Roses and Thorns: It's Back and It's Still Fun

UND goalie Cam Johnson fights off Minnesota forward Brannon McManus during UND's 4-0 win over the Gophers
on Saturday in Grand Forks. Johnson earned his 10th-career shutout with the victory. (Photo: GF Herald)

Well, it's back and for all intents and purposes, this past weekend's series between UND and
Minnesota lived up to its billing.

The Green and White played incredibly well on Friday, outshooting the Gophers handily, allowing just 18 shots on goal, the first time Minnesota was held under 20 shots in a span of 110 games. However, the Gophers got two transition play goals, one in the first period and the other halfway into the third to pace a 2-0 lead late into the game. UND got a Rhett Gardner goal with just under seven minutes to play to make it 2-1, but that's all they could muster as Minnesota took the opener.

On Saturday night, Minnesota upped their game and played better overall, but a power play goal on a five-minute major penalty taken late in the first staked UND to a 2-0 first period lead. The Fighting Hawks tallied twice more on that power play in the early parts of the second and the 4-0 lead held up as UND earned the split.

While DDC certainly would have loved a sweep, he'll take a split in two good performances.

Here's what stood out to DDC in his Roses and Thorns recap of the series with the Gophers.

Roses

No. 1 -- The Rivalry is Back

Regardless of the scores, this weekend was flat out fun to watch. Midco Sports color commentator and former Sioux goaltender Jake Brandt noted a few times in the past handful of weeks that the Ralph Engelstad Arena had lost a bit of its mojo and hadn't been too tough a place to play recently. Well, that went out the window on Friday from the very first shift as UND pushed paced early on and the REA faithful responded. Down the stretch in the front end of the series as the Green and White tried to rally back to tie the game, the crowd was loud and fully involved. Then on Saturday, three goals on on a five-minute major kept the barn rocking. Two good paced games with high energy made things clear -- The Rivalry is back. Cheers to five more consecutive years of this series.

No. 2 -- Christian Wolanin

UND Jr. D, Christian Wolanin
leads the team in goals,
points and shots on goal

While UND fans certainly saw a glimpse of what was to come from the junior defenseman from Detroit down the stretch last season, particularly in the NCAA tournament game against BU, Wolanin has certainly lived up to his stature this season. Wolanin was dynamic against the Gophers with an assist on Friday and two goals in a span of four and half minutes with UND on a five-minute power play to pace the 4-0 win on Saturday. The junior now leads the Fighting Hawks in goals (3), points (6) and shots on goal (23). Quarterbacking the power play, Wolanin had lead UND to a stellar 22% mark. Known for his offensive prowess during his career, Wolanin has been solid defensively, as well as the Green and White lead the nation in goals against, allowing just 1.17 goals per game on the season. It's been a heckuva start for Wolanin.

No. 3 -- Defense and PK

UND lost a senior captain in Gage Ausmus and an All-American now playing in the NHL in Tucker Poolman from last year's blue line, so it was easy to think that the Fighting Hawks would struggle at the outset defensively, this year. However, this has simply not been the case. As previously mentioned, the Green and White lead the nation in goals against (1.17) is second in penalty kill (96.3%) and net special teams (+7). Minnesota has always been known for a dynamic power play that can move the puck and pepper the net with opportunities over the years, but UND simply shut the Gophers down this past weekend killing off all 11 chances down a man. Senior netminder Cam Johnson earned his 10th career shutout on Saturday and is now third in the nation in goals against average (1.16) and 10th in save percentage (.942). As the Fighting Hawks look to find more scoring punch, their blue line is holding up incredibly well. Adding freshman Gabe Bast to the lineup this past weekend proved to be a good experiment as Bast added a tremendous offensive presence. Great start for the blue liners and Cam.

Thorns

No. 1 -- Don Lucia

Fr. F, Casey Mittelstadt
sat out Saturday night's
contest against UND

Alright, DDC is going to make this short, but Minnesota head coach Don Lucia is officially on this blogger's nerves. Lucia skipped a fan luncheon that has been attended by each visiting coach as long as DDC can remember. This can be dismissed easily as gamesmanship and so be it if that's the case. However, it did not end there. After a tough battle on Friday, Lucia decided to sit freshman star Casey Mittelstadt for Saturday night's game after the rookie took a shove in the lower back area on a net-front scrum. Lucia noted that Mittelstadt was sore and maybe he was just protecting his player. Again, this can be dismissed, but should it be? Lucia noted that Mittelstadt said he wanted to play, but the head coach held him out. To DDC, this is a disappointing move. What is this doing for Mittelstadt? Taking him out of probably the most heated game he's ever played isn't going to help the freshman as he's going to need to play in this type of environment at some point. Let the kid earn his stripes, coach. Well, that wasn't short, but so be it.

Thanks for reading, everybody! Comeback for a look at DDC's preview of UND's trip to Colorado Springs as National Collegiate Hockey Conference play beings against the Colorado College Tigers.

Friday Gameday: The Best College Hockey Has to Give

UND and Minnesota renew pleasantries this weekend in Grand Forks for the first time since 2013. (Photo: UND sports)

DDC has done the superlatives before.

It's memories of Matt Frattin steamrolling Kevin Wehrs. It's Blake Wheeler with an improbable diving goal for a Final Five Gophers victory. It's Chris Porter potting an overtime winner one week later to send the Fighting Sioux to the Frozen Four. It's Robbie Bina's 180-foot bouncing puck for a goal in Mariucci. It's 0.6.

It's in-game and postgame scrums. It's intensity. It's passion. It's the best college hockey has to give.

It's UND vs. Minnesota and simply put, it's The Rivalry.

No. 4 North Dakota and No. 7 Minnesota faceoff this weekend and for the first time since 2013, the Gophers travel up to Grand Forks to take on UND. Frankly, there's really not much else that needs to be said about it as all who read this know what this series is all about.

