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Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

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Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

buckycomic.gif
 
Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

Article in the PP

The apprehension facing the University of Minnesota men's hockey team heading into this season seems to have dissipated.

A lot of emphasis had been placed on how the Gophers needed to re-establish themselves as a premier program after missing the past three NCAA tournaments and suffering first-round elimination in the past two WCHA playoffs.

Just 10 games into the season, the Gophers (9-1-0, 6-0-0 WCHA) have chased away the scrutiny with a No. 1 national ranking and the nation's highest-scoring offense. Though they have reason to feel upbeat, there are no indications that the team is satisfied with the strong start - or infatuated with its No. 1 ranking.

"We've proven ourselves the first few weekends, but we got here because we've been working hard," goalie Kent Patterson said. "We have to reiterate that we need to keep doing the same things that got us here."

The Gophers, who open a two-game series at Wisconsin (4-5-1, 3-4-1) tonight, were not expected to be so formidable, at least not this early in the season. U.S. College Hockey Online ranked the Gophers 19th in its preseason poll. They were unranked in the other major poll, by USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine.

Today, the Gophers sit atop both polls after sweeping North Dakota last weekend and displaying an offense that has outscored opponents 48-16. The Gophers lead the nation with 4.80 goals per game and rank third on defense with 1.60 goals allowed.

As well as the Gophers have played, coach Don Lucia is keeping the positive reviews in perspective.
"We still have a lot of holes," he said. "We know some of our lines can play better. We have a long way to go as a team. We're just fortunate to be off to such a good start."

Lucia said he didn't talk to the team about the No. 1 ranking, stressing to reporters that "it doesn't matter right now." What matters to Lucia is the continued strong play of Patterson (five shutouts), more defensive help around him and more unselfish play.

One line that Lucia hasn't had to worry much about is the unit featuring freshman standout Kyle Rau, who has been paired with Nick Bjugstad and Zach Budish. The trio has combined for 41 of the Gophers' 127 points. Rau is tied with Bjugstad for the team lead with eight goals. Budish and Jake Hansen are third on the team with eight assists.

Rau, who scored the winning goal Saturday against North Dakota, is justifying Lucia's decision to place him on the team's top line.
"He's a small guy (5 feet 8, 172 pounds), but he holds his own out there," Budish said of Rau. "He's fearless. He blocks shots. He finishes checks. He has a good, all-around game. It's an honor to play with him."

Rau said it has "been a blast" to play with Budish and Bjugstad. Rau's performance has been one of the highlights during the Gophers' early surge. If there were concern that the freshman might have a tough transition to the college game, it's not evident.

"It has been fun to come to practice every day," Rau said. "I never thought it would be this much fun. Everyone gets a little nervous out there, but my confidence has been pretty good. You have to be confident in your game to be good in hockey."
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Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

JDUBBS1280 said:
Nice to see they aren't letting the ranking get to their heads.
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Yeah I'm hoping they keep playing like they have been and ignore the (poles) polls, they seem like a group that shouldn't have a problem with that.
 
mariucci said:
Its happening everywhere... i've seen alot of empty seats the past couple years at both college and nhl games everywhere.. stinks!
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Check out <A HREF="http://yfrog.com/khagnylj">Michigan's Student Section</A> three minutes to game time last weekend.

That is sad. They were in the championship game last year and were ranked #1 in the country at one point this year.
 
Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

JDUBBS1280 said:
Check out <A HREF="http://yfrog.com/khagnylj">Michigan's Student Section</A> three minutes to game time last weekend.

That is sad. They were in the championship game last year and were ranked #1 in the country at one point this year.
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WOW!:eek: That. Is. Terrible.
 
Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

Chuck Schwartz said:
My preview from Bucky's 5th Quarter if anyone is interested in talking hockey...
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Well done Chuck..

I think the Gophs/Badger series has alot more to do with emotion and grit than stats and standings (much like most of the WCHA), everyone knows all these teams are loaded with talent, I dont know a single Goph fan that can convince me the Gophs will go in and sweep, if it happens, great! But im not counting out the Badgers, Sioux, UNO, St Cloud etc. Too much talent, and all it takes is a surprise win or two to wake the sleeping giant. (kinda like the Gophs start to the season).

In short, Badger and or Sioux series make me more nervous than any, and the only thing that will change that is the conference reallignment..
 
SCSU Euro said:
Cause most players go the nearest reporter and go, "We're no doubt the best in the nation, we can put in minimal effort and coast to a Frozen Four." :)
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No, but deflecting compliments and commenting mostly on the team's work ethic, and team's chemistry is something we haven't seen from the Gophers in a few years. There doesn't seem to be a "me" attitude or sense of entitlement with this team, which is refreshing.

:)
 
Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

It is really refreshing. There have been so many quotes about how hard the guys worked in the offseason, how hard they work leading up to each and every series preparing for their opponents, and how they need to continue that hard work to keep up the success they have had early on in this season. That is not something I have heard from this team in recent years, like you said.
 
SCSU Euro said:
Cause most players go the nearest reporter and go, "We're no doubt the best in the nation, we can put in minimal effort and coast to a Frozen Four." :)
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I get that losing out to the Gophers in recruiting battles on a yearly basis has to be frustrating, and losing a legacy like Michael Brodzinski has to be especially tough, but keep your head up champ. I'm sure you guys will settle in fine as the door mats of the NCHC ;)
 
gopher wes said:
It is really refreshing. There have been so many quotes about how hard the guys worked in the offseason, how hard they work leading up to each and every series preparing for their opponents, and how they need to continue that hard work to keep up the success they have had early on in this season. That is not something I have heard from this team in recent years, like you said.
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Exactly :)
 
JDUBBS1280 said:
I get that losing out to the Gophers in recruiting battles on a yearly basis has to be frustrating, and losing a legacy like Michael Brodzinski has to be especially tough, but keep your head up champ. I'm sure you guys will settle in fine as the door mats of the NCHC ;)
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Replying to the same post twice? Were you just not able to come up with a gem that witty the first time around?
 
Re: Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Secondary Rivalry, Just As Much Hatred

I just never know what is the proper gift for my Badger friends, a gallon of Menard's paint thinner, or the frozen rear end of a dead deer? I usually give both, so as not to cause heartbreak.
 
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