Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Seawolves vs. UND Preview

UAA leads UND in virtually every statistical category that I can find. Scoring Offense? UAA is two spots above UND. Scoring Defense? UAA is four spots above UND. Power Play? UAA is 13 of 57 for 22.8% and UND is 7 of 60 for 11.7 percent. Penalty Kill? UAA is 59 of 74 for 79.7% and UND is 38 of 48 for 79.2%. UAA is a -2 special teams net and UND is a -5. UAA has 5 players with 10 or more points, UND's leading scorer has 6 points. Goaltending? UND's Brad Eidsness has a 3.52gaa and .883sv%. UAA's Bryce Christianson has a 1.94gaa and a .903sv%. The only category I could find where UND has a statistical advantage is penalty minutes. UAA is averaging 19.3 minutes per game and UND is averaging 16.9 per game.

Don't allow any of that to fool you into thinking that the Seawolves are in any way the "favorite" this weekend. They're not. It's a rare thing to peg any road team as the favorite in a WCHA series. Statistics or not; the fact is that these two teams are tied in the conference standings. UND is notoriously tough to beat in front of the blood-hungry mob they call fans. They've got all the amenities that gambling profiteer Uncle Ralph could possibly shove into an arena. In the rafters are banners from 7 National Championships that testify to a long and storied excellence in Division 1. But you know what? Banners don't skate. History is the past. The games will be played this Friday and Saturday night and not decided by memories of past accomplishments.

UND has 11 upperclassmen on their roster. It isn't the largest number in the league but it is more than sufficient to provide the rest of their team with valuable leadership. All of their veterans have gone deep into the NCAA tournament. UND's main scoring threats are (#16) senior Ryan Duncan, (#29) junior Chris VandeVelde, (#17) freshman Jason Gregoire. A couple of other upperclassmen have contributed as well; (#14) senior Brad Miller and (#8) senior Ryan Martens. Alaskan Evan Trupp is yet to score this season but should also be considered a possible scorer. Freshman thug (#26) Brett Hextall has popped in a couple of goals. They have 13 NHL draft picks on the team. There may be a weakness this weekend as several regular defenseman are questionable for the series with injuries. I've read that road cone Joe Finley will likely return to action after being out several weeks following a concussion. Their only puck carrying defenseman Chay Genoway is questionable as well.

UND's story so far this season has been pretty much exactly what the more astute prognostictors thought it might be. They've struggled in between the pipes after the departure of Lamoureaux who stood on his head every night last year to lead them to the Frozen Four. There's no Toews to earn the Hobey Baker trophy for Ryan Duncan. There's no TJ Oshie. The result of those departures means that UND is struggling in the early going. They had a nice win on Friday last weekend versus Colorado College before getting pounded by Eric Walsky on Saturday night. The weekend before that they had a tight win (3-2) against a hungry Wisconsin team before getting crushed 5-2 on Saturday. In their 1st WCHA series they split with MSU-M getting blown out 5-1 on Friday before winning a close game on Saturday (oops ... I mean before Mankato "GIFTED" them a win). In their non-conference opening games they were blown out by BU (5-1) and suffered their only close loss to UMass (3-2).

What does all that mean? Again, I'd say it likely doesn't mean much. It is just as much in the past as all their banners. Every player that UND puts out on the ice this weekend will step onto the ice with a winning mindset. They'll think they can win before the puck drops and they'll play like they can win. For the Seawolves that means that their fate is squarely in their own hands. My gut tells me that the difference in this series will be goaltending and penalties. Consequently, scoring on the power play and denying the opponent on the penalty kill will be crucial. To this point in the season, the Seawolves have shown signs that they can dominate at full-strength. They'll need to fully exert themselves in those situations if they hope to impose themselves on UND the same way. The Seawolves will need to continue their excellent shot blocking. They'll need the same sort of offensive zone possession as we've seen in every game. The Seawolves top two lines MUST produce this weekend. And most of all, they'll need whomever is in the crease to outplay Eidsness.