Strap it on, boys and girls. This one will be fun.

Here's what to watch for in DDC's weekly "Who? What? How?" series preview.

Who?

Players to Watch

Fr. F. Casey Mittelstadt
was the 8th-overall pick
in the 2017 NHL Draft
of the Buffalo Sabres.

Minnesota Golden Gophers:

Jr. F, Tommy Novak, 1 goal, 3 assists -- 4 points; So. F, Rem Pitlick, 1g, 3a -- 4 pts; Fr. F, Brannon McManus, 3g, 0a -- 3 pts; Fr. F, Casey Mittelstadt, 2g, 1a -- 3 pts; Jr. F, Tyler Sheehy and Fr. F. Scott Reedy both likely out this weekend due to injury; Jr. G, Eric Shierhorn, 2-2-0, 2.50 goals against average, .918 save percentage.

University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks:

Jr. F, Rhett Gardner, 1g, 2a -- 3 pts; Jr. D, Christian Wolanin, 1g, 2a -- 3 pts; Jr. F, Joel Janautinen, 0g, 3a -- 3 pts; Jr. F, Shane Gersich, 1g, 1a -- 2 pts; Fr. F, Collin Adams, 2g, 0a -- 2 pts; Fr. F, Grant Mismash, 1g, 1a -- 2 pts; Sr. G, Cam Johnson, 3-0-1, 1.23 GAA, .938 SV PCT.

What? 

Standout Stats

Minnesota:

The Gophers are averaging 19 penalty minutes per game, tied for 4th-most nationally.

Minnesota is tied for 13th in the nation in team scoring with a 3.00 goals per game average.

The Gophers have allowed six power play goals in 18 chances this season. The 66.7% penalty kill is tied for 50th out of 54 teams.

UND:

UND is tied for 4th in team defense, nationally allowing just 1.25 goals per game and are 7th in Penalty Kill at 93.8%.

Senior netminder Cam Johnson is tied for 8th nationally with a 1.23 goals against average.

The Fighting Hawks are allowing just 20.25 shots on goals per game, the best mark in the NCAA.

How?

How’d they get here?

No. 7 Minnesota (2-2-0; 1-1-0 BTHC) split at home against Penn State last weekend, losing 3-1 on Friday and winning 6-3 on Sunday. Freshman Brannon McManus notched his first three career goals for his first collegiate hat trick in Sunday's win.

No. 4 UND (3-0-1) swept St. Lawrence last weekend at home, 2-1 and 6-1. The Green and White had six different scorers in Saturday night's win. Senior goalie Cam Johnson and Freshman forward Grant Mismash were tabbed as NCHC goaltender and rookie of the week with their performances against St. Lawrence.

Ranked 4th and 7th respectively, this will be UND and Minnesota's first meeting since January 18-19, 2013 in which the two teams faceoff as Top 10 teams in the polls. That was the last time the Gophers took on UND in Grand Forks. 

The Pick

Gross.

DDC has so many memories of this beloved and historic rivalry. 

 

It started in his youth with players like Jay and Jeff Panzer rolling over Minnesota in the old REA. Through high school, DDC watched players like Grant Potulny, Thomas Vanek and Phil Kessel rip his heart out with crushing losses.

 

Moving into college, DDC experienced blowout wins behind the vaunted DOT and Pony Express lines and pure jubilation on the backs of Fighting Sioux sweeps in Mariucci and Chris Porter's OT winner in the 2007 West Regional final with a dozen of his closest friends.

Ok, that's better.

Post college, the historic tilts continued. The Timeout game in the WCHA Final Five semis. The Gopher win a week later at the X to send Minny to the Frozen Four. Then, of course, 0.6. 

Year after year, game after game, this Rivalry has brought out the best in both teams and DDC ultimately expects this weekend to be no different.

With this weekend continuing a 7-year run of these two teams facing off each year, will another name be added to UND vs. Minnesota legend? Paging Shane Gersich. Austin Poganski. Paging Casey Mittelstadt. Rem Pitlick. Rivalry legends Chris Porter, Matt Frattin, Justin Holl and Blake Wheeler are waiting to hear from you.

Let's. Frickin'. Go.

Both teams have started fairly well, with each ranked in the Top 10 in the country. While trends of Minnesota starting cold in special teams play and UND lacking scoring punch from expected team leaders in Shane Gersich and Austin Poganski have arisen, throw that out the window. Big players play big in big games. 

DDC fully expects to get Minnesota's best this weekend and the Gophers know the Ralph Engelstad Arena will be bedlam, this weekend. 

With how early this season is, DDC could just as well play it safe and pick a split between two good teams in a huge rivalry, but that wouldn't be DDC's style, would it?

This weekend, it comes down to not only who's on the ice, but who's in the stands. With junior captain Tyler Sheehy and dynamic freshman Scott Reedy out this weekend, UND has a bit of an advantage in depth. Couple that with about 12,000 rabid fans getting to watch The Rivalry at home for the first time since 2013, DDC sees the stands as a big difference maker. 

 

UND SWEEPS THE GOPHERS WITH A LITTLE BIT OF HOME COOKIN', 3-2, 4-3. 

 

It's gonna be fun. Check back next week to see how it all went down and as always, thanks for reading!


 

UND/Minnesota -- What's a Rivalry?

Former UND captain Chris Porter's game-winning goal in the 2007 West Regional Final. (Photo: UND Sports)

Pardon DDC for being a little bit disconnected the past two weeks. 

With Baby DDC No. 2 growing and battling sleep regression and his favorite baseball team playing currently playing in the ALCS (thumbs down... if you don't know what this means, Google it) DDC has been a wee bit predisposed. 

