The final home series of 2025. Penn St is 10-4, having split with Michigan last weekend.
7:00 pm
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I don't think I have any white gopher gear for the Friday game, I guess I can just wear a white shirt or something.
Is it too much to ask for a split this weekend?
Has Penn State shown anything so far to expect anything more than a split from them?
They did well in their non conference schedule although they didn’t play the toughest non-con schedule to be fair. So far in B1G play they swept Ohio State, were swept by Michigan State, and then this past weekend split with Michigan. I would say overall our schedule has been much tougher but I think they are the better team. If I were a betting team I would say a split is the most likely but I can’t possibly predict what this Gopher team is going to do on any given night so I guess we’ll see.
Has Penn State shown anything so far to expect anything more than a split from them?
i mean they did sweep the team we just split with
that said, think this more matters what version of the gophers shows up. Is it the version that beat UND on Saturday or controlled game 2 against BC or is it the road group that showed up against WI and looked like they didn't know their head from their ass?
PSU was actually pretty lucky to split last week at home vs Michigan imo (and is lucky to be 10-4; their xG record is 7-5-2). their defense and goaltending has been pretty meh at times so I think they can be had. Just hope they show up from the jump and focus for the full 60, as it is a PSU team that can score in bunches if you get off your game or if we get running and end up in the box.
I think split but actually wouldn't be surprised with a sweep either way, with me figuring PSU is more likely to sweep us if we don't show up. Very different team without Fink. Going to be a series that will be imperative to get our line matches in and I'm sure you're going to see Luke Mittelstadt play 30min
They did well in their non conference schedule although they didn’t play the toughest non-con schedule to be fair. So far in B1G play they swept Ohio State, were swept by Michigan State, and then this past weekend split with Michigan. I would say overall our schedule has been much tougher but I think they are the better team. If I were a betting team I would say a split is the most likely but I can’t possibly predict what this Gopher team is going to do on any given night so I guess we’ll see.
I think we’re going to get lit up in one game and eke out a close win in the other. PSU looks like one of those inconsistent Gophers squads (e.g. 2021-22) where they have enough firepower to steamroll even fairly decent teams if their opponent has an off night, but not enough cohesion or drive to really win all the games they’re “supposed” to by an expected score/margin.
some part of me feels, however irrational it may be, that a sweep is doable if we can (1) play lights-out all 120+ min, and (2) catch PSU off-guard and make them scramble trying to adjust. Their luck is due to run out.
They did well in their non conference schedule although they didn’t play the toughest non-con schedule to be fair. So far in B1G play they swept Ohio State, were swept by Michigan State, and then this past weekend split with Michigan. I would say overall our schedule has been much tougher but I think they are the better team. If I were a betting team I would say a split is the most likely but I can’t possibly predict what this Gopher team is going to do on any given night so I guess we’ll see.
I think we’re going to get lit up in one game and eke out a close win in the other. PSU looks like one of those inconsistent Gophers squads (e.g. 2021-22) where they have enough firepower to steamroll even fairly decent teams if their opponent has an off night, but not enough cohesion or drive to really win all the games they’re “supposed” to by an expected score/margin.
some part of me feels, however irrational it may be, that a sweep is doable if we can (1) play lights-out all 120+ min, and (2) catch PSU off-guard and make them scramble trying to adjust. Their luck is due to run out.
That’s a good comparison, PSU to the 2021-22 Gopher squad. I’m kind of feeling the same way about this weekend. As you and upnorthkid both mentioned it really depends on which team shows up this weekend. For both squads, honestly. That usually lends itself to a split. Just based off of trends, I could see like a 5-2 loss on Friday and we’re all wringing our hands, including yours truly, and then a solid 3-2, or 4-2 with the ENG, win on Saturday.
I don't think I have any white gopher gear for the Friday game, I guess I can just wear a white shirt or something.
Everyone in attendance gets a white rally towel, you could collect some and deck yourself out with a bunch of those…🤣
I'm a bit shocked at the level of optimism in this thread.
This Gopher team is not at the level of PSU, pure and simple. They are going to have to steal points this weekend if they want to get anything out of it.
I'm sure there will be some who want to label me Debbie Downer, but it's not like that. I actually really like a lot of the guys on this tem, can see the potential in them, but they just aren't there yet. Expecting them to get there over this week of practice is setting yourself up for depression and a Chicken Little reaction.
I'm a bit shocked at the level of optimism in this thread.
