RandBall: After heartbreak last year, can Gophers deliver another NCAA title in St. Paul?

[BleedGopher]

Per RandBall:

Saying the Gophers men's hockey team had an emotional hangover at the start of this season after last year's overtime loss in the NCAA title game doesn't quite seem accurate.

This is closer to reality: The Gophers were going to need to recalibrate regardless of how last year ended, given that many of their top players for a loaded team headed to the NHL (and are in fact excelling right now at the next level).

They navigated the early stretch of the season reasonably well, with only a home sweep at the hands of Wisconsin standing out as eye-opening at the time (though not as much now).

What seemed like muddling along dangerously close to the bubble of the 16-team NCAA tournament field for much of the season has turned into far surer footing as the Gophers have leaned into the identity of this year's team: not quite as much star power but plenty of balance on offense to go with the stingy goaltending of Justen Close.

After heartbreak last year, can Gophers deliver another NCAA title in St. Paul?

The Gophers men's hockey team was loaded with talent and came oh-so-close to winning a championship. This year's team, though, is rounding into shape — and has a home advantage if it can reach the Frozen Four.

www.startribune.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[SHGopher]

I'm warming to the team. Unfortunately, we live in the land of the Vikings letdowns and other things like that.

The best team doesn't always win. It's who puts together consecutive wins.

 

[Gophers1992]

I'm warming to the team. Unfortunately, we live in the land of the Vikings letdowns and other things like that.

The best team doesn't always win. It's who puts together consecutive wins.

Yeah if the best team always won we would have at least 4 more national titles just in the 21st century alone.