Game 2: #4 Denver at MSU IN GAME

Due to internet troubles here at Alltel Center I was not able to do the pre-game. Much apologies.

Minnesota State had to expect that Denver would come out flying tonight following their disappointing effort last night. Denver did come out strong, but MSU impressively matched that intensity. The Mavericks weathered the storm and got a goal on the power play off the stick of red-hot freshman forward Andrew Sackrison. It was big for the Mavs not to let Denver score early and control the flow, and MSU is playing physical again refusing to let the Pioneers get back in the series.

1st Period Scoring Summary
17:38 - Sackrison (Irwin, Canzanello) PPG 1-0 MSU

The Mavericks made it 2-0 early in the second period when Joel Hanson tipped a shot by R.J. Linder past Mannino. Denver cut the lead to 2-1 shortly after a power play had expired, and the Pioneers looked to have MSU on its heels. A break in the action may have been a blessing for the Mavericks as a piece of glass became dislodged and the game stopped for a few minutes. Jon Kalinski needed only a minute after the break to give MSU another two-goal lead when his rebound snuck past Mannino. If the Mavericks can stay aggressive they will be successful in the third period.

2nd Period Scoring Summary
1:11 - Hanson (Linder, Bruess) 2-0 MSU
6:19 - Bozak (Rakhshani, Butler) 2-1 MSU
15:50 - Kalinski (Harrison, Davis) 3-1 MSU

The Mavericks were able to weather the storm all night long and went blow-for-blow with a top team in the nation. They continue to prove themselves against top competition and really are establishing themselves as a team to be reckoned with in the WCHA. These wins are also huge for MSU's consideration in the NCAA post season tournament. They are rolling, and look to be very tough to stop.

3rd Period Scoring Summary
13:46 - Ostrow (Testwuide, Mannino) PPG 3-2 MSU

#4 Denver at MSU IN GAME

The Mavericks had the majority of the chances and really controlled the first period. Geoff Irwin capitalized on an opportunity and beat Mannino off a scrum in front of the Denver goal. Each team had time on the power play but neither were able to get anything going. MSU is playing very physical, and that is something they will need to continue to do in order to beat this tough Denver team.

1st Period Scoring Summary
11:39 - Irwin (Sackrison) 1-0 MSU

MSU continues to control the game and has had an array of scoring chances to go along with the goals they have scored. The Mavericks are going hard to the net and are being rewarded for it.

2nd Period Scoring Summary
4:01 - Rakhshani (Mullen, Butler) PPG 1-1
9:21 - Wiley (Linder, Davis) 2-1 MSU
13:12 - Sackrison (Linder) 3-1 MSU

The Mavs impressed a lot of people tonight with their 5-1 victory over a highly touted Denver team. MSU controlled every second of this game and look as if they are serious about making a post-season run.

3rd Period Scoring Summary
7:13 - Youds (Irwin, Sackrison) 4-1 MSU
18:15 - Hanson (Bruess, Mouillierat) 5-1 MSU

#4 Denver at MSU PRE GAME

About 30 minutes until the start of this one here at Alltel Center. DU's leading scorer Brock Trotter did not make the trip this weekend which should be a huge sigh of relief for the Mavericks as they look to use the momentum they gained last weekend in their WCHA sweep over #20 St. Cloud State. Denver has been at the top of the WCHA standings all season and this will be yet another huge weekend for the Mavericks if they can manage some points out of the series. MSU sits only three points out of a spot in the top five in the standings, so points here are a must.

The Starting line-ups for tonight are as follows, with starters in italics:

MINNESOTA STATE
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Stewart

Davis-Kilburg
Youds-Linder
Boe-Canzanello

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

DENVER
Ostrow-Bozak-Ruegsegger
Rakshani-Martin-Mullen
Maiani-Gifford-May
Glasser-Vossberg-Jackson

Butler-Thomas
Nutini-Brookwell
Testwuide-Blom

Mannino
Cheverie

Wiley recognized by WCHA...

Sophomore forward Jason Wiley was named WCHA co-Offensive Player of the Week. Wiley got four points (2g, 2a) this last weekend as the Mavericks swept No. 20 St. Cloud State. Wiley has done a nice job establishing himself offensively this season to add to a sophomore class that gives the team an excellent amount of depth in their forward lines. He has good hands, plays physically and does a good job finishing when he gets the chance.

Getting closer...

The Mavericks still were not in the USCHO/CSTV top-20 rankings this week, but did receive more votes. MSU is coming off a big sweep over now 20th-ranked St. Cloud and really could have easily found their way into that top 20. The Mavs got a spark late in Friday's game and finally got that break they have been waiting so long for. R.J. Linder scored his first goal of the season and from that point on the Mavericks were electric and put themselves in a great position to make a late season run. They host No. 4 Denver this weekend, which will be a tough test, but hopefully they can use this last series as a building point for next weekend and the rest of the season.

#13 St. Cloud State at MSU IN GAME

Not much action to speak of this period. This game has been played along the boards and in the neutral zone for the most part. Two defensive zone break downs led to virtually the same back- door goals that were just 24 seconds apart for the Huskies. A disappointing start in a big series for MSU.

1st Period Scoring Summary
12:15 - Dey (Mosey, Lasch) 1-0 SCSU
12:39 - Hartman (Marvin, Borgen) 2-0 SCSU

The second period was more of the same for the Mavericks, with SCSU scoring at 13:13 on yet another back-door goal where Zacharias had no chance. MSU is going to need a major spark and had better get started quickly if they plan to make a comeback.

2nd Period Scoring Summary
13:13 - Mosey (Volpei) 3-0 SCSU

R.J. Linder's first goal of the season made the Mavericks an entirely new team in the third period as they made an unbelievable comeback to win 5-3. The gravity of this win can not be put in to words as the Mavericks have undoubtedly revived their hopes to make a run at the end of the season and have some desparately needed momentum going in to St. Cloud tomorrow.

3rd Period Scoring Summary
11:45 - Linder (Wiley) 3-1 SCSU
12:20 - Bruess (Mouillierat, Friesen) 3-2 SCSU
15:11 - Wiley (Irwin, Harrison) 3-3
18:43 - Berge (Kalinski) 4-3 MSU
19:08 - Kilburg (Bruess, Hanson) EN 5-3 MSU

#13 St. Cloud State at MSU PRE GAME

About 20 minutes until the puck drops here at Alltel center. The Huskies have some good scorers that MSU will have to keep off the board along with staying out of the penalty box to keep the WCHA's best power play for SCSU off the ice. The Mavericks changed up the line pairings last Saturday vs. North Dakota, but look to have reverted to the old lines for the most part.

Here are the starting line-ups for tonight, with starters in italics:

MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Galiardi-Stewart

Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Linder-Canzanello

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

ST. CLOUD STATE
Nodl-Roe-Volpei
Mosey-Dey-Lasch
Borgen-Marvin-Hartman
Mjelleli-Olson-Oslund

Raboin-Stephenson
Swanson-Anderson
Brocklehurst-Barta

Weslosky
Dunn

Dropping Out...

The Mavericks dropped out of the USCHO/CSTV top-20 rankings this week, but were still receiving votes.

After suffering a sweep at the hands of sixth-ranked North Dakota, the Mavericks now look at a home-and-home series with No. 13 St. Cloud State with Friday being at Alltel Center and Saturday at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud. The Mavs sure could have used some points this last weekend, but with the league the way it is, it isn't over until all of the games are played. With only seven points separating six teams in the league, the race is far from over. It will be an interesting rest of the regular season.

