Gophers becoming more of a mystery

The Gophers are tied for first place in the WCHA at the halfway mark of the conference schedule.

But has there ever been so many questions about a team in first place this far into the season? Certainly not in recent seasons.

After a 9-1 start which enabled the Gophers to climb to No. 1 in the national polls, they are 6-6-1 and have lost two games in a row for the first time.

First there were the Friday losses. Four in five weeks. Now the concern about slow starts is back.

The Gophers had a five-minute power play early in their 4-3 loss to Notre Dame. What a chance to get a one- or two-goal lead? To at least buzz around the net, show the Irish there is no way they win the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game.

But what happens? Not much. The Gophers have two shots on goal, the Irish one. The penalty kill gives the Irish confidence.

They are the better team most of the game, except for a brief time in the middle of the second period and late in the game.

Where has Erik Haula gone? He had one goal in the last six games after starting the season like a ball shot out of the cannon.

Can Nick Bjugstad carry the Gophers the second half? He might have to unless others start scoring. But can he do it? He struggled to score in the World Juniors except for three goals against Latvia. The Gophers don't have Latvia on their schedule. Is his upper body injury bothering him? It has been widely reported it's a shoulder.

Will freshmen Sam Warning and Seth Ambroz ever score? They are wings on the second and third lines. They came in as scorers. They have one goal apiece since each scored two against Sacred Heart in the opening weekend of the season.

Ben Marshall is a promising freshman defenseman, but does he make too many mistakes? He had a puck stolen from him at the blue line and an Irishman turned the play into a short-handed goal. Can't give Notre Dame such easy goals. Not to pick on him, but I remember a soft pass he made from behind the net that led to a goal at St. Cloud State.