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UMD vs Colorado College, Providence vs Quinnipiac & ASU vs St. Cloud | Between the Pipes · Game Day Collective

• Between the Pipes College Hockey: What's up, hockey fans? Welcome to another episode Between the Pipes, presented by Game Day Collective, your home for the college hockey talk between big time matchups and everything happening around the world of NCAA hockey. I'm your host, Jimmy Russell, and we've got a loaded show ahead of you for tonight. If you love hard hits, highlight real goals, clutch goaltending, and rivalries that bring the intensity, you're in for the right place and you're in for the right kind of episode. First, we're gonna be starting heading to the NCHC. Where the UMD Bulldogs, the University of Minnesota Delouv, take on the Colorado College Tigers. Two programs with with plenty of history and plenty of pride and plenty to prove. we'll break down the matchup, looking at the key players, and tell you what could make the difference when these two teams hit the ice. Then after that, we're gonna be mowing, we're gonna be turning the page and putting our attention to the Providence Friars against the Quinnipiac Bobcats. It's a matchup. Featuring two programs looking to make their mark, and we'll talk strength, weaknesses, players to watch, and the keys coming away to a big win. And finally, we're heading out west against a really, really good matchup. We got the Arizona State Sun Devils against the St. Cloud State Huskies. The Sun Devils bring their speed and skill while the Huskies look to make their presence felt. We'll dig into the numbers, break down the goaltending, and look at what each team. needs to do to get the job done. These three matchups, six teams and plenty of college hockey you talk about. So let's get comfortable, turn the volume, and get ready to talk some puck. I'm your host, Jim Morelson, like I said, this is Between the Pipes presented by Game Day Collective. Now let's dig into this thing. Starting off first, like I said, ladies and gentlemen with Minnesota versus Colorado College. this is definitely a real intriguing matchup between two programs in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. A A league known for high-end competition, skilled forwards, and strong goaltending and demending road environments. the central the central storyline overall for it. can Minnesota Delou dictate the pace with structured defensive hockey and capitalize its scoring chances? And or can Colorado College use its speed, offensive pressure and home ice advantage if playing in Colorado Springs? to take control of this game. one important note for for this just to think about is I'm just looking at the season information and just scoring averages, player statistics and the recent results. It's it's definitely crazy to think and living in the twenty six, twenty seventh season already. I mean it felt like yesterday we were just starting last year's season, but the season literally goes by in the blink of an eye. But I mean the Bulldogs visit the Tigers for a two game series on Friday and Saturday at Ed Rodson Arena down in Colorado Springs. Both games listed for 7 p.m. local time in the NCHC schedule. this is definitely a game you do not want to miss between these two teams, both having really, really good records. Minnesota loops sitting at 5, 1, and 2. Then the Colorado College is sitting at 5 and 1, having six games played. Minnesota has a couple more games played, having eight games compared to six. stat-wise, just talking a little bit about that. Minnesota Duluth having 30 goals scored to Colorado's College 24. the one thing that I particularly like to pay attention to is how many goals have they had against? And currently looking at Minnesota Duluth has 13 goals allowed against and Colorado College only has seven goals against them. So that's definitely something that you have to keep in mind just because you look into this weekend. Can Colorado College keep that defensive structure strong and their goaltending to keep that goals against number down? Or is Minnesota Duluth gonna keep that firepower rolling and they're gonna put pucks in the back of the net to where they can rise that GA? just goals per game, Minnesota Deloofson about just under four cent at three and a quarter. Then Colorado College is looking just right at four. So that's another big thing to think about. goals a lot per game just looking at Minnesota Deloofson at one point six three, Colorado College at one point one seven. power flip percentage is another big thing. Minnesota Duluth's sitting at 11.8%, while Colorado College is sitting at 21.4%. another big thing to think about is that power play, and then talk about the penalty kill a little bit. Penalty kill looking at Minnesota Duluth, they're sitting at an even 100% a perfect number so far this season. Now looking at Colorado College, they're sitting at just 90.5%. Still a great number to think about, but the 100% per level on Minnesota Duluth. That