As hard-working as Ferris is, I think we can get by them with 100% effort even without Zucker; the talent gap is still huge. After that we'll need him back and getting Bennett back would be huge for a deep run.
The talent gap is NOT huge, and don't dismiss Ferris as just a 'hard working team'. Ferris was the league champ in the toughest conference in the country this year - over Michigan, over Miami, over Western Michigan and over Michigan State. Ferris is the higher seeed and will be favored to advance over DU today.
The talent gap is huge. Ferris has no NHL draft picks. That doesn't mean they aren't a better team though, don't think I believe that. This will be a very tough game, a DU win was only my prediction.
RIT had no NHL draft picks and sent us home early in 2010.
Don't buy the draft staus as a talent gap. NHL draft status is not really a great indicator of college hockey talent - it's a projection of pro hockey potential and lots of good and talented college hockey players get left out of the draft (.g. Joey Laleggia, Luke Salazar, David Makowski, etc,)
It is amazing at the beginning of the year the discussion was on who would be sitting because there were 7 D now, they might be playing 4 D for the second weekend in a row. Crazy! I agree that Knowlton is an overlooked key player, Ryder I think is another one. So thankful to have him back in the lineup with all the other D out!!
Man, I'm nervous about this game today. This team has shown a lot of fortitude and grit over the last few weeks--I just hope these injuries don't prove to be too much to overcome. The WCHA tournament was a meatgrinder. No excuses though, it's do or die this weekend. This team is certainly battle-tested.
If DU can scratch and claw this weekend and manage 2 wins and get more guys healthy for the FF, I like our chances.
I agree Twister. I have no doubt that they will be up for the game, it's the injuries that concern us all. This team does have a lot of grit and can compete with anyone when they put their minds to it.
I think victory rests on the upperclassmen leading the Freshmen and Sophmores and the defense possible playing with 4 regulars and one or two converted forwards.
Is this game on nationwide on Altitude? My DirecTV is showing some hunting and fishing bullshit. Good luck to your team. This Fighting Sioux fan relish's in seeing the WCHA own the NCAA's.
10-4 there big guy. Wonder why my reciever didn't update? Oh well, got a long three days of drinking beer and watching hocky ahead of me. You guys enjoy your wine. haha
You can always try the old standby, unplug the DirecTV receiver for a minute and let it recycle through the programming guide when you plug it back it.
Good luck to the Sioux and all the NCHC teams this weekend.
Looks like I will not be able to watch the game at all. Comcast here in New Hampshire does not offer Altitude. And, Comcast does not have an agreement with ESPN so I won't be able to watch on line through ESPNU.
D.G. is correct.There is at least one sports bar in a town of reasonable size that can get anything that is being T.V.broadcast. Denver has many of them with Choppers being one that I would recomend. If it's on the air they can raise it up.
Phillips being out is the only real bummer from that news. The others I expected. There was no way that Zucker would not play.
I expect an EXTREMELY close game. DU might have more pure "talent," which could result in a goal or two. Much more important, however, will be commitment to team D, working hard, playing as a team. If Gwoz has successfully drilled the latter points into the players' heads, then I like our chances. GO DU, get the W!!!
As hard-working as Ferris is, I think we can get by them with 100% effort even without Zucker; the talent gap is still huge. After that we'll need him back and getting Bennett back would be huge for a deep run.
ReplyDeleteObviously, having these guys back is huge. Don't overlook Phillips. He has been great on the blueline and will be missed if he doesn't play.
ReplyDeleteMakowski not on the trip.
ReplyDeleteSad news about Makowski. He played Juniors in Green Bay and I'm sure would of cut off his arm to play today.
ReplyDeleteObviously our thoughts are with David and his family as he goes through this injury situation.
The talent gap is NOT huge, and don't dismiss Ferris as just a 'hard working team'. Ferris was the league champ in the toughest conference in the country this year - over Michigan, over Miami, over Western Michigan and over Michigan State. Ferris is the higher seeed and will be favored to advance over DU today.
ReplyDeleteDU will have its work cut out for it today.
Knowlton is an often overlooked key player out with an injury. I would really like to have him back.
ReplyDeleteMy gut feeling: Zucker, Knowlton and Didier are in. Phillips, Bennett and Mak (obviously) are out.
Getting Phillips back would be huge too. Hoping Gwoz is playing tricks by having him sit out the pregame skate.
Agree with 10:37.
Ferris State's top five point producers plus the starting goaltender are upperclassmen.
ReplyDeleteIf Didier can play today, DU will have five Dmen, if not, four.
Its going to be an epic battle.
