistently. Our guys that have size aren’t really throwing it around and making their presence known. Still holding out hope that something clicks with this team and they start winning games. Go Gophers
We know that whenever we play physical we get called for it; probably because we aren’t known for it. Maybe we need to change the narrative. While I don’t condone the blatant violence we see a lot more in hockey these days, I do believe you can still play a more physical game without being douchey.
At least find out where the line is. I get it we don’t take penalties now, but we almost look scared of doing anything. There’s plenty of legal ways to assert yourself that we don’t do. Most force the opponent to react and usually a retaliation gets called.
The tough thing about last night is I actually don’t think that the team played terribly (I know, I know the bar is at the floor this year but unfortunately it’s where we are at the moment). In fact I think there were times that we played with the Spartans just fine. But that first goal was ugly, the Spartans are really good about not making mistakes, and we didn’t capitalize on our chances enough/really do enough to test a goalie as good as Augustine.
The tough thing about last night is I actually don’t think that the team played terribly (I know, I know the bar is at the floor this year but unfortunately it’s where we are at the moment). In fact I think there were times that we played with the Spartans just fine. But that first goal was ugly, the Spartans are really good about not making mistakes, and we didn’t capitalize on our chances enough/really do enough to test a goalie as good as Augustine.
what concerned me was that we got a flurry of shots in the 2nd, total SOG were 18-17 Minnesota in a 1-0 game, and then MSU just cranked up the heat and choked the life out of us. Outcome was never in doubt after MSU dialed in
. I will say despite how limited the talent level of this team is this was a lot better than whatever the f*** they were doing last year in that 9-3 loss.
I totally agree. Last year’s team was way more disappointing than this year’s team (for me), all things considered.
This year’s team lacks talent, last year’s team totally underperformed to their talent level.
Not trying to reiterate an earlier post, but I am not so sure it is 'lack' of talent. Our team has good players with talent but they don't seem to be very well balanced and do not necessarily have chemistry/cohesiveness you need to win. There were several points last night where the gophers played well and had some really quality chances to change the tone of the game. Can't finish. There WERE guys in the tough space in front of the net, but you have to be able to either create a little ice for yourself or fight for it. We are not really doing either. IMO we are missing the combination of grit and skill that previous teams had. Our grit guys are not overly skilled, and our 'skill/speed' guys are not typically very gritty. Just an observation. They are not losing due to no talent or lack of effort. Missing something.
. I will say despite how limited the talent level of this team is this was a lot better than whatever the f*** they were doing last year in that 9-3 loss.
I totally agree. Last year’s team was way more disappointing than this year’s team (for me), all things considered.
This year’s team lacks talent, last year’s team totally underperformed to their talent level.
100%. I’m still not sure the reason(s) for why last year ended the way it did and I think that’s why some fans are frustrated with Motzko. The perception, whether you agree with it or not, that he needs a stacked roster to maybe get the job done. I’m not sure if I completely agree with that or not and this is really a comment for another thread so I’ll wrap it up but it’s still mind boggling to me that a little over a year ago the program felt like almost a lock for the FF and then fast forward less than three months and they’ve lost the first round of the conference playoffs to a not good Notre Dame team and then bounced in the first round of the NCAAs after blowing a two goal lead (under dubious circumstances tbf). Then the rest of the calendar year transpired. Mass exodus, interesting offseason, and then what we’ve had to watch so far this season. Other than a great recruiting cycle in August, 2025 has had basically a straight downward trajectory. To bring this long winded comment back to the appropriate subject for this thread, let’s hope 2026 takes the opposite path. Maybe starting with tonight! Does MSU smell blood in the water and step on the Gopher’s throats or can our boys in maroon and gold eek out a miracle in Munn Arena tonight? We shall wait and see.
After every weekend of Gopher hockey I feel like I'm showing up to a Monday morning sales meeting with the company president pointing to a sales chart that's dropping off a cliff.
Anybody who's ever experienced that knows that, regardless of reasons and excuses, that's some pretty serious shit and heads are gonna roll.
They dressed 13 NHL drafted players Friday night, they’re 7 games under .500 and have lost 5 in a row. And they’re the Minnesota Gophers. Yup…that’s a very pertinent analogy streaky. But I doubt Coyle gives it a second thought. It’s up to tBob to figure out the best path for him & the hockey program going forward from this (current) disastrous season.After every weekend of Gopher hockey I feel like I'm showing up to a Monday morning sales meeting with the company president pointing to a sales chart that's dropping off a cliff.
Anybody who's ever experienced that knows that, regardless of reasons and excuses, that's some pretty serious shit and heads are gonna roll.
They dressed 13 NHL drafted players Friday night, they’re 7 games under .500 and have lost 5 in a row. And they’re the Minnesota Gophers. Yup…that’s a very pertinent analogy streaky. But I doubt Coyle gives it a second thought. It’s up to tBob to figure out the best path for him & the hockey program going forward from this (current) disastrous season.After every weekend of Gopher hockey I feel like I'm showing up to a Monday morning sales meeting with the company president pointing to a sales chart that's dropping off a cliff.
Anybody who's ever experienced that knows that, regardless of reasons and excuses, that's some pretty serious shit and heads are gonna roll.
