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Re: Denver @ North Dakota - December 7-8
My thoughts from last night...
1) I love this rivalry. IMO, it is the most intense and heated rivalry in the WCHA. These two teams have won the most WCHA games over the last decade, and I'm glad that this rivalry will continue into the NCHC.
2) I thought it was an extremely well played game by both sides for two periods. Each team had stretches where they controlled play, but then the other team would come back and control play. In the portions where neither team dominated it was racehorse hockey. It was a lot of fun to watch, and a great showcase for why college hockey is great.
3) North Dakota wore Denver down by the 3rd, and dominated the last 20 minutes and OT. It doesn't help when you start a game with only 10 forwards (trust me, us North Dakota fans know this all too well), but when you are down to 6 for a part of a period, it is no wonder why Denver looked exhausted. North Dakota was able to take control of play, but...
4) Jusi Olkinuora stole a point for Denver. Coming into this series, I didn't think either side would sweep, but I felt that one side could get three points if their goalie stole them a point in a game where they were outplayed. Jusi did this last night for Denver. If the Pioneers are able to turn the tide around tonight, they could very well leave with 3 points. Jusi made several very good saves, and of course the highlight reel save on MacMillan in the third. He was also helped by a little luck. I can think of at least three occasions where a North Dakota player had the puck on their stick, at least a partial open net, and put the puck wide or high. Rocco Grimaldi was pretty upset with himself after the game last night because he missed a wide open net midway through the third. As the old saying goes, you often create your own luck. Jusi was playing at what I imagine is the top of his game. When you do that, you deserve a little bit of luck.
5) The game had the feeling of a playoff/tournament game, and I liked the fact that both sides responded well to that. Hopefully, this is a good sign for when these teams are playing in March/April. Both teams, at least at this point in the season, are capable of winning it all. Anybody who thought DU was a fluke early in the season and not warranting a top 10 ranking should be silenced by their performance last night. DU is a top 10 team, and are one of the two best teams that North Dakota has played so far (I'd probably give the edge to Notre Dame).
6) As for tonight? If DU is able to regroup and get their legs back, I expect another similar game to last night. However, if Denver shows the signs of fatigue that would only be natural given their unique situation (playing with only 6 forwards for significant minutes, and only having 10 forwards), North Dakota could take advantage and get the win. My guess is that the rivalry, adrenaline, and the motivations by Gwoz will have the Pioneers ready to go tonight. I'll take another barnburner, back and forth match, and could very well see another tie. Goalie play will likely be the difference tonight.
My thoughts from last night...
1) I love this rivalry. IMO, it is the most intense and heated rivalry in the WCHA. These two teams have won the most WCHA games over the last decade, and I'm glad that this rivalry will continue into the NCHC.
2) I thought it was an extremely well played game by both sides for two periods. Each team had stretches where they controlled play, but then the other team would come back and control play. In the portions where neither team dominated it was racehorse hockey. It was a lot of fun to watch, and a great showcase for why college hockey is great.
3) North Dakota wore Denver down by the 3rd, and dominated the last 20 minutes and OT. It doesn't help when you start a game with only 10 forwards (trust me, us North Dakota fans know this all too well), but when you are down to 6 for a part of a period, it is no wonder why Denver looked exhausted. North Dakota was able to take control of play, but...
4) Jusi Olkinuora stole a point for Denver. Coming into this series, I didn't think either side would sweep, but I felt that one side could get three points if their goalie stole them a point in a game where they were outplayed. Jusi did this last night for Denver. If the Pioneers are able to turn the tide around tonight, they could very well leave with 3 points. Jusi made several very good saves, and of course the highlight reel save on MacMillan in the third. He was also helped by a little luck. I can think of at least three occasions where a North Dakota player had the puck on their stick, at least a partial open net, and put the puck wide or high. Rocco Grimaldi was pretty upset with himself after the game last night because he missed a wide open net midway through the third. As the old saying goes, you often create your own luck. Jusi was playing at what I imagine is the top of his game. When you do that, you deserve a little bit of luck.
5) The game had the feeling of a playoff/tournament game, and I liked the fact that both sides responded well to that. Hopefully, this is a good sign for when these teams are playing in March/April. Both teams, at least at this point in the season, are capable of winning it all. Anybody who thought DU was a fluke early in the season and not warranting a top 10 ranking should be silenced by their performance last night. DU is a top 10 team, and are one of the two best teams that North Dakota has played so far (I'd probably give the edge to Notre Dame).
6) As for tonight? If DU is able to regroup and get their legs back, I expect another similar game to last night. However, if Denver shows the signs of fatigue that would only be natural given their unique situation (playing with only 6 forwards for significant minutes, and only having 10 forwards), North Dakota could take advantage and get the win. My guess is that the rivalry, adrenaline, and the motivations by Gwoz will have the Pioneers ready to go tonight. I'll take another barnburner, back and forth match, and could very well see another tie. Goalie play will likely be the difference tonight.
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