definitely is going to be a big time thing to think about. talking about Colorado College a little bit, Colorado College has had the better goals against average, but Minnesota Luth has played two more games and has shown that it can produce offensive in bunches. the Bulldogs have scored seven goals twice along Long Island and Minnesota, while the Tigers have scored six goals in three different games against UMass and Air Force. I mean, this makes it more than just a simple offensive versus defensive matchup. Both teams can honestly demonstrate that they could score, but the big question is whether Duluth can break through against a Colorado College team, like I mentioned, that has started its season with an excellent goaltender. starting off with Minnesota Duluth a little bit, what's in notice a little bit. looking at the record, looking at their pass history for games against Long Island, had a sweep seven to four the first night, then getting a shutout four to nothing the second night. Then the next after that looking at Augustana losing three to four in overtime, then tying one to one in overtime, then went into a shootout. first Minnesota beat Minnesota seven to one, a real, real big score against Minnesota. then then moving on to the next night, they tied against Minnesota at two apiece, then looking after that, going against Bemidji State, sweeping against Bemidji State first night four to one, then winning three to nothing the next night. I mean UMD under the series on beaten and regulation in his last six games with four wins, two ties during the stretch. it's last two the last two out outings were particularly encouraging. the Bulldogs beat Midget State, like I said, four to one before shutting the Beavers down three to nothing. just they have a real, real good structure going on right now and have some real, real studs to back it up. Guys like Jason Shab Shigubi, I mean He's listed as one goal and six assists for seven points early this season. he's been on college hockey news statistics, slapshot. his six assists makes him on an important playmaker to watch as Dulouf tries to generate quality scoring chances. Another guy on the blue line to talk about is a guy by the name of Ty Hansen. I mean, he's listed as two goals, four assists for six points. I mean, same early season snapshot. This is definitely a production. Productive start for the defenseman and his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line is definitely worth highlighting. He is definitely going to be a guy that you have to slow down, get him off this game on the blue line. Otherwise, if you don't, then it's going to be an uphill battle for you guys. Another guy down the forwards, Harrison Anderson. he's listed with one goal, four assists for five points earlier this season. his production adds another passing opinion for a Bulldogs attack that has already shown the ability to put up. Big time numbers. even looking at another guy, Colum Arnett, I mean, he's credited with two goals, three assists for five points in this. I mean, giving Deluth another potential finisher to monitor in a series where converting chances definitely could be decisive. just talking staying on the top with the the UMD Bulldogs, I mean looking at their strengths, is definitely having the offensive ceiling. I mean Seven goal performances against Long Island and Minnesota, it definitely demonstrates and shows that the team's potential to create some offensive and just getting into that zone, whether it be on five on five or even on the power play. I I'm sure I'm probably going to talk about that later in the show, but still just getting that offense going, just into the zone, and just being able to get that puck passing control, and whether it be down low behind the net or up on the boot line for the defenseman, these guys definitely mean business. I mean, even another thing to think about is like their Recent defensive improvement. Like I said, back to back wins over Bemidji State, just allowing one goal in the first game and a shutdown in the second. the blue line is definitely making a name for itself. And another guy, like I talked about just a moment ago, have talking about Ty Hansen. he's definitely showing that just just the name one guy. I mean, he's definitely been a stud, but I'm sure all these other guys on the blue line are absolutely studs. But I mean Just an even other thing to think about is the multiple scoring contribution contributors, excuse me. the early season leaders include both forwards and defensemen, giving a little different ways to create offense. I mean, that's a real, real big contribution to have. It's one thing to have your forwards make the plays and your defensemen are there to back you up, but both the defensemen and the forwards are definitely getting this train rolling. I mean, looking at the one thing that La team's like to talk about is the concerns, though. And one of the things that I'm gonna bring up is a power play conversion. it's early in the season, but early