In the midst of all of this, in case you didn't know, my guess is you did, but in case you don't, the Minnesota Gophers travel to Grand Forks to take on the University of North Dakota men's hockey team this Friday and Saturday for a renewal of pleasantries in what has apparently become a debatable topic -- Is UND vs. Minnesota still a rivalry? 

So, let's take a look, shall we? First, let's start with a simple definition

What's in a Sports Rivalry?

According to the Wikipedia entry on "List of sports rivalries", a sports rivalry is defined as an "intense competition between athletic teams or athletes, but not directly related to the formal sport and the practice thereof. This pressure of competition is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans."

So, in summation in DDC's words, a sports rivalry isn't necessarily about the ins and outs of the history between two teams (of course this is a massive part of it), but more about the experience and how players, coaches, teams respond to how the FANS feel about the competition. 

With this considered, there are two obvious sides -- Side 1 says "since UND and Minnesota have stopped playing yearly, the game is big, but doesn't feel the same." Side 2 rebuts with "the rivalry is as strong as ever regardless of how often they play."

Most Recent Examples

DDC is strong on side 2 with the two previous match ups (2014 Frozen Four semifinals and last year's series in Minneapolis) between UND and Minnesota showing an incredible intensity on the ice and a tremendous community response. 

Two examples of this.... one important thing to note. Listen to the crowd. DDC understands the importance of the 2014 goal, but the ovations are incredible.

This makes DDC a bit sick to his stomach to show this, but it helps prove his point. Just a note, DDC didn't watch it, he just listened.

Insanity. Listen! 

So, if we're using the most recent example, this sounds like tremendous community support, correct? Well, let's take a look at how the teams feel about this "rivalry".

What do the Players and Coaches Think?

DDC's single-favorite picture ever taken in regards
to this rivalry. (Photo: John Stennes, GF Herald.)

Head coach Brad Berry before UND traveled to take on Minnesota last season -- "It's on our walls in our rink here. (The players) get it from there. To hit on that point, we had T.J. Oshie and Taylor Chorney come in and give their point of view on how special the weekend is. Not only for the players, but for alumni watching. Obviously we haven't played them in a few years, but the history and tradition resonates through this building and through our program." 

By the way, what does that say about this set of games that NHL players TRAVEL TO GRAND FORKS to talk about it on their day off?

UND forward Shane Gersich about the games against Minnesota -- "Everyone knows what this rivalry is about. We know what's at stake without even talking about."

Former Minnesota forward Jake Bischoff before last year's series -- "My dad used to love playing North Dakota. Watching as a kid, I remember it being super intense; all the players would be getting into it with each other, and all the games were really competitive. It was always fun as a fan. Now, getting to play it should be unbelievable."

Former Minnesota forward Justin Kloos before last year's series -- "These are the ones you highlight. These are the ones you dream about."


So, so far... fans? Check. Players, coaches and alumni? Check.  

DDC's Final Take

In short, when considering the parameters of how the FANS feel and how the teams respond, DDC thinks it's clear as day that UND vs. Minnesota is still as big as it comes when talking about a sports rivalry, particularly in college hockey. 

Outside of these stated parameters, consider the tickets to the actual games. The UND athletic department announced ticket prices for this weekend's series at the Ralph Engelstad Arena back in August at $99, this highest single-game price in REA history. Did this cause fans pause to buy these tickets? Absolutely not. In fact, the tickets sold out instantly back in September.

Even the NCAA has recognized this rivalry, recently naming UND vs. Minnesota its No. 2 best in college hockey in a Facebook video. While DDC disagrees with this being No. 2, it still helps cement the point. 

The rivalry, yes, it is a rivalry, is back and we're all ready to go. So, how about a few pump up memories? Let's go. 

Check back tomorrow for a series preview. Thanks for reading!

 

Friday Gameday: 8 > 0.6

April 10, 2014.

It's a date that DDC, and many fans of the UND men's hockey team and the Minnesota Gophers, will never forget -- albeit for opposite reasons.

If that date doesn't ring a bell, this probably will:

0.6.

Remember? Sorry. DDC just threw up in his mouth a little bit. Ok, he's better.

It has been over two years since the Green and White and the Maroon and Gold have met on the ice, but for fans and players alike, that sure won't diminish the hostility as No. 3 UND and No. 13 Minnesota faceoff in a non-conference series from Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis Friday and Saturday.

While the programs and fanbases sure know each other well, the two teams really do not. Just two players from the epic Frozen Four semifinal game in 2014 remain on UND's 2016-17 squad -- Seniors Gage Ausmus and Matt Hrynkiw -- and neither played in that matchup. On the other side of the ice, just four on the Gophers were there -- Justin Kloos, Taylor Cammarata, Vinni Lettieri and Connor Reilly. None of those four registered a point or penalty.

Unfamiliarity aside, there's no doubt this rivalry survives a couple years without playing. Make no mistake, these two teams want to win these games for multiple reasons, bragging rights included.

"It's on our walls all over the rink, UND head coach Brad Berry said to the media on Wednesday. "We haven't played them in a few years, but the history and the tradition resonate through this building and out program."

In a testament to that tradition, former Fighting Sioux greats and teammates T.J. Oshie and Taylor Chorney and current teammates of the Washington Capitals, drove six hours round trip to Grand Forks to speak to the Green and White about the importance of this rivalry during a day off in preparation for a game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Read about that story from the Grand Forks Herald's Brad Schlossman here:

http://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/4150871-no-und-players-have-ever-played-against-minnesota-they-are-reminded

This week's Through These Doors also includes comments from Chorney and Oshie, talking about this UND program and touches on the rivalry renewed.

While Minnesota's heart-wrenching goal was a true moment in this rivalry, UND has the chip that ultimately holds most importance -- the national title. For two programs that pride themselves on winning and tradition, this truly matters most.