Friday's game is available locally for UAA fans on the NHL Network which can be seen on Dish Network channel 403 and DirectTV channel 215. If you don't have either of those carriers I know that most of the "Sports Bars" in Anchorage do (Peanut Farm for sure). Saturday's game isn't available on conventional broadcast TV in Anchorage since GCI wouldn't pay the exhoribitant fees for rebroadcast rights that Uncle Ralph's carrier deems their signal is worth. It's interesting that they're the only signal provider in the WCHA that GCI is unable to get a reasonable price from (and UND fans call Minnesota fans arrogant?). To watch the game you can go to their hostile and abusive website and sign up for their webcast. I watched it last year. It sucked because you couldn't adjust the window size. I doubt the rubes that run it have corrected that but whatever ... I'll be watching it.

Here's a parody video made by North Dakota State University fans mocking UND. I found it quite funny.


54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are they getting the Duluth feed in March?

Donald Dunlop said...

My understanding is that the Duluth TV channel that has carried their games in the past is no longer doing so. Apparently, it's the first year in a long long time that Duluth hasn't had any sort of TV agreement.

I read some discussion about it over on their fan forum. I don't remember the specifics though.

Anonymous said...

That NDSU video is a hoot!
GO WOLVES!!
Dan

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am really impressed you Alaskans have found the world wide web and actually know how to use it! Blogging in the Yukon, who'd have thunk it? Donald, for being the blogger for a program that has done absolutely nothing in its existance, you sure seem to have a lot of pent up rage against North Dakota. As Sioux fans, we're used to fans of programs such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Denver, etc. running their mouths. But they at least have something to brag about. Yes, the past is the past, but guess what....it's called tradition. Something I can safely say UAA has none of. You know, teams of the WCHA have been going up there for the last 20 years as a gift to your University when we have a storied program in our own backyard at Bemidji State that can't play in the WCHA. You should consider yourselves lucky to even be a part of such a storied conference, even if you've been the league's doormat for most of your tenure here. Get a grip and win something before you come to the table with this kind of crap. By the way, I hear the pig-farmer at NDSU that made that idiotic video paid someone to do it because he couldn't figure out how to feed his computer hay. You wanna work on a farm, go to NDSU; you wanna OWN the farm, go to UND! GO SIOUX!!

Anonymous said...

I actually liked what you said about N.D. the "History is in the Past" and "Banners Dont Skate" as I assume it refers to not being intimidated and for the wolves to continue to play like they have THIS year and to ignore lifetime records and the N.D. Crowd/Bullshit ect...Also a bunch of people are talking about going to the Peanut farm on Friday to watch the Game so I will call them to make arangements so if anybody wants to join the more the merrier...

Donald Dunlop said...

Woohoo ...

The vaunted "Bemidji St." argument again! LOL.

EVERY program that was in the WCHA when UAA joined has made more money with UAA in the conference than they would have without. EVERY program. EVERY SINGLE one. Even UND.

I bet NDSU students/alumni/fans could figure out why.

The "banners don't skate" reference is there to shut up the jersey-popping crowing assholes who think that yesterday matters this Friday and Saturday night. UND could have a 1001-1-1 record vs UAA and that has ABSOLUTELY NO BEARING on what happens this weekend. I wouldn't expect anyone in GF to understand that but I tried.

Donald Dunlop said...

And oh yeah ... the program that you say has done absolutely nothing has accomplished more than St. Cloud and Mankato. Look it up doofus.

Anonymous said...

Hey UND doesn't jersey pop. We leave that for Minnesota players to do ;).

@seawolvesfan: that's funny that you make fun of North Dakota. I mean come on you live in Alaska. Great scenery but still...Alaska and you have Sarah Palin as your Governor!(sorry had to put that in :p).

Should be a good series this weekend I'm hoping UND's defense can step it up and start playing solid defense. It'd be great if the PP starts clicking this weekend for us too.

And I gotta say I may be a UND fan but I found that YouTube video to be very amusing. Gave me a few laughs.

Anonymous said...

Is this a UND blog?

Let me sum this up for you NoDakians. You live in North Dakota. Period. We win.

Anonymous said...

But I should also add that you are no longer the "Fighting Souix." You are to henceforth be known as your original name, "The Flickertails"

DD, edit the above comments to reflect this change.

