Three e-mails from Gophers "hockey" nation on their team

My e-mail bag has three thoughtful letters I would like to share. I dropped the names because I didn't try contacting the authors to get their permission to use them. On Thanksgiving weekend, it might have been tough to get a quick response. Also, to be honest, I had two stories to write for Friday.

I wrote a short comment on each letter. The e-mails are not edited except to trim a bit here and there -- praise for my work gets chopped right away. Ruins the authors credibility. Can't have that.

WAIT ON LUCIA -- UNTIL END

I agree with you that everyone needs to relax and watch how the season unfolds. But, Gopher hockey has a very loyal and passionate fan base so I can understand why some of the natives are getting restless. I date back to the days of Herb Brooks and I also am a season ticket holder (and have been for many years). I must admit, I am a bit concerned about the program as well. I can go on and on about the talent level of the players, their poor defensive zone coverage, their refusal to put the puck on goal and crash the net, etc. But, to keep this e-mail short I will simply defer to the numbers. A seventh place finish in 07-08, a fifth place last year and currently in seventh place now. Those are Brewster-like numbers in the eyes of Gopher Hockey Nation. In addition, the Gophers have only won one NCAA game since 05-06. And, at their current pace they look to miss the NCAA tournament again this season. I like and respect Don Lucia and I truly hope the team has a great second half of the season. But, if they continue to stagger along like they have the last two years it is probably time for a coaching change after this season. Roman says: A logical argument. The only thing I can add is, sometimes the difference in what place a team finishes in the WCHA is very small. An overtime loss, a shot off a skate, etc. I like to watch whether a team improves over the season, whether it can dominate an weaker opponent, if the goalie is carrying a team, etc. Sometimes these things are hard to measure.

Players all say team will finish strong. We'll see.

EXPECTATIONS RIDICULOUS

I am a 39 year Gopher hockey fan and I agree with you 100% . Let things play out.

Don hasn't all of a sudden become a bad coach. That being said the head coaching position historically hasn't been held for much more than 7-10 years. The expectations are always ridiculously high.

They let Brad Beutow go after a string of 30-win seasons. This team is struggling a bit but they have had zero puck luck .The hockey gods have a way of evening out things . When all is said and done I think this team will finish 4th.

Roman says: The expectations should be high at the U of M. Look at the recruits the Gophers get, look at the facility they have, look at the big city the school is located in.

Every year the Gophers should start the season expecting to be in the top three in the WCHA, to make the NCAA tournament and every couple of years the Frozen Four. ... Of course, there are fans who are ridiculous, who expect titles every year.

The Don has built some goodwill with back-to-back national titles but that seems a long time ago to many people. Including me, I was covering high school sports then. I think this season is far from lost but you have to wonder why so many players seem to be under-achieving and if they can raise their level of play. Even The Don himself said recently only a half dozen players have met or exceeded his expectations so far. Not enough.

My son was an ex-Gopher hockey player under Don so I know a little bit about hockey and I'm still a fan of coach Lucia and his teams.