Game thread 1/19, + Hockey Day

[Killerjug]

solid game can't come out like we did tonight though

[Wisdom Listens]

Good start.

[PurpleJesus]

Forgot to set the recording. Excited to watch the highlights

[PurpleJesus]

I want to point out the Gophers today as well. The Wild game was great, but the Gophers fought hard today for a tie. In a two game series. against one of our biggest rivals, I will take a win and a tie every time. Gophers will still be ranked #1 after this weekend. They really are a great team, that has a really good chance at a championship. ..in fact, they are the favorites.

Also, keep an eye out for this Kyle Rau kid that plays on the Gophers. I cant wait to follow his career in the NHL. He won Minnesota Mr Hockey 2 years ago, and he is a current sophomore on the Gophers. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2011 draft, by Florida. He is a very undersized player, but just does everything. He has the skill set that would be attributed to a small guy (fast, good puck skills, solid skater), yet, he plays with such a mean streak, and is just a cockey SOB that gets under opponents skins...last year, against UND, a player from UND punched him during the post game hand shakes. I attribute the majority of the recent Gopher turn around (last two years) to Rau. He came in, and just gave this new attitude to the team...we were a talented, yet lethargic team before him...he comes in, and he was aggressive, determined, and talented...my favorite player at this moment at any level of hockey.

[PurpleJesus]

K. after watching the FSN replay...well, at least the first 2 periods...I am a little worried. Sure the power play looked great, but we spent almost the entire 2nd period at least a man up. That will not happen every game. At even strength, we seemed to not have the advantage...That Heatley/Koivu/Parise line sure does seem to click though.

[PurpleJesus]

Also...I watched the replay passively, but I do not recall a single faceoff that Granlund won. I know Granlund is really skilled, and I have a lot of faith in him as a prospect, but watching this game, and the scrimmage, he just doesnt seem ready yet.

[Killerjug]

Bjugstad>Rau

[PurpleJesus]

Bjugstad>Rau

When talking about talent, and your level as a prospect, absolutely...Rau is just my favorite player.