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Re: University of North Dakota Hockey: 2011-2012
I tend to agree that the WCHA is probably weaker than normal (definitely a solid 3rd out of the "Big 4"). That being said, I think either Minnesota or North Dakota comes out of this regional. While North Dakota is probably the most consistent team in the group, they also probably have the least amount of pure talent and depth in the group, so they are susceptible. Minnesota has loads of talent and depth, but get inconsistency from game to game, or, as we saw last Friday, from period to period. BU has a strong group, and has plenty of talent, but they struggled coming down the stretch going 8-8 in their last 16 games. Western has been playing well of late, but has been streaky throughout the season, and it is more of a question of will a cold streak start for the Broncos, or will their hot streak continue.
As is pretty obvious, I think just about any team can come out of this regional, but I would give the advantage to Minnesota as they have the most talent, the revenge factor, and are playing in their home city. I would put North Dakota 2nd most likely, as they are the most consistent bunch, and they have the pieces of a team that is difficult to play in the playoffs in that they have solid goaltending and strong defense. Given that, I would put the odds that Minnesota or North Dakota advance at about 60-65%...so just a slight preponderance. Anything can happen at this point in the season, and I'm really just glad North Dakota is in the tournament.
My expectations for this team were to get home ice, make the Final Five, and make the NCAA Tournament. They have accomplished those three things despite the obvious hurdles that they encountered. The rest of this season is just gravy for me...but it would sure be nice if North Dakota made their way to Tampa so I could see them play in person one more time this season.
Originally posted by SJHovey
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Pretty funny when you consider that UND's entire roster, other than the top line of Kristo, Knight and Nelson, had fewer career college goals coming into this season than defenseman Justin Schultz scored these past two years. Throw in a handful of walk-ons, mix in a bunch of nickname b.s., bake for 6 months, and presto, a Broadmoor. 
Here's what worries me a bit, though.
I've been pretty convinced most of the year that the WCHA is weak. Our teams got manhandled pretty good in most non-conference action, with occasional success here and there.
Sometimes when you spend 3 months playing only each other, the closeness of the competition masks this overall deficiency.
I hope I'm wrong, but I don't believe UND is the 4th best team in the country right now, just like I don't believe Union is the 3rd best or Yale was a top seed last year.
I don't see us rolling through this region like we did last year. Minnesota probably has the best chance to make Tampa, just playing at home and with a lot of revenge on their minds, although I wouldn't discount W. Michigan or BU. I wouldn't be surprised to see a reprise of 1999 when no WCHA teams made the Frozen Four.
Here's what worries me a bit, though.
I've been pretty convinced most of the year that the WCHA is weak. Our teams got manhandled pretty good in most non-conference action, with occasional success here and there.
Sometimes when you spend 3 months playing only each other, the closeness of the competition masks this overall deficiency.
I hope I'm wrong, but I don't believe UND is the 4th best team in the country right now, just like I don't believe Union is the 3rd best or Yale was a top seed last year.
I don't see us rolling through this region like we did last year. Minnesota probably has the best chance to make Tampa, just playing at home and with a lot of revenge on their minds, although I wouldn't discount W. Michigan or BU. I wouldn't be surprised to see a reprise of 1999 when no WCHA teams made the Frozen Four.
As is pretty obvious, I think just about any team can come out of this regional, but I would give the advantage to Minnesota as they have the most talent, the revenge factor, and are playing in their home city. I would put North Dakota 2nd most likely, as they are the most consistent bunch, and they have the pieces of a team that is difficult to play in the playoffs in that they have solid goaltending and strong defense. Given that, I would put the odds that Minnesota or North Dakota advance at about 60-65%...so just a slight preponderance. Anything can happen at this point in the season, and I'm really just glad North Dakota is in the tournament.
My expectations for this team were to get home ice, make the Final Five, and make the NCAA Tournament. They have accomplished those three things despite the obvious hurdles that they encountered. The rest of this season is just gravy for me...but it would sure be nice if North Dakota made their way to Tampa so I could see them play in person one more time this season.
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