Next week is spring break. Maybe some of the Gophers have out-of-town plans. They played Friday like they did.
They looked slow, disorganized and emotionless in the first period. The shot chart shows four Gophers shots on goal. One by D-man Brian Schack from 130 feet away. Yes, he was in the Minnesota defensive end.
Another was by D-man Cade Fairchild from neutral ice, mabe 65 feet out, just behind the blue line.
Jordan Schroeder had a power play shot from 40-feet just behind the right circle and Josh Birkhold had a 40-footer from the right point. That's it.
Did anyone think Nick Larson was tripped on his turnover by Danny Kristo? Sure looked like he might have been, but didn't hear a word on it after game.
The Gophers attempted only 17 shots in first period, not one from the slot closer than 40-45 feet. Seven of the Gophers' shots were blocked, six sailed wide or high.
This was an old-fashioned butt-whipping. Reminded me of the Gophers' season opener, a 4-0 loss at the Ralph.
I wonder how many underclassmen will leave early after this season? It was a frustrating year. A big turnover -- in personnel, not on the ice -- might not be so bad.
