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Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
- Thread starter Koho
- Start date
captain beefheart
New member
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
Nice math work, Harley. However, my recurring wide awake nightmare has me seeing Brodzinski? ( #20 ) at the end of the first period on Saturday's game coasting and letting one of the Wolverines slide by him with about 2 seconds left and miss a nice tap in, and am reminded of our loss to Yale by just plain carelessness and I start to sweat. This team CANNOT expect to get away with that and win. We will lose to UMTC Duluth if we play that way. I sure hope the coaching staff points that out ( I don't doubt they will, but will the boys buy in? ) Go Gophers!
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
Thanks, man. I forgot to include the other UMD loss (NSCC), which we should have won, but lost it with just over 2 minutes left in the game. As you stated, no room for that crap on this "one and done" journey to the FF. Agreed, that Yale game is definitely a haunting reminder: Focus, focus, focus. I hear what you're saying about Broz. He's got a cannon for shot and IMO he's matured this season in his D work. But every once in a while he gets sucked out of position and it has cost us. The Gophers are riding a nice wave of momentum, so I think they'll be psyched for UMD this time around.
Nice math work, Harley. However, my recurring wide awake nightmare has me seeing Brodzinski? ( #20 ) at the end of the first period on Saturday's game coasting and letting one of the Wolverines slide by him with about 2 seconds left and miss a nice tap in, and am reminded of our loss to Yale by just plain carelessness and I start to sweat. This team CANNOT expect to get away with that and win. We will lose to UMTC Duluth if we play that way. I sure hope the coaching staff points that out ( I don't doubt they will, but will the boys buy in? ) Go Gophers!
Thanks, man. I forgot to include the other UMD loss (NSCC), which we should have won, but lost it with just over 2 minutes left in the game. As you stated, no room for that crap on this "one and done" journey to the FF. Agreed, that Yale game is definitely a haunting reminder: Focus, focus, focus. I hear what you're saying about Broz. He's got a cannon for shot and IMO he's matured this season in his D work. But every once in a while he gets sucked out of position and it has cost us. The Gophers are riding a nice wave of momentum, so I think they'll be psyched for UMD this time around.
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
In tribute to Harley's good work, here's a look back and forward. To say that the Gophers season had ups and downs is an understatement. The season broke down into several distinct time spans:
Early success at 8-1 through the middle of November. This came as a 1) result of sheer talent and 2) usual strong early season preparation by the coaching staff 3) a fairly favorable schedule. But as is often the case, talent takes you only so far. In the middle of November, we ran into a UMD that was playing some of the best hockey in the country...and the subsequent week with the U18 team, the wheels started to come off.
Midseason flounder where we went 4-9-2 went from the middle of November through the NSCC in late January. We still had the talent but effective execution on that talent was lacking. We were missing passes and losing one-on-one battles. This was in large part because during the first part of the season we coasted on talent while other teams needed to develop or die. These troubles were compounded by losing Boyd, really out top forward in terms of point production, which hurt our ability to score (typically our top nemesis). Its damage was compounded by wiping out the third line as it was has no engine without Boyd and hammered our depth further down. This was also a period where the coaches kept juggling lines well into the second half of the season...which didn't help matters.
Late season recovery where we went 8-3-1 from late January through the first part of March. It was at that point the team started to put the execution polish on their game to add to the talent. The pieces were coming together, with one exception...consistent intensity. Although playing well, the team dropped a handful of games against teams that were not that high on the PWR and in the case of a tie at UW and two losses to OSU and MSU teams that didn't need to play particularly well.
End of the season run from early March until now where we went 4-0. The team solidly swept PSU at home and followed it up with two well played games at the B1Gs. During the end of the season it 1) its utilizing the talent its had all year 2) polished play and honed its execution since late January 3) turned in consistent intensity not dropping any unwarranted games starting in early March.
Now to the tourney...
The NE regional - I think our placement in the NE regional was an OK outcome. I think many here didn't want to go to Fargo as it was in UND's backyard and they'd be gunning for us because of last year. I wanted to go to Fargo. I have felt all along that UND is vulnerable. And excluding a home weekend against doormat CC (where UND barely got past them in the second game), UND has lost 3 straight. This coupled with their leading scorer being out...I think MN would have found a nice home in nearby Fargo. Alas not happening. On the otherhand, I didn't want to be in the Midwest facing MSU. They've just been too consistent and walked through their tournament. That places us in a decent situation.
