Hoping LJ will be back.
Friday -- 6pm
Stream: Peacock
Radio: 1130 KTLK-AM/103.5 FM
Saturday-- 5pm
Stream: Peacock
Radio: 1130 KTLK-AM/103.5 FM
GPL Podcast on Weds @ 9pm with Tim Brule
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Wife and I are heading out Thursday morning for the series. Outside of hockey, I promised her some book stores and boutique stores while in South Bend.
I would say should be easy two wins, but this team is so inconsistent. It’s at the point of the season where you have to wonder if the players just want it to be over. I know I have thought about it.
Three points. Friday is low energy and plagued by more stupid mistakes and hapless play that will drive us all nuts. Notre Dame will just play boring, frustrating hockey and the Gophers will play right into their hands. Then Saturday we’ll come out and get a somewhat convincing win with a scoreline of something like 3-1 or 4-1 with a ENG. Hope I’m proven wrong and we see more of a Wisconsin weekend like effort.
Is Notre dame even good defensively anymore? Losing any games to ND would be a new low even after getting swept at home by OSU.
We haven’t 4-0 swept Notre Dame since they joined the league and we sure as hell ain’t starting this year. Split.
This is the worst they’ve ever been though, they have one big ten win on the year. This gopher team is bad and capable of losing to a team like that but that wouldn’t make a loss any less embarrassing.
Notre Dame will just play boring, frustrating hockey
Not anymore w/o Jeff Jackson. They don’t seem to be playing any coherent kind of hockey. Also they did put up a fight @ Wisconsin losing 6-5 OT and 5-4 last weekend. So they can maybe generate some offense, and I doubt they’ll be very effective at trapping it up like before.
I’d be most concerned about them taking cheapshots injuring our guys.
Even Notre Dame got 9 goals against the Badgers in a series 😆 , yikes.
Heart says sweep, brain says split, and I fear a possible opponent sweep.
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.
Notre Dame will just play boring, frustrating hockey
Not anymore w/o Jeff Jackson. They don’t seem to be playing any coherent kind of hockey. Also they did put up a fight @ Wisconsin losing 6-5 OT and 5-4 last weekend. So they can maybe generate some offense, and I doubt they’ll be very effective at trapping it up like before.
I’d be most concerned about them taking cheapshots injuring our guys.
The Gophers put up 12 on Wisconsin so let’s pretend that Notre Dame putting up 9 is a tremendous achievement considering we’ve averaged 3 goals a weekend for two months now.
Bob says the team is very young and they were forced to play them all. He wasn't prepared to lose everyone (not sure how). He thought they would lose 2 or 3 players, not all 6.
Rinse and repeat.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gopher-hockey-weekly-02-09-26/id1466088193?i=1000749000576
He thought they would lose 2 or 3 players, not all 6.
Snuggerud, Wood, Moore, Rinzel were locks to leave. That’s 4 of our top guys from last year’s team, so some bad math already. He needs to explain why he (a) got blindsided by Chesley and Kurth leaving, and (b) didn’t make any roster moves to address it
Bob says the team is very young and they were forced to play them all. He wasn't prepared to lose everyone (not sure how). He thought they would lose 2 or 3 players, not all 6.
Rinse and repeat.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gopher-hockey-weekly-02-09-26/id1466088193?i=1000749000576
He's still saying this 
Bob on Coach's Show on Portal
"I know there's a handful of our fan base that don't see it that way, but you don't have a choice when you lost the guys that we lost. And if you think you're just going to go in the portal and solve your problems for a year... you know you can [only] do that once in a while."
BTW I think Bob views CHL players as similiar to portal guys, they'll only be in the program a year or two.
Bob on Coach's Show on Lack of Right Shot D
"It's really affected us on our blue line... it has affected us this year from an offensive standpoint because we only have one right-handed defenseman and a lot of times our defensemen are getting the puck on the wall on their backhand... and you know we've got a handful of right handed defensemen committed -- they're just not here yet and they'll be here soon."
“You can only do that once in a while”. Well this offseason is one of those years Bob. Get it done.
BTW I think Bob views CHL players as similiar to portal guys, they'll only be in the program a year or two.
All the elite programs build around revolving doors of one and two-year players. Those are the kinds of players you don’t turn down. The notion of building rosters that peak on three/four-year cycles is antiquated.
Bob on Coach's Show on Lack of Right Shot D
"It's really affected us on our blue line... it has affected us this year from an offensive standpoint because we only have one right-handed defenseman and a lot of times our defensemen are getting the puck on the wall on their backhand... and you know we've got a handful of right handed defensemen committed -- they're just not here yet and they'll be here soon."
Well let's be honest... at has WAY more to do with the talent of the players themselves. Mclaughlin, Rud, Begley, Rombach, even Thomas have been very rough. This wouldn't be a talking point if they were better hockey players.