Game 2: #6 North Dakota at #20 MSU IN GAME

The Mavericks came out with more intensity than last night which is a pace they will need to keep up. MSU was given a power play just 21 seconds into the game but were unable to get set up. UND went on the power play soon after but also failed to get anything going. UND found itself on the power play again a short time later and managed to get a goal on a nice shot from the slot. After a shorthanded goal from Duncan to put UND up 2-0, MSU got a much needed goal again from Mick Berge and carry a little momentum going into the second period.

1st Period Scoring Summary
8:34 -- VandeVelde (Chorney, Bina) PPG 1-0 UND
9:58 -- Duncan (Oshie) SHG 2-0 UND
15:47 -- Berge (Sackrison, Youds) 2-1 UND

The Mavericks and Sioux traded goals with the Sioux again cashing in on the power play. The Mavericks got a late goal from Jon Kalinski with under a second remaining when he threw the puck at the net from around the goal line near the left corner and snuck a shot under the pads of Lamoureux. Again the Mavs get a goal late in the period when they need to stay in the game.

2nd Period Scoring Summary
13:55 -- Kozak (Genoway, Frattin) PPG 3-1 UND
19:59 -- Kalinski (Mouillierat, Berge) PPG 3-2 UND

The Sioux got 2 goals 12 seconds apart and that was the clincher as UND went on to win 5-3. The Sioux had 5 power play goals this weekend and 3 of them came tonight. UND has a lot of weapons and when they can finish like they were this weekend it makes it awfully tough on the opposition.

3rd Period Scoring Summary
2:48 -- Genoway (Finley, Frattin) PPG 4-2 UND
3:00 -- Trupp (Frattin) 5-2 UND
18:37 -- Stewart (Hanson, Davis) PPG 5-3 UND

Game 2: #6 North Dakota at #20 MSU PRE GAME

About 35 minutes to faceoff here in Mankato and it's not as cold out which means there might not be as many late arrivals from MSU fans. The Mavericks lost a tough one last night in a game where they couldn't seem to get anything going on offense. While both teams struggled to find a flow, it was the special teams that ultimately decided the game as all three of the game's goals came on the power play. MSU did a good job of containing Ryan Duncan and T.J. Oshie last night, and they must do the same tonight if they want to win. A split here keeps the Mavericks very much alive in the WCHA standings, but a sweep might be difficult to rebound from. Power plays will likely be the main factor again tonight, and whichever team capitalizes will be on top at the end.

Here are the line-ups for tonight, with starters in italics.

MINNESOTA STATE
Sackrison-Irwin-Berge
Hanson-Kalinski-Mouillierat
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Tyree-Harrison-Wiley

Youds-Kilburg
Davis-Friesen
Linder-Boe

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

NORTH DAKOTA
Duncan-Oshie-Kozek
Watkins-VandeVelde-Martens
Trupp-Zajac-Frattin
Radke-Malone-Davidson

Chorney-Bina
Finley-Genoway
Jones-Marto

Lamoureux
Walski

MSU Senior Matt Tyree is playing in only his third career game as coach Troy Jutting may be looking to add a little size to the line-up considering last night's events. Again, I will be providing thoughts and up-to-date scoring.

#6 North Dakota at #20 MSU IN GAME

In a big series like this, I expected to see MSU come out with a lot more energy and to play very physical. I was suprised to see that North Dakota was the team playing hard and physical. The Mavs need to play with more emotion and intensity in the following periods. Mouillierat hit post on nice 2-on-1 feed from Bruess, but that was it for the Mavericks offensively.

1st Period Scoring Summary
5:06 -- Genoway (Watkins, Finley) PPG 1-0 UND

The second period was a bit better for the Mavericks as they saw a few more scoring chances, but had nothing to show for it. MSU had two goals disallowed, so they have been getting chances, they just need to cash in, legally. It sets us up for a great third period here in frigid Mankato.

2nd Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring

The Mavericks managed to get a power play goal from Mick Berge, but couldn't keep UND off the board on a power play of their own. MSU also could not seem to get much going offensively the entire game. Trevor Bruess and Rylan Kaip will not be available tomorrow night as they were both ejected for fighting.

3rd Period Scoring Summary
5:52 -- Bina (Oshie, Chorney) PPG 2-0 UND

10:29 -- Berge (Youds, Zacharias) PPG 2-1 UND

#6 North Dakota at #20 MSU PRE GAME

It's about 30 minutes until the puck drops at Alltel Center. The Maverick student section is full and looks to be full of energy. Let's hope they can get loud early due to an early goal. Hopefully we will all have something to cheer about tonight as it is that time of the season when teams in the league start separating themselves. This is a big weekend for MSU.

Here are the line-ups for both teams. Starters are in italics:

MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Harrison-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Galiardi-Kalinski-Stewart
Gaulrapp-Sackrison-Wiley

Linder-Davis
Boe-Kilburg
Youds-Friesen

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

NORTH DAKOTA
Watkins-VandeVelde-Kaip
Duncan-Oshie-Trupp
Kozek-Zajak-Frattin
Radke-Malone-Martens

Finley-Genoway
Chorney-Bina
Jones-LaPoint

Lamoureux
Walski

The Mavs are going to have to stop the Duncan-Oshie-Trupp line if they are going to be successful. I will be providing scoring updates and thoughts throughout the game.

Holding on... again

The Mavericks clung to their No. 20 ranking this week in the USCHO/CSTV top-20 rankings.

With North Dakota coming to town this weekend, it may also be make-or-break time for MSU to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. Success this weekend will go a long way toward securing a spot. Get swept this weekend, and it might be an uphill battle the rest of the way...

Down a spot...

After being idle this past weekend, Minnesota State dropped a notch in the USCHO/CSTV top 20 rankings. After debuting at No. 19 last week, the Mavericks fell to the final spot in the rankings this week as they prepare for a series at the new No. 19 — Minnesota-Duluth.

The Mavericks took three points from the Bulldogs last month at the Alltel Center, and if they can do the same this weekend, may finally gain some respect from the national voters. I mean, how can MSU be one spot behind a team that: a) just split with Bemidji State (a team MSU swept last month) and b) be behind a team that the Mavs are 1-0-1 against this season. You could also argue that Minnesota State could be ahead of fellow WCHA school No. 17 Wisconsin. MSU has one fewer conference win, but they also have fewer losses, a better overall record and a 1-0-1 head-to-head record against the Badgers this season... but I digress.

In the rankings...

Minnesota State debuted at No. 19 in the USCHO/CSTV Top-20 rankings this week. It is the first time this season the Mavericks have been ranked.

In all, nine WCHA teams found themselves among the top-20 in the nation.

MSU is back in action in 10 days against No. 16 Minnesota-Duluth.

Yale at MSU

Minnesota State's line-up is the same as the other night... even the line combos.

Stay tuned for updates.

1st Period Scoring Summary
14:23 -- Wiley (Sackrison, Gaulrapp) 1-0 MSU
17:26 -- Kalinski (Irwin, Canzanello) 2-0 MSU
18:01 -- Wiley 2 (Sackrison, Kilburg) 3-0 MSU

2nd Period Scoring Summary
None

3rd Period Scoring Summary
5:39 -- Backman (Dagnard, Engasser) PPG, 3-1 MSU
19:25 -- Bruess (Hanson) ENG, 4-1 MSU

MSU vs. Princeton: In-Game

We are underway at the Alltel Center... I will provide scoring updates and some occasional thoughts along the way.