season has UMD at eleven point eight percent of the power play. it could be a concern against the team, but it's had limited opponents to seven goals in six games. its current eight game rate needs to be checked. But outside of that, I mean like consistency consistency away from home, playing outside of your home barn. I mean Delouv lost four to three in overtime against Augustana at Augustana up in Sioux Falls before time the Vikings one to one. And the Colorado trip will test its ability to maintain its recent momentum on the road. now looking a little bit at Colorado College, the what you need to know, the strengths, weaknesses. I mean, Tigers opened the season with a impressive combination to say the least of offensive production and goaltending through out the last game on the tw October the twenty-fourth. Colorado College scored 24 goals and allowed only seven and six games. The Tigers' five to one record includes wins over Massachusetts, Yukon, and Air Force. Just to name some big guys or big teams, I should say, like Massachusetts, Yukon, and Air Force. These guys aren't teams that you could definitely sleep on. just looking at their scores, when they played Massachusetts, they swept it two to nothing the first night, then one six to one the second night. Yukon, they split it first night, losing two to three, then Yukon losing with Colorado College winning four to one, then going against Air Force, sweeping them first game winning six to two, then winning four to nothing. the Tigers, like I said, have won five of their last six games, so four straight victories since their overtime loss in Yukon. they've also recorded two shutouts, like I said, against Unass and Air Force. That's definitely a big time contribution that you have to think about and look at. now, moving on to players to watch a little bit for Colorado College, Brett Link. He's been on Colorado College's leading offensive contributors. the availability early season leaderboard credits him with three goals, two assists for five points for five games. his finishing ability is the biggest thing that makes him a big time player. And just looking at for Minnesota Deleuze defense, they will definitely need to track him closely down and be on him like stink on you know what. another guy to mention is Calbur's Vibergs. I mean, looking at the forward, I mean One goal, four assists for five points in the first five games. he's also a valuable face-off winner in the face-off option. I mean, Colorado College's official bio reports when I looked this up that he led the NCHC and ranked second nation nationally in face-off percentages at 61% in the 2025-26 season for last year. So having that big, that big kind of that big contribution on the face-off dot, especially. Whether it in the offensive zone, trying to make a make a play and get a shot on net, or just even in the defensive zone and just trying to get a breakout going, or whatever the case may be. having a guy like that definitely is a big time contribution. Another guy to mention is PBS, is what I say. Felipe Blaze Savoy. he definitely is looking at two goals, three assists for five points. You've lost offensive contributions from the blue line. Give the Tigers another source of scoring. Especially when opponents collapse around the net. Then of course you always gotta talk about your goaltenders. Jackson Unger, he's definitely a gonna be a key guy in this matchup. In the five games statistical, he recorded a four-on-one record, a 1.40 GAA and a.953 save percentage. I mean, with one shutout, those are not great. They're outstanding early season numbers. Although they predate the full six game team record, but still having those kind of a numbers with a 0.953 save percentage and a 1.4 OGAA, those are some numbers that you definitely can be proud of. Now looking at their strengths a little bit, they have some exit goaltending, like I said, a 0.953 save percentage highlights how difficult the Tigers have been to beat. And having a guy like Jackson Unger, he definitely is going to go far in his career with having those kind of numbers. Now the biggest thing is Can he keep those things going consistently instead of having one really, really solid night, one not so great night, then bounce back and have a great night? You need to have those kind of nights every single night. another big thing to think about is the balance scoring. Like, like between Lynx, Viberg's and PBS, where all the five points are at early in the snapshot. even like for the on the defensive side for Colorado, has allowed only seven goals through six games. Productive power play. There's a lot of things to look at. They've converted three or four team power play opportunities with a twenty-one point four percent success rate. just overall good game management. I mean, the Tigers have scored 24 goals and conceded seven overall. At their opponents have scored only one goal in the second period through six games. Now, those are some big things to think about, but the also things that