It has just
about 24 hours since 2 big wins by Minnesota teams. The way both teams won is
one of the major reasons I am so passionate about Minnesota sports. Yes, sure
there have been disappointments over the years but the way Tuesday night went
it makes a person appreciate the efforts and not giving up of my favorite state
teams.
The Minnesota
Gophers have looked terrible the last 2 road games especially in the second
half of both games. The halftime scores were close and then the bottom fell out
both games as the team loses big.
The thought
process is easy to get negative with the number one team in the country coming
to the Barn. The Indiana Hoosiers are in town and who knows how the Gophers
would fare. I have heard so much fire Tubby talk lately and it does get old.
I have been
hoping the senior leadership would take over at some point with Trevor Mbakwe
and Rodney Williams leading the way.
My hopes at
least for Tuesday night were fulfilled. Mbakwe played huge and the leaping of
Williams came to play.
It was nice
to see a glimpse of the next 2 years with sophomore Elliot Eliason playing a
huge role maybe playing his best game of his career.
This team
has been under such heat as the season is winding down. I am so happy for these
kids and the heart they showed against number one.
The first victory
since 1989 over a number one team is unbelievable. I have watched so many games
throughout the years and seen so many fans from different schools rush the
court after a major upset. It was nice to see the home state get a chance.
Congrats to
Coach Smith and the team who did not quit.
The
Minnesota Wild hosted the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night and for the first 56
minutes it was concerning seeing the struggle. The power play 0-6 for the Wild,
along with a couple of hitting the post was so frustrating.
The Wild had
to kills off a double minor and did a great job as they bottled up Calgary very
nicely. It is my opinion that the penalty kill by the Wild was the kick in the
butt they needed to get going.
The tying
goal by Jason Zucker was one of beauty with a little over 4 minutes left. It
seemed after that goal the Wild had the momentum they needed. They played right
up to the end of regulation with zip and energy. Calgary did take a penalty
which carried into overtime. I just left a 4 on 3 in favor of the Wild and with
the momentum on their side things were looking better.
It took 27
seconds into overtime as Zach Parise ends it with a backhanded that beat the
Flames goalie.
My stars for
the night were Elliot Eliason, sophomore and Jason Zucker, rookie. It shows no
matter what age you are that when you are given an opportunity you make the
most of it.
The same can
go for the elder statesman for both teams with Trevor Mbakwe playing like a senior
with a double double and veteran Zach Parise getting the game winning goal. It
is nice to see the guys who are the leaders show why they are the leaders.
A great
night to be a Minnesota fan!!!
Thanks for
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