1st Period Scoring
6:05 -- Mouillierat (Hanson, Bruess) 1-0 MSU
10:47 -- Hanson (Bruess) 2-0 MSU

2nd Period Scoring
8:00 -- MacIntyre (Wilson, Jubinville) 2-1 MSU
16:30 -- Berge (Canzanello), 4x4, 3-1 MSU
17:06 -- Hanson (Harrison, Youds), 4x4, 4-1 MSU

3rd Period Scoring
17:13 -- Wiley (unassisted) 5-1 MSU
18:20 -- Wiley (Canzanello, Sackrison) 6-1 MSU

MSU vs. Princeton PRE-GAME

About an hour from face-off and I can count the number of fans inside the Alltel Center on two hands... literally. I guess Princeton doesn't have quite the draw of a Minnesota or a Wisconsin...

Here are the line-ups for both teams. Starters are in italics:

MINNESOTA STATE
Irwin-Kalinski-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Galiardi-Harrison-Stewart
Gaulrapp-Sackrison-Wiley

Davis-Kilburg
Youds-Friesen
Linder-Canzanello

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

PRINCETON
Wilson-Jubinville-MacIntyre
Lohry-Magnowski-Arhontas
Kushniruk-Kaiser-Pridham
Beachell-Stankievech-Kramer

Moore-Fedun
Pederson-Ritchie
Godlewski-Schroeder

Kalemba
Sychterz
Reynolds

For those that don't know much about Princeton, its players to watch offensively would all be on the first line - Cam MacIntyre leads the team with seven goals, Lee Jubinville leads the team with nine assists and both are tied for the team lead with 14 total points. The Tigers are 5-7-0 overall this season and four of the wins have come with Zane Kalemba in net.

NEW JERSEYS ARE IN!

I know I said I was done for the week, but I do have one small bit of news...

People on various message boards have been asking about where to get the Mavericks new jerseys. I was told three weeks ago that they were unavailable because of troubles with the manufacturer, Gemini.

But sure enough, the new jerseys are in at Maverick Bookstore on Stadium Road about a block east of campus. They have the home whites as well as the away purples (my personal preference). The cost is a bit steep at $95.99 (or if you are a husky guy or gal, XXL's are $96.99) but if you are stuck in your Christmas shopping efforts for the Maverick fan on your list, well, here you go.


OK, now I'm really out.

Happy Holidays!

I will be out of town for the next few days and barring any unforeseen breaking news, will not be writing on the blog.

I will be in town for the Princeton and Yale games, however, and will be providing my typical game-night content for anybody that can not make it to Alltel Center.

Have a very Merry Christmas and I will talk to you next week!

MSU sweeps Bemidji

The Mavericks escaped with a pair of wins this past weekend in Bemidji, but did sweep the Beavers with 4-3 and 1-0 wins at John Glas Fieldhouse.

It was a big sweep for the Mavericks - last season, BSU swept the Mavs at the Alltel Center. It was losses like those that kept the Mavericks from being mentioned among the at-large teams come NCAA Tournament time. Not to say this weekend puts MSU into post-season play, but it won't hurt in March - especially if Mike Zacharias continues playing as well as he has.

Next up is a non-conference game tomorrow against Nebraska-Omaha at the Qwest Center in Omaha. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dan Tormey get the start. Following the game, MSU will be off for 10 days when Yale and Princeton come to Mankato for a Friday-Sunday series just before the new year.

A new staffer

Sorry for the lack of coverage last week... I graduated on Saturday, and am in the process of figuring out exactly where to go next with the blog. The new Maverick men's hockey writer for The Reporter will be former MSU baseball captain and new Reporter staffer Pat Ottum. Look for him to take over much of the coverage come second semester...

UW at MSU: Game Two

Like kissing your sister... Mavericks and Badgers tie in game two of the series. I will have more on this series on Monday or Tuesday. Check out USCHO.com for my write-up.

Thanks for reading!

Final scoring summary

1st Period Scoring
3:41 -- Hanson (Bruess, Youds) (1-0 MSU)

2nd Period Scoring
None

3rd Period Scoring
3:37 -- McBain (Turris, Street) PPG (1-1)

Overtime
None

Wisconsin at MSU: Game One

Mavericks win game one 3-1... more to come...

1st Period Scoring
1:07 -- Turris (Street) (1-0 UW)
1:20 -- Berge (Irwin, Linder) (1-1)

2nd Period Scoring
5:58 -- Irwin (Galiardi, Canzanello) (2-1 MSU)
9:38 -- Galiardi (Linder, Harrison) PPG (3-1 MSU)

3rd Period Scoring
None

Wisconsin at MSU: Pregame

About 15 minutes or so here from face-off... no surprises from Troy Jutting. Here are the line-ups for both teams, with the starters in intalics.

Minnesota State
Irwin-Kalinski-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Galiardi-Harrison-Stewart
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Wiley

Davis-Kilburg
Friesen-Canzanello
Linder-Youds

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

Wisconsin
Street-Turris-Davies
Engel-Geoffrion-Johnson
Mitchell-Dolan-Grotting
Bohmbach-Bendrickson-Turnbull

Smith-Klubertanz
Drewiske-Goloubef
McDonagh-McBain

Connelly
Gudmandson

Wisconsin Week

In my column this week, I wrote about Mavericks goaltender Mike Zacharias and his rock-solid start so far this season.

MSU is in for a nice test this weekend as the No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers come to town. I know for a fact that Friday's student section is already sold out, and I expect the same for Saturday's game as well. I meant to go to the box office and find out the status of general public tickets, but it completely slipped my mind. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple 4,500+ attendance numbers this weekend. Should be fun.

MSU head coach Troy Jutting said today that he will play the same line combinations as he did in last Saturday night's win over UMD. That includes sophomore Ryan Gunderson, who Jutting put into the line-up first time this season.

"I thought he did a very nice job," Jutting said. "He played within himself and did everything we asked him to do."

The same line-up also means freshman defenseman Channing Boe will find himself in the press box - at least for Friday. Jutting made no promises for Saturday's group.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, comes to Mankato riding the momentum of a pair of comeback wins over St. Cloud State last weekend in Madison. The Wisconsin State Journal's Andy Baggot wrote a good article today on sophomore forward Blake Geoffrion. Capital Times beatwriter Todd D. Milewski has a story on goaltender Shane Connelly.

PREDICTION
I'll go with a Wisconsin victory on Friday 3-2 and a Minnesota State win Saturday 4-1.

In other WCHA action...
- Minnesota at North Dakota UND SWEEP
- Alaska-Anchorage at Minnesota-Duluth UMD SWEEP
- Denver at St. Cloud State SPLIT

I will be at Alltel Center for both games with scoring updates and intermission commentaries. Thanks for coming by!

Mavericks beat UMD

It wasn't pretty, but Minnesota State came away with a 2-1 Saturday over No. 12 Minnesota-Duluth.

Mick Berge scored the game-winner with just under 15 minutes to play off a face-off win by fellow junior Jon Kalinski.

Blake Friesen scored the other Maverick goal - the game's first with under a minute to play in the second. UMD responded with a short-handed goal just 1:27 into the third period.

The win keeps alive a seven-game unbeaten streak against UMD, but ends a five-game winless streak overall this season.

Check USCHO.com and the Minnesota State page for my full game write-up...

UMD at MSU: Part Deux

For the second night in a row, a long stretch of whistle-less hockey ends with a Maverick goal. Both teams skated around for the better part of what seemed like five or six minutes with no stoppages. For the most part, the hockey really wasn't that great. Stalock and Zacharias didn't help their teams out much either. Numerous times when it looked like the teams could use a stoppage, the goalies kept the puck moving. Finally, defenseman Blake Friesen gained control of the puck near the blueline, skated towards the slot and waited out Stalock, who committed early. Friesen fired the wrister over Stalock's glove to score the only goal of the game thus far...