BTW I think Bob views CHL players as similiar to portal guys, they'll only be in the program a year or two.
All the elite programs build around revolving doors of one and two-year players. Those are the kinds of players you don’t turn down. The notion of building rosters that peak on three/four-year cycles is antiquated.
agreed. if our roster builds every 3-4 years, then that year needs to end in the national title game if you're going to rule out multiple other years. silly in today's game to not stop gap more effectively
Bob on Coach's Show on Lack of Right Shot D
"It's really affected us on our blue line... it has affected us this year from an offensive standpoint because we only have one right-handed defenseman and a lot of times our defensemen are getting the puck on the wall on their backhand... and you know we've got a handful of right handed defensemen committed -- they're just not here yet and they'll be here soon."
Well let's be honest... at has WAY more to do with the talent of the players themselves. Mclaughlin, Rud, Begley, Rombach, even Thomas have been very rough. This wouldn't be a talking point if they were better hockey players.
yeah exactly. UMass won their natty on the backs of 6 right-shot D. We dominated B1G and made the first of those 2 Frozen Fours when Faber was our only righty playing a regular shift.
Having opposite handed D does make things harder, that part is true. It's also true that he puts together the team and should've done a better job of that this year. It's not like he's an NHL coach who just inherits a bad roster that he can't do anything about.
Really? THAT IS our issue. I beg to differ. Yes the offhand defenseman is a thing. That is NOT what is happening on this team in my humble opionion. I DO agree that our defensive core is the crux of the issue. We have LMitts able to distribute the puck and/or run the puck which he is actually really good at. The rest are not good at EITHER of those and you better have D guys good at one or the other. If not....GONE. We have several of those. They seem afraid of the puck which to me points to coaching or experience. Being afraid to make a mistake is normal in a team where you are fighting for playing time. Is that what we are now? Doesn't seem like it. but maybe Being paralyzed by a puck on the boards or a pass to you on the line is something else. Wake up. Grow up. Play like you belong here. Haven't seen a ton of that.
It definitely doesn’t help, but he’s the one who decided to go with that group so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I do agree that the D group has plenty issues beyond handedness though, it doesn’t explain why none of them have any offensive upside for instance.
Maybe I missed it but what is the word on Mooney?
Saturday-- 6pm
Stream: Peacock
Saturday's game is at 5pm Central.
My bad. Should have double checked Gophersports. I went with another site. Updated my post.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Vegoe asked Bob some pretty frontal questions today at media regarding roster construction and development. Good on you @eric-vegoe
Motzko sounds frustrated but also a bit contentious and defensive, like his seat is getting warm.
Vegoe asked Bob some pretty frontal questions today at media regarding roster construction and development. Good on you @eric-vegoe
Gave it a listen. At ~6min Bob fell back on “trust my deployment of players because Matthew Knies worked out”. No one is disputing those results. But we’re not getting any sort of roadmap or specific objectives for this year’s team. I’m okay with sucking if there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, I’m not okay with sucking because we don’t know what to do to claw our way back up. That’s what’s frustrating. We all know what Bob did for us before, but what is he going to do now? Enough falling back on past performance, it’s not a guarantee of future results.
Yeah, Knies was also a second rounder and the issue with this team isn’t the lack of development or production from guys like Ziemer, it’s the fact that they don’t have much help. Next year you have Kvasnicka coming in to play wing but that doesn’t really solve the fact that Clark and Pahlsson are your centers and we kinda know what we have there, they shouldn’t be centering top 6 units or the PP. I assume Cullen doesn’t play center either if he comes in. And I don’t even need to get into the blue line, we’ve talked about that plenty, Harper could be helpful there but he probably shouldn’t be your first pairing guy right out the gate either.
I suppose it doesn’t really matter what Motzko says now, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
I like to think if the blue line issues are as obvious to us rubes then it’s obvious to a vet like Motzko. One can hope.
I’ve grown tired of Bob’s excuses. Time for new blood.
Props to Vegs for digging in a bit there when Motzko was clearly getting frustrated with the questions.
Yeah I realize no answer is probably going to satisfy the fanbase but I applaud him for asking questions people want answers to. It was kinda funny when he said the Friday game was one of the rare ones where nothing was clicking, I understand that this team is definitely outmatched against some opponents but there's been plenty games where things weren't clicking lol.
I don’t really get what people are thinking Bob is supposed to say? No faster way to lose a team than to put someone on blast personally or say guys need to prove they belong given they already have shown suspect confidence this year.