This Gopher team is not at the level of PSU, pure and simple. They are going to have to steal points this weekend if they want to get anything out of it.
I'm sure there will be some who want to label me Debbie Downer, but it's not like that. I actually really like a lot of the guys on this tem, can see the potential in them, but they just aren't there yet. Expecting them to get there over this week of practice is setting yourself up for depression and a Chicken Little reaction.
only way i'll be disappointed is if they decide to not play defense or fall apart into the disorganized mess we saw game 1 vs LIU or the weekend vs WI. They will struggle throughout the year but hopefully the floor keeps getting raised even if the ceiling is more limited in this group.
That people are saying they're irrational but a sweep isn't out of the questions if we play lights out hockey with most predicting a split i'd say is pretty level given that's historically very common amongst almost any team
if they decide to not play defense
at this point I’ll be “fine” even w/ getting swept if it’s by scores of like, 7-6 & 5-4. If I can’t have winning hockey, I’ll take wacky entertaining hockey as my consolation prize.
if they decide to not play defense
at this point I’ll be “fine” even w/ getting swept if it’s by scores of like, 7-6 & 5-4. If I can’t have winning hockey, I’ll take wacky entertaining hockey as my consolation prize.
Not me. First, I always want a sweep, even though I know how unlikely. But more importantly, I have a standing six-pack bet with a Pedo St. grad on each series. The fact they bought McKenna and my buddy argued with me when I said I thought it wasn't good for college hockey, makes me want to not lose the bet all the more, even though I know I am well ahead in six-packs.
This team has enough talent to compete with anyone if they can learn to play with intensity for the entire game, and not collapse if they are scored upon. We've all seen teams that grew through the year and were dangerous by playoffs, although more often than not the chemistry on a team not stacked with high-end talent doesn't develop to maintain that level of play. Hoping for the former this year. Good weekend to start that. I want the return on my investment of watching them every week to be a six-pack this weekend!
Whats the McKenna factor on attendance this weekend?
By Scouts, or Fans?
Whats the McKenna factor on attendance this weekend?
As much hype as there is around him, for the average fan, they've barely heard of him, and to the extent they have, they likely don't understand why.
By Scouts, or Fans?
Whats the McKenna factor on attendance this weekend?
As much hype as there is around him, for the average fan, they've barely heard of him, and to the extent they have, they likely don't understand why.
i would guess it makes no impact on attendance outside of a handful of people who come because PSU is supposed to be good and thus a good series to go to rather than a "I must see McKenna". He's Canadian which downplays some of the hype, though he's been all over NHL Network and stuff a couple times plus had articles on him by USCHO and CHN. Maybe if he'd been american its a little more steam, but don't think there's quite as much hype locally as out east and in Canada, especially as he's had a less than stellar start to his year (probably different if he was a human highlight reel to start)
At least that'd mean the offense showed some signs of life lol.if they decide to not play defense
at this point I’ll be “fine” even w/ getting swept if it’s by scores of like, 7-6 & 5-4. If I can’t have winning hockey, I’ll take wacky entertaining hockey as my consolation prize.
I expected very little from this team going into the season. I figured I'd be satisfied with a .500 record and not getting blown out of most games. There have been some incredibly frustrating moments for sure but some bright spots as well. More than anything I'm most concerned about the D in the next couple years. I think Whipple has improved more than I could have expected and Rombach certainly has upside but those two optimistic views don't move the meter.
I am one who is interested to see McKenna. Partly to see what $700k buys you. I truly hope that he is the exception and not the rule going forward. I'm very old school, and while I acknowledge that NIL will impact things going forward, the thought that a niche sport like College Hockey has to put out that kind of money for a kid who quite likely will be one and done is insane to me.
Here's hoping for continued development of the young guys and a kid like LJ saying, "I'm sticking around and we are going to be playing for a NC before I head out the door."
By Scouts, or Fans?
Whats the McKenna factor on attendance this weekend?
As much hype as there is around him, for the average fan, they've barely heard of him, and to the extent they have, they likely don't understand why.
i would guess it makes no impact on attendance outside of a handful of people who come because PSU is supposed to be good and thus a good series to go to rather than a "I must see McKenna". He's Canadian which downplays some of the hype, though he's been all over NHL Network and stuff a couple times plus had articles on him by USCHO and CHN. Maybe if he'd been american its a little more steam, but don't think there's quite as much hype locally as out east and in Canada, especially as he's had a less than stellar start to his year (probably different if he was a human highlight reel to start)
It felt like some embargo was lifted last week in regards to articles about him. In addition to CHN and USCHO, The Athletic had an article about him and so did a local Pittsburgh site. A lot of very soft criticism. Plenty of excuses given for him. Sort of like the JJ McCarthy stuff locally.