After two, UMD is outshooting MSU 18-14... Should be an interesting third period...

1st Period Scoring Summary
None

2nd Period Scoring Summary
19:17 -- Friesen (Harrison, Galiardi) (1-0 MSU)

3rd Period Scoring Summary
1:27 -- McKnight (Kemp, Meyers) SHG (1-1)
5:31 -- Berge (Kalinski) (2-1 MSU)

UMD at MSU - Pregame

Only one major line-up change from a night ago... Jason Wiley is in - Andy Sackrison is out.

Here are the lines, with starters in italics:

MSU Mavericks
Irwin-Kalinski-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Galiardi-Harrison-Stewart
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Wiley

Davis-Kilburg
Friesen-Canzanello
Linder-Youds

Zacharias
Tormey
Lee

UMD Bulldogs
Gergen-Sharp-Kemp
Carroll-Fulton-Fontaine
Greer-McKNight-Curry
Danberg-Akins-Montgomery

Meyers-Gawryletz
Garrison-Palm
Ryan-Huttel

Stalock
Reiter

The day after and a look at tonight...

Anyone see scores from around the WCHA last night? A pair of 3-2 scores, a pair of 1-0 scores and a 2-2 tie. Not much is separating teams in this conference right now, that's for sure. But if you look at those standings, you see one thing: Colorado College pulling away.

The Tigers have a four-point edge on Denver, which if things go the way they have, will lose to North Dakota tonight. UMD and Tech are both right behind with 12 and 11 points.

The bad news for the Mavericks was their tie last night. A win would have been huge for this team, because they would have leap-frogged UAA in the standings and would have been in position to jump Minnesota and Wisconsin tonight. At the very least, they would have pulled even with SCSU, which its in sixth place. If MSU wins tonight and Wisconsin loses, next weekend's series is critical. After starting the season so well, the Badgers have really come back to the pack. Shane Connelly is not Brian Elliott, so if you can shut down their first line and take your chances, you have to like your odds.

But first, there is tonight. Troy Jutting and Scott Sandelin are both expecting more of the same. Although he wouldn't commit to it for sure, it sounds like Mike Zacharias will get he start in net for MSU. Alex Stalock has started every game so far this season for UMD, so there is no reason to think he won't play again tonight. I wasn't overly impressed with either goaltender last night; both played well, but didn't have to make any fantastic, game-saving saves. They made the saves they had to. Zacharias didn't have a chance on UMD's second goal as it was deflected to the net.

That is something I feel MSU needs to do more of. Far too many times last night, a Maverick player was shooting the puck from the outside and there was no traffic around Stalock. The MSU power-play was a bit conservative, too. Although it moved the puck well and maintained possession, it didn't fire many quality shots on Stalock. UMD did a good job of shutting down shooting lanes.

Should be a fun game tonight! Hopefully the snow doesn't keep any of you from the arena, but if it does, check out the blog, as I'll keep scoring updates coming and try to offer intermission thoughts. The game is on Charter Channel 14 as well...

Talk to you all in a few hours!

...and we're off!

2nd Period Summary
I guess I'm not really sure what to think. I'd still say MSU looked better than UMD that period, but for about a 10 minute stretch in the middle of that period, the Mavericks were absolutely lost. They were outworked, outplayed, outscored and outshot. They rebounded, if only a little bit, and by the end of the period, MSU and UMD were on the same mediocre level...

MSU out shot the Bulldogs for the period 11-8, and are ahead for the game 21-13.

They just added an assist on the Hanson goal to Kilburg, meaning he has now equaled his entire point total from last season in just 10 games and two periods. We'll see if Hanson's goal can kickstart this team's offense as many thought it would. After his goal, the Mavs didn't have many quality chances, but had a stellar power-play towards the end of the period. The puck hardly got out of their end, but Duluth did a great job of shutting down shooting lanes.

Here is the scoring summary so far:
1st Period Scoring
MSU - 5:43 -- Davis (Galiardi, Kilburg) (1-0 MSU)

2nd Period Scoring
MSU - :28 -- Hanson (Bruess, Kilburg) (2-0 MSU)
UMD - 8:23 -- Carroll (Fontaine, Fulton) (2-1 MSU)
UMD - 9:29 -- Garrison (Schmidt) (2-2)

3rd Period Scoring
None

Overtime
None

MORE TO COME...

UMD at MSU Preview

An interesting note before I begin... 22 people voted for Joel Hanson and his zero points so far as this season's biggest surprise (68%). Not saying I disagree with you, just found it interesting...

Piggy-backing off of that, an interesting roster tweak this weekend by Mavericks head coach Troy Jutting. Finding his way onto the fourth-line is the long-lost "eighth defenseman" Ryan Gunderson. He will play along side James Gaulrapp and Geoff Irwin during Friday's game.

For awhile, I thought maybe Jutting was trying to prove a point to another forward by putting Gunderson up-front all week in practice. But when I asked Jutting this afternoon if he had changed his mind, he said no.

"He's worked hard," Jutting said. "He's a big kid who skates well and has good hands. This is a chance for him to prove he belongs."

Gunderson didn't play in many games last season - suiting up in just seven contests. I'm not knocking is skills, and time will tell how he plays this weekend. I guess I was just surprised Jutting decided to move Gunderson to forward, considering they spent much of last season transitioning him to defense.

"He's played forward his whole life, so this move shouldn't be too drastic," Jutting said.

Gunderson tallied one assist last year in a November contest against Colorado College. No word on whether the move is permanent. Stay tuned this weekend for updates on his play.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks are concluding a very intense week of practice. The pace has quickened recently at All Seasons Arena and this week, the hitting picked up as well.

"We need it," said junior forward Jon Kalinski. "Maybe it will help us play a 60-minute game instead of a 40-minute game."

Indeed, playing complete games has one major problem. But the Mavericks tackled another one during their two week layoff: scoring goals.

The team worked on drills in practice designed on putting the puck in the net. A few of the lighter moments were spent just trying to increase the players' confidence. One individual that could help the Mavericks offense get on track is the senior captain Hanson.

It's not difficult to see that Hanson - perhaps the team's classiest player - is frustrated with answering the same question over and over. But he has handled it well.

"You just have to work through it I guess," he said Wednesday.

Jutting and Kalinski both feel that once Hanson gets going, so will the Maverick offense. Hanson's goals usually come in bunches, which may help kickstart the MSU attack, especially if Hanson could net one in the early stages of Friday's game.

"There's no question, he's the key right now," Jutting said. "There's no if, ands or buts about it."

Kalinski says he'd like to see Hanson rewarded.

"He's working hard, but right now, he's just not getting the lucky bounces."

Something tells me Hanson gets on track this weekend.

MSU FORWARD LINES
Berge-Sackrison-Kalinski
Hanson-Mouillierat-Bruess
Galiardi-Harrison-Stewart
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Irwin

ON THE BLUELINE
Davis-Kilburg
Canzanello-Friesen
Youds-Linder
*Boe is the odd-man out for Friday's contest

IN NET
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
*Zacharias will start Friday

PREDICTION
I have a feeling MSU finds a way to get back on track this weekend. The No. 12 Bulldogs have a few nice wins on their schedule this season, including a 4-2 win at North Dakota last weekend, a victory the weekend before against Michigan Tech and a 3-0 win at Denver in October. They have struggled against the Mavericks in the past couple of years, and to me, this Mavericks simply need this series more than UMD does. Look for the Mavericks to come away with three points this weekend.