Sorry, Gopher fans. As we've said for the longest time and now have added to it, 8 > 5. Taking it one step further, 8 really is > than 0.6. Don't deny it.

All rivalry gusto aside, these are two games that both of these squads want to win. UND got spanked last weekend in Duluth and needs to get back on track. Minnesota has started off the season well and wants a sweep against their bitter rival before they head into Big 10 play. As it always is, this weekend will be a fun one to watch.

Here's what to watch for as The Rivalry renews in DDC's "Who? What? How?" series preview.

Who?

Players to Watch

Sr. F, Justin Kloos
captains the No. 13 ranked
Minnesota Gophers

Minnesota

So. F, Tyler Sheehy, 3 goals, 5 assists -- 8 points; Jr. F, Leon Bristedt, 3g, 4a -- 7 pts; Sr. D, Jake Bischoff, 2g, 4a -- 6 pts; Sr. F, Justin Kloos, 2g, 3a -- 5 pts; Jr. F, Mike Szmatula 3g, 3a -- 6 pts; So. G, Eric Schierhorn, 3-2-1, 2.78 goals against average, .890 save percentage.

UND

So. F, Brock Boeser, 6g (T-6th in NCAA), 6a -- 12 pts (T-5th in NCAA); So. F, Shane Gersich, 4g, 6a -- 10 pts; Fr. F, Tyson Jost -- 2g, 5a -- 7 pts; Jr. D, Tucker Poolman, 1g, 5a -- 6 pts; So. F, Joel Janatuinen, 3g, 2a -- 5 pts; Jr. F, Austin Poganski, 2g, 2a -- 4 pts; Jr. G, Cam Johnson, 5-2-0, 2.31 GAA, .894 SV PCT.

What?

Standout Stats

Minnesota

The Gophers come into this weekend's series 12th in the NCAA in power play (20.8%)  but are just 43rd in penalty kill (80.6%).

Minnesota is No. 5 in the country in goals score per game with 4.17 and tied for 23rd in goals allowed at 2.83 goals per game.

Gophers Head Coach Don Lucia is one win away from his 700th career win. He would become just the seventh coach in NCAA history to reach that mark.

UND

The Green and White have struggled on special teams this year, slotting themselves tied for 32nd on the penalty kill (83.3%) and 40th in power play (13.5%) in the NCAA.

Despite giving up 63 shots on goal last weekend to Minnesota Duluth, UND still leads the NCAA in lowest shots on goal allowed with 21.71 shots per game and is eighth in putting shots on goal at 34.71.

UND sits at 3.57 goals per game and 2.43 goals allowed, which puts them tied for 16th and tied for 19th respectively.

How?

How'd they get here?

No. 1 UND (5-2-0) got swept for just the third time in 88 regular-season series last weekend in Duluth. The Bulldogs swept the Green and White for the first time since 1995 and first time since 1992 in Duluth.

UND is 3-6-1 in the last 10 against Minnesota after going 6-2-2 in the previous 10. UND hasn't beat Minnesota since the "Timeout" game in the WCHA Final Five Semifinals on March 16, 2012. Just in case you don't remember that one...

No. 13 Minnesota (3-2-1) got a win and a tie in two overtime contests out east. The Gophers trailed Clarkson 3-0 on Friday night, but stormed back and won in OT 4-3. On Saturday, Mike Szmatula scored with just 23 seconds left to lead Minnesota to a 2-2 tie.

The Pick

This rivalry produced DDC's favorite college hockey picture
of all time -- Matt Frattin's demolition of Kevin Wehrs in 2010.
(Photo: The great John Stennes, Grand Forks Herald)

Boy, this one is hard. Everything in DDC's homer blood wants to pick a sweep, expecting the Green and White to roll into Mariucci with a chip on its shoulder and dominate Minnesota. However, UND is coming off a weekend in Duluth in which they were beaten handily and it looked like they weren't ready for a big stage. And simply put, this is a very, very big stage. 

DDC had a conversation on Thursday with his father, Papa DDC, and the thought came up -- "Which team in Green and White will show up in Minneapolis?" Is it the team that played tenacious defense and held its opponents to very few shots and only a few Grade A chances per game in a 5-0 start or the team that got wholly blown out of AmsOil Arena and showed its youth in front of a hostile crowd last weekend in Duluth?

Much like UND, Minnesota has game-breaking skill in players like Justin Kloos and Tyler Sheehy. Also like UND, the Gophers seem to be a little leaky on the blue line and prefer to play an up-tempo game that features their skill and speed while doing their best to not let their opponent grind out games. 

One difference hasn't been expressed, thus far and that's the Olympic-sized ice sheet in Mariucci Arena. Minnesota has always been terrific using this extra space on the power play and they are going pretty strong with the extra man, so far. Slowing Minnesota's chances with the extra man, being responsible in the zone and clearing rebounds, will go a long way for UND taking points in Minneapolis. 

So, what's the game breaker this weekend? Minnesota isn't as solid defensively as Minnesota Duluth was last weekend and the Green and White must take advantage of this. Brock Boeser was held without a point last weekend and with the extra space on the Olympic ice and playing against a defense who isn't as strong, Boeser needs to produce. This extends to the blue line, as well. DDC foresees Tucker Poolman and Christian Wolanin, UND's best two playmaking defenseman, having opportunities to make plays. If big-bodied players like Rhett Gardner and Austin Poganski can take away the eyes of Minnesota's solid netminder, Eric Shierhorn, Poolman and Wolanin can go to work.

While these two teams don't know each other very well, the programs do. UND and Minnesota are very aware of what this series means to their fanbases and this will be a fun series to watch. DDC was in the house for UND's destruction of Minnesota in a 5-3, 7-3 sweep in 2007 featuring one of DDC's favorite all-time plays in "The Rivalry" -- Robbie Bina's full-length goal. Just for funsies, let's see that one again. 