"Flickertails," awesome.

Anonymous said...

Donald, you are right....we all have made money because UAA is in our league. You know why? Because UAA has had to pay all of us to play your school and that god-forsaken road trip we all have to suffer because of it. I agree that St. Cloud and Makato haven't done much as far as the NCAA tournament goes, but hey, they've gotten there more times than UAA has. AND, at least they play an entertaining style of hockey. Remind me again what "the vaunted 'Bemidji State' argument" is again? I didn't make one reference in my first posting that this weekend's series was a "throw away". I was only responding to your sophmoric series preview and your tasteless comments about our arena. One thing you should remember is that not all North Dakota alums come from North Dakota nor do we all agree with Ralph's personal beliefs or hobbies (I'm sure not all Alaskans relate to or align themselves with your famous, or infamous, governor). Our past has no bearing on this weekend, you're right. I don't recall stating anything disputing this fact. The point I was trying to make was that you brought up points about our arena and our rich hockey tradition. Yes, we've won more WCHA titles that I can recall right now and more NCAA titles than any other WCHA school save for Denver. That usually means that we bring in blue-chip talent every year (as evidenced by our number of NHL draft picks) which usually brings with it the normally sky-high expectations that Sioux fans have for their beloved hockey team. No different than Minnesota or Denver in hockey or Notre Dame & USC in football. History and tradition aside, every new season in the WCHA is a blank slate for every team. Because this league is so solid, on any given weekend, any team can beat another. It's a proven fact...just ask Don Lucia when his Tigers lost to MTU in the first round of the WCHA playoffs! I just get sick of hearing from you people who pound your chest like you've done something. At least win a MacNaughton Cup or Broadmoor Trophy, then start talking $hit.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I misspelled Sioux, but does it really matter? You're the Flickertails anyway.

Anonymous said...

Way to leave your comments as 'anonymous' toughguy.

I'd rather live in the Last Frontier and watch the Wolves finish dead last in the WCHA (or any other conference) until the end of time than step foot in nodak again. I went there once to hunt pheasant... sweet jesus what a depressing place. The entire state is a barren wasteland. (Don't bother refuting this nodak honk, you know its true)

The Flickertails have a storied program. And the Wolves are better this year. Period. When Crowder, Clark, Grant and the rest of the boys come down there and bitchslap the F-tails on national tv (NHL Network), even you will have to admit it... until then, try not to commit suicide before the games, as I'm sure living in that desolate hellhole of a state forces you to strugle daily with the thought of hanging yourself from an overpass.

On Wolves

Ogie said...

It defies reason that the Flickertails can keep their local talent in-state for a four year hitch at UND when that state (widely reguarded as a state with NO landmarks to draw tourism, re: there is NOTHING to do). We need to overhaul the opinion of the program and KEEP LOCAL TALENT IN STATE!

Anonymous said...

anon @ 1:29,

Did u shit yourself when Donald started talkin smack bout your beloved fighting indians?

Jimjamesak said...

Do not feed the troll. I repeat, do not feed the troll.

Anonymous said...

hey, at least we don't elect people like Don Young, Ted Stevens(convicted felon) and Sarah Palin

what a joke of a state.

Anonymous said...

now, now, at least the state of alaska isn't in a recession.

Anonymous said...

I thoght North Dakota was Team CANADA

DC said...

tUMD has been on Charter for the last 2 years. The games should be available on the B2 network.

Sorry to, um, interrupt.

Anonymous said...

News out of No Dak is both that Monster Finley and Slick Defenseman Genoway wont be dressing for the series against ak add to the fact that there having trouble scoring makes this matchup to close to call if we can get Goal Scoring and some Monster Goaltending who knowssssssss

wwn said...

Jimjamesak said...
Do not feed the troll. I repeat, do not feed the troll.


Umm, which one? Almost every previous poster has been trolling. And, frankly, they all suck at it.

I love this series, just because of all the spewing of crap from both sides. It really does bring out the idiot in everyone. Congrats to you all.

Donald Dunlop said...

