This Would Be Good News

As I noted on radio, I'm getting the impression that UND sophomore defenseman Paul LaDue will remain with the Sioux for his junior year...
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 10, 2015

This would appear to be some very good news. I can't imagine that Paul LaDue is ready to step in and play at the NHL level just yet, but he's definitely improved over the last few seasons and can only get better playing in the NCHC. When I interviewed him earlier in the season, I got the impression that he likes playing for the hometown team.

...LaDue probably wasn't seen as much of a threat to sign w/ LA as Brodzinski. He's happy at UND; LAK comfortable w/ development there.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 10, 2015

Boston University’s Matt O’Connor misplays the Puck

Is it Karma? I don't know. It will be the shot that everyone remembers. It's hockey and weird stuff happens during games sometimes. In the semifinal game against UND, O'Connor gave up a bad goal to Troy Stecher as well.

Frozen Four: UND vs. BU Goals

While UND didn't win the game, this was an exciting game. I think UND was the better team, but failed to cash in on their opportunities.That being said, it was a tough way for UND to end their season.

Also, I thought UND got some untimely poor goaltending. All season long, Zane McIntyre was insane, he played well and was the team's most valuable player.

Massa Saving Mavericks so Far

The Providence College Friars have been in the Omaha Mavericks end most of the first period. Check out this save by Ryan Massa.

Typical Tiger Woods Shot

s/t @cjzero. I kind of like how Tiger Woods hits a bad shot then follows through, no twirl and drops his club.

Frozen Four: Eastern Bias Episode No. 29

EPISODE No. 29: FROZEN FOUR PREVIEW! With @BurntBoats, @TheBUHockeyBlog, @goon48 and the UNO bus with @samithenerd. http://t.co/Fbef0kh4Y5
— Eastern Bias (@easternbias) April 9, 2015

I had the opportunity to go on the podcast with the Eastern Bias team.

NCAA Frozen Four: UND Presser

At about the 12:30 mark the press conference starts. There were some things that stuck out today. Make no mistake about it, UND is on a business trip.

“It’s a real narrow focus here,” Zane McIntyre said. “We’re coming for business.”

Coach Hakstol was asked if he had any Instagram selfies. The answer is classic Hakstol.

“I’m working on it,” Hakstol said. “Maybe you can help me with that technology.”

Speaking of Bad Nickname Ideas; Las Vegas Flamingos?

The University of North Dakota is going through the process of picking a new nickname, and many of us are worried that the university is going to pick a really bad nickname.

Looking at this suggestion by Craig Custance, Flamingos would take the cake for a horrible nickname. I can't imagine that anyone would allow this to happen.

That being said, I do like the Outlaws nickname that Tim Kavanaugh included in the linked article.

What would a team in Las Vegas be called? We've got suggestions. @CraigCustance http://t.co/LWjD0gQbuJ pic.twitter.com/q1Eu6q1loy
— ESPN NHL coverage (@ESPN_NHL) April 8, 2015

Wild Are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Back in January, I wrote this for the Hockey Writers.

The Minnesota Wild are going through a rough stretch. The Wild have lost 11-of-13 games (2-7-4) and if the Stanley Cup Playoffs started today, the Wild would be golfing.

Currently, the Wild (18-18-5) are in 12th place in the Western Conference and are seven points out of the final Wild Card spot.

Even though the Wild are struggling, head coach Mike Yeo still has confidence in his team. To many Wild fans, these are empty, meaningless words. They want wins, not platitudes.

“I still have confidence in this group,” Yeo said after Sunday’s game. “Still know what we’re capable of, but there’s no doubt the clock is ticking here.” (Michael Russo)

While there are some fans that will disagree with me. I think it’s a good thing the Wild didn’t fire Mike Yeo. The Wild (45-27-8) are going back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and since January 13, 2015 have gone 27-9-3 (.730). 

The Wild acquired goalie Devan Dubnyk (27-8-2, 1.73 GAA, .938 SV%). Also, Dubnyk five shutouts and has added two assists. I guess you could say that the rest is pretty much history. 

A Look at the NHL Standings

With the win against the Chicago Blackhawks last night, the Wild are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There's one spot remaining in the West. In the East, the Bruins, Pens and Senators are fighting for the remaining spot. It's going down to the wire.

How the Wild Make the Playoffs

Startribune’sMichael Russo had the Wild Playoffs Possibilities’. All of these possibilities make your head spin.  

The Wild would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Blackhawks in regulation OR if they win in a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

• the Flames fail to win in regulation or overtime;
• the Jets lose in any fashion; or
• the Kings lose in any fashion.
  * The Wild also would clinch a playoff berth if they lose to the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

• the Kings lose in regulation;
• the Kings lose in overtime or a shootout AND the Jets lose in regulation;
• both the Flames and Kings lose in any fashion; or
• the Flames lose in any fashion AND the Jets lose in regulation.

