Minnesota Gopher Women's Hockey 20-21

[Timothy A]

That was the 1st period...What Gopher team came out in the second period because that was truly awful...

So there is a tinge of hope for UW next week. I was thinking MN was going to throttle UW. What I saw out of UW in the first period yesterday was truly awful for UW, most in the O zone, and apparently Friday was about the same.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

So there is a tinge of hope for UW next week. I was thinking MN was going to throttle UW. What I saw out of UW in the first period yesterday was truly awful for UW, most in the O zone, and apparently Friday was about the same.

Sure there is...Minnesota is vulnerable to heavy forecheck pressure on their defensemen and they are prone to making bad turnovers when they are in the offensive zone leading to odd-man rushes. Case in point yesterday...Zumwinkle makes a very bad decision near the SCSU blue line that turns into a 2 on1 for SCSU. It's how they scored their one goal. Stuff like that can be fixed for sure but it hasn't so far.

Thing of it is, there really isn't a team that has separated from the pack this crazy mixed up season. I have streamed some of Northeastern games and I think they could be the one but they have had some struggles as well.

[robertearle]

... and apparently Friday was about the same.

Friday was marginally worse; My hope is that this is a "time on task" problem, the season to this point has been so disjointed that they are still getting used to playing with one another, and will improve with time. That, of course, is likely also the case with most all other teams.

[Timothy A]

Friday was marginally worse; My hope is that this is a "time on task" problem, the season to this point has been so disjointed that they are still getting used to playing with one another, and will improve with time. That, of course, is likely also the case with most all other teams.

So there was improvement! I'm glad I didn't see Friday's game then.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

After 1 period today Minnesota leads 2-0. Two very nice goals by #9 which were set up by #18. Those two looked very dynamic out there.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Better 2nd period today as Minnesota adds to their lead with a goal. 3-0 now.

[D2D]

Better 2nd period today as Minnesota adds to their lead with a goal. 3-0 now.

Good to see them strike so quickly right after their would-be third goal was waived off due to goalie interference.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Minnesota adds a goal in the third and closes out a 4-0 win. I thought overall the Gophers played well today. #21, #9, and #18 were very good together as a line today.

[D2D]

Minnesota adds a goal in the third and closes out a 4-0 win. I thought overall the Gophers played well today. #21, #9, and #18 were very good together as a line today.

Lots of sloppy play today but that's to be expected when you play three games in four days against the same team. They did a good job in gutting it out and getting the three game sweep. Next up: the BADgers in Madison.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Minnesota is voted in as the new no. 1 in this weeks poll. Meh...I don't think they've played well enough for that ranking. They might be the third best team in the WCHA.

[ARM]

I don't think they've played well enough for that ranking.

They haven't, but I think that UM might have the highest ceiling. Unfortunately, they have also proven that they have a pretty low floor. In recent years, the Gophers have had me thinking that they could be a dangerous team if they put it all together, but then, they never did.

Some time back, there was discussion about whether UW or UM had a better freshman class. It will take a few years before we can say who is right, but so far, I've been happy with the group in maroon & gold.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Some time back, there was discussion about whether UW or UM had a better freshman class. It will take a few years before we can say who is right, but so far, I've been happy with the group in maroon & gold.

They have gotten nice contributions from 5 of the 7 and you can see why Murphy was the top ranked recruit. No question she is a goal scorer but I have been impressed with her passing as well. Cherkowski has fit in nicely as a top six forward and Nicholson and Dunne have done what's been asked of them. Knew Nicholson would be good but have been pleasantly surprised by Dunne's skating ability and her versatility. Audrey Wethington has been good as well adjusting to a role on the lower lines. Just hustles every time she is on the ice.

[D2D]

They haven't, but I think that UM might have the highest ceiling. Unfortunately, they have also proven that they have a pretty low floor.

So ARM if I'm reading this correctly you don't think that they've been the model of consistency?

[Timothy A]

Some time back, there was discussion about whether UW or UM had a better freshman class. It will take a few years before we can say who is right, but so far, I've been happy with the group in maroon & gold.

I haven't seen UM play, but sadly the fab 3 Fr F for UW aren't so fab at this point, but it sounds like y'all are pretty happy with UM's. I cannot recall the last time when UW looked so disjointed. These 2 games are going to be fascinating as usual.

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

I haven't seen UM play, but sadly the fab 3 Fr F for UW aren't so fab at this point, but it sounds like y'all are pretty happy with UM's. I cannot recall the last time when UW looked so disjointed. These 2 games are going to be fascinating as usual.

WisconSIN's 3 highly rated freshmen will be fine. This season is disjointed so it's not surprising that teams seem so out of sync.