IN OTHER WCHA ACTION THIS WEEKEND

Michigan Tech at Minnesota: SPLIT
St. Cloud State at Wisocnsin: SPLIT
Colorado College at Alaska-Anchorage: CC SWEEP
North Dakota at Denver: SPLIT

If you can't make it to Alltel Center this weekend for the games, be sure to check the blog as I will try to post in-game comments. Thanks for reading!

Back from break

In my column today, I wrote about the chaotic WCHA so far this season...

The team has skated hard Sunday and Monday following three days off, and will play just their second and third home games of the season this weekend against No. 12 Minnesota-Duluth.

I'll be back with more from practice on Wednesday and bring in the traditional Thursday weekend preview!


NOTE: I have joined another blog that covers Maverick hockey in changing the anonymous comment posting ability... if you have an opinion or a question, simply sign in and ask it. Thanks for continuing to read...

First semester progress reports

It's hard to believe this season is a quarter of the way finished already. For some, it's getting to the 1/3 point. But after finishing a nine-out-of-10 game stretch on the road, the Mavericks will finally get a chance to have a little "home cookin" over the next 17 days or so. It's been a crazy season already, filled with more valleys than peaks, but there have been signs of life.

Remember, this team has played more games on the road thus far than any other team in college hockey. At 3-6-1 overall and 1-6-1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, MSU is not where it wants to be. But there is plenty to look forward to in the next couple of months - as the post-season will be here before you know it.

FORWARDS

A surprise: Sophomore Trevor Bruess started the season rotating between the third and fourth lines. That's the role he excelled in last season. But before long, Bruess led the Mavericks in scoring and was promoted to the team's top-line. Jon Kalinski struggled to get his season kick-started, until he lined up with Bruess and Mick Berge. Now, Berge and Kalinski have rocketed back to the top of the team scoring charts while Bruess has moved back down to his role as a grinder. You could argue 'Bruiser' has been the team's most consistent player thus far, and he will be counted on to provide the occasional scoring punch from those bottom lines the rest of the season.

A disappointment: Joel Hanson scored 15 goals during a breakout season last year, and added 13 assists to finish with 28 points - third on the team. With the graduation of Travis Morin, Hanson was being counted on to be the Mavs new No. 2 guy in the offensive end. But through 10 games, Hanson doesn't have a single point. He is the only forward regular to not find the score sheet yet.

A prediction: Sooner or later, things will open up for Hanson. He hasn't scored yet, but it's not as though he has been invisible. Being a senior, Hanson does all the little things right; he is disciplined and has been a very good leader. The younger players have talked about how much they respect Hanson because of the business like approach he takes despite the early point production struggles. "You don't see him out there breaking his stick," said freshman Rylan Galiardi. Hanson will be fine. This prediction may be a bold one, but I wouldn't be at all surprised: Hanson will be among MSU's top-3 point scorers by the time we ring in the new year.

Grade through 10 games: C-
The Mavericks have not scored enough goals for this grade to be higher. The have been adept, however, at creating chances and that's why this grade isn't lower. MSU has worked in practice this week on goal scoring and finishing chances when they get them. Perhaps its the lack of a proven sniper or the inexperience up front, but if the Mavs are to get back into this thing, they will need to improve on the 1.5 goals they are averaging so far in WCHA games.

DEFENSEMEN

A surprise: Junior Brian Kilburg has already scored more goals this season (1) than he did all of last season and is within two points of his entire total from 2006-07 (6). Following his benching Saturday at Minnesota, Kilburg played one of his best games Friday in Denver. He has been paired with freshman Kurt Davis all season and the two provide the team with its most versatile duo. Davis' specialty is on the offensive end (he has four assists so far) while Kilburg's size allows him to play a physical defensive style - as they did in the first game at DU. If these two can play that well together on a more consistent level the rest of the season, they will be a very good pairing.

A disappointment: If you really want to call it that... This may be stretching it a bit, but Ben Youds has only one point in eight games this season after being sold by head coach Troy Jutting as the most talented defenseman this program has ever recruited. I'm not calling the guy a bust just 10 games into his first season, because Youds has not been bad this season. But he hasn't been spectacular. Fellow freshmen Davis and Channing Boe have stood out more than Youds has - and he came in with the much higher billing. The fact Youds has been the most disappointing defender is really a credit to how well this unit has played so far.

A prediction: I am really high on the play of Boe thus far. Unlike Youds and Davis - the more offensive defensemen on the team - Boe provides a big, physical presence on the blueline. He has a cannon for a shot, too. My prediction, although it may be a bit long term, Boe turns into a Steve Wagner type player who by his third season, will be the most dependable Maverick defenseman.

Grade through 10 games: B
If not for the outstanding play of Mike Zacharias, this group would be the biggest surprise pf the season. Despite lacking an experienced defenseman that has a lot of skill, this group has played hard, disciplined hockey for most of the 10 games. Senior R.J. Linder has been everything the team has needed him to be: steady. Blake Friesen will be this year's Linder, next season. The junior is not the most skilled player on the team, but he rarely makes costly mistakes. Boe, Davis and Youds all provide a lot of potential. All three have seen substantial playing time as freshmen and will continue to because they have responded. Kilburg can be in the upper tier of WCHA defensemen when he plays a defensive, physical brand of hockey.

GOALTENDING

Grade through 10 games: B
Zacharias is the reason this grade is so high. If it were his grade alone, it would probably be an A. Dan Tormey has struggled so far this season, and the reason for that is unclear. He finished the season strongly last year, so I don't think it is hand-injury related.

Zacharias, meanwhile, has been one of the best in the conference. He has allowed a pair of questionable goals in 10 games, so there is some things for him to work on. But if he can maintain this level of play, or more realistically, stay around it, he will find himself playing a lot come January and February.

Let me know what you guys think of the grades. I'll stay away from grading coaches at this point. Besides, it seems as though you guys have decided final marks for them already.

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving! Might take a break for a couple days, but feel free to leave comments, ask questions and peruse as usual. I'll be updating some of the sidebar information as this weekend's action progresses.

Progress Reports to come next week

I see that a majority of the 26 people who voted on a grade for the Mavericks through eight games gave the Mavericks a C (14). A significant number less gave a B (9) with the rest divided evenly with one vote.

For my mid-week post next week (Wednesday), I will provide a "1st Semester Progress Report."

Thanks for being a part of the blog, and keep the questions and votes coming...

How would you guys (and gals) grade the Mavericks season so far?

Mid-week thoughts heading into the Denver series...

The big question for a few people, at least the ones who were posting questions to the previous thread, was the status of forward Jerad Stewart heading into this weekend's series at the University of Denver.

Because his penalty was deemed a game disqualification, he will not be able to play Friday night against the Pioneers. Justin Bostrom - who was assessed a checking from behind penalty just minutes before, was only given a game misconduct. He will be eligible to play Friday in the Gophers first game against Alaska-Anchorage.

Notable nuggets:

* The fact Stewart must sit out one game may have an effect on whether Mavericks head coach Troy Jutting even brings the sophomore to Denver this weekend. "I don't know yet," was all Jutting could offer this afternoon.

* Jutting refused to reflect on the Gophers series today, saying "I'm only looking forward to Denver."

* The coach is mindful about the fact his team is tired right now, as the Mavericks have been going at it for about six or seven straight weeks, spending much of that time on the road against second-place Michigan Tech, defending conference champion Minnesota and the longest trip of the year to Anchorage. This weekend's trip isn't exactly a short one either.

