Saturday Recap

Michigan dueled rival Michigan State to a 3-3 draw last night. Both teams are probably pretty satisfied with the tie at this point in the season. Michigan State may have been the better team last night, but freshmen Billy Sauer played outstanding and Michigan converted on 2 of their 4 powerplays, while MSU failed to convert at all with an extra man. Michigan was a little lucky to come away with a point when they didn't play their best game, while State should be happy to come away with a point on the road.

Minnesota played their best game of the season last night, and controlled the majority of the play for the first time this season. For Minnesota State, they got a decent performance from freshmen Mike Zacharias in goal, but once again the powerplay couldn't convert when they needed to and Minnesota State played another good game with no points to show for it.

The Gophers goaltending situation is starting to heat up. Kellen Briggs has played both Friday night games, while freshmen Jeff Frazee got both Saturday starts. After last weekend, Frazee may have had the slight edge, but Briggs was outstanding this weekend while Frazee didn't play his best last night. Frazee may eventually win the job, but Briggs has definitely earned himself some more time with his play.

Denver and Colorado College both finished off their sweeps of lesser opponents with 6-3 victories last night. Both teams will open up WCHA play next weekend on the road.

Northern Michigan completed the sweep of their rival Michigan Tech, this time in a lower-scoring 2-1 battle. Bill Zaniboni played both games for the 'cats in goal this weekend, and it looks like he might be the guy in net for Northern this season.

Jordan Parise is making a case for himself as the best goalie in the WCHA this season. He was outstanding again last night to help North Dakota to a 3-3 tie. If UND has solid goaltending to rely on, they could still put up a good record while their young team adjusts to the WCHA.

In the late game last night, UAF stayed undefeated and took the early lead for the Governor's Cup, with a 2-1 win over Anchorage. Wylie Rogers was outstanding in goal once again for the Nanooks. UAA outshot the Nanooks, but UAF played hard and was able to hang on at the end. They'll complete the series tonight with UAF looking for a sweep on the road before their series next weekend against Michigan.