Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Usually ignore discussion about the call, but tonight was brutal.

Clymer doing his usual attempt to use words that he doens't quite understand. Then wondering if Pitlick would get 5 for a penalty that shouldn't have been called. (Guy turned at last second and Pitlick essentially slowed as he could in 1 second, and just pinned him against the boards, once he saw they turn.

Doug - Can't remember all of the gaffs - I was trying to:
1. 'Santo Ranta'
2. 'Good to see freshman are getting their first goals tonight, McMannus with two and Wait and Walker with one. Other goals were returning players.'
3. 'Santo Ranta is the next freshman to get his first goal tonight.' (He scored last night!).
4. 'And Duluth scores 4 on 4.' (It was 4 on 3)
5. Score was 3 to 2 when MN got number 4. 'Well that makes it 4 to 3.'
6. When MN still had 6 goals, 'Duluth giving up 7 goals tonight, and another last night, to make 6 for the weekend."

I really wish there were someway to get the radio guys on TV.

Apparently Mittlesdorf is no longer on the team? (After only one game without an appearance, I wouldn't count on it though.)

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

But it is nice to finally defeat Duluth with a clear victory, after so fricken' long! Freshman look promising, especially that shot of Ranta's. Walker stood out a few times. Of course it is a long season. I remember Vinnie's first game, I thought he was going to be a diamond in the rough, but he has a lot of games his first year where he disappeared.

Phillips is also looking like he is ready to play.

And good to see some of the expected goalscorers scoring. D didn't appear to be a liability.

Hope Blake can step right in. Heard now that it is a wrist. Tough for stickhandling, but better than a wrist for staying in shape.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Shows how dead this site has become, when I am the first one to mention on the WI website that 'Santo" is on a goal a game pace.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Shows how dead this site has become, when I am the first one to mention on the WI website that 'Santo" is on a goal a game pace.

I nearly popped in on them to mention Ranta...but decided I didn't want to be a d!ck

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

The thought crossed my mind.....

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

So a nice start to the season. Really nice to finally get that UMD monkey off our backs. Hard to read too much into the first weekend, but positive signs from some of those freshman forwards. Phillips with some great productivity, and also a bit of grit - he won a great battle in front of the net that led to Pitlick's fantastic goal.

Also interesting how Motzko would pretty regularly put together teams at St. Cloud that would get outshot by a decent margin but still come away with plenty of offense and win games. Obviously you can't credit him for instilling that type of identity already, but still pretty interesting to see. Makes one wonder if there is something about his in-game management that has helped produce that with his teams. Or maybe it's just happy coincidence.

Only down side on the night is that this game, while televised on FSN, didn't show up on BTN2Go. Seeing as I live out-of-state the BTN app is my only way of viewing these FSN games.
I ended up dropping the coin on the BTN+ sub, because when it comes to Gopher Hockey I am a real crack-head, but I'm wondering if this is a policy change for BTN or what the deal is. If anyone has any info it would be appreciated. I asked on GPL and it was crickets.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Not sure if breaking an eight game losing streak dating back to 2014 gives Gopher fans bragging rights, but this weekend against the Dogs was definitely long overdue. Overall the Gophers were energized and never trailed in the series. Good to see the offense pour it on tonight with a vengeance and shell shock the Dogs, who had not given up more than 5 goals in 28 previous games.

Special shout out to the BADgers for screwing up on Sampo Ranta. Seems like he'll be a very special player for the Gophers with a quick release, dynamite shot. Pitlick's full ice burst and goal was classic Rem. Fun to watch.

On the negative side, too many penalties and not many blocked shots tonight allowing 46 SOG!? Sadek and Rossini need to THINK better position hockey, especially around the net. IMO Clayton Phillips is the best D on the squad right now and unlike his short stint last season, this weekend he found his game. He plays smart with an aggressive edge. Lots of room for improvement on this young D corp for the Gophers. But UMD had 5 FR D last season and we know what they accomplished down the stretch.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

I liked what I saw overall. Shore up that D, with SOG and GA. I will say for this weekend alone, we got our swagger. We are better than you. Felt good.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Sure there are better players. I quite impressed by Wait's play. I had low expectations and he swatted those out of the way - loved the 3rd line tonight. Ranto looked pretty good also.

