Obviously the score would indicate a a first place team taking on an 8th place team and I feel that was an accurate summary of the game. This game looked much more like an opponent that doesn't win many games. Tech was extremely hard on the puck with great stick checking throughout the game. Phillips only had to make 2-3 hard saves in the game but controlled the puck well when he did have to play it. The only downer I remember from the game was immediately before the UAF goal, something happened where Watson thought he should have gotten a call and he stood looking at the ref with his arms in the air and back to the play. Almost immediately the puck was in behind Phillips. I just felt like it was a little selfish to take himself out of the play at that moment to look for a call. He's a captain, he can always talk to the ref after the whistle and get the ref looking for something the next time. The only other item that didn't look good was the dump and chase power play. Tech repeatedly tried to get the puck deep, but UAF always had a man deep and made several easy clears that were not even contested by Tech as they were no where near the puck.
Really other than that a pretty solid night up and down the ice for Tech. I'm sure Mel won't give too much credit with a rematch tomorrow night, but only a much finer tuned eye than mine is going to find much wrong with the Huskies game tonight. I was also very pleased to see Tech put in a few on Jenks in the third period. Now if he gets the start tomorrow night, they already know he can be beaten as well. An early goal on Jenks tomorrow night might just get the "here we go again" refrain in Jenks' and the Nanooks' heads going.
Thrilled to see the MacNaughton Cup earned by Tech in the building. I've been a fan of the Huskies since my frosh year in 1992. I know many have cheered for the Tech a lot longer than me, but it was still so cool to see it and know it was at least partially Tech's. I'm going to say it is 50.1% Tech since we did earn the #1 seed as well. Let Mankato have the "Second Place Co-Champions" placed next to their name in the record books. A Co-Championship only makes me want to see Tech win it again soon... outright.
Ryan J
PS The WCHA 2016 Championship banner is already hanging in the rink. Kind of surprised they didn't save that for the opening of next season. Other the other side of the coin, they have not yet put up a team photo for the 2014-15 NCAA Tourney Team on the Wall of Fame.