The funniest thing here is that anyone would come here and use a your "politicians suck" argument. I bashed Sarah Palin here LONG LONG before some dumbfuck from Arizona picked her in order to pander the gun-clinging religionists in his political party.

wwn:
These commenters aren't trolling. They're attempting to "taunt" others. Look up the difference in a dictionary. I think you could benefit for visiting the word "whining" as well.

Anonymous said...

I would like to take a moment to parse this comment by the illiterate anonymous Flickertails fan.

“bring bemidji state.... fuckin alaskin govener... thinks shes a hockey mom... well what hockey does she watch???”--- Well, she likely watches her sons, as they play hockey. Which would, if I’m not mistaken, in fact makes her a ‘hockey mom’.

“the seawolves get last place year after year after year..... thats some good hockey to watch id say.” ---True. Stellar use of capitalization and punctuation, Mensa.

“y dont u come to ND and get ur ass beat or u two scared.... “--- Uh, what? Is it really necessary to be an anonymous internet tough guy? Honestly, the Flickertails are not a team of tough guys, and I know a few of your fellow Nodakians, ‘tough’ doesn’t exactly come to mind. Not quite on par with those Frenchies, cheese eating surrender monkeys, but certainly not Alaskan. But if you really feel strongly about fighting perhaps you could utilize the only mode of reliable transportation in that quasi state of yours, hop in a covered wagon and make your way to the nearest airport… I’m guessing Minneapolis, fly your big tough self up here. Then run your mouth. (Granted, if your speech is as coherent as your prose I doubt anyone would understand you.)

“fuck UAA and we will never go there again goes BSU will be in the conference and UAA will be with the canada teams in the new ez league... hey atleast u wont get last.”--- I honestly laughed out loud at the utter illiteracy on display here. I mean my god, is this what passes for an education in Nodak? One question, what does “fuck UAA and we will never go there again goes BSU will be in” mean? Anyone?

My advice to you sir: First, stop fighting. It is clear that the repeated blows to the head have dislodged your brain, rendering you unable to put together even one coherent sentence. Second, start drinking. It will make the beat down that the Wolves are going to put on your Flickertails this weekend easier to take. Lastly, relax. It’s hockey, and while we realize that there is absolutely nothing to do in Nodak aside from watching the Flickertails, you really need a hobby. Do what everyone else in your quasi state does, meth.

On Wolves

Donald Dunlop said...

Oh yeah ... I forgot to thank dumbass for being the 2nd person from North Dakota who threatened to beat me up.

I'll say the same thing to this dUNDerhead. When and if I make a trip to watch the Seawolves play North Dakota you'll be able to read about it here and I won't be hard to find in Grand Forks. And I guarantee you that I'll "represent" quite well in any physical confrontation that you initiate (i.e.. it won't be my first time in a fight you fucking putz).

Anonymous said...

I drove through North Dakota for the first time this summer...nice place...FOR ME TO POOP ON!

Anonymous said...

"y dont u come to ND and get ur ass beat or u two scared...."

Did you text this response from your phone? Excellent use of spelling, punctuation, grammar. Must be that top-notch liberal arts degree from UND. Just like the p mentioned, "Do what everyone else in your quasi state does, meth." Don't forget to put the kids outside before you use.

Anonymous said...

Byron Dorgan has really cool hair.

Kevin Clark will school the Sioux d' this weekend.

Anonymous said...

If it weren't for North Dakotans, and all the other states, paying taxes, Alaska would cease to exist. Before bashing North Dakota, how about you thank us for contributing to all your federally funded welfare.

The Sioux will sweep the Sister-bangers

Anonymous said...

uh No, dude we have a thing called oil (ever heard of it) that has made money for Alaska.

Anonymous said...

They say it's never a good game unless the teams really hate each other. Appears to be some potential for this weekend for an excellent game or two. (Too bad the fans can't lace 'em up!) I hear Alaska is beautiful (after all it should belong to Canada--we were asleep at the wheel yet again). As far as North Dakota goes, you can't beat the big sky and the miles of miles and miles. Should be a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

I bet the teams don't hate each other nearly as much as the internet "fans" do. I'm embarrassed for all of you mud slinging half-wits. If the Seawolves play with half the intensity of their blog readers, it might be close. But I doubt it.

