Michigan is 10-3-1 overall and 4-0 in the B1G. Their losses are to SCSU, Katy, and this past weekend to Western Michigan. Freshman Michael Hage leads the team in goals, assists and point with 9-8-17. They have mostly split goalies, with Ferris transfer Stein ( 6-2-0, 2.45 GAA and 910 sv% ) and freshman Korpi (4-1-1, 2.82 GAA and 895 sv%)
7:00 pm
5:00 pm
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Should be a good matchup. Most of Michigan’s production is top 6, I know this is always the case but without running numbers looks higher than average.
Need to keep them of PP as they are right up there with us, but our PK has been a weakness.
Our first real test. Excited already, Mariucci will be rocking!
Mixed feelings about this 'real' test. I think this team has shown they can weather some storms, come from behind when necessary (please stop that trend), win when things are not going their way, and play very solid defense at least even strength. The PK worries me ( I miss Nelson), the tendency to turn it over in our end worries me, and our either inability or unwillingness to play WHATEVER style of game will get the win worries me the most. I know I have Q PTSD.
Mixed feelings about this 'real' test. I think this team has shown they can weather some storms, come from behind when necessary (please stop that trend), win when things are not going their way, and play very solid defense at least even strength. The PK worries me ( I miss Nelson), the tendency to turn it over in our end worries me, and our either inability or unwillingness to play WHATEVER style of game will get the win worries me the most. I know I have Q PTSD.
It's funny how the narrative has changed. This past summer people thought Michigan wouldn't have much of a season. They said there were too many losses and McGroarty was the final straw.
Michigan will always be a rival, and don't look now, they're 6th in the USCHO poll. This is a real test compared to anyone else they've played. There will be some cannibalism at the top this year in the Big 10.
Mixed feelings about this 'real' test. I think this team has shown they can weather some storms, come from behind when necessary (please stop that trend), win when things are not going their way, and play very solid defense at least even strength. The PK worries me ( I miss Nelson), the tendency to turn it over in our end worries me, and our either inability or unwillingness to play WHATEVER style of game will get the win worries me the most. I know I have Q PTSD.
It's funny how the narrative has changed. This past summer people thought Michigan wouldn't have much of a season. They said there were too many losses and McGroarty was the final straw.
Michigan will always be a rival, and don't look now, they're 6th in the USCHO poll. This is a real test compared to anyone else they've played. There will be some cannibalism at the top this year in the Big 10.
I predicted they would miss the tourney. Looks like I was way off.
Mixed feelings about this 'real' test. I think this team has shown they can weather some storms, come from behind when necessary (please stop that trend), win when things are not going their way, and play very solid defense at least even strength. The PK worries me ( I miss Nelson), the tendency to turn it over in our end worries me, and our either inability or unwillingness to play WHATEVER style of game will get the win worries me the most. I know I have Q PTSD.
It's funny how the narrative has changed. This past summer people thought Michigan wouldn't have much of a season. They said there were too many losses and McGroarty was the final straw.
Michigan will always be a rival, and don't look now, they're 6th in the USCHO poll. This is a real test compared to anyone else they've played. There will be some cannibalism at the top this year in the Big 10.
I’m still holding on to my prediction that Michigan will take their lumps this season (hopefully starting this weekend). Their two Big 10 series so far this year were against conference doormat ND at home, and against PSU, where they would’ve been swept if Sergeev was healthy for Penn.
They’re still gonna be same old Michigan under Narauto. Defensively irresponsible, undisciplined with average goaltending. Normally they have the individual talent to bail them out of games but I don’t think they have as much of it this year. I think it catches up with them eventually, starting this weekend.
At the beginning of the year I predicted sweep at home, split on the road against the ugly helmets and I’m standing by that
The Gophers' enthusiasm seems to correlate with the level of competition so hopefully they come out strong.At the beginning of the year I predicted sweep at home, split on the road against the ugly helmets and I’m standing by that
The Gophers' enthusiasm seems to correlate with the level of competition so hopefully they come out strong.At the beginning of the year I predicted sweep at home, split on the road against the ugly helmets and I’m standing by that
Exactly. Let’s face it, it’s a little easier to get up for Michigan than Bemidji or Alaska. I think we see a prepared and enthused Gopher team turn in one of their best performances of the season on Friday.