Although we've had issues with UMD, that school doesn't seem the same as when they outplayed us in the fall and we're not the same as when we struggled even more than they did at the NSCC. With where we're at, we have as good a shot at UMD as many teams in the tourney even with Iafallo back. The second round against BU (assuming we/they make it) is the key. The one game against BU in Manchester is the one price we have to pay because of all our missteps earlier this year. If it happens, the guys will need to bring their A game. Frankly once in the Frozen Four, things are potentially more manageable. We have the west regional in our side of the bracket...and as I said, I think UND is vulnerable. That leaves only MTU and SCSU as the big threats from that side. Not unmanageable. The other side of the bracket has MSU, Miami, Denver, and BC. And we would only have to worry about one.
In short, the path is there.
In tribute to Harley's good work, here's a look back and forward. To say that the Gophers season had ups and downs is an understatement. The season broke down into several distinct time spans:
Early success at 8-1 through the middle of November. This came as a 1) result of sheer talent and 2) usual strong early season preparation by the coaching staff 3) a fairly favorable schedule. But as is often the case, talent takes you only so far. In the middle of November, we ran into a UMD that was playing some of the best hockey in the country...and the subsequent week with the U18 team, the wheels started to come off.
Midseason flounder where we went 4-9-2 went from the middle of November through the NSCC in late January. We still had the talent but effective execution on that talent was lacking. We were missing passes and losing one-on-one battles. This was in large part because during the first part of the season we coasted on talent while other teams needed to develop or die. These troubles were compounded by losing Boyd, really out top forward in terms of point production, which hurt our ability to score (typically our top nemesis). Its damage was compounded by wiping out the third line as it was has no engine without Boyd and hammered our depth further down. This was also a period where the coaches kept juggling lines well into the second half of the season...which didn't help matters.
Late season recovery where we went 8-3-1 from late January through the first part of March. It was at that point the team started to put the execution polish on their game to add to the talent. The pieces were coming together, with one exception...consistent intensity. Although playing well, the team dropped a handful of games against teams that were not that high on the PWR and in the case of a tie at UW and two losses to OSU and MSU teams that didn't need to play particularly well.
End of the season run from early March until now where we went 4-0. The team solidly swept PSU at home and followed it up with two well played games at the B1Gs. During the end of the season it 1) its utilizing the talent its had all year 2) polished play and honed its execution since late January 3) turned in consistent intensity not dropping any unwarranted games starting in early March.
Now to the tourney...
The NE regional - I think our placement in the NE regional was an OK outcome. I think many here didn't want to go to Fargo as it was in UND's backyard and they'd be gunning for us because of last year. I wanted to go to Fargo. I have felt all along that UND is vulnerable. And excluding a home weekend against doormat CC (where UND barely got past them in the second game), UND has lost 3 straight. This coupled with their leading scorer being out...I think MN would have found a nice home in nearby Fargo. Alas not happening. On the otherhand, I didn't want to be in the Midwest facing MSU. They've just been too consistent and walked through their tournament. That places us in a decent situation.
Although we've had issues with UMD, that school doesn't seem the same as when they outplayed us in the fall and we're not the same as when we struggled even more than they did at the NSCC. With where we're at, we have as good a shot at UMD as many teams in the tourney even with Iafallo back. The second round against BU (assuming we/they make it) is the key. The one game against BU in Manchester is the one price we have to pay because of all our missteps earlier this year. If it happens, the guys will need to bring their A game. Frankly once in the Frozen Four, things are potentially more manageable. We have the west regional in our side of the bracket...and as I said, I think UND is vulnerable. That leaves only MTU and SCSU as the big threats from that side. Not unmanageable. The other side of the bracket has MSU, Miami, Denver, and BC. And we would only have to worry about one.
In short, the path is there.
mnstate0fhockey
New member
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
Wait, people are picking someone other than us? Why would they do that?
Wait, people are picking someone other than us? Why would they do that?
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
But a dumbarse like UMich picking us? We're in trouble.
Wait, people are picking someone other than us? Why would they do that?
But a dumbarse like UMich picking us? We're in trouble.
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
At the beginning of the season, 90+% of all college hockey had the same prediction. Risky comment...if we win it, you become the dumbarse.
At the beginning of the season, 90+% of all college hockey had the same prediction. Risky comment...if we win it, you become the dumbarse.
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
I think we are gonna win it. If we are in the title game, I'm 99% certain I'll be heading to the airport that morning for a "day trip" to Boston.