Remember, this is hockey.

Anonymous said...

the smartest player's at UND are the injured one's...."please don't clear me to play.... I don't want to be part of the spanking we are going to get this weekend.
as far as Genoway's injury...it is a common problem with most Flicker Tail fans it's called "Limp Wrist syydrome" caused from repeated grabbing the hind quarters of stampeding sheep.

Anonymous said...

2 new TV pilot shows filmed in North Dakota.
Pimp my Tractor and
Manure Spreader Makeover’s
I don’t think they will be a big hits except with the locals

Donald Dunlop said...

I look forward every TV season to the Discovery Channels "North Dakota Week" ...

Anonymous said...

I just booked my spring break trip to Bismarck. I cannot die until I see the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Let me ask you this Nodakans: how many reality TV shows does your state have? Isn't next season Real World Fargo?

Wolves sweep!

Anonymous said...

"I just booked my spring break trip to Bismarck. I cannot die until I see the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Let me ask you this Nodakans: how many reality TV shows does your state have? Isn't next season Real World Fargo?

Wolves sweep!"

"I look forward every TV season to the Discovery Channels "North Dakota Week" ..."

"2 new TV pilot shows filmed in North Dakota.
Pimp my Tractor and
Manure Spreader Makeover’s
I don’t think they will be a big hits except with the locals"


"the smartest player's at UND are the injured one's...."please don't clear me to play.... I don't want to be part of the spanking we are going to get this weekend.
as far as Genoway's injury...it is a common problem with most Flicker Tail fans it's called "Limp Wrist syydrome" caused from repeated grabbing the hind quarters of stampeding sheep."

"My advice to you sir: First, stop fighting. It is clear that the repeated blows to the head have dislodged your brain, rendering you unable to put together even one coherent sentence. Second, start drinking. It will make the beat down that the Wolves are going to put on your Flickertails this weekend easier to take. Lastly, relax. It’s hockey, and while we realize that there is absolutely nothing to do in Nodak aside from watching the Flickertails, you really need a hobby. Do what everyone else in your quasi state does, meth.

On Wolves"

"I thoght North Dakota was Team CANADA"

cmon ND fans still waiting 4 your mudslingling.............OH YEAH THATS RIGHT YOUR BUSY TRYING TO MAKE THAT DESOLATE WASTELAND A PLACE LIVEABLE.........
THANKS the p, i try, cant wait 4 this weekend, hope the boys have been reading this cuz if they had they will defintely kick ND'S ASS THIS WEEKEND, REMEMBER OBAMA WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT SO CHANGE IS EVIDENT.....

Anonymous said...

lol you Seapups are very funny. You live in Alaska and your making fun of North Dakota. You've got some great scenery but I'd rather live in god damn Wyoming than being made to live in Alaska.

Gotta say Donald you always know how to rile up UND fans. It's not saying a whole lot since they have a strong contingent of idiots who get angry if you say anything remotely negative(and sometimes even when you compliment!).

Anonymous said...

JoethePlumber said...
lol you Seapups are very funny. You live in Alaska and your making fun of North Dakota. You've got some great scenery but I'd rather live in god damn Wyoming than being made to live in Alaska.

Joe nobody holds a gun to my head to live in Alaska.. If you came you might stay.........

tip of the week for you
don't go to North Dakota you can't find much work in the Plumbing field as more cows have runnning water than people in that flat wasteland and they don't need a plumber for the outhouse

Anonymous said...

I saw some douchebag wearing a UND Hockey hoodie here the other day.

I gave him the stink eye.

Anonymous said...

Does North Dakota have a governor?

Anonymous said...

@anon 2:45 PM: Yes, North Dakota does have a governor. His name is John Hoeven and is the nation's most senior governor. He's been in office since 12-15-2000.

He also has the highest approval rating than any governor in the U.S. which I believe usurped Alaska's very own governor.

wwn said...

Donald Dunlop said...
wwn:
These commenters aren't trolling. They're attempting to "taunt" others. Look up the difference in a dictionary. I think you could benefit for visiting the word "whining" as well.