you need to think about is their concerns a little bit. The offense can be challenged at first. That's the first thing I'm going be talking about. Yukon held Colorado College in to two goals in his overtime win and then limited the Tigers four goals in the following game the next night. the penalty discipline, it definitely matters also to throw that out there. the Tigers have accumulated 65 penalty minutes through six games against a very talented UMD power play. Unnecessary penalties could definitely be costly. The last thing you definitely want to do is sit in the Sin bin and watch your team get scored on. And just even another thing to think about, like can they maintain the defensive standards? seven goals against in six games is excellent. I'll give it that. But Delu's current offensive presence is a much more sustained test than a single game can predict overall. now the thing to think about, the most important statistical matchup, just like over offense versus defense, of course. looking at between UmD's GPG, their goals per game, the Colorado's college's GPG, their point goals per game, UMD is sitting at three point eight eight and Colorado College sitting at four point Now for UMD their GPG, looking at one point six three and the Colorado College's goals allowed per game, sitting at one point one seven. So that's the thing you definitely have to think about in the back of your mind. I mean, the first UMD scoring against Unger, I mean The Bulldogs have scored 31 goals in eight games, but they're facing a goaltender who began the season with an excellent save percentage. Delouv definitely needs to have traffic in front of the net. Rebounds, whether it be greasy or just a absolute rocket of a shot of a rebound. And second chance opportunities just just overall, just no sh just get shots in the net. Just not just shots from the perimeter overall. I mean, you don't have to make quality shots. any kind of shot can go in the net, but if it doesn't, you can definitely try and fight for a rebound and you can definitely do whatever you can to get that puck in the back of the net. Second team the second thing I want to talk about special teams a little bit. Colorado College's 21.4% power play has been more productive than UMD's early 11.8% figure. Although The latter is not current not at a current eight game percentage. If the Bulldogs can honestly draw penalties without taking it too many, I mean making it to themselves, special teams can honestly swing the series. So that that definitely could be a big time thing to think about. another thing to mention is like the second period, the big time period in between. Carro College has concealed just one second period goal in the first six games. Dulouv will need to sustain a pressure through line changes and avoid letting the tigers turn the defensive steps into quick counter counterattacks just because last thing you want to be caught is flat footed especially in the neutral zone and then all of a sudden you see them going into the zone and scoring on you. Just overall like head-to-head history between the NCHC angle. I mean series is definitely a conference matchup with implications beyond two games in October. Both programs are members of the NCHC and Colorado College opens its league schedule against Duluth on the 30th. The teams also are scheduled to meet again in Duluth in January on the eighth and ninth of next year. it definitely can be a real, really fun game. and it could honestly go either way between these two teams. But the one thing that I want to watch is what each team kind of must like what they necessarily need to do to get this win. Starting off with Minnesota Duluth first, I mean the must, of course, is get the buys and the sticks in front of the net. Get that goalie thrown off this game, lose track of the puck, limit the turnovers throughout the neutral zone, stay disciplined overall and don't get yourself in the penalty trouble. I mean, improve special team execution, make life difficult, like I said, for the goaltender, maintain its recent defensive improvement and just get those things on their on their game. You could definitely be catching yourself on a really, really strong game. Now, looking on the other side for Colorado College, the must things that they need to do. First things first, make UMD shoot through traffic. Then turn defensive steps into transition chances. Keep its power up productive. get another strong performance from its goaltender. the one big thing that I can also think of is use the home ice to dictate the pace. Do not let Umd come into your guys' house and let them control the pace. Because if they do and then the home barn, it's definitely gonna be an uphill battle to say the least. But like I said, this game, it's a great early season matchup coming up as Minnesota Duluth, like I said, heading to Colorado Springs to take on the Colorado College Tigers for a two game series for this upcoming weekend. And Duluth entering, like I said, with a 5 1 2 and the Bulldogs have