And as we saw last year in the Tourney, even if DU wins, will they have enough in the tank to do it all over again on Saturday night.
"I believe that we will win."
The talent gap is huge. Ferris has no NHL draft picks. That doesn't mean they aren't a better team though, don't think I believe that. This will be a very tough game, a DU win was only my prediction.
ReplyDeleteRIT had no NHL draft picks and sent us home early in 2010.
ReplyDeleteDon't buy the draft staus as a talent gap. NHL draft status is not really a great indicator of college hockey talent - it's a projection of pro hockey potential and lots of good and talented college hockey players get left out of the draft (.g. Joey Laleggia, Luke Salazar, David Makowski, etc,)
You're missing the point. DU clearly has/had more talent Ferris/RIT. As said that doesn't meant they are a better college team.
DeleteEnough debate, let's just hope Denver matches Ferris' effort.
Whoever thought having 5 healthy D men would be good news?
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing at the beginning of the year the discussion was on who would be sitting because there were 7 D now, they might be playing 4 D for the second weekend in a row. Crazy! I agree that Knowlton is an overlooked key player, Ryder I think is another one. So thankful to have him back in the lineup with all the other D out!!
ReplyDeleteDrop the puck.
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for the big game.
For those of you who can't miss work, want to watch the game again or have ESPN-U but not Altitude:
ReplyDelete9:30 PM MT ESPN-U [tape delayed]
Man, I'm nervous about this game today. This team has shown a lot of fortitude and grit over the last few weeks--I just hope these injuries don't prove to be too much to overcome. The WCHA tournament was a meatgrinder. No excuses though, it's do or die this weekend. This team is certainly battle-tested.
ReplyDeleteIf DU can scratch and claw this weekend and manage 2 wins and get more guys healthy for the FF, I like our chances.
I agree Twister. I have no doubt that they will be up for the game, it's the injuries that concern us all. This team does have a lot of grit and can compete with anyone when they put their minds to it.
ReplyDeleteI think victory rests on the upperclassmen leading the Freshmen and Sophmores and the defense possible playing with 4 regulars and one or two converted forwards.
GO PIOS
Is this game on nationwide on Altitude? My DirecTV is showing some hunting and fishing bullshit. Good luck to your team. This Fighting Sioux fan relish's in seeing the WCHA own the NCAA's.
ReplyDeleteDirecTV Channel 681 is showing "College Hockey" at 3:30 PM MT, 4:30 PM CT.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.directv.com/entertainment/guide
10-4 there big guy. Wonder why my reciever didn't update? Oh well, got a long three days of drinking beer and watching hocky ahead of me. You guys enjoy your wine. haha
ReplyDeleteYou can always try the old standby, unplug the DirecTV receiver for a minute and let it recycle through the programming guide when you plug it back it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to the Sioux and all the NCHC teams this weekend.
Looks like I will not be able to watch the game at all. Comcast here in New Hampshire does not offer Altitude. And, Comcast does not have an agreement with ESPN so I won't be able to watch on line through ESPNU.
ReplyDeleteAny sports themed restaurant in your area may have Altitude. Ask them if the have Channel 681.
ReplyDeleteI've done this all the time when traveling and never missed a DU game that's been televised.
D.G. is correct.There is at least one sports bar in a town of reasonable size that can get anything that is being T.V.broadcast. Denver has many of them with Choppers being one that I would recomend. If it's on the air they can raise it up.
ReplyDeletewow. that 10:49 is a genius ;-)
ReplyDeletej/k. But, DU hockey twitter just confirmed that Zucker, Diddy, and Knowlton are in. Bennett, Phillips and Mak are out.
I'll take it. A little short on D, but we got the guys to get it done. Get us to Tampa DU!!!!!
so any guess on the lines today?
ReplyDeleteThis just in, from @du_hockey twitter feed:
ReplyDelete@DU_Hockey lineup update: Didier, Knowlton and Zucker in. Phillips, Makowski and Bennett out.
Phillips being out is the only real bummer from that news. The others I expected. There was no way that Zucker would not play.
ReplyDeleteI expect an EXTREMELY close game. DU might have more pure "talent," which could result in a goal or two. Much more important, however, will be commitment to team D, working hard, playing as a team. If Gwoz has successfully drilled the latter points into the players' heads, then I like our chances. GO DU, get the W!!!
This Sioux fan also wishes you well this afternoon!! Keep it in the NCHC. Both our teams will have their hands full in 1st round!!
ReplyDeleteWow, a Sioux fan who is gracious and can also spell!!
ReplyDelete