Already looking forward to this weekend! Have a good feeling about it.
This weeks Motzko show-- Ben Gordon sits in for Bob as he is sick.
Illness going through the team it seems.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Grad Sr Tim Lovell , a defenseman, has left Michigan. He had 2 points in 10 games this year after 37 points at ASU last year. He is going to sign a pro deal per Mike McMahon.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Grad Sr Tim Lovell , a defenseman, has left Michigan. He had 2 points in 10 games this year after 37 points at ASU last year. He is going to sign a pro deal per Mike McMahon.
With an attitude like that wouldn’t he be a perfect fit for Michigan?
I see the best M over the 2nd rank M this weekend. Go Gophers!!!
I like the Gophers against both Michigan and MSU this year. The Gophers play a high talent game and often perform, paradoxically, better against other skilled teams than they do when they face lower talent teams that play a boring, grinding style or a trap system. And on balance, this Gophers team is more talented than Michigan, and I'd even argue they are more talented than MSU.
Bob was on CCO talking about the season and this weekend.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
This is the kind of series you need Snuggerud to show up big time. It’s funny sometimes we talk about him like he isn’t doing enough when he’s leading the team in points. I guess high expectations are natural when you put up 50 points as a freshy.
This is the kind of series you need Snuggerud to show up big time. It’s funny sometimes we talk about him like he isn’t doing enough when he’s leading the team in points. I guess high expectations are natural when you put up 50 points as a freshy.
No points last week and unfortunately for him, when you’re a scorer you’re noticeable in college whenever you’re off the scoresheet. Need our best guys to be their best selves this weekend. Big pair of games against a team most of these guys dislike so I’m sure they’ll be up for it
This is the kind of series you need Snuggerud to show up big time. It’s funny sometimes we talk about him like he isn’t doing enough when he’s leading the team in points. I guess high expectations are natural when you put up 50 points as a freshy.
No points last week and unfortunately for him, when you’re a scorer you’re noticeable in college whenever you’re off the scoresheet. Need our best guys to be their best selves this weekend. Big pair of games against a team most of these guys dislike so I’m sure they’ll be up for it
No points for Wood or Kurth last weekend either. I feel like the big dogs come back into the fold this weekend.
@maroon_and_gold hard to put Kurth in that grouping as much (feels more like he overshot early), but would agree I think we see all of our first rounders on the score sheet this weekend
I mean look at the stats though🤷♂️. 10 has played himself into the conversation of the heavy hitters with 81, 91, 17, 11 and 2.
A friendly reminder.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
@maroon_and_gold yeah i mean more the breakdown of the stats/timing as well as expectations for him coming into the year. Lots of guys throwing up crazy points early in the year when we were scoring 5-7 goals a night. He's had 3 points in the last 9 after his crazy start vs Snuggys 11, Wood's 5, Lamb's 8, and Moore's 7. Some of that is the line has slowed down scoring some, but it was also unrealistic as he was scoring at an insane pace. Zero knock on him and you 1000% need guys like him (and Huglen who's playing awesome hockey despite not putting up massive numbers) because it adds so much pressure when you can get scoring from so many places. Fun problem to have
I do agree with this take in theory. The top guys get hounded and focused on by the other teams, but we have so MANY guys that can contribute to the scoresheet (or in less obvious ways) that it makes this team dangerous. That said, we really cannot have our top end get shut down as a whole. Snuggy has contributed to each game but I still do not see an NHL readiness there. I am sure I am in the minority, and he is certainly GETTING there. Needs to step up and control situations. Wood is great, but play to your strengths and stop trying to dangle everyone. Huglen = awesome in all aspects but doesn't always show up scoresheet. Secret weapon. Kurth is the same player he has been but has found the net and will continue to make things happen I think. Feel like Lamb and Moore are the most consistent along with Huglen. These combos are super. I do not claim to know anything
@mg-since-forever agreed 100%. top guys have to be your top guys or its a struggle (as we saw last year with the Nelson line trying to carry us to the FF).