been putting up some really impressive offensive numbers, scoring 31 goals in eight games, including seven goal performances. I mean, this is definitely gonna be a really, really big fun one. The one thing you have to do is do watch out for specific Players like I mentioned with Ty Hanson, Jason, Jason Shagabi. been major offensive contributors, such as Bulldogs teams and has shown that can contribute on and off the ice. it's can obviously show on the benches, a bunch, excuse me. But just standing in the way, like I said, Sky College has been outstanding overall offensively and defensively. the Tigers are five and one averaging four goals per game while allowing just one goal per contest. goaltender Jackson Unger has definitely been an absolute stud. So if he can definitely stay on their game and Colorado College can shock UMD, especially early in the game, I think Colorado College should definitely be coming away with this one, whether it be a sweep or whether it be just winning one game out of the two and splitting it. Now, moving on to our next game on the slate, we have another real intriguing matchup between Providence and Quinnipiac. Between these two college programs with postseason ambitions, Providence traditionally brings A real physical, hardworking, hockey e style, while Quinapiac has built a reputation for structured team defense, puck possession, and disciplined execution. key question is though, can Providence turn this into a physical for-checking battle or whether whether Quinni Piac can control the pace and dictate play through the structure? I mean, just currently looking at it for Providence, they're sitting undefeated with at five and five wins I'm being up to date. Excuse me. Then Quinn of P eck looking at them through six games or Kremlin at four and two listed when I looked at either tenth, ninth in the rankings from Providence's schedule. looking at it for the four wins, two losses, just the looking at this for Providence has just definitely been a real hot start. I mean the Friars have opened the season with five consecutive wins, including a two game sweep of against UMass Lowell the twenty third and twenty-fourth. their first four regular season games, looking at it, defeated St. Lawrence six to two, then defeated Clarkson four to nothing, defeated UConn three to two in overtime, defeated UMass Lowell three to two, sweeping them, then playing them again, then beating them five to two. just looking at it, Providence has demonstrated multiple ways to win. The Furriers, they they definitely can't put up goals as they did against St. Lawrence or a win in a tighter game, as they did against you against Union in overtime. the back-to-back shutout and multi-goal wins against UMass Lowell also gives them momentum heading into a real difficult road test. looking at Quinnipiac for the explosive offense, but the room to tighten up a little bit. The Bobcaks early season results show just how dangerous their attacks can be. looking at theirs looking at what they've played so far, first on the second and third, defeating New Hampshire, ten to two, then defeating Merrimack the next night, six to three, then defeating Maine two to one, then losing to Maine three to five, then defeated by Penn State six to three, then law losing to Army by a score of three to four. that's thirty goals, if I do quick math, thirty goals scored in six game or five point per game if I have to think about it against eighteen goals allowed or three point three per game. these averages are calculated for its list of results to say the least. looking at the overall, Kone Pack scored sixteen goals in its opening weekend against New Hampshire and Merrimack. It's definitely a remarkable start highlighted for the team's official recap, but the real concern overall is their consistency. the Bobcaps allow five goals to Maine and four goals to Army in losses, but Providence will definitely look to exploit in any defensive breakdowns, especially if Kunapiac their their defense gets stretched by sustained for checking. Now, sticking with Quinnipiac, talking about players to watch. Looking at guys like Mason Marcellus, who's definitely a stud with the season with 110 career points, 117 appearances, including 76 assists. He's definitely a major playmaker and having a play playmaking presence and an important player to. To watch when Aquina Piag establishes his possession in the offensive zone. Even guys like Ethan Weiba Whitenbach, excuse me, he's definitely coming off a phenomenal freshman season, having 25 goals, 34 assists, and 59 points in the 2025-26 season. I mean, he earned him the Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year Award and first team East All American recognition. I mean, his ability to create offensive makes it a big time crucial moment for players for Providence just to contain him. even guys like Chris Pelosi for Quinto Piac, he recorded eighteen goals and sixteen assists, thirty-four points last season. the combination of finishing and playmaking