Re: National Semi-Final: Minnesota vs. North Dakota
Point 1: I am glad to see a Sioux vs. Gophers game this year in such a meaningful setting. The Gophers are favored as they should be since they had a better season. That said, it seems a bit like Louisville vs. Kentucky right now with the Sioux playing the part of Kentucky. A Kentucky vs. Michigan analogy also holds.
Point 2: Anyone that thinks the Big 10 hockey conference is or was a good move for the Gophers is in denial. Besides the weak teams such as PSU and OSU, both MSU and UMich were down this year. The NCHC was a better conference. Neither compare with last year's WCHA. That said, 6 former and 2 current WCHA teams made the NCAA tourney (Minny, Winny, Ferris, Kato, Sioux, SCSU and Denver).
Point 3: Yes, 7 > 5 is meaningful and anyone spouting 7 = 7 is dragging women's hockey in to an equation which could be even further played with by adding golf, tennis, wrestling, etc. To me, the national champions are great but there is more to playing and being successful than winning a national championship. There are the All-Americans, the NHLers, the WCHA crowns, etc. As a UND fan, I still revel in the Hrkac Circus as well as other eras where great Sioux teams competed.
Point 4: This Fan Forum tends to be more smack than hockey talk. I guess if guys prefer smack as entertainment, then this is the place to be. I've doled out some in the past. I'd rather hear some serious hockey talk. That said, I will truly be surprised if the Sioux win this game but not nearly as surprised as when Yale took it all last year. The national tournament is about getting in and being hot for 4 consecutive games. That's it and that's all it will ever be.
Point 5: Good luck to both teams and GO SIOUX!