Sorry, not sorry. DDC had to.

This was the last time UND swept Minnesota in Mariucci Arena. Again, everything in DDC's homer body wants to pick a sweep, but it's just too hard to do with last week looming over UND's head. However, with this adversity, you can take a bit of the homer out of the DDC, but you certainly cannot take all of it. The Green and White, after learning how to play in big stage last week in Duluth, doesn't lose in Mariucci, this weekend. DDC will be in the house on Friday, so he goes with a win there.

UND GETS A WIN AND A TIE, SHOWING THAT 8 IS TRULY > THAN 0.6, 5-2, 3-3

There it is. It's exciting to this blogger that The Rivalry is back starting this weekend for the next seven year. This is a series that college hockey world needs to see every year and DDC is pumped that it's back. Check back later to see how it all went down. 

Just because he can, here's some of DDC's favorite moments from the best rivalry in college hockey. Hopefully this gets you all in the mood for some great hockey.

Thanks for reading!

Roses and Thorns: Let's Keep This Short, Shall We?

In a battle of No. 1 and No. 2 in the NCAA, the UMD Bulldogs took it to No. 1 UND, sweeping the Green and White,
5-2, 3-0, for the Bulldogs' first home sweep over UND since 1992. (Photo: Duluth News Tribune)

For sanity's sake, we're going to keep this short and to the point.

In a showdown of No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the NCAA, No. 2 flat out put it on No. 1.

The UND men's hockey team traveled to Duluth and AmsOil Arena to take on the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, in a city where they hadn't been swept since 1992. Two losses later, 5-2 on Friday and 3-0 on Saturday, the Green and White left Duluth with their first two losses on the season.

With the Presidential Election now just a week away, let's put this in prespective.

The last time UMD swept UND in Duluth, George H.W. Bush was the current president and Bill Clinton had just been elected as the next.

It was hard for DDC to find things he would consider Roses and Thorns were a plenty. So, DDC is going to keep it short. Flat out, UMD took it to the Green and White this weekend.

Roses

No. 1 -- Saturday's Strong Start

Yes, UND gave up the first goal for the sixth-straight game, but it came after a very solid start for the Green and White. UMD did not register a shot on UND goaltender Cam Johnson until 13 minutes into the game and had just three in the first 25. However, the Bulldogs scored 11:24 into the second period on a shorthanded goal, added a power play tally just over four minutes later and rounded out the third with another shorty, with under a minute left, in the second stanza to pace a 3-0 victory. A promising start didn't lead UND to victory, but showing some early spark is the only real bright spot for the Green and White on the weekend.

Thorns

No. 1 -- Not-so-Special Teams

UND went a paltry 1-for-13 with the extra man against the Bulldogs, including a 0-for-7 mark on Saturday that included two minute-plus long 5-on-3 power plays. To make things worse, UMD netted two shorthanded goals on Saturday. Through seven games, the Green and White are just 5-for-37 (13.5%) on the power play and are 30-for-36 (83.3%) on the penalty kill, ranking them 40th and T-32 in the NCAA, respectively. Yuck. Simply put, this has to improve. UND came to play on Saturday after a wholly disappointing performance on Friday, but lost the special teams battle and that lead to the sweep. Time for the Green and White to become special on special teams if they want to get the results they are looking for.

No. 2 -- Looking Young

UMD Jr. F, Alex Iafallo
notched a five-point weekend
against UND, including a
hat trick on Friday night.

Last year's national championship team certainly had its share of young players, but also carried a core of upperclassmen, like Drake Caggiula, Paul LaDue, Troy Stecher and others that really knew how to handle big-time situations. In Duluth this past weekend, UMD showed that kind of veteran presence and handled the big stage much better than UND. The Bulldogs got five of their eight goals in the series from upperclassmen, including a hat trick from junior Alex Iaffalo on Friday. Yes, UND's best player, Brock Boeser, is a sophomore and to attest to the looking young point, Boeser was held without a point in the series. As the season goes along, the freshmen and sophomores will continue to improve, but to go to the next level, the Green and White needs to lean on their upperclassmen who have been there before, particularly on the blue line.

Well, there you have it. Not much good came out of this weekend, but maybe this weekend's rough performance will lead UND to bigger and better things. 

For just the third time in 88 series, the Green and White were swept. That's a pretty remarkable run. 

Up Next? The Rivalry Returns

Can the Green and White shake off this performance? Well, we'll find out and it's coming at an interesting time as UND travels to Minneapolis this coming Friday and Saturday to take on their bitter rival Minnesota Gophers in a regular season series for the first time since UND left for the NCHC and the Gophers to the Big 10. 

Yes, DDC fans, it's UND/Minnesota week. It's time to turn the page. Bring on the Gophers. 

Check back later this week for the breakdown of the best rivalry in college hockey back at it from Mariucci Arena. Thanks for reading.

Thursday Frozen Four Gameday: Back to Business

Frozen Four Semifinals from TD Garden in Boston:
Both games on ESPN 2:
Nebraska Omaha vs. Providence, 4 p.m. CT
North Dakota vs. Boston University, 7:30 p.m. CT

0.6

It's a memory that DDC, and all Sioux hockey fans a like, remember very well.

UND had the favored Minnesota Gophers on the edge of overtime in the 2014 Frozen Four semifinals in Philadelphia.

A face off loss in the offensive zone, a quick Minnesota transition and a seeing-eye bleeder to the back of the UND net later, a devastated North Dakota squad saw its quest for an eighth national championship fall by the wayside against it's biggest rival, 2-1 with 0.6 left on the clock, in gut-wrenching fashion.

Fast forward a year.

For UND, with 0.6 now far in the rear view mirror, yet still very much fresh in their minds, it's back to business. This time, North Dakota is here to finish the fight.