Tuesday at the Links: Wild Finish Expected

This is the last week of hockey in the NHL. The Frozen Four kicks off this weekend. There's a lot of hockey news breaking.

The NHL’s 2014-15 regular season is over this weekend. Apparently, Ron MacLean has fallen out of favor with Rogers Sport Ca.

David Shoalts, the Globe and Mail -- The start of the NHL playoffs next week will likely bring a significant change for television viewers. For the first time in 28 years, Ron MacLean is not scheduled to be in a host’s chair for any of the first-round series. MacLean will only be seen in his role as Don Cherry’s sidekick on Coach’s Corner, although the plan is to have the popular duo on the air almost every night.

When Rogers Communications Inc. wrested the Canadian national broadcast rights away from the CBC and TSN before this season, MacLean was replaced as the main Hockey Night In Canada host by George Stroumboulopoulos. MacLean retained his role with Cherry, but his host duties were confined to Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcasts on Sunday nights on the Sportsnet and City networks. Hometown Hockey wrapped for the season last Sunday.

Brett Slawson of the Hockey Writers has his top-ten free agents.

Devan Dubnyk has been likely the most inspiring story in the NHL this year. After a disastrous 2013-14 season, Dubnyk’s NHL career looked to be coming to an end, however, since being given an opportunity with Arizona and now Minnesota, Devan has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL today.

Like Soderberg, Dubnyk is also in an interesting situation. Prior to this season, Dubnyk struggled to say the least, making it difficult for a club to reward Dubnyk for one stellar season amid a career of inconsistency.

At the age of 28, Dubnyk has a ton of hockey ahead of him, while his current cap hit of 378K with the Wild, per conditions of his trade from Arizona, make Dubnyk the best bargain in the NHL. His 2014-15 contract, which pays 800K in total, is likely much less than the Wild or any other team will be willing to pay Devan for his services.

Considering Minnesota’s lack of goaltending options, the Wild will likely retain Dubnyk with a one to two year contract, as despite his stellar play this year, it’s hard to see a large number of NHL teams bidding for Dubnyk’s inconsistent services.

Hockey Wilderness: Wild Fail to Punch their Ticket to the Postseason

NHL Rumors: Bruins could look to trade Marc Savard's contract

SBN College Hockey: Goaltending key to Frozen Four Teams

Julien: We aren't out of the woods for playoff spot

Frozen Four: Where Do They Come from?

College Hockey Inc has a nice graphic on where the players from the four teams in the Frozen Four are from.As you can see, the teams have players from all over the place.

New York Post: Refs’ Dangerous Let-Em-Play Policy Is Killing Offense

Recently, I had this discussion with a friend of mine. His argument was, if you want to increase scoring, the refs need to blow the whistle more. If you think about this, it sounds like a simple solution.

Basically, in a nutshell, it would appear that the number of penalties being called on the ice in the NHL are down this season.

Brett Cyrgalis, New York Post – So many games I’ve seen this year have devolved into something out of Jacques Lemaire’s Devils playbook. And you know who does about as well at it as anyone? Those fast-paced Rangers. That one-goal lead they held in the third period Thursday night against the Wild — there was no chance they were letting that slip away, because there was no chance they were letting Minnesota players get out of arm’s reach. Dump it in, get a third man high, clog the neutral zone, double-team in corners — and if someone happens to get a good look, let it be one-on-one with the goalie.

Snip

Yes, there are other factors in why scoring is so low. The goalie equipment is huge, and the nets are the same size. The talent pool is now fully international, and the teams are deeper.

But if the league wants more scoring — which you would think it does — they have to start with the officiating. And it’s too late now, the regular season is practically over, and the new version of officiating is about to take effect

What do you think? There may be something to the argument. This season, there’s not one player close to scoring 100 points. The NHL only has five players that have a shot a making 80 points. Currently, only Sidney Crosby has scored (26g-54a—80pts).

Is the Gophers Mike Reilly Headed to Free Agency?

View image | gettyimages.com

It’s what I call the silly season. The season is over for most NCAA teams and some college hockey players are making decisions regarding their future. Do they stay or go? Here's an interesting story that I stumbled across today. It appears that the Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer is concerned that Gophers defenseman Mike Reilly might not be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

Michael Arace, Blue Jackets Xtra -- Former Blue Jackets scout Brian Bates bird-dogged Reilly since the kid was a scrawny ninth grader. When the Jackets’ turn came up in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft, Bates and others clamored, and the pick was made. Then-general manager Scott Howson selected Reilly 98th overall.

Four years later, Reilly’s considerable skills are better-honed — and he is 3 inches taller (6-1) and almost 30 pounds heavier (182). Although he remains slightly undersized by NHL standards, he is acclaimed to be NHL-ready after three years, two of them dominant, at the University of Minnesota.

Jackets fans have been eyeing Reilly lustfully during this crazily frustrating season. Management has been laying a red carpet. He is another piece for a young team that projects to be highly competitive in years to come. He is the rare defenseman who can skate or pass the puck out of trouble. Think, Paul Martin.