At the beginning of the season, 90+% of all college hockey had the same prediction. Risky comment...if we win it, you become the dumbarse.
I think we are gonna win it. If we are in the title game, I'm 99% certain I'll be heading to the airport that morning for a "day trip" to Boston.
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
You think we're gonna win it, but then the "if". If you think we're gonna win it...why not book that ticket now?
I think we are gonna win it. If we are in the title game, I'm 99% certain I'll be heading to the airport that morning for a "day trip" to Boston.
You think we're gonna win it, but then the "if". If you think we're gonna win it...why not book that ticket now?
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
It doesn't matter if Minnesota wins or not (although I think you do), Brent is always a dumbarse...
It doesn't matter if Minnesota wins or not (although I think you do), Brent is always a dumbarse...
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
I'm a gambler. I am heavy on ROI, risk/reward, etc. And I am biased in my guess.
I'm a gambler. I am heavy on ROI, risk/reward, etc. And I am biased in my guess.
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
If a scalper offered me a seat for the title game, say at $75. I'd offer $50. He'd balk. I'd say, I'll pay you $50 now, and then I'd then offer that if MN won said title game, I'd meet him at the same spot after the game, and give him $50 more. MN loses? He sold the ticket at $50. Done deal. And I'd keep that deal.
If a scalper offered me a seat for the title game, say at $75. I'd offer $50. He'd balk. I'd say, I'll pay you $50 now, and then I'd then offer that if MN won said title game, I'd meet him at the same spot after the game, and give him $50 more. MN loses? He sold the ticket at $50. Done deal. And I'd keep that deal.
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
Risk is always biased...if you're not a little hesitant you're not doin' it right. A true gambler follows that risk with $$$. If not, it's not a risk...it's an idea.
Risk is always biased...if you're not a little hesitant you're not doin' it right. A true gambler follows that risk with $$$. If not, it's not a risk...it's an idea.
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
If you are hesitant, you ARE doing it right. Never bet a fool's bet. If MN makes it to Boston, my chances and possible investment take an uptick.
Risk is always biased...if you're not a little hesitant you're not doin' it right. A true gambler follows that risk with $$$. If not, it's not a risk...it's an idea.
If you are hesitant, you ARE doing it right. Never bet a fool's bet. If MN makes it to Boston, my chances and possible investment take an uptick.
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
Same thing as a double negative. "If"? Oh...so you're NOT sure we'll make it to Boston and win it?
Same thing as a double negative.
"If"? Oh...so you're NOT sure we'll make it to Boston and win it?
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
That seems to be how Lucia sees it as well. EDIT: BTW, excellent recap Major...thanks for that.
That seems to be how Lucia sees it as well. EDIT: BTW, excellent recap Major...thanks for that.
Last edited:
HarleyMC
Registered User
Re: Minnesota Gopher Season Thread: 2014-15 (Continued)
Here are the "Bet the Board" odds for this weekend's regional semi-finals:
Regional Semis................................Spread...............Money Line..............Total Points
Yale vs Boston University - First Round - Verizon Wireless Arena - Manchester, NH - ESPNU
Fri 3/27 101 Yale..............................+1½ -190................+160........................o4½ -160
2:00PM 102 Boston University.............-1½ +150................-210........................u4½ +120
St. Cloud State vs Michigan Tech - First Round - Scheels Arena - Fargo, ND - ESPN3
Fri 3/27 103 St. Cloud State...............+1½ -320................+100........................o5½ +130
4:30PM 104 Michigan Tech.................-1½ +240................-140........................u5½ -170
Minnesota vs Minnesota Duluth - First Round - Verizon Wireless Arena - Manchester, NH - ESPNU
Fri 3/27 105 Minnesota......................-1½ +190.................-150........................o5½ -120
5:30PM 106 Minnesota Duluth ............+1½ -270.................+110........................u5½ -120
Quinnipiac vs North Dakota - First Round - Scheels Arena - Fargo, ND - ESPNU
Fri 3/27 107 Quinnipiac......................+1½ -230................+140.........................o4½-155
8:00PM 108 North Dakota..................-1½ +170................-180.........................u4½+115
Boston College vs Denver - First Round - Dunkin Donuts Center - Providence, RI - ESPN2
Sat 3/28 109 Boston College...............+1½ -260...............+110.........................o5½ +110
3:00PM 110 Denver...........................-1½ +180...............-150.........................u5½ -150
Rochester Institute vs Minnesota St. Mankato - First Round - Compton Family Ice Arena - South Bend, IN - ESPNU
Sat 3/28 111 Rochester Institute........+2½ +100...............+800.........................o5½ -150
4:00PM 112 Minnesota State ............-2½ -140...............-1700.........................u5½ +110
Providence vs Miami Ohio - First Round - Dunkin Donuts Center - Providence, RI - ESPNU
Sat 3/28 113 Providence...................+1½ -230...............+135...........................o4½ -125
6:30PM 114 Miami Ohio ....................-1½ +170...............-175...........................u4½ -115
Harvard vs Omaha - First Round - Compton Family Ice Arena - South Bend, IN - ESPN3
Sat 3/28 115 Harvard.......................-1½ +240...............-120...........................o5½ -115
7:30PM 116 Omaha..........................+1½ -320...............-120...........................u5½ -125
POINT SPREAD
If the number is positive (+), then you add the points to your team's score. If the number is negative (-), then subtract those points from your team's score. The side with the higher score after the points are applied is the winner. Same payoff structure as Money Line (+ or -).