What will be the story of tonight's Frozen Four semifinal showdown with a dynamic Boston University team playing in front of what will essentially be a hometown crowd from TD Garden in Boston?

We'll find out in a few short hours.

Here's a look at UND coming into their semifinal tussle with BU.

Green and White Go-Tos

UND's Zane McIntyre, Jordan Schmaltz and Paul LaDue celebrate
following their 4-1 victory over St. Cloud State in the West Region final,
March 28 in Fargo. (Photo credit: Grand Forks Herald)

Players to Watch:

Jr. F, Drake Caggiula, 18 goals, 18 assists -- 32 points
Sr. F, Michael Parks, 12 g, 20 a -- 32 pts (1 point in last 10 games)
Jr. D, Jordan Schmaltz, 4 g, 23 a -- 27 pts
Fr. F, Nick Schmaltz, 5 g, 21 a -- 26 pts

Jr. G, Zane McIntyre, 29-9-3 (.744 win percentage 4th in NCAA), 2.00 goals against average (11th in NCAA), .931 save percentage (7th in NCAA)

Standout Stats

3.29 goals per game (8th in NCAA), 2.17 goals allowed per game (7th in NCAA), 16 players with at least 11 points, 25-0-2 when leading after two periods, 20-3-3 when scoring first.

134 career points from the senior class is 45 more than BU's and leads all Frozen Four teams. 13-8-3 against tournament teams this season.

The Picks

Let's start with the other side of the bracket.

Nebraska Omaha vs. Providence

These are two teams looking to make a permanent name for themselves on the college hockey scene.

An elite goaltending match up headlines the early game from the Frozen Four and this should be a dandy to watch. Ryan Massa vs. Jon Gillies.

With these two stalwarts in the nets, DDC expects a fast-paced, grinding battle. Scoring first will be a huge key. Who will break first?

Tough one to pick, but having seen both of these two teams first hand this season, DDC expects the speed of the Mavericks to win out. Dean Blais is a heck of a coach and this UNO squad has taken some huge strides this season and DDC thinks this continues into the national championship game.

OMAHA WINS, 3-1 with an empty net goal.

North Dakota vs. Boston University

Seriously. Can it get any better than this?

A high-flying offense in Boston U vs. a tenacious, gritty defensive team in North Dakota.

This is what the Frozen Four is all about. Two all-time programs going at it on the grandest stage.

This match up is one of youth vs. experience. UND's senior class has been here before. They've played under the biggest lights in the biggest spots.

As of today, 0.6 is the story of this North Dakota senior class' lasting legacy.

And simply put, this legacy is one they desperately want to change.

From day one this season and even further back as when they departed Philadelphia in crushing fashion, this UND squad has had one goal in mind and that is to hang the eighth green banner from the rafters of Ralph Engelstad Arena.

BU is talented and features the best player in college hockey in Jack Eichel. No doubt, the Terriers want this game just much as North Dakota does. However, DDC believes that the demons of 0.6 in Philadelphia are what separates UND from BU.

Outside of maybe Boston College, the Terriers haven't seen a team play like UND does defensively. 

Zane McIntyre and the North Dakota defense have played at an elite level all year and with the motivation of No. 8 and 0.6 on the mind of the Green and White, DDC sees this continuing.

UND WINS, 4-1

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 1 -- Cap'n Porter's Wrap around -- Pepsi Center, 2007 NCAA West Regional Final, Denver, Colo., March 25, 2007

We've come to the culmination of the countdown and DDC again welcomes you back for No. 1.

Although not present for the game, DDC remembers this game and this moment more than any he's ever experienced during the rivalry and the jubilation of this moment is unmatched.

Watching this game and this play with 20 of his best friends in the basement of his fraternity house will be a memory that will never be forgotten for DDC.

So, without further ado... No. 1... Chris Porter's game-winning wrap around goal to send North Dakota to the 2007 Frozen Four.

No. 1 -- Cap'n Porter's Wrap around -- Pepsi Center, 2007 NCAA West Regional Final, Denver, Colo., March 25, 2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uZBMaaAzhE

Chills run up DDC's spine every time he watches this play, still to this day.

DDC's fondest memory of catching a fellow fraternity brother as he jumped into his arm in celebration is one of those things that people remember for the rest of their lives.

The team's celebration, nearly breaking the glass as the all pile on each other, is amazing.

This is why people watch hockey and love this rivalry. This game had it all. Overtime. The captain. Sioux vs. Gophers for a trip to the Frozen Four. This is why people love sports and this is why the greatest rivalry in college hockey should be played every year, no matter what.

So, that's it. Thanks for joining me for the countdown. A lot of fun as been had and DDC hopes he has done everything in his power to get you ready for tomorrow.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 2 -- Frattin Destroys Wehrs -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D., WCHA Playoffs, March 14, 2010.

Thanks again for visiting Daddy Dump and Chase to tune in to his Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry.

We are just two days away from renewing hostilities and if No. 2 doesn't get the mojo going, I'm not sure what will. Maybe No. 1, but, let's give this one a try.

Poor Kevin Wehrs. Keep your head up, buddy.

No. 2 -- Frattin Destroys Wehrs -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D., WCHA playoffs, March 14, 2010.

Let DDC set up the scene a bit. UND had dominated the Gophers in the Game 1 of this WCHA playoff tilt with a 6-0 victory, but Minnesota battled back for a 4-2 win in Game 2. The Sioux took a 2-1 lead before this play, but were visibly slowing as the Gophers tried to battle back. Then...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsxyzGkmAgg

Wow.

Again, the sound of this behemoth hit is what DDC remembers. Note the bang Brad Malone gives a Gopher player just 15 seconds before the hit on Wehrs. That was a good one. Matt Frattin's hit is that much heavier.