Its one series, but the team does have the grit I noticed yesterday...and is deep. The 4th line is a load with two seniors and a junior. Not sure how much they'll score, but that will be one tough line for most teams to match up against.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Lots of room for improvement on this young D corp for the Gophers. But UMD had 5 FR D last season and we know what they accomplished down the stretch.

Shore up that D, with SOG and GA. I will say for this weekend alone, we got our swagger. We are better than you. Felt good.

I agree with both of your comments. Overall our entire team played great, but the GA was worrisome and left a lot of room for improvement. On too many occasions Mat Robson had to come up huge to bail our (lack of) team D out. Definitely room for improvement, especially deep around and in front our net.

But overall I liked the way we broke the puck out of own end once we got possession. A lot of smart, short passes to the open guy, while taking very little risk of a costly turnover - something we didn't see nearly enough of last season.

It was a blast being there to see Motzko's first win at home. Despite rather disappointing attendance, Gopher fans who did show up were very enthusiastic and supportive, particularly from the three student sections, which were pretty full. I came away thinking that this is a very exciting team that more area hockey fans need to come and see for themselves.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

It was a blast being there to see Motzko's first win at home. Despite rather disappointing attendance, Gopher fans who did show up were very enthusiastic and supportive, particularly from the three student sections, which were pretty full. I came away thinking that this is a very exciting team that more area hockey fans need to come and see for themselves.

I tuned into KDAL radio (Duluth) for a bit to listen to the [cough] announcers from UMD. After the game, they were mocking the announced attendance of 8000+, "a lot of Gopher fans are celebrating Halloween early this year dressed as empty seats". Granted it's only one series, but if this team continues to improve (which I think it will) the attendance woes will diminish. Best way to market and fill the arena with fans? WIN.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

I nearly popped in on them to mention Ranta...but decided I didn't want to be a d!ck

Someone's gotta be. In the past, it got much worse than that...

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

That win was good, but not sure if it was enough to hold me over until the next televised game in NOVEMBER!

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Usually ignore discussion about the call, but tonight was brutal.

Clymer doing his usual attempt to use words that he doens't quite understand. Then wondering if Pitlick would get 5 for a penalty that shouldn't have been called. (Guy turned at last second and Pitlick essentially slowed as he could in 1 second, and just pinned him against the boards, once he saw they turn.

Doug - Can't remember all of the gaffs - I was trying to:
1. 'Santo Ranta'
2. 'Good to see freshman are getting their first goals tonight, McMannus with two and Wait and Walker with one. Other goals were returning players.'
3. 'Santo Ranta is the next freshman to get his first goal tonight.' (He scored last night!).
4. 'And Duluth scores 4 on 4.' (It was 4 on 3)
5. Score was 3 to 2 when MN got number 4. 'Well that makes it 4 to 3.'
6. When MN still had 6 goals, 'Duluth giving up 7 goals tonight, and another last night, to make 6 for the weekend."

I really wish there were someway to get the radio guys on TV.

Apparently Mittlesdorf is no longer on the team? (After only one game without an appearance, I wouldn't count on it though.)

7. 'Duluth hasn't had many games where they haven't scored first this year,....or last year either.' (Ok , maybe being too harsh. Having only played one and a half games this year, and not scoring first in either is still technically 'not many games'.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Usually ignore discussion about the call, but tonight was brutal.

Clymer doing his usual attempt to use words that he doens't quite understand. Then wondering if Pitlick would get 5 for a penalty that shouldn't have been called. (Guy turned at last second and Pitlick essentially slowed as he could in 1 second, and just pinned him against the boards, once he saw they turn.

Doug - Can't remember all of the gaffs - I was trying to:
1. 'Santo Ranta'
2. 'Good to see freshman are getting their first goals tonight, McMannus with two and Wait and Walker with one. Other goals were returning players.'
3. 'Santo Ranta is the next freshman to get his first goal tonight.' (He scored last night!).
4. 'And Duluth scores 4 on 4.' (It was 4 on 3)
5. Score was 3 to 2 when MN got number 4. 'Well that makes it 4 to 3.'
6. When MN still had 6 goals, 'Duluth giving up 7 goals tonight, and another last night, to make 6 for the weekend."