McKenna was supposed to be a McDavid/MacKinnon type prospect going into the year. He's really not viewed that way anymore, and while most places still have him likely to go first overall, I wouldn't be too surprised if that changed by the end of the year.
Love when the have LJ and Rombach next to each other.
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/1991310528736636939?t=WUFWGoXx4UuWX91cNpZtgQ&s=19
I actually give a @#$* about the Twins
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
IDK about that, not every draft is gonna produce a generational talent and I kinda doubt that was the consensus for a winger. But maybe I'm wrong, I don't read a ton of scouting stuff.McKenna was supposed to be a McDavid/MacKinnon type prospect going into the year. He's really not viewed that way anymore, and while most places still have him likely to go first overall, I wouldn't be too surprised if that changed by the end of the year.
By definition only one draft every generation should have a generational talent. 😉 😀
You can definitely have more than one player that meets the criteria playing at the same time. McDavid and Mathews or Ovie/Crosby being obvious examples.
Having watched college hockey for many years I will suggest that some weekends feel like multiple generations 😀
Mentioned last night on the podcast, the size difference between Mooney and Rambach… lol!!!
LJ Mooney 5’8”…
Jacob Rombach 6’6”…
SKI-U-MAH…
GO GOPHERS!!!
IDK about that, not every draft is gonna produce a generational talent and I kinda doubt that was the consensus for a winger. But maybe I'm wrong, I don't read a ton of scouting stuff.McKenna was supposed to be a McDavid/MacKinnon type prospect going into the year. He's really not viewed that way anymore, and while most places still have him likely to go first overall, I wouldn't be too surprised if that changed by the end of the year.
Celebrini and Bedard are the only recent ones who comes close, and even Celebrini wasn't getting the same level of coverage at BU as Mckenna did early this year at Penn St. Celebrini is pretty clearly a better player but the hype for Mckenna has been off the charts for years now. He also made the Canada WJC team as a 16 year old.
Looks like more than 10 inches to me.Love when the have LJ and Rombach next to each other.
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/1991310528736636939?t=WUFWGoXx4UuWX91cNpZtgQ&s=19
Looks like more than 10 inches to me.Love when the have LJ and Rombach next to each other.
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/1991310528736636939?t=WUFWGoXx4UuWX91cNpZtgQ&s=19
Guessing the coaching staff is making a big emphasis on penalties this week in practice. Usually not a problem for Motzko teams, but they need to stay out of the box this weekend with all the talent on Penn’s PP partnered with our abysmal PK.
Looks like more than 10 inches to me.Love when the have LJ and Rombach next to each other.
https://twitter.com/GopherHockey/status/1991310528736636939?t=WUFWGoXx4UuWX91cNpZtgQ&s=19
10 inches?
Maybe this has been brought up already (didn't read the whole thread)....but doesn't it seem odd we are doing a white out against the college that is most famous for doing white outs? (PSU football)
Maybe this has been brought up already (didn't read the whole thread)....but doesn't it seem odd we are doing a white out against the college that is most famous for doing white outs? (PSU football)
I wonder if this intentional to get under their skin…or just a clueless promotions department….🤷♀️
Maybe this has been brought up already (didn't read the whole thread)....but doesn't it seem odd we are doing a white out against the college that is most famous for doing white outs? (PSU football)
I wonder if this intentional to get under their skin…or just a clueless promotions department….🤷♀️
My money is a clueless promotions dept. The promotion dept at the ‘U’ couldn’t think themselves out of a wet paper bag.
@idontknow It's soooo dumb. I'm not wearing white. Our game presentation and promotions teams have been noticeably worse the last couple years.
I have been critical of the promotions dept for years, but to create outrage because they want people to wear white is a bit much. If you don't have a white Gophers jersey, shirt or hoodie, who cares? Wear another Gopher color. It is supposed to be fun and it cost the U nothing. In years past, the U would have shirts to give to all of the fans to wear. We all know money isn't flowing into the U like it used to, so I get why it isn't done for everyone except the students anymore. I would love for a sponsor to step up and give away white shirts at the door so everyone would have a chance to get one. We also know that none of these (fill in the blank color outs) never work very well here, even in the years when the team has been ranked #1. I'm lucky enough to have a white jersey, so I will wear it tonight. I'm sure I will be in the minority.