I'll do that once you learn to proofread your postings. :)

Donald Dunlop said...
(i.e.. it won't be my first time in a fight you fucking putz).


Nicely done, Jean-Claude!

Anonymous said...
Let me ask you this Nodakans: how many reality TV shows does your state have?


This might be the most retarded sentence ever posted. Excellent work, Mr. Anon.

Keep this coming Pup and Sue fans! It makes for a great read. :D

Donald Dunlop said...

OMG .. you mean sometimes I make mistakes and then don't catch them before I hit the publish button?

Maybe you should start another critic blog but focus on editing errors instead of whining?

dead_rabbit said...

6 paragraphs on the AA-UND series? I can do it in two words; Sioux Sweep!

At least there wasn't any talk about raping the Sioux this time. Actually, I only skimmed through the post, so who knows, maybe there was. Gotta go! The cows need to be milked, don't you know!

Anonymous said...

@anon 2:45 PM: Yes, North Dakota does have a governor. His name is John Hoeven and is the nation's most senior governor. He's been in office since 12-15-2000.

He also has the highest approval rating than any governor in the U.S. which I believe usurped Alaska's very own governor.

Realy...well our Governor is the keynote speaker at the Governors convention in Miami whats your Most Senior Governer doing? what He did before he was Governor........slapped on his vest and did the door greeting. He a natural for the job...good work

DC said...

"Maybe you should start another critic blog but focus on editing errors instead of whining?"

Between Goon and The Darkness you'd never be able to step away from the keyboard.

I would never be mentioned.

Anonymous said...

i love how you alaskans get your satisfaction from how many reality shows are about your freakshow state.

car wrecks draw a lot of viewers too

I'm usually a nice person, but Daffy just brings out the hateful, reptillian part of my brain.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget that the freakshow state that we call home spends $0 on tourism advertising and brings in like $8 billion a year for tourism. This Freakshow state earns this by selling plane tickets, cruises, your wife's cherished fur coat, and all the overpriced crab legs that senile Northdakotans can stuff their faces with just so they can say they've "been to the greatland." Thats right queer: the GreatLand, not the flatland.
NODAK BLOWS!

Anonymous said...

NODAK DOES INDEED BLOW, AND JUST 2 LET EVERYBODY KNOW AT MY SCHOOL [(SERVICE-IM A JUNIOR)letting u know cuz im a 2nd generation fan, 2 bad 4 ME my dad had the high life cuz he was here from 1979 to now, man he was lucky] but anyways I KNOW SOMEBODY WITH A FIGHTING SIOUX JACKET actually a good guy as oppesed 2 THAT TOUGH GUY FROM ND THATS A FREAK AND DID U DIE FROM LOOKING AT THE PRE-SERIS STATS??????????

Anonymous said...

speaking of the stats just looked at them and im pleasntly suprised 2 c BRYCE'S fantastic numbers careeer GAA just over 2.5 and this years confrence GAA under 1.5, 1.26 2 b exact..... CMON SHYIAK WORRIED THAT BRYCE CANT CONTROL THE LOAD, WELL LETS FIND OUT, JONNY-O HAS WELL BEEN STINKING IT UP THIS YEAR, HOPE HE CAN TURN IT AROUND, BUT COME ON SHYAIK EVERY GAME THIS SEASON THAT BRYCE HAS PLAYED HES GIVEN THE BOYS A SHOT AT WINNING, DONT GET ME WRONG I LOVE THE IDEA OF THE ROTATION BUT I FRANKLY THINK ITS AN INSULT 2 BRYCE RIGHT NOW

Donald Dunlop said...

The ALL CAPS isn't working man. It says you're YELLING at everyone who is reading it. Please give everyone a break. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Apparently he thinks he's texting someone, too.

Anonymous said...

SORRY I FINALLY REALIZED THAT WHEN I WAS FINISHED WRITING THAT PARTICLUAR COMMENT ohhhhhh crap, U R A MORON: your calling me out 4 trying 2 save some time but using txt, look at your name jackass, or wait.........r u using sarcasm?

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