makes him another threat if if Providence honestly focused too heavy on Weidenbach and Marcellus, then another guy even mentioned like Elliot Gron Elliot Gronwald produced twenty points, thirty nine plus thirty-nine rating in the twenty twenty five, twenty six season and won the ECAC's best defen Defensive defenseman award. He gives Quinapia a valuable combination of defense, reliability, and offensive support on the blue line. that's just a name of a few, but I mean another other players to keep an eye on for Providence. John Mustard, a forward, Logan Sawyer, another forward, Graham Graham Gamish, definitely an experienced f offensive opinion who can help the Fryers. generate and chances. these are definitely useful names to monitor, but I would honestly check the final lineup and being look at the updated scoring leaders before us ass set assessing current season statistics totals on them. But anything's possible now. Literally looking into this head-to-head history is another thing to even think about. last meeting on March, Quinto Pack the Vita Province five for two in the NCAA regional semifinals. Up the road in Suit Falls South Dakota. the Bobcast scored three goals in the second period and added two more in the third, while Providence scored both of his goals in the final period. Providence Athletic Department's head-to-head record lists the team's last seven meetings at 3-3-1, with Kunapiac winning the most recent meeting. Kunapiac has had the most recent head-to-head win, but Providence comes into this match. in the the rematch excuse me unbeaten that creates a compelling contrast between recent tournament history and current current season momentum but where this game honestly could be won or lost in my opinion first things first I'm thinking about is special teams couldn't PI can show that it can score in bunches while Providence has opened its season with several convincing wins. the power play it could be deciding They could be the deciding factor, honestly. You gotta watch for Providence to pressure Quinna Piac's puck carriers and for the bycast to exploit any undisciplined penalties. latest game day when I looked at the power play and penalty kill percentages should be checked before I wasn't able to find that exact but another thing to even think about is the defensive structure and goaltending. Providence has recorded a four-no shutout with Clarkson and a three-no shutout versus UMass Lowell. Quinapiac, meanwhile, has scored freely, but concealed eighteen goals against its first six games. Can Providence maintain its defensive discipline against high powered attack? or can Corna Piac limit the rebounds and second chances that make Providence dangerous? And the last the last two things I'll I'll mention really quick. pace and puck possession, Providence wine to pressure the puck, two battles on all the boards, and even the opening ten minutes just for the just for the final cap. Providence is unbeaten and Stark gives its confidence. While Kunapiac will have home ice advantage on early goal, could honestly change matchup dramatically. If Kunapiac scores first, the Bobcast can lead into their offensive strength. And if Providence scores first, it may be able to decide a more controlled game. just looking at between these two, between Kunna Piac and Providence, I mean, it's A thing to turn your attention to is a terrific non-conference matchup in men's college hockey. As like I said, for Providence, going to Hamden, Connecticut to take on the Queen of Peak at Bobcats on Saturday night. I mean, it's definitely going to be a game that you sincerely do not want to miss. So I definitely encourage you to come and do that. Josh Mahler: This episode of Game Day Collective is presented by Outlier. If you bet on sports, Outlier gives you the tools and data to do your research faster and make more informed decisions. Compare odds across sportsbooks, research player props, track line movement, and find the best numbers all in one place. And if you want to try it out, we've got an exclusive offer for Game Day Collective viewers. Click the Outlier link in the description below and you'll get a 30 day free trial. Normally signing up only gets you seven days free, so use our link to get yourself an extra three weeks completely free. Try Outlier for thirty days through the link in the description below and see how it can help improve your sports betting research. Outlier, the presenting sponsor for Game Day Collective. Between the Pipes College Hockey: Now, moving on to our last game of the slates. We have another real, real good matchup. It's a game where you have to fear the fork for Arizona State versus Arizona. The St. Cloud State Huskies. Who is the fork gonna definitely get on the Huskies or are the Huskies gonna bark and overcome the game? team met in St. Cloud, Minnesota for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday for this weekend, opening Arizona State's conference schedule against St. Cloud State and having home ice advantage against