I actually give a @#$* about the Twins
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
I have been critical of the promotions dept for years, but to create outrage because they want people to wear white is a bit much. If you don't have a white Gophers jersey, shirt or hoodie, who cares? Wear another Gopher color. It is supposed to be fun and it cost the U nothing.
Exactly... people are just looking for a reason to get mad. If it helps get students in the building, I am all for it.
I have been critical of the promotions dept for years, but to create outrage because they want people to wear white is a bit much. If you don't have a white Gophers jersey, shirt or hoodie, who cares? Wear another Gopher color. It is supposed to be fun and it cost the U nothing. In years past, the U would have shirts to give to all of the fans to wear. We all know money isn't flowing into the U like it used to, so I get why it isn't done for everyone except the students anymore. I would love for a sponsor to step up and give away white shirts at the door so everyone would have a chance to get one. We also know that none of these (fill in the blank color outs) never work very well here, even in the years when the team has been ranked #1. I'm lucky enough to have a white jersey, so I will wear it tonight. I'm sure I will be in the minority.
this. It’s also the challenge of how big a rink we have and the number of empty seats we seem to live with any time we’re not #1. Yeah it looks better in happy valley when they’re good and the rink is packed because demand for the ticket gets really high with minimal supply. The U is caught in a weird spot but is trying to make some games have some extra feel to them. Can’t blame them given Gopher crowds are overall really tame compared to many of the other crowds I’ve experienced. That is the part the U could work harder on (getting the entire crowd into it better). A harmless “white out” is so far down the list
It took a few years but the color outs and stripe outs for Football have looked decent in the last few seasons. There will always be the stubborn outliers who absolutely refuse to try to even participate, but you do it enough and eventually people pick it up.
I've always been critical with lots of things at the 'U', though I'll always bleed maroon and gold. The 'U' needs to stop trying to reinvent the wheel find something and stick with it. Stop trying to copy other universities and their thing. Does the stripe out work for football, it does now. Did the white work for PSU, not at first. Now it's a big thing and it works. The 'Gold Outs' would be fine. Just when you have a gold out... the team needs to wear their all golds as well.
Also, the 'U' fails and are stingy with their likeness and image. They need to get off their high horse with it. Get the likeness and image out there.
I've always been critical with lots of things at the 'U', though I'll always bleed maroon and gold. The 'U' needs to stop trying to reinvent the wheel find something and stick with it. Stop trying to copy other universities and their thing. Does the stripe out work for football, it does now. Did the white work for PSU, not at first. Now it's a big thing and it works. The 'Gold Outs' would be fine. Just when you have a gold out... the team needs to wear their all golds as well.
Also, the 'U' fails and are stingy with their likeness and image. They need to get off their high horse with it. Get the likeness and image out there.
this. they should be marketing their players much more aggressively, printing jerseys, etc. Feels gross, but could learn a lot from UND hockey in this regard. Our fan shop is just depressing. Ditto on DTA. Their main site is still advertising Kesich (lol) and Snuggy on the shop page and Closer on the main graphic on the home page. I dunno what the U is so hell bent on restricting printing of jerseys for, but its silly
Wait until people spot me tonight at the game.
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Does anyone else think if the U had to do it again, they might make Mariucci closer to 7000 seats?
Does anyone else think if the U had to do it again, they might make Mariucci closer to 7000 seats?
In the 90's they used to have over 7K in season tickets sold. The waiting list was 10 years. They made the right decision at the time.
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Get your own board!
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Should bring back the late nineties pep band uniform for the night. White hockey jerseys and white pants. 😂
The ‘U’ so their souls to the devil by going with Fanatics. Fanatics is pure garbage. You look at the ‘U’s biggest rivals… wisconSIN, Iowa and UND. All 3 put the ‘U’ to shame when it comes to game day items at the team stores or online.
I really miss those surveys that they would send out after the game for your experience. The ‘U’ just doesn’t care.
Wait until people spot me tonight at the game.
“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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The stadium generally fills when the team is good so no. The bigger issue imo is the marketing and pricing, even if the team is having a down year you should be able to get more butts in seats by having an alternative to NHL priced games, a college atmosphere, and cheaper beer etc.Does anyone else think if the U had to do it again, they might make Mariucci closer to 7000 seats?