But after this weekend, the Mavericks will get a weekend off before hosting Minnesota-Duluth and Wisconsin and taking a bus trips to nonconference Bemidji State and Nebraska-Omaha before Christmas. After returning from Denver Sunday, MSU will not have to board a plane again until they head back to the Rocky Mountain State for a series at Colorado College on Feb. 29 and Mar. 1, 2008.

* Jutting gave his team the day off today in order to rest mentally and physically. A few players did show up to do some work on their own, including forwards Kael Mouillierat, Matt Tyree, defenseman Brian Kilburg and netminder Mike Zacharias. Others were also there, and it seemed like a pretty good turnout for an optional day.

* Zacharias will start Friday night in net for the Mavericks. Jutting said he's not sure who will play Saturday, but once again, it's safe to say the starter will not be determined until after the conclusion of game one.

* Jutting noted that no player will be punished Friday for violating his new penalty rule. "I wouldn't classify any of the penalties we took as stupid or selfish," he said.

* The only player in question on the injury front is defenseman Blake Friesen. A decision on him isn't expected until later this week.

Check back Thursday for the traditional weekly preview. Feel free to ask questions, I check the site multiple times daily and will try as hard as I can to get you a quick answer. Thanks for reading!

Thoughts on MSU vs. Minnesota

Sorry if anybody came and checked for in-game updates from Minneapolis... I had computer trouble and was unable to access to web until now.

First, about tonight's game... The Mavericks had control of the game for the better part of 40 minutes. They won the first and third frames, but as they did Friday night, they got destroyed in the second. Kyle Okposo had been silent all year before awakening for a five minute span to start the second period... before that time and after that time, he was silent again.

I thought MSU did a good job of keeping tabs on Blake Wheeler tonight after he had a pair of assists Friday and was the best player on the ice.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lucia goal should have been disallowed (Shane Frederick and I may have been the only dissenters on this one). I thought it was clear Flynn made contact with Tormey, and whether he's outside the crease or not, it's still an interference penalty... but I digress.

There was another small thing in the game tonight that frustrated me as well... It was in the second period and for the second time in as many nights, Ben Gordon had his stick broken and did not immediately drop it to the ice. And it wasn't as if it was just cracked and he didn't know... his blade was on the ground while he held the shaft. Tonight, he threw his end into the crowd. I watched one of the officials look directly at him and not call a penalty. I don't care if he threw it into the crowd by accident... that needs to be whistled...

Minnesota did nothing to prove to me they are an elite team. They won about a third of the action this weekend, and were thoroughly outplayed for the other two-thirds by a team with less talent. I don't know if it's poor coaching or if guys just aren't playing well, but it's clear that (at least right now) Minnesota does not belong among the nation's elite.

Dan Tormey was up and down tonight. He made a couple fantastic saves. He also allowed a couple softies (the first goal comes to mind). I think Tormey can be a very good goalie, but to me, something just hasn't quite been right so far this season. Maybe it's just one of those things a goalie goes through over the course of the season...

It's too bad the Mavericks weren't rewarded with a win in this series. I think MSU proves they can play with Minnesota. If not for a couple of defensive lapses in the second period of both games, the Mavericks clearly had the advantage this weekend. It's too bad these teams won't play again this season (unless its in the playoffs)... it'd be interesting to see them go at it again in January or February.

Look for the weekly review on Tuesday... Thanks for stopping by.

Minnesota beats MSU 4-3 in game one

Be sure to check USCHO for my in-depth game recap... it should be posted later tonight... I will check in tomorrow from Mariucci Arena with a more in-depth review.

PRE-GAME: Mavericks vs. Gophers

Check by often for opinion and commentary of tonight's game. Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions or whatever...

I am sitting in the press box in the Alltel Center between a pair of WCHA reporting legends - Shane Frederick of the Free Press and Bruce Brothers of the Pioneer Press. Does it get any better than this?

Seriously though... pre-game warm ups right now. 25 minutes or so until face-off and the student section is full. Completely full. Impressive...

Here are the line-ups for both teams:

Starters in italics...
MINNESOTA STATE
Kalinski-Bruess-Berge
Mouillierat-Galiardi-Hanson
Irwin-Sackrison-Louwerse
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart

Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Linder
Friesen-Canzanello

Zacharias
Tormey

MINNESOTA
Hoeffel-Okposo-Barriball
Gordon-Wheeler-Bostrom
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Howe

Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson

Frazee
Kangas

Check back for more updates after the puck drops...

Week 4: Minnesota State vs. Minnesota

Just 27 hours shy of the Mavericks first home game of the season, Mankato is buzzing.

As I was entering Alltel Center today for practice, one woman stepped to the ticket window inquiring about tickets for the game tomorrow. She was told none were available — not even standing room.

Its been a long time since a Mavericks game has been sold out more than a day out from the game. It is possible that MSU could approach the attendance record of 5,182 set in 2003 against North Dakota. The game will surely draw more than the 3,803 people MSU averaged last season.

The Mavericks line-up is almost set — head coach Troy Jutting is waiting on the health of one defenseman, Ben Youds. Youds has a lower body injury and his status will not be known until after tomorrow's morning skate.

As I noted in my article today, Jutting has again made some minor tweaks to his lines. Here is his plan as of Thursday afternoon:

FORWARDS
Jon Kalinski-Trevor Bruess-Mick Berge
Kael Mouillierat-Rylan Galiardi-Joel Hanson
James Gaulrapp-Zach Harrison-Jerad Stewart
Geoff Irwin-Andy Sackrison-Jason Wiley


DEFENSEMEN
Kurt Davis-Brian Kilburg
Blake Friesen-Nick Canzanello
R.J. Linder-Youds or Channing Boe

GOALTENDER
Mike Zacharias

Neither Jutting nor Galiardi are too worried about his move from wing to center — Galiardi played center for three seasons in Alexandria of the North American Hockey League.

"I was just getting used to playing wing," Galiardi said.

Mouillierat will also mix in at center on that line. The job for that line this weekend?

"Get Hanny going," Galiardi said. "And play well in our end."

Hanson is the only remaining offensive regular without a single point this season, but as Jutting said earlier this week, when he gets going, he scores goals and points in bunches. Is there a better weekend to crack the scoring sheet?

The home-and-home aspect of the series shouldn't present too many problems. MSU went through it for the first time last season against St. Cloud and had some success.

"It's not that long of a trip, so it's not too bad," Zacharias said. "I like it when you can play two at home and two at their place, I think it creates more of a rivalry that way. But now both cities will get to see both teams this season, so that will be fun."

Zacharias will be the biggest key for both teams this weekend — if he continues to play well, there is no reason the Mavericks can't win at least one game over a struggling Gopher squad.

PREDICTION

I have been going back and forth on this all week. Will Minnesota come out looking to silence the critics? Or are they just not that good right now? Can MSU continue to produce offense? How long can Zacharias go before allowing a goal? When he does, how will he respond?

I'll take the easy way out and predict a split. Both teams will take care of business on home-ice. Mavericks win Friday 4-2, Gophers win Saturday 3-1.

WCHA PREDICTIONS

NORTH DAKOTA AT WISCONSIN: SPLIT
In what amounts to the series of the weekend, I see each team winning a game. Both teams can score. Both teams can defend. Both games will be close, with North Dakota winning Friday and the Badgers salvaging the split Saturday at the Kohl Center.