Snuggy borders on being an enigma to a lot of people. His shot is probably his only A level NHL talent. his passing has improved some but he makes some real puzzlers and turnovers at times rather than the simple play and his skating is what it is. He's an NHL talent but he's not going to be a defensive guy or play PK minutes but is a scoring middle 6 winger who plays 2nd PP minutes. He's better than last year though. He's not an in himself dominant college player and don't know if he'll ever be that guy who takes over a game like Cooley could (not many are)
Wood I agree 100%. He in all honesty doesn't look at all near NHL ready. His vision and stickhandling is great, but he needs to simplify his game as you can't get away with that at the next level. Reminds me a bit of a pass first Bjugstad in that he's extremely hard at the college level to get off the puck and also puck hunts at times. Hoping he can continue to grow but absolutely think he should be back next year.
The rest I agree on as well. Lamb and the raw number of chances he creates (and has finished on finally) has been one of my favorite stories of the season. Moore still gets going a bit too fast for his own good at times, but has clearly taken a big step forward and looks much more a like a point/game player now with hopefully a more dominant Jr year coming up.
I'm 100% in on this team as its constructed this year and nowhere near as bearish on the future of this team as some others are as there are a ton of good pieces up and down the lineup going forward too.
Ziemer and Huglen really elevating their games. Would like to see more from Hendrickson and Jimmy Clark.
can’t wait for tomorrow!
My brother in law introduced me to Gopher Hockey and we went to 6-7 games at old Mariucci in the early ‘90s. We shared season tickets from about 2010-2015 after being on the waitlist for a while but decided $50 per ticket for a college game was stupid. We went to about 2/3rds of the games together and took friends and family to the other ones, including 2-3 games a year for my daughter who is now 21. I also took her to a Skate With The Gophers including a cool pic of her with Jordan Schroeder and of course skating on Mecca ice. We learned all the chants together and I think she loved being able to scream “You Suck” as a kid. Even when we didn’t have ST anymore my BIL and I still went to a game every year, usually the NoDak or Michigan game. Well he died suddenly about a month ago and my daughter suggested we go to a game in his honor (aw). Of course this Friday night Michigan game was the one so if you see a bearded guy looking misty come give me a hug, I’m probably gonna need it.
This should be a really fun series. While not always impressed with the play of the team I am impressed with their ability to find a way to win when it feels like they shouldn't. That seems to be a new element this team has added.
As for the players, I've always been a big Aaron Huglen fan. He's never going to be the star but watching him on the boards, controlling the puck in the offensive zone is enjoyable for me.
I am curious as to others take on Rinzel. He does so many thing well but he seems to be trying to do too much at times. Don't get me wrong, I love having him as a Gopher (which won't be for much longer) but at times he plays a bit too individualistically for me when the better play would be to move the puck rather than try to beat someone 1 on 1.
Also looking for Hendrickson to find his groove. He been quiet but he's doing the right things and he's going to be a very good Gopher once his career wraps up. I predict he will scoop up the "7" next year as I believe Darby went from 14 to 7 as well during his Gopher career.
Enjoying the season thus far and look forward to watching the team grow and hopefully make at least a little noise come spring.
And final note: really would have preferred a Gold out. I don't own anything white. 
@neely Huglen has been one of my favorite guys and he's really improved his puck control this year. Kind of like those older players who maybe aren't faster, more physical, etc., but just know their body position so well they shield people away and it let's them make plays.
On Rinzel, seems kind of like classic talented sophomore defenseman at the college level. Game has slowed down some but at times the confidence outstrips what they should do with the puck. Saw Hutson for BU make a lot of plays like that last year too as did Luke Hughes for Michigan and Lacombe in the past (for guys that come to mind). Think it's a natural part of growth but they also need someone to do that from the back end as it's a huge additional dynamic for defenses to contend with. Keep doing it now as he hasn't been "dumb" with it, only going to help as we get closer to the postseason. Now if he starts trying to do that in front of our own net, then that's a no go.
