Last Weekend's Recap

First and foremost, I'm just going to come out and say it.  I have my foot in my mouth right now.  Cornell completely shocked me and I'm still in disbelief that Michigan was sent packing by the Big Red.  I'll break down each regional, starting with the unfortunate loss that ended our season.

Cornell 3-Michigan 2 (OT)- Where do I even begin on this game?  It seemed as if it was going to be a blow out within the first 95 seconds of the game, only to have a goal disallowed on a very questionable call.  Now I'm not saying that's what threw us under the bus, but there's no question that it deflated our tires a little bit.  There's so much to say about the departing seniors on this team (which will be said in a different post), but it was a heck of a career for most of them.  This game keeps eating away at me because this was absolutely one of the easiest regions, and the trip to another national title seemed so...apparent, for the lack of a better word.  It just seemed like Michigan was destined to go back to the FF, and redeem last year's 3-2 overtime loss to UMD.  Another year in the books, another championship avoids our grasp.  Good season, boys.

(Side Note)- I do find it very strange that the last three games of the year ended with a final score of 3-2, and what's even more strange is the fact that Michigan's season has ended with a 3-2 overtime loss for three consecutive years.  First losing to Miami in 2010, then Duluth in the NC game in 2011, and now Cornell in 2012.  I love dramatic games, but not when your team comes out on the losing end year in, and year out.  Oh, well, gotta stay positive for next year. 

Ferris State 2-Denver 1- Ferris narrowly squeaked by Denver, in what I thought was going to be a good game.  It certainly turned out that way.  It was good to see Ferris get the win, being the only CCHA team to win their game.  Collectively the CCHA went 1-4 in their first round games.  Not a good showing this year. 

Ferris State 2-Cornell 1- All I'm saying is that I'm somewhat glad Cornell didn't make it to the FF.  I knew they didn't belong, and even though I was (am) bitter about them beating Michigan, I felt Ferris deserved the chance to go to Tampa.  Taylor Nelson played huge in nets for Ferris and was named the regional MVP.  He'll need to play even better next weekend in Tampa if he wants to bring a National Championship back to Big Rapids.

West Regional

North Dakota 3- Western Michigan 1-  I will admit, I didn't get to see any of this game, which is unfortunate because it sounded like a pretty decent game for the most part.  It must have been tough for Western to walk into Englestad East (I swear UND draws more fans than Minnesota at Xcel), and play a surging Sioux team.  One thing I will comment on is the new UND jersey, which removed the classic Indian head logo.  All I have to say on that issue is that the NCAA is so ridiculously over the line here, I'm honestly becoming more of a Sioux fan just becasue of this ruling.  From what I've heard, the Sioux tribe members feel honored to have it be the schools mascot, but lawmakers and other people (fuzzy on this part) are all about removing the logo.  Ok ok, you caught me.  I'm not an expert on the situation, but I do know that the Indian head logo is a part of the UND tradition, and it would be a shame to see them lose it forever.

Minnesota 7- Boston U 3-This sure was an interesting game to watch.  It seemed as if BU had Minnesota against the ropes early, but Minnesota was clearly determined to redeem their monumental collapse against UND in the WCHA final 5.  They left no doubt, dropping 7 goals on the Terriers.

Minnesota 5- North Dakota 2- This game was not as exciting as I thought it was going to be.  NoDak came out with little to no energy, and the Gophers left no doubts this time.  It was a solid win for the Gophers, but something tells me the Sioux weren't up to the challenge on this particular day.  I'm pretty sure that if this was a best of 3 game series, it would have gone into overtime in the third game to crown a winner.  But that's the beauty and ugliness of college hockey playoffs...one and done.  See you in Tampa, Minnesota.

More to come later....