Alas, Columbus is not his destination.

All signs point in another direction.

The Jackets own Reilly’s rights for 30 days after he leaves Minnesota. The Gophers’ season ended last week with a 4-1 loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but Reilly did not leave. Instead, he elected to concentrate on his studies and listen to the advice of “family consultant” Pat Brisson — who happens to be one of the most prominent hockey agents in the world.

Zucker May Return to Wild Sooner than Expected

View image | gettyimages.com

The Minnesota Wild received some really good news. Their speedy forward Jason Zucker may return to the lineup sooner than expected. In 48 games, Zucker has scored (18g-5a—23pts). Zucker's 18 goals rank him fourth on the team in goal scoring despite missing the last 24 games.

Rachel Blount, Star Tribune – After watching Jason Zucker skate through a full-throttle practice Friday, Mike Yeo was asked if the timetable for the Wild winger’s return had been accelerated. The coach said no, then added — although with lots of qualifiers — that the answer might be an unexpected yes.

“Kind of eyeing possibly the last couple of games [of the regular season],” Yeo said. “But we’ll make sure on that first.”

Translation: Zucker, who broke his collarbone on Feb. 9 and wasn’t expected to play for three months, might be back in the lineup next week. Though it was hardly definitive, Yeo’s pronouncement was so surprising that he was asked to clarify it, just to ensure he had been heard correctly. After saying for the past couple of weeks that Zucker was still “a ways away” from getting the green light to play again, Yeo now hopes to get him into the lineup during the three-game road trip that ends the regular season.

The popular winger was clearly overjoyed to hold his own during a demanding, fast-paced practice at St. Thomas Ice Arena. Yeo was almost as happy as Zucker was.

Brad Marchand Spears Jonathan Ericsson in the Nads

I am a Boston Bruins fans, and I like Brad Marchand, I think he's a great offensive player. That being said, he's a dirty little punk on the ice. This is a dirty, bush-league play. I am surprised that Marchand hasn't been beaten to a pulp.

UND's Zane McIntyre Named to the Hobey Hat Trick

Per the announcement, University of North Dakota junior goaltender Zane McIntyre has been named one of three “Hobey Hat Trick. McIntyre had a great season between the pipes going (29-9-3, 2.00 GAA , .931 SV%). During the NCAA West Regional Championship, McIntyre was (2-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .960 SV%).

Congratulations to Zane McIntyre, one of three "Hobey Hat Trick" finalists for the 2015 Hobey Baker Award! #UNDproud pic.twitter.com/vOLlzClYjr
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) April 2, 2015

Congrats to UND's Zane McIntyre & BU's Matt Grzelcyk for punching their tickets to the #FrozenFour! pic.twitter.com/ImVnU8FMfE
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 30, 2015

Hobey Baker Award finalists: Jack Eichel (2015 draft) of B.U., Jimmy Vesey of Harvard (@PredsNHL) and Zane McIntyre (@NHLBruins) of NoDak.
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) April 2, 2015

.@HobeyBakerAward ceremony set for next Friday at Northeastern's Matthews Arena. Jack Eichel, Jimmy Vesey and Zane McIntyre are finalists.
— Joshua Kummins (@JoshuaKummins) April 2, 2015

(Updated) NCAA Hockey: A Few More Early Departures of Note

A trio of big-time college hockey players have signed entry-level professional contracts. These three are pretty big losses for their hockey teams.

First, I enjoyed watching Jonny Brodzinski play the last three season. I didn't get to see Brady Skjei play that much, except on TV. Adam Wilcox was a stone wall in the games UND played against the Gophers.

Story: #Gophers All-American Adam Wilcox signs with @TBLightning, foregoes senior season. | http://t.co/BHaxH1DXix pic.twitter.com/UVWkJQAc3g
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2015

FULL STORY: @BradySkjei agrees to terms with #NYR, set to report to @WolfPackAHL: http://t.co/evFIbw23of pic.twitter.com/L5A9d9zOfv
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2015

SCSU F Jonny Brodzinski (Ham Lake, Blaine HS) announced he will forgo his senior season to sign with the #LAKings. pic.twitter.com/9AkIeB62Mn
— MN Hockey Magazine (@mnhockeymag) April 1, 2015

Jets Dustin Byfuglien to Have Hearing for Dirty Cross-Check on J.T. Miller

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his dirty cross-check on the Rangers J.T. Miller. There was no penalty called on the play.

First, there's no way you can defend a dirty hit like this. There are players that play hard-nosed hockey, but this is down right bush-league. Byfuglien's hearing in a phone hearing, so his suspension won't be more than five games.

Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien will have a hearing tomorrow for cross-checking NY Rangers forward J.T. Miller.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 1, 2015

#NYR HC Alain Vigneault: “Violent,deliberate. Could have broken his neck. It was one of the most vicious cross-checks I've seen this year."
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeSunSports) April 1, 2015