Frattin was called for a five-minute major for charging. He clearly left his feet, but it's DDC's take that Wehrs had his head down and caught Frattin coming at the last moment, dipped his head, thus causing a lot of the problem.

This moment isn't about the penalty. It's been debated for too long on message boards and the like. This hit got the Ralph rocking, the Sioux killed off the five-minute penalty and UND cruised to a 4-1 victory, ending the Gopher's season.

This moment also generated the coolest, single hockey photo that DDC has ever seen.

DDC's former colleague and Grand Forks Herald resident photog extraordinaire John Stennes gave the world this piece of history that, DDC's sure, is still plastered on many a laptop and Twitter background to this day.

 “I decided to try to get the boys going — big hit, a costly five minutes,” Frattin said of his hit on Wehrs. “But it was great PK for our team. That was a huge momentum swing for us and we didn’t look back after that.”

Call it what you will, but it was for sure one thing and that's memorable.

For some extra fun... check out wrestling announcing royalty Jim Ross' call on the Frattin destruction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75my9p7eI4c

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 3 -- The Timeout -- Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn., March 16, 2012.

Just three days left until Thursday.... Three. More. Days.

With that, thanks for coming back to the countdown of the Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry.

No. 3 simply needs two words to be remembered: The Timeout.

DDC could not find much on the web in terms of highlights from the game, but "Through These Doors" did an excellent job in summation. The good stuff starts at 7:15.

No. 3 -- The Timeout -- Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn., March 16, 2012.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q2C8cArVXI

Trailing 3-0 in the semifinals of the 2012 WCHA Final Five, UND was gassed after a long shift and with 5:53 left in the second, Sioux head coach Dave Hakstol took his timeout.

Six goals and 26 minutes later, UND had one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry's history under their belt with a 6-3 win.

A Derek Forbort goal to make it 3-1 just 50 seconds after the timeout, gave UND life. Then, goals by Michael Parks and Brock Nelson just 30 seconds apart in the third, tied the game at three and the 'X' went nuts. DDC again remembers how loud the arena was and remembers watching stunned Gopher fans, that just 20 or so minutes earlier, were up, cheering and taunting, slouching in their seats with mouths agape.

Senior captain Mario Lamoureux gave UND the lead just 3:41 later and North Dakota never turned back. Corban Knight and Lamoureux netted the Sioux two more goals and the rout was on as UND outshot the Gophers 17-2 in the third period.

What a game. The power of crowd gathered at the affectionately-named "Ralph Engelstad East" was absolutely rocking. An amazing moment.

Just two more moments left. Tomorrow's No. 2 moment? We'll put it this way ... it was controversial and blew up the message boards. Not the only thing to be "blown up" in this moment, either.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 4 -- "A Bouncing Puck for a Goal!" -- Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis, January 27, 2007.

Thanks for coming back to DDC's Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry.

No. 4 is very near and dear to DDC's heart as it piggy backed one of his favorite weekends his college career.

After a comeback 5-3 win on Friday night on the heels of a two-goal night by Ryan Duncan, UND had a chance for the sweep.

However, after a 2-0 lead under eight minutes into the game, Minnesota rattled off three straight to take a 3-2 lead after a Mike Howe power play goal at 15:58 of the first.

Then, it happened.

Full disclaimer here: DDC did not actually witness this play as it occurred, due to an argument with a jawing Gopher fan, but he was in house with 10 or so of his fraternity brothers.

No. 4 -- "A Bouncing Puck for a Goal!" -- Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis, January 27, 2007.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXMnye_8wfg

Bina's 178-foot shorthanded goal through the wickets of Gopher goalie Jeff Frazee knotted the game at three and set the tone for a 7-3 rout and a sweep at Mariucci for the Sioux.

As the clock ticked to zero and the Gopher student section emptied out, DDC's group of friends made the bold move of sitting in the vacated seats. Water bottles, pretzels, etc., showered down on these brave Sioux fans, but the memory was well worth it.

"A bouncing puck for a goal."

Frank Mazzacco's call for FSN still replays in many Sioux fans, and more than likely, many Gopher fans heads every time they see a bouncing clear near the goal. DDC still to this day says "Robbie Bina" every time a goaltender has to play a puck like this.

Well, hockey fans, we're down to the Top 3. Come back tomorrow for No. 3 to remember that left Minnesota fans green with envy.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 5 -- Trupper's diving OT winner -- Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis, February 1, 2008.

We're down to the Top 5 moments in the countdown with just five days left until the Frozen Four semifinal match up.

This OT winner by Evan Trupp is the first of two plays in the countdown that went on to become the No. 1 play on SportsCenter's Top 10 of the day and for no small reason. This play is a pretty amazing one and if you haven't seen it, or it's been awhile, enjoy.

No. 5 -- Trupper's diving OT winner -- Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis, February 1, 2008.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqS0_uFNpCg

The angle at 1:28 into the video is DDC's favorite. First, let's take a second to realize how great that pass was from Ryan Martens. A backhanded flip over the net? Yes, please. Trupp, who became known as a stick-handling and play-making wiz during his Sioux career, did the rest and found himself a little piece of Sioux/Gopher rivalry history.

Notice the goalie between the pipes for this one? Again... Alex Kangas.

DDC was at a conference and vividly remembers watching this play on SportCenter that night at a bar in St. Louis with 20 other UND students. Needless to say, we let everyone know that we were Sioux fans.

Only four spots remain in the Top 10 moments of the UND/Minnesota rivalry. What moments are left? Come back tomorrow to see the other play that was No. 1 in SportsCenter's top 10.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 6 -- The Ralph is Rockin' -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Minneapolis, January 9, 2009.

Thanks for coming back as the countdown continues.

No. 6 is one that DDC remembers very well because of one reason -- the fans at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

If the No. 10 moment, the Holy Cross victory of Minnesota was the loudest REA has ever been, this game in January 2009 is a close second.

