Re: SCSU @ UND Oct. 28 & 29: A Battle of Like-Minded Schools
Here are my thoughts on the game...
St. Cloud State: Obviously Faragher played outstanding. I'm not sure if it was blind luck, but there were a few times that the kid made just enormous saves, most of which were when the game was 1-0. Plain and simple, SCSU won last night because of him. That being said, too many dumb penalties by St. Cloud put them in a bind. You can usually deal with losing one player, but two is a big hurdle to overcome. I have to give kudos to St. Cloud though. The third period they were by far the better, more engaged team, despite being down to ten forwards. I think tonight's game will be completely different, but if SCSU can play 5x5 they will have a very good shot at taking four points in Grand Forks...that doesn't happen very often.
North Dakota: I thought North Dakota struggled 5x5. While some will point to the lopsided shot totals, I don't feel that that was indicative of the game. When you have 8 powerplays, including two 5:00 majors, and a 5x3 for a full two minutes, I would expect plenty of shots. True, North Dakota basically screwed themselves over on the first major by taking two minors during it, but that doesn't excuse not capitalizing on those opportunities. I didn't feel that North Dakota had a very strong powerplay, as the Sioux tended to launch shots from the point instead of work it around to try to get a better scoring opportunity on a night where the opposing goalie was clearly playing very well. Defensively, we made too many mistakes, and struggled at times to get the puck out of our own end. I thought Dell played okay. The third goal was weak, getting beat 5 hole on a shot from the point that was not tipped and mostly unscreened. At that point though, the game was basically over anyway. Tonight, I want to see North Dakota continue to improve defensively, and would like to see Dell back in the net to see how he responds. I also want to see the Sioux get back to playing Fighting Sioux hockey. It has been lacking this first month of the season. Tonight's game is important to get this team back on track. They have played well enough to win, but have to play a stronger game both physically and mentally.
Anyway, just my thoughts from the game...
I for one am wishing Lee would have made the trip now...