the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. I mean, that is definitely an arena you do have to go and check out of the up at the Herb Brooks. It's definitely a unbelievable arena. but the biggest story overall, can Arizona State's offensive firepower translate through a tough road environment? Or can St. Cloud State use its home ice familiarity with the NCAC play to take control of the series? just looking at it overall, like the numbers it's like the I just kind of look at like the tail of the tape a little bit. looking at Arizona State having a four point two five GPG goals per game. In our early season comparison, looking at St. Cloud State only having 2.25 GPG goals per game in the same comparison. looking at Arizona State's record in comparison, sitting at two and two, then St. Cloud State sitting at one, three, and all goal score for Arizona State currently sitting at 17, St. Cloud State currently sitting at nine, power play percentages, power play for Arizona State's currently sitting 25%. Then St. Cloud State's just a little bit underneath them, sitting at 20%. But another big thing to even think about is the penalty kill. St. Cloud State is sitting at 88.2%, while the penalty kill for Arizona State is at a perfect 100% so far early this season. I mean, what these numbers kind of can tell us a little bit is Arizona Arizona State has the early offensive edge. I mean, the comparison shows 17 goals in four games or four and a quarter per contest. I mean, the Sun Devils have demonstrated the ability to produce offense in bunches. but for St. Claus State, it needs to tighten up defensively. Nine goals scored in four games with a two point two five goal average, putting some pressure onto the Huskies to limit Arizona State's chances. I mean, just several teams could definitely be decisive. I mean, Arizona State's listed, like I said, twenty-five percent power play on a strong early return, while it's listed perfect on the penalty kill as a particularly important number to watch. I mean, those figures are based on every very small sample, but St. Claus State has shown its response. the Huskies have bounced back from losses with wins over Michigan Tech and Boston College, showing the potential to rebound against quality up oppos opposition and just even opponents. Now, tur first things first, I'm gonna talk about the Arizona State Sum Devils. kinda let the team break down a little bit. early season formed a little bit the Arizona State Devils, they've entered the stretch with an offensive offense capable of putting up big time numbers. But its results have also shown have shown voluntarily. I mean Sun Doubles opened their season by beating Linenwood by a score of five to nothing back in October, then losing nine to six the next night against Holy Cross. I mean then they lost two to one on the ninth, winning five to four in overtime the next night on the tenth. The early comparison has also listed a five to four victory you masked the well on the 16th. this gives you a useful a useful strand to think about but Arizona can Arizona State could definitely score but can it consistently keep the opponents from scoring just as freely? we're gonna have to wait and see and find out but I mean just players to watch I mean Dante Schalene having three goals one assist four points Lucas Hafle having no goals but four assists for four points John Woo, one goal, three assists for four points. Johnny Beggs in one goal, three assists for four points. Kyle S Kyle Smolinson at three goals, no assists, certainly sent at three points. I mean, these are just early season totals just from the comparison. I mean, it's not guaranteed current totals by entering Friday, but I mean, you definitely do have to keep an eye on balance between Arizona State's scoring threats and the ability to defend after turnovers. I mean The Sun Devils have high scoring results, making offensive execution a strength. But the nine to six loss to Linenwood highlights wide defensive structure and goaltending matters. So keep that in mind. Then now we're going to move on to St. Cloud State Huskies and the team breakdown a little bit. I mean, just the early season, they've entered, like I said, two, three record with wins coming early, quality opponents against Michigan Tech and Boston College. Looking at some of the s some of the previous scores at Bemidji State getting lost losing to Bemidji State in overtime three to two. losing to Michigan Tech three to two in overtime as well. Then the next night beating Michigan Tech for a for a split, winning five to three. at Boston College, losing four to nothing, then playing them two days later on the seventeenth, first game was on the fifteenth, winning five to three. So I consider that a little bit of a of a split. no, it's not back to back nights. But still, I consider that a split. throughout the five games, obviously the Huskies scored 14 goals, allowed 16 averaging two point eight goals scored and three point two allowed per game. The they also split the