Goal, after goal, after goal. The Ralph exploded.

 No. 6 -- The Ralph is Rockin' -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Minneapolis, January 9, 2009.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr55K6B6V2g

UND fans' favorite goaltender, Alex Kangas, was very good in the first period on this night as the Sioux dominated, out shooting the Gophers 18-2. However, when the goals came, the kept coming. Sophomore Evan Trupp scored short handed just 1:17 into the second and the rest was history. At :15 of the video and just over five minutes into the second period, you can see the shot totals were favoring UND 23-3.

DDC's remembers vividly seeing Kangas sit in the crease after a Ryan Duncan goal to make it 3-1 and FSN did an amazing job catching this moment at :44 into the video. Kangas was later pulled.

Poor Alex Kangas.

He was pulled again the next night, as UND finished off the sweep with a 6-1 whooping.

Just six days left, Sioux fans. Come back tomorrow for No. 5 with a little magic from a diminutive Alaskan.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 7 -- Alex Kangas Loves UND -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D., March 12, 2010.

Just seven days to go.

The countdown to April 10 continues with No. 7 in DDC's Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry. This one comes from many UND fans' favorite Gopher goaltender of all time.

No. 7 -- Alex Kangas Loves UND -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D., March 12, 2010.

For whatever reason, this video is searchable on YouTube, but cannot be added here, so here's the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDPnURQfZ5o

Alex Kangas was a fan favorite at UND. Although he clearly didn't like us, he was the one guy that all Sioux fans loved to hate during his tenure as Minnesota netminder and DDC can absolutely see why Mr. Kangas hates UND. The Rochester, Minn., native was the Fighting Sioux's personal punching bag during his time. 

Kangas was a mere 3-6-2 against UND with Minnesota including a paltry .899 save percentage and a putrid 3.09 goals against average. Kangas was also pulled from between the pipes three times in his career against the Sioux.

DDC's favorite part about this particular video is Woog and Mazzacco's commentary when the 3-0 score after the first period pops up. Great stuff. Pretty much Kangas' summation of his career against UND right there.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota Rivalry -- No. 8 -- Pony Punishes Wehrs in Frattin's Corner

Thanks for coming back to DDC's Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry!

No. 8 is a a good one and it led to a classic scrum between the two bitter enemies.

No. 8 -- Pony Punishes Wehrs in Frattin's Corner -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D., January 14, 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pN6q83gl7E

Kevin Wehrs has to have continued nightmares of that corner of the REA. One year after Matt Frattin leveled him during the first round of the WCHA playoffs, Pony reintroduced him into his least favorite part of the arena. The one thing DDC remembers most about this punishing hit from senior centerman Brad Malone was the sound. Listen to it at :10 in. Sounds like a gun shot. He absolutely destroyed Wehrs with a CLEAN HIT. Mind you, there was no penalty on this play for this hit. Seeing Wehrs sitting there with the look of pure defeat, less than 9 months after being leveled in the same spot, is absolutely priceless. This face pretty much says it all.

The scrum that follows as UND is skating to the locker room is started by Minnesota. The hit was clean, the play was over and UND was moving on. Minnesota senior forward Jacob Cepis decided he had to rile things up. Heck of a hockey player, but this kid was a hack and a diver during his two years with the Gophers, in my opinion. Note :47 into the video as Cepis has his stick wrapped around Andrew MacWilliam's neck. Classy move. Nate Condon (No. 16) and Seth Helgeson (No. 4) deliver shots to the back and the back of the head of two UND players on the ice during 1-on-1 fights. Classic Gopher fighting strategy. Chalk up another scrum to the rivalry.

Come back tomorrow for DDC's No. 7 Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry. Preview... UND's favorite rival goaltender expresses his love for his most-heated opponent.

DDC's Top 10 Moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry -- No. 10 and No. 9 -- Holy Cross and Spirko

It's coming. The best rivalry in college hockey is alive and well.

After both North Dakota and Minnesota won their regional tournaments this past weekend, the two long-time enemies will meet again. This time, with a berth in the national title game on the line.

We're nine days away from the April 10 showdown from the Frozen Four at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Nine days is an eternity for fans of this rivalry, DDC included. So, DDC decided to bring something special to its fans ... a countdown of the Top 10 moments in the UND/Minnesota rivalry.

These moments are shaded kelly green. If you don't like it, sorry. But not really.

Since we are nine days away, DDC will bring you double in this countdown, starting with two moments.

No. 10 -- Holy Cross defeats Minnesota in the 2006 West Regional -- Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, N.D., March 24, 2006.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1_x1oo35L0

Yes, DDC gets it, this isn't a UND/Minnesota game, but it just as well could have been in terms of fans support. The REA has never been louder as it was when Holy Cross captain Tyler McGregor netted the game winner to beat the No. 1 seeded Gophers. David slayed Goliath and UND fans world wide rejoiced.

No. 9 -- Rastislav Spirko's shorty leads UND comeback to WCHA Final Five win -- Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn., March 19, 2005.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsVzWFE3UmI

"Shorthanded, a dancing move and a goal! Spirko!" "Ratislav, Sparky, Rusty, whatever you want to call him, he's got nicknames, shows his dance." Frank Mazzocco and Doug Woog's call of this nasty goal from diminutive Rastislav Spirko (one of DDC's all-time favorite Sioux) in the 2005 WCHA Final Five is a gem. Coming in all alone shorthanded, Spirko made a pylon out of Gopher defenseman Chris Harrington and completely undressed goalie Kellen Briggs to knot the game at 2. The goal led UND to a comeback 4-2 win.

Check in again tomorrow for No. 8 on the list of DDC's Top 10 UND/Minnesota rivalry moments. A little preview... The Pony Express has another surprise in a former Gopher's favorite corner.