ST. CLOUD STATE AT MICHIGAN TECH: MICHIGAN TECH SWEEP
In a battle of the Huskies, I see four points going to the home team. I am of the belief that Michigan Tech is on a mission after so many in the media (myself included) doubted the validity of this team. But MTU has swept MSU and split with UND and Wisconsin so far this season. I think St. Cloud State is very similar to Minnesota State (as far as how I see both teams finishing), thus, Tech takes both games at home. I'd give SCSU a game if this series were being played in St. Cloud.

MINNESOTA-DULUTH AT COLORADO COLLEGE: SPLIT
This would be a pretty good weekend for UMD. Colorado Springs is a tough place to play — just ask the Gophers. CC has been on the road for consecutive weekends against two of the best teams in the country. The letdown factor may be there Friday, as I see the 'Dogs winning tomorrow. CC will respond with an inspired victory Saturday and win going away.

Again, check in during the Minnesota State-Minnesota games all weekend. I will be in the press box at Alltel Center and Mariucci Arena providing in-game updates, analysis and opinions. Feel free to chime in. Thanks for reading!

Normal Thursday column will be released after today's practice

I will be heading down to the Alltel Center for today's 2 p.m. practice and will withhold my normal Thursday morning column until after practice... Be sure to check back this afternoon for the latest on this weekend's series against Minnesota.

Also, I will debut the in-game aspect of the blog this weekend. I will be at Alltel Center tomorrow as well as Mariucci Arena on Saturday providing in-game updates and opinions.

Please be sure to check back often during the games.

Skaters as Waiters scheduled for tonight

Anyone interested in meeting a few Maverick hockey players or in helping a great cause should head to Junkers Bar and Grill tonight in North Mankato.

The event will last from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and will feature Maverick hockey players as waiters. They will donate all of their tips to Campus Kitchens — a non-profit organization that helps prepare and deliver meals for families around Mankato.

Coordinators for the event are Brian Kilburg, Matt Tyree, Mick Berge, Jon Kalinski, Channing Boe and Rylan Galiardi. Other players will also be there waiting on tables and bartending.

There will also be a silent auction with items including an autographed team stick, autographed game-worn pair of gloves, autographed jersey, tickets to a home game and more.

Junkers Bar and Grill is located on the corner of Lor Ray Drive and Commerce Drive.

Week 3 Review

Who is not excited about this weekend, and the Minnesota State men’s hockey opener at the Alltel Center?

After two weeks of practice and three weekends on the road, Maverick fans will finally get their first look at the Mavs in person.

First things first… A very nice weekend for MSU against Alabama-Huntsville. The Mavericks were able to get their offense on track, as well as the team’s best offensive player — Jon Kalinski.

MSU’s power play also scored three times — all in Friday’s 7-0 win.

Troy Jutting said he was very pleased with his team’s effort this weekend, saying that if he could have scripted the weekend, he couldn't have done a better job — at least for the first five periods.

He said he wasn’t upset about the Mavericks play in the final period Saturday, just that it appeared the Mavericks appeared to take their collective feet off the proverbial gas pedal.

“But when you’re up 11-1 through five periods and you’re on the road for three straight weekends…” Jutting said.

You might also want to give UAH some credit. This weekend was their home opener. They had their heads bashed in for the first 100 minutes of the series.

People may dwell on the strength of this opponent. Don’t forget, Alabama-Huntsville brought Minnesota to the brink in the Dodge Holiday Classic last season en route to a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Obviously, they aren’t one of the nation’s top teams. But Huntsville is not always the easiest place to win — especially when you have spent the previous two weekends on the road.

Mike Zacharias continued his outstanding play in net. A save percentage of .943? A goals against of 1.47? Not stats usually synonymous with Maverick goaltenders. He should get his stiffest test of the season this weekend against a Minnesota team that is traditionally one of the most potent offensively in the country. The Gophers have struggled so far this season, however. More on this in Thursday’s column.

What did everybody think of the decision to start Dan Tormey on Saturday? What should Jutting do this weekend? Feel free to leave your feedback.

On the injury front, Jutting said his team is in pretty good shape. "A few bumps and bruises," Jutting said. Freshman Mike Louwerse was back skating Monday in practice and is questionable for this weekend. Everyone else is healthy enough to play.

• What is going on in Minneapolis?
Granted, Denver is a very good team. But the Gophers got completely shut down at home. Their power play can’t score and their penalty kill is having trouble stopping people. The Gophers seem to be lacking a true identity thus far. Minnesota is 0-4-0 in the WCHA for the first time in school history, which begs the question; which team does Minnesota State get this weekend? A Gopher team struggling to find its way? Or a determined bunch looking to crack the win column for the first time?

• Told ya so…
North Dakota rolled to a win on Friday. Colorado College returned the favor on Saturday. Both offenses are very good, and Richard Bachman came to play on Saturday. For some reason, UND has struggled in Ralph Engelstad Arena the past few seasons, especially during the season’s opening months. Two splits in two weeks for the Fighting Sioux… not saying people have figured them out. But maybe this team isn’t as invincible as some (me) thought?

• Told ya so, part deux…
I predicted a Michigan Tech win on Friday and a Wisconsin win on Saturday. Michael-Lee Teslak may not be the best goalie in the conference, but he is playing the best right now. Is there any chance MTU head coach Jamie Russell decides to give Teslak a weekend to himself, just once to see what happens? Or will he continue sharing time with Rob Nolan? Wisconsin defenseman Kyle Klubertanz continues his stellar rebound campaign. The senior scored a pair of goals this weekend and added an assist. This season, he has four goals and four assists.

• SCSU gets three…
It wasn’t a sweep, but three points isn’t bad. Heck, after tying the Under-18 team the weekend before, it’s a full-blown improvement. Now that the Huskies have figured out how to score (at least for one weekend), can they get consistent goaltending from Jase Weslosky?

Mavericks pound Chargers

Minnesota State scored four first period goals — two of them power play markers by Jon Kalinski — en route to a 7-0 smashing of Alabama-Huntsville Friday night.

Kalinski gave the Mavs a 2-0 lead 8:01 of the first. Jason Wiley and Rylan Galiardi added first period goals. For Galiardi, it was his first collegiate tally. Kael Mouillierat had a pair of assists in the opening 20 minutes.

Jerad Stewart scored the only goal in the second period on a pass from Brian Kilburg.

Geoff Irwin added another power play goal at 4:42 of the third. Galiardi earned the only assist. Kilburg capped scoring for the Mavericks at 13:00 on an even strength tally. Freshmen Kurt Davis and Andy Sackrison had assists.

Kalinski (2-0--2), Davis (0-2--2), Galiardi (1-1--2), Mouillerat (0-2--2) and Kilburg (1-1--2) all had multi-point nights for the Mavericks.

Mike Zacharias made 18 saves to earn his second consecutive shutout. His shutout streak now stands at 162:17. It was the first time MSU has had consecutive road shutouts since the Mavericks blanked Gustavus and Hamline in 1986-87.

Game two of the series is scheduled for 3:07 p.m.

In other action in the WCHA tonight:
• Denver 5, Minnesota 1
• Michigan Tech 4, Wisconsin 2
• St. Cloud State 5, Alaska-Anchorage 3
• North Dakota 6, Colorado College 2
• Minnesota-Duluth has the weekend off

Week 3 — MSU at Alabama-Huntsville

Before I get started, if you haven’t read the story about Jamie Russell, check out the link in the post two below this one. It’s really a great feature story by Jess Myers (no relation) of Inside College Hockey.

Also if you get a chance, head out and support the women’s hockey team tonight at All Seasons Arena. The team is raising money to fight Breast Cancer and all money collected at the door tonight (admission is free) will be given to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Minnesota Affiliate. I wrote a little more about in the event today in my column.