Honestly, I'm hoping that Motzko can pull a rabbit out of his hat because he's had a fine career and one worthy of going out on a high note. However, at this point, it would indeed be quite a magic trick.
thank you, this is sort of my point. We don't have some major talent deficit. Are we stacked like some years? No. No one is. We are not capitalizing on the talent we have. I am not necessarily blaming the coaches but someone needs to figure out how to UTILIZE the really good players that we have in a system to win games. That is not happening.
Yeah, as much as I want to agree with people who think he could turn it around next year (to being back in the NCAA playoffs and competitive with top B1G teams) I don’t think it’s some sure outcome. The forward group could be adequate enough if everyone stays (this isn’t a guarantee) but they have to somehow figure out how to get uncommitted high end Dmen or one via the transfer portal which don’t grow on trees. And even then you have to hope they don’t collapse like last year.They dressed 13 NHL drafted players Friday night, they’re 7 games under .500 and have lost 5 in a row. And they’re the Minnesota Gophers. Yup…that’s a very pertinent analogy streaky. But I doubt Coyle gives it a second thought. It’s up to tBob to figure out the best path for him & the hockey program going forward from this (current) disastrous season.After every weekend of Gopher hockey I feel like I'm showing up to a Monday morning sales meeting with the company president pointing to a sales chart that's dropping off a cliff.
Anybody who's ever experienced that knows that, regardless of reasons and excuses, that's some pretty serious shit and heads are gonna roll.
Honestly, I'm hoping that Motzko can pull a rabbit out of his hat because he's had a fine career and one worthy of going out on a high note. However, at this point, it would indeed be quite a magic trick.
https://twitter.com/gopherhockey/status/2015168438348431787?s=46&t=UoTCikmOZyJ29kktoNzh-A
“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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Lamb 1-0.
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Nice screen by Ziemer
So nice to see the Gophers taking advantage of a mistake for a change.
Mutton chops!
That was a pretty unnecessary penalty to take
Russell 1-1, 2ADV.
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The penalty on ludke you could call all night about every minute on anyone.
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
End of 1, tied at 1.
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Not a bad period but gifting them a 5 on 3 cost them the lead.
The penalty on ludke you could call all night about every minute on anyone.
Yea, it was a terrible call lmao
Basgall 2-1.
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Mooney took a puck near the neck in the neutral zone at about the 16 minute mark and I think this PP is his first shift back.
“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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End of 2, Gophs trail 1-2.
Not every disease is visible. Not every pain comes from an obvious wound. Some people you see day-to-day may be suffering in ways you or I may never understand and fighting just to live a normal life. Please consider contributing to the Facial Pain Association and together we can find a cure.
Lmao Ludtke just got tackled and laid on top of
Lmao Ludtke just got tackled and laid on top of
In the MSU player's defense, it was a hell of a tackle.
“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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Lmao Ludtke just got tackled and laid on top of
This is what I was complaining about last night. We just take it because we’re the least penalized team and proud of that. How about we tackle someone and lay on them? Shoudy got a penalty in the 1st for retaliating after a minor scuffle. The other team will give you penalties if you agitate them.
I’ll take a break from my normal doomsday posting for a change. They’re actually playing alright tonight. Does that change anything about where the program is at long term? No, but it’s encouraging to see nonetheless.
They have every reason to give up but they’re showing some fight.
McLaughlin playing well tonight.
Moore is going to pop at some point next year, he has an extremely high ceiling.
Positive vibes 😎.
Finn McLaughlin playing like it’s a contract year. Best hockey I’ve seen him play all year.
This is our best lineup. Ride it the rest of the way.
Finn McLaughlin playing like it’s a contract year. Best hockey I’ve seen him play all year.
I actually thought the 2nd period last Saturday he was noticeably better. He has it in him. Needs to do it more and more.
Mannisto 3-1.
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Up until this period started I'd agree with you.I’ll take a break from my normal doomsday posting for a change. They’re actually playing alright tonight. Does that change anything about where the program is at long term? No, but it’s encouraging to see nonetheless.
They have every reason to give up but they’re showing some fight.
Ziemer 2-3, PPG.
Not every disease is visible. Not every pain comes from an obvious wound. Some people you see day-to-day may be suffering in ways you or I may never understand and fighting just to live a normal life. Please consider contributing to the Facial Pain Association and together we can find a cure.
“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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I LOVE Ziemer
They’re fighting. Need a break for once this year.
Number 20, gophers, 2 minutes for getting tackled. Hahaha ok
I don’t see why mitts gets the gate but apparently Bob doesn’t have a problem with it so never mind.🙄
“Good pace, a lot of north and south, or it could be east and west, I’m not sure but either way…” Wooger
I wonder how much of that is Bob getting numb to the stupidity of B1G refs in ignoring opponents tackling, tripping/etc Gophers, while calling the Gophers for a penalty if an opponent falls down in their general vicinity.I don’t see why mitts gets the gate but apparently Bob doesn’t have a problem with it so never mind.🙄
If one barks too much, one often eventually gets ignored. Boy crying "wolf" etc etc
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.
Game over, MSU wins 3-2.
Not every disease is visible. Not every pain comes from an obvious wound. Some people you see day-to-day may be suffering in ways you or I may never understand and fighting just to live a normal life. Please consider contributing to the Facial Pain Association and together we can find a cure.
I will give the Gophers credit, they are fighting! I’d like to see them do some body checking more than a dozen times a game. Clean hard checks, no goonery of course. As being a Wild fan also, I was not impressed again with Strammel. I feel like the Wild may have selected a lemon.