MONEY LINE
UM ("-" = Favorite) vs. UMD: minimum $100 bet on UMD win, Money Line pays $110; minimum $150 bet on Gopher win, Money Line pays $100
TOTAL POINTS
When you bet on totals, you are betting on whether the total points scored in the game will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the posted total. Over/under for UMD vs UM is even at 5.5 pts.: $120 pays $100.
Here are the "Bet the Board" odds for this weekend's regional semi-finals:
Regional Semis................................Spread...............Money Line..............Total Points
Yale vs Boston University - First Round - Verizon Wireless Arena - Manchester, NH - ESPNU
Fri 3/27 101 Yale..............................+1½ -190................+160........................o4½ -160
2:00PM 102 Boston University.............-1½ +150................-210........................u4½ +120
St. Cloud State vs Michigan Tech - First Round - Scheels Arena - Fargo, ND - ESPN3
Fri 3/27 103 St. Cloud State...............+1½ -320................+100........................o5½ +130
4:30PM 104 Michigan Tech.................-1½ +240................-140........................u5½ -170
Minnesota vs Minnesota Duluth - First Round - Verizon Wireless Arena - Manchester, NH - ESPNU
Fri 3/27 105 Minnesota......................-1½ +190.................-150........................o5½ -120
5:30PM 106 Minnesota Duluth ............+1½ -270.................+110........................u5½ -120
Quinnipiac vs North Dakota - First Round - Scheels Arena - Fargo, ND - ESPNU
Fri 3/27 107 Quinnipiac......................+1½ -230................+140.........................o4½-155
8:00PM 108 North Dakota..................-1½ +170................-180.........................u4½+115
Boston College vs Denver - First Round - Dunkin Donuts Center - Providence, RI - ESPN2
Sat 3/28 109 Boston College...............+1½ -260...............+110.........................o5½ +110
3:00PM 110 Denver...........................-1½ +180...............-150.........................u5½ -150
Rochester Institute vs Minnesota St. Mankato - First Round - Compton Family Ice Arena - South Bend, IN - ESPNU
Sat 3/28 111 Rochester Institute........+2½ +100...............+800.........................o5½ -150
4:00PM 112 Minnesota State ............-2½ -140...............-1700.........................u5½ +110
Providence vs Miami Ohio - First Round - Dunkin Donuts Center - Providence, RI - ESPNU
Sat 3/28 113 Providence...................+1½ -230...............+135...........................o4½ -125
6:30PM 114 Miami Ohio ....................-1½ +170...............-175...........................u4½ -115
Harvard vs Omaha - First Round - Compton Family Ice Arena - South Bend, IN - ESPN3
Sat 3/28 115 Harvard.......................-1½ +240...............-120...........................o5½ -115
7:30PM 116 Omaha..........................+1½ -320...............-120...........................u5½ -125
POINT SPREAD
If the number is positive (+), then you add the points to your team's score. If the number is negative (-), then subtract those points from your team's score. The side with the higher score after the points are applied is the winner. Same payoff structure as Money Line (+ or -).
MONEY LINE
UM ("-" = Favorite) vs. UMD: minimum $100 bet on UMD win, Money Line pays $110; minimum $150 bet on Gopher win, Money Line pays $100
TOTAL POINTS
When you bet on totals, you are betting on whether the total points scored in the game will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the posted total. Over/under for UMD vs UM is even at 5.5 pts.: $120 pays $100.