On a side note, I decided to do a little straw poll of players and coaches following Wednesday’s practice. The question was spurred by a comment someone made on a previous post about St. Cloud State being MSU’s biggest rival. I asked 13 people — a combination of players and coaches — the WCHA team they consider to be their biggest rival. Eight people said Minnesota, three said North Dakota and two said St. Cloud State. I thought it was kind of interesting.

Now, onto this weekend.

The team is in very good spirits this week following a solid weekend up in Anchorage. Most are not really sure what to expect at Huntsville this week — on the ice or off of it.

“I’m from Oklahoma and I’ve never been to Alabama,” said junior forward Mick Berge.

I also talked to Berge about the new line adjustments made by Mavs head coach Troy Jutting this week. You can read a little more about it here in my story in the Reporter today. In short, here are the new lines for this weekend, according to Jutting:

Berge-Trevor Bruess-Jon Kalinski
Joel Hanson-Kael Mouillierat-Geoff Irwin
Jerad Stewart-Zach Harrison-Rylan Galiardi
James Gaulrapp-Andy Sackrison-Jason Wiley

“I wanted to see if we could develop some different things chemistry wise,” Jutting said. “We also have a lot of conference games coming up. I want to keep these guys on edge.”

I knew it wouldn’t take Troy long to waffle on the goalie rotation for the weekend. In fairness, he did tell me he reserved the right to change. Monday, he said it would likely by Mike Zacharias on Friday and Dan Tormey on Saturday. It still might end up that way.

But his official answer on Wednesday was Zacharias on Friday and “we’ll see what happens” on Saturday. He said the same thing last weekend. My gut tells me he will go with the rotation this weekend, in order to provide Zacharias rest for the series against Minnesota. He has played all but one period so far this season, and with the way he has played, Zacharias seems like he has assumed the No. 1 spot in net — at least for now.

The key for the Mavericks this weekend is avoiding a let down against UAH.

Just one week after a three-point conference weekend and one week before a home-and-home series with rival Minnesota, MSU is faced with a pair of non-conference road games against a nondescript opponent.

“We just need to keep reminding ourselves not to go in underestimating these guys,” said junior defenseman Brian Kilburg. “Anytime you have a team like Alabama-Huntsville; when they play a team from the WCHA, they going to want to play a little bit harder.

Mavericks captain Joel Hanson agreed, comparing Huntsville a lot to this past weekend against UAA.

“We have to go into it like that,” Hanson said. “We didn’t really know what to expect from Anchorage. But these are important games for us. When it comes down to the end of the season, these non-conference games are important in the Pairwise. It’s a big series for us.”

Jutting has been preaching the importance of these games since the beginning of the season, citing the Mavs’ ability to finish strong over the past few seasons but still get no love from the folks who decide who plays past the Final Five.

“These non-conference games is what has held us out of the NCAA Tournament the last few years,” Berge said.

“I think two years ago, our weekend at Bemidji cost us a shot at going to the tournament last year,” Jutting said. “I have been stressing to these guys; although they don’t seem important at the time, they are really important by the time the end of the season rolls around.”

From the guys I talked to, it seems to be taking affect. Zach Harrison, for example, was preparing to watch DVD’s on the Chargers’ power play and penalty kill units.

“I think this weekend can be a huge momentum builder,” Hanson said. “That momentum would be big for us heading into that Gopher series.”

PREDICTION
The Chargers will likely play inspired hockey for the first part of Friday’s game, and may even get an early lead. But MSU is the superior team. They played well last weekend in Anchorage, and gained three points despite the fact they still haven’t found a consistent offensive weapon. I’ll go 4-1 Friday and 5-3 Saturday as MSU takes the sweep, and discovers some offense to boot.

WCHA PREDICTIONS
I’m done picking scores for these games, but I’ll pick series. MSU is playing non-conference this weekend and Minnesota-Duluth is off. Everybody else is playing a conference opponent. There will be no non-conference games for any WCHA team next week for the first time all season…

DENVER AT MINNESOTA: Split
Minnesota hasn’t proven they can score goals consistently and Denver usually is good for one outstanding night from goaltender Peter Mannino. It will be interesting to see if Gophers coach Don Lucia plays netminder Jeff Frazee both nights, or gives another start to freshman Alex Kangas. Kangas was outstanding in Minnesota’s 2-1 win Friday night at Mariucci Arena.

MICHIGAN TECH AT WISCONSIN: Split
Michigan Tech is playing inspired hockey right now and the Badgers are coming off a weekend where they didn’t play. Tech’s Michael-Lee Teslak has been the best goalie in the conference through the first few weekends and might steal a win on Friday for the Huskies.

COLORADO COLLEGE AT NORTH DAKOTA: Split
The Tigers were swept last weekend at New Hampshire and the Fighting Sioux split at Michigan Tech. The smart man would pick UND in a sweep here, but my gut tells me CC will find a way to win one game. Both teams are fast and can score goals. The question for the Tigers is: which goaltender will show up? Richard Bachman was outstanding in both wins over Minnesota, but CC coach Scott Owens decided to give Drew O’Connell a shot Friday against UNH. The Tigers lost the game 5-3. Bachman started Saturday and wasn’t much better, allowing four goals in a 4-2 loss.

ALASKA-ANCHORAGE AT ST. CLOUD STATE: St. Cloud State sweep
Any regular reader of this blog knows I am not very high on SCSU. They have not been able to find a consistent scoring threat to take the reins from the departed Andrew Gordon. Until the final five minutes Sunday, it looked like they were going to be shutout by the Under-18 team. Luckily for them, they scored a pair of goals to salvage a tie and maybe a sliver of respect. UAA played well enough for a split last weekend, but only got one point. The travel is long. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a split. But I’ll give the Huskies one more chance to prove themselves.

Enjoy the games and thanks for reading!

Minnesota tickets update... Student support strong

I'll get you old-timers out of the way first: For non-students, standing room only tickets are still available for the Minnesota game at Alltel Center for $22. Might wanna get on them though... the game is next Friday and if you don't, I'm sure there will be a line of Maroon and Gold clad fans ready to pounce.

Student hockey tickets went on sale for the game this morning at the Taylor Center. MSU Athletic Director Kevin Buisman said the line for tickets stretched from the Taylor Center Hall of Champions (where distribution took place), through Myers Fieldhouse all the way down to Pennington Hall (for those that don’t know the school, that’s about the length of a football field). Some were there with pillows as early as 1 a.m.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Buisman said. “It really demonstrated the enthusiasm students have for the hockey program and the excitement of having a rival like the University of Minnesota come down here.”

The show of support comes on the heels of a season where student attendance and enthusiasm was better than it had been in years.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Mavericks head coach Troy Jutting. “It’s great to have the support of the student body. By far, the most important people we have at the games are students. The involvement and support is really appreciated by our players.”

If you are a student and you haven’t purchased a ticket, there are still “plenty” available, according to MSU athletic ticket manager Joe Wagstaffe. You can get a student ticket with a valid MavCard by heading to the Office of Athletics in Myers Fieldhouse.

Tickets are free, but you will need one to enter the game. All other games will be on a first-come, first-serve basis by showing your MavCard at the door.

A story everyone should read...

This is a story done by Jess Myers over at Inside College Hockey. It's about Michigan Tech head coach Jamie Russell and hectic life over the last two weeks...

Really puts the sport we all love so much in perspective. A great read...

I hope everything works out for Jamie and his family... one of the nicest, classiest guys you will find in the WCHA.