I really wish there were someway to get the radio guys on TV.

Apparently Mittlesdorf is no longer on the team? (After only one game without an appearance, I wouldn't count on it though.)

This is comedy gold! Clymer tries too hard to be that "clever color guy" and ends up rambling on. If tDoug says Santa Ranta, I'm gonna lose it.

HIGHLIGHTS

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Usually ignore discussion about the call, but tonight was brutal.

Clymer doing his usual attempt to use words that he doens't quite understand. Then wondering if Pitlick would get 5 for a penalty that shouldn't have been called. (Guy turned at last second and Pitlick essentially slowed as he could in 1 second, and just pinned him against the boards, once he saw they turn.

Doug - Can't remember all of the gaffs - I was trying to:
1. 'Santo Ranta'
2. 'Good to see freshman are getting their first goals tonight, McMannus with two and Wait and Walker with one. Other goals were returning players.'
3. 'Santo Ranta is the next freshman to get his first goal tonight.' (He scored last night!).
4. 'And Duluth scores 4 on 4.' (It was 4 on 3)
5. Score was 3 to 2 when MN got number 4. 'Well that makes it 4 to 3.'
6. When MN still had 6 goals, 'Duluth giving up 7 goals tonight, and another last night, to make 6 for the weekend."

I really wish there were someway to get the radio guys on TV.

Apparently Mittlesdorf is no longer on the team? (After only one game without an appearance, I wouldn't count on it though.)

Talking about the passing of John Gagliardi he referred to him as a great baseball coach. He probably was at some point but probably not what he will be remembered for...

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

I tuned into KDAL radio (Duluth) for a bit to listen to the [cough] announcers from UMD. After the game, they were mocking the announced attendance of 8000+, "a lot of Gopher fans are celebrating Halloween early this year dressed as empty seats". Granted it's only one series, but if this team continues to improve (which I think it will) the attendance woes will diminish. Best way to market and fill the arena with fans? WIN.

The same party must have been in Duluth on Saturday.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

I agree with both of your comments. Overall our entire team played great, but the GA was worrisome and left a lot of room for improvement. On too many occasions Mat Robson had to come up huge to bail our (lack of) team D out. Definitely room for improvement, especially deep around and in front our net.

Partially agree. The GA doesn't concern me so much. When a good team jumps out to a lead, they often manage the score. Four goals is not unreasonable against a #1 team and former NC. Having said that, there were way too many shots through to Robson - that was a constant throughout the game and needs to change.

Four goals is not a problem under the circumstances, but yeah Robson had to stand on his head to limit it to that.

 

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

Usually ignore discussion about the call, but tonight was brutal.

Clymer doing his usual attempt to use words that he doens't quite understand. Then wondering if Pitlick would get 5 for a penalty that shouldn't have been called. (Guy turned at last second and Pitlick essentially slowed as he could in 1 second, and just pinned him against the boards, once he saw they turn.

Doug - Can't remember all of the gaffs - I was trying to:
1. 'Santo Ranta'
2. 'Good to see freshman are getting their first goals tonight, McMannus with two and Wait and Walker with one. Other goals were returning players.'
3. 'Santo Ranta is the next freshman to get his first goal tonight.' (He scored last night!).
4. 'And Duluth scores 4 on 4.' (It was 4 on 3)
5. Score was 3 to 2 when MN got number 4. 'Well that makes it 4 to 3.'
6. When MN still had 6 goals, 'Duluth giving up 7 goals tonight, and another last night, to make 6 for the weekend."

I really wish there were someway to get the radio guys on TV.

Apparently Mittlesdorf is no longer on the team? (After only one game without an appearance, I wouldn't count on it though.)

And just think, FSN North was still better than that amateur broadcast tUMD put together up in Duluth on Saturday. Despite having to listen to McLeod(who I don't mind) and Clymer(who I despise) was still 50 times better than Saturday and they actually had microphones around the rink so you could hear the action/crowd more than just through the announcers mics. Lol!

 

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Golden Gopher Season 2018-19: The Motzko Era Begins!

That win was good, but not sure if it was enough to hold me over until the next televised game in NOVEMBER!

Happy to be going to Vegas for this reason.

Going to be tough with only exhibition games between now and then though!