opening series against Michigan Tech in their two game trip to Boston College. So the encouraging sign for St. Cloud State that I think of is the ability to bounce back after a loss. I mean, the concern is is Is consistency. the Huskies have been shut out once and have allowed three or more goals in four of their five games. it's definitely one of those things that you definitely do have to keep an eye out. But I mean, even guys like players to watch, like Gunnar Thorison having two goals, three assists, five points, Nico Rhodes having one goal, two assists for three points. Yaroslav Shostak, he's a excuse me, for the goaltender. I mean, he's one of the goaltenders to monitor, but alongside Patrick's Berzins. I had to stop and say that almost twice for a second. starting assignment to upload the statistics could be confirmed closer to puck drop. I was trying to look for some stats but I wasn't able to find them. St. Cloud State, they doesn't they don't necessarily need to win in a shootout, but it needs to manage the puck. Like reduce defensive breakdowns to make Arizona State worth for its chances. If the Huskiesn honestly keep the game tight through two periods of play, home ice could be a major, major advantage. just head to head history a little bit between St. Cloud State and Arizona State. they're actually they're actually split for the four for the recent meetings. the last meeting back in twenty twenty five, Arizona State winning six to three and then winning again five to three. And then the next meeting after that in twenty twenty six, Arizona State losing Four to one and losing again four to three. So between these two teams, they're definitely split back forth between each other. But the overall storyline that I'm looking at, it's it's actually kind of simple. Arizona State swept St. Cloud State, like I said, in 2025, but the Hussies swept the Sun Doubles in 2026. The last two games were played in Tempe, so St. Cloud State now gets the home ice advantage in the rematch. I mean The four games also show how quickly this game matchup can change. Arizona State were they scored 11 goals in the 2025 sweep while St. Cloud State limited the Sun Devils to just four goals across two wins in the 2026 matchups. that gives you a real, real strong talking point. It's it's a February sweep a sign that St. Cloud State has figured out Arizona State, or will the Sun Devils adjust again? three biggest keys also to watch for this game is keep keep thing number one is Arizona State's offensive pressure. Sun Devils have shown a higher scoring ceiling in the early season comparison. They need to generate traffic in front of the net and attack rebounds and avoid settling for low percentage shots from the outside. So whatever kind of whatever kind of chance you get, whether it be from the hugging the boards or primetime shots in the slot. Take those shots. Just get those shots off and try and shoot anything you can for the net. Key thing number two is St. Cloud State's defensive structure. the Huskies have allowed 16 goals through five games against a team that can score in bunches. protecting the middle of the ice and limiting odd-man rushes will be essential. Then moving on to my third key step is special teams and discipline. Arizona State's early power play and penalty kill numbers look really, really promising to say the least. While St. Cloud State needs to capitalize on those opportunities and just its opportunities in general. In a two-in-game conference series, special teams can swing the momentum of the entire weekend. It can either make it, break it, or whatever the case may be. What another even thing I want to talk about, like what the coaching matchup means. Arizona State being led by head coach Dave Hackstall. St. Cloud State enters the season under a new coach with Nick Oliver. For Oliver, the Huskies home series is an opportunity just to kind of establish. their identity in the NCHC. the team has already demonstrated that it can respond after a difficult result, but the consistency across a full weekend will be the big time challenge. Now for Hacksaw, the priority is getting Arizona State to bring its offense without sacrificing defensive responsibility. The Sun Devils early results show both on the upside and the danger of playing in high scoring games. A major coaching question is Whether St. Cloud State can dedicate or dictate, excuse me, a more structured, low scoring a game, or whether Arizona State can force the Huskies to into a faster, more open contest. But just bringing a little bit of a recap again, like I said, between the St. Cloud State Huskies and the Arizona State Sundovils, this is definitely going to be a big time matchup. I know the even thing to think about for this matchup is goaltender that currently who's gonna be in the net. They have two really, really stud goaltenders. one goaltender that I'm familiar with is Samler Urban, currently playing with or formerly playing with Assistant Musketeers and then playing now with the Arizona State