Put 'Em On The Glass

tUMD 4, tMTU 1

It's not really what it looks like. We really won 2-1, with 2 ENGs, which is fine, because a win's a win no matter how you get it. Our win is JUST as valuable as Denver's 7-0 whomping of MSUM (vengeance for the 8-7 embarrassment of a few years ago?), if not more valuable, as a win over Tech is more helpful in the PWR. And man, am I glad that we can consider PWR again!

Last night, we went for a little change of pace and sat on the glass next to the penalty box. It's not exactly the greatest place to sit, as your view is limited in a few place, but it's also a great feeling to be down on ice level for the glass-rattling hits. Or to see Jason Garrison almost fall into the visitor's penalty box because the door flew open. I wouldn't recommend sitting down there often, as I had a distorted view of every goal except the empty netters, but it's so cool when the action's in your end. I could see the intensity of Matt McKnight's face on the face-off, and I could see Gawryletz's weird mulletesque hair in all its glory.

The major problem with our seats was not the view, but the company. I know people have complaints about a lot of annoying things, like people blocking your view or asking dumb questions ("Who is Huffer Christiansen?" Jeez, what are we teaching in those schools?), so my complaint is minor, but this dude behind me was ripping on Mike Curry. Not cool. I was really hoping for Big Mike to get a goal or an assist or something so I could substantiate my claims of Curry Supremacy, but except for one bone-jarring hit on one of his first shifts, and a penalty for high-sticking (My response: "It's not fair! He's just tall!"), he didn't do much to distinguish himself.

My big complaint this game is with... can you guess? THE POWER PLAY. Oh my god. It's not good, and we had better get it straightened out before we go to Grand Forks. My first suggestion is: Matt McKnight needs to GET OFF THE POINT. Put someone on there who can hold the zone. Of course, Matt McKnight is one of My Guys, so this isn't a direct criticism of him, but merely a suggestion on where to play him to his potential. Now, we did have some great chances on the PP, but we got a 5 on 3 for 1:15 and zippo. Tech scored 2 power plays, and their own FANS admitted their PP sucks. We did get a VERY nice delayed penalty goal which I never thought would happen.

One of the zambonis died on the rink between the first and second periods, and crapped snow all over the ice. It was funny.

After the game was fun. I ate some pizza, stalked some dads (hi, Mr. Fulton!), and licked MEg. A good time was had by all.

The drive home today was very annoying. Once we got closer to the Cities, we ran into a bunch of people hauling ATVs/dead deer/snowmobiles/small churches. I would compare our situation to trying to leg out a Texas League double with Frank Thomas, Jason Phillips, and Prince Fielder on the basepaths ahead of me. Yargh. We had a very nice stay at a place called the Firelight Inn, which is not too far away from the RWD Ancestral Home (located at 21st and E. Superior). Nothing says romance like Bulldog hockey and a bed and breakfast! I would certainly recommend the place for anyone visiting Duluth. It's not dirt cheap or anything, but it's beautiful, quiet, and the breakfast is grubbin'. The folks who run it are extremely nice, and you get every amenity you'll get at a hotel and then some.

I'm glad to be home, and I'm glad my first Bulldog series of the season resulted in three points! This coming weekend, we'll probably see new levels of whining from the UND fans. I can't wait to see what kind of heinous behavior they will defend this week.

Speaking of heinous behavior, here's the Mattias Ohlund slash on Mikko Koivu from Friday night's Wild game. A four game suspension is a slap on the wrist compared to what Ohlund deserves. (If Kyle Radke had done this to, say, Michael Gergen, it would be considered "gritty play," or "Gergen deserved it," or "The Bulldogs should wear tutus and dance like hippos if they don't want to get slashed in the back of the leg, this is HOCKEY!") Koivu is one of My Guys in pro hockey (along with Mark Parrish), and you just don't mess with one of my guys. Although no one deserves to be slashed like that.

THE NUMBERS
Wins Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 4!
Points Until We Surpass Last Year's Total: 11!

My Guys:
MacGregor Sharp: 7!
Matt McKnight: 5!
Michael Gergen: 5!
Mike Curry: 1 (But his mere presence in the game cemented our win!)

Freshmen:
Justin Fontaine: 3
Cody Danberg: 1
Rob Bordson: 1
Everyone else: 0

On Notice:
Points
Evan Oberg
Kyle Schmidt
Jay Cascalenda
Andrew Carroll
Matt Greer
Cody Danberg

Goals only
Drew Akins
Nick Kemp (but getting plenty of chances! Especially shorthanded!)
Jason Garrison
Travis Gawryletz
Alex Stalock
Trent Palm
MacGregor Sharp