On the white out, same my friend. same.
Players of Rinzel's caliber deserve some room to experiment and sometimes it goes wrong just like it sometimes did for LaCombe or Mike Reilly or any number of talented offensive minded D before them. It's a risk reward thing and eventually he'll become more polished and refined.
Last season Rinzel as a freshmen lead the Gophers in assists.
This season as a sophomore he leads the country in both goals and total points for defensemen.
I understand why Jup and Vegoe predicted splits going into the series with how the teams been playing but I still think a team like Michigan coming into their barn will grab the Gophers attention and force them to elevate their game.
I’ve been proven wrong predicting splits vs UMD, UST, and Wisco but I hope I’m not proven wrong this time. Sweep!
Yeah I can't think of any Dman (high end offense type) who came in as a freshman and looked as complete of a player as he has. Usually freshmen D of that ilk have some growing pains and take their lumps/have some very obvious head scratcher moments, I can't say I remember much of that with him and it's not like he's being sheltered or anything.Last season Rinzel as a freshmen lead the Gophers in assists.
This season as a sophomore he leads the country in both goals and total points for defensemen.
I am testing an on site chat on my test page. If anyone wants to try and use it tonight, go for it. It only allows 20 chatters at a time. But if it works better than Google Chat, I may just get the paid version. The little music icon is the NewsTalk AM1130 stream for all to listen too if you want.
https://gopherpucklive.com/test-page/
Just a test! Not sure I will like this. I am in the chat for the next few minutes.
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I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Michigan’s top player Michael Hage is out tonight
Yeah I can't think of any Dman (high end offense type) who came in as a freshman and looked as complete of a player as he has. Usually freshmen D of that ilk have some growing pains and take their lumps/have some very obvious head scratcher moments, I can't say I remember much of that with him and it's not like he's being sheltered or anything.Last season Rinzel as a freshmen lead the Gophers in assists.
This season as a sophomore he leads the country in both goals and total points for defensemen.
Rinzel has been a joy to watch in the maroon and gold. Elite college player. Chesley is also elevating to the point where I doubt either one is back next year. Just my opinion though.
Go Gophers!!
Michigan’s top player Michael Hage is out tonight
I never celebrate an injury so I’ll preface this with I hope he’s not hurt but this is REALLY good news for Gopher fans.
For the love of God score first tonight I’m begging you
Can someone clarify the streaming situation for tonight’s game?
I have downloaded the Fox Sports App. It shows a million college basketball games and some NHL games, but doens’t seem to recognize the existence of college hockey. If I search for the gophers I get a link to the football team. If I search for hockey I only get NHL. I’ve scoured the schedule and don’t see tonight’s game listed.
Michigan’s top player Michael Hage is out tonight
I just saw him in a walking boot. I would guess he is out for the weekend?
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Can someone clarify the streaming situation for tonight’s game?
I have downloaded the Fox Sports App. It shows a million college basketball games and some NHL games, but doens’t seem to recognize the existence of college hockey. If I search for the gophers I get a link to the football team. If I search for hockey I only get NHL. I’ve scoured the schedule and don’t see tonight’s game listed.
Replying to myself before disappearing: FS1 schedule says the game is tonight, but the Fox Sports App doesn’t list it.
I’m 90% sure that after the game is over it will be uploaded as a *replay only* on the B1G app. I subscribe there so I’ll watch then.
Will Clymer talk about blueberry pancakes at any point tonight?
Hey.. Drop the puck!
C'mon Gophers!
Will Clymer talk about blueberry pancakes at any point tonight?
This is the first time since 03-04 I've missed games in consecutive home series. I hate being sick... thankfully it's clearing up. Not going to be one of those American heroes.
also, why is the BTN color for us yellow?
This is the first time since 03-04 I've missed games in consecutive home series. I hate being sick... thankfully it's clearing up. Not going to be one of those American heroes.
also, why is the BTN color for us yellow?
Wearing the gold jerseys