Think end of season meetings would be real interesting to be a fly on the wall
On Knies comment, took that more as him saying we can develop guys, some just do it faster. Dont think any of us thought he was going to be a hobey finalist after his fr year. Would you guys be happier if he said Nelson? The point is still the same one
I’m just happy someone is asking. Bob should be a little uncomfortable in these things. He should feel added outside pressure. You want this fan base to stay engaged like that and be demanding. Apathy is the only thing that will kill this program
Yeah I realize no answer is probably going to satisfy the fanbase but I applaud him for asking questions people want answers to. It was kinda funny when he said the Friday game was one of the rare ones where nothing was clicking, I understand that this team is definitely outmatched against some opponents but there's been plenty games where things weren't clicking lol.
They’re severely outmatched 5v5 against most opponents they’ve faced and managed to steal some wins on sky-high PP% and shooting% efficiency.
Have a listen to Nate and Drew’s podcast where they break down the truly abysmal 5v5 stats we’ve put up: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W2e6fDvK22SDiDOD765ox?si=p00HzHxJRSeZBglv9DtuyQ
we’ve been getting significantly out-possessed, out-shot, and outplayed for 9/10ths of every game. Yes, the PP stealing some B1G wins counts for something, but not a lot when the hockey fundamentals are so bad
Yeah I realize no answer is probably going to satisfy the fanbase but I applaud him for asking questions people want answers to. It was kinda funny when he said the Friday game was one of the rare ones where nothing was clicking, I understand that this team is definitely outmatched against some opponents but there's been plenty games where things weren't clicking lol.
They’re severely outmatched 5v5 against most opponents they’ve faced and managed to steal some wins on sky-high PP% and shooting% efficiency.
Have a listen to Nate and Drew’s podcast where they break down the truly abysmal 5v5 stats we’ve put up: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W2e6fDvK22SDiDOD765ox?si=p00HzHxJRSeZBglv9DtuyQ
we’ve been getting significantly out-possessed, out-shot, and outplayed for 9/10ths of every game. Yes, the PP stealing some B1G wins counts for something, but not a lot when the hockey fundamentals are so bad
Your last sentence is what has really stuck out to me. The hockey fundamentals are so bad. There have been so many points this season when basic fundamentals have been missing from this team. I don’t know if it’s lack of confidence or playing overly cautious or lack of team cohesiveness or what. Maybe it’s a combination of it all. But simple things like passes missing wide open players or not getting the puck in deep have been sorely lacking on this team. That’s just a few examples but too many times this year we’ve seen them make mistakes that would make you shake your head at a bantams game.
I don’t really get what people are thinking Bob is supposed to say? No faster way to lose a team than to put someone on blast personally or say guys need to prove they belong given they already have shown suspect confidence this year.
Think end of season meetings would be real interesting to be a fly on the wall
On Knies comment, took that more as him saying we can develop guys, some just do it faster. Dont think any of us thought he was going to be a hobey finalist after his fr year. Would you guys be happier if he said Nelson? The point is still the same one
I’m just happy someone is asking. Bob should be a little uncomfortable in these things. He should feel added outside pressure. You want this fan base to stay engaged like that and be demanding. Apathy is the only thing that will kill this program
I know it’s not the focus of this post but I absolutely thought Knies would be a Hobey candidate after his frosh year. Hell I thought he’d be in Toronto. He was so good.
I was going to make the same comment. Knies was good enough to turn pro after one season. He was so fun to watch in the maroon and gold.
Yeah I realize no answer is probably going to satisfy the fanbase but I applaud him for asking questions people want answers to. It was kinda funny when he said the Friday game was one of the rare ones where nothing was clicking, I understand that this team is definitely outmatched against some opponents but there's been plenty games where things weren't clicking lol.
They’re severely outmatched 5v5 against most opponents they’ve faced and managed to steal some wins on sky-high PP% and shooting% efficiency.
Have a listen to Nate and Drew’s podcast where they break down the truly abysmal 5v5 stats we’ve put up: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W2e6fDvK22SDiDOD765ox?si=p00HzHxJRSeZBglv9DtuyQ
we’ve been getting significantly out-possessed, out-shot, and outplayed for 9/10ths of every game. Yes, the PP stealing some B1G wins counts for something, but not a lot when the hockey fundamentals are so bad
It’s a real kick in the nuts when the analytics say we should actually be worse than we are. Which they do.
We’re getting above average goaltending and we’re finishing at a very high rate /per chances. Our advanced analytics think we’re playing below our record which is a scary thought.
I was going to make the same comment. Knies was good enough to turn pro after one season. He was so fun to watch in the maroon and gold.
And to think that he scored his last goal wearing the “M” on senior night. Nothing in the conference tourney, nothing in the NCAA’s. Wasn’t it confirmed he had the flu or something. I remember hearing something at the time.
That team almost won it all even with the big line going quiet.
I was going to make the same comment. Knies was good enough to turn pro after one season. He was so fun to watch in the maroon and gold.
His OT goals against North Dakota and Michigan his sophomore year are two hockey moments that I will never forget. He was/is such a fun player to watch and an easy one to root for.
I was going to make the same comment. Knies was good enough to turn pro after one season. He was so fun to watch in the maroon and gold.
And to think that he scored his last goal wearing the “M” on senior night. Nothing in the conference tourney, nothing in the NCAA’s. Wasn’t it confirmed he had the flu or something. I remember hearing something at the time.
That team almost won it all even with the big line going quiet.
He did go quiet on the scoresheet but he did so many of the little things right that he was still integral to that run. He doesn’t get an assist but he was key when he parked himself in front of the St Cloud goalie on LaCombe’s goal in the Regional Final.
Yeah I haven’t even looked at the 5v5 stats it’s just obvious from watching. The PP and Luca are basically carrying the team.Yeah I realize no answer is probably going to satisfy the fanbase but I applaud him for asking questions people want answers to. It was kinda funny when he said the Friday game was one of the rare ones where nothing was clicking, I understand that this team is definitely outmatched against some opponents but there's been plenty games where things weren't clicking lol.
They’re severely outmatched 5v5 against most opponents they’ve faced and managed to steal some wins on sky-high PP% and shooting% efficiency.
Have a listen to Nate and Drew’s podcast where they break down the truly abysmal 5v5 stats we’ve put up: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W2e6fDvK22SDiDOD765ox?si=p00HzHxJRSeZBglv9DtuyQ
we’ve been getting significantly out-possessed, out-shot, and outplayed for 9/10ths of every game. Yes, the PP stealing some B1G wins counts for something, but not a lot when the hockey fundamentals are so bad
Headed out for the series yesterday and my wife gave me the speech that we are in no hurry so no need for a lead foot. She only a coupe times looked over to see our speed. Driving through Chicago is always interesting. Doing 75-80 and still get passed like your standing still. And to top it off our day. Meet this couple checking into our hotel. He was in full non issued military fatigues and she had an arm in a sling with a black eye. She told us they meet on New Years’s Eve and they were in love. They were trying to give a 12 pack of pork chops away to another guest. Now this isn’t some sleeve bag hotel. It’s Country Inn & Suites.
Here’s to the weekend snd hopefully the Gophers can add some victories to an already eventful weekend!!!
I don’t really get what people are thinking Bob is supposed to say? No faster way to lose a team than to put someone on blast personally or say guys need to prove they belong given they already have shown suspect confidence this year.
Think end of season meetings would be real interesting to be a fly on the wall
On Knies comment, took that more as him saying we can develop guys, some just do it faster. Dont think any of us thought he was going to be a hobey finalist after his fr year. Would you guys be happier if he said Nelson? The point is still the same one
I’m just happy someone is asking. Bob should be a little uncomfortable in these things. He should feel added outside pressure. You want this fan base to stay engaged like that and be demanding. Apathy is the only thing that will kill this program
I know it’s not the focus of this post but I absolutely thought Knies would be a Hobey candidate after his frosh year. Hell I thought he’d be in Toronto. He was so good.
Not only that, but he also played in the olympics his freshman season. Granted, it was a weird year with no NHL guys, but he was absolutely a stud from day 1 at the U.
I don’t really get what people are thinking Bob is supposed to say? No faster way to lose a team than to put someone on blast personally or say guys need to prove they belong given they already have shown suspect confidence this year.
Think end of season meetings would be real interesting to be a fly on the wall
On Knies comment, took that more as him saying we can develop guys, some just do it faster. Dont think any of us thought he was going to be a hobey finalist after his fr year. Would you guys be happier if he said Nelson? The point is still the same one
I’m just happy someone is asking. Bob should be a little uncomfortable in these things. He should feel added outside pressure. You want this fan base to stay engaged like that and be demanding. Apathy is the only thing that will kill this program
I know it’s not the focus of this post but I absolutely thought Knies would be a Hobey candidate after his frosh year. Hell I thought he’d be in Toronto. He was so good.
don’t get me wrong, he was very good. The jump from his early freshman to sophomore year was outstanding to where he was dominating the ice near every shift and he became a complete player.
and to be clear, I’m meaning walking in the door, not end of freshman year where it was all coming together what he may be as a sophomore and over his career. Not a clear enough what I was trying to say from me (should've been more "none of us though walking in the door Knies would be a Hobey winner" to be more clear)
my point being, some settle in faster and just take part of a year (Cooley, Knies) and some take several (Nelson) to become that full version of themselves.
We'll see what they've got this year. Some have grown, some have seemed pretty stagnant. Part of why I think he needs to clean the roster if he's going to stay.
Maybe I missed it but what is the word on Mooney?
If you watch the end of the video, he was at practice yesterday with no injury jersey on.
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/2022136534393307588
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Saturday-- 6pm
Stream: Peacock
Saturday's game is at 5pm Central.
My bad. Should have double checked Gophersports. I went with another site. Updated my post.
HAHA... I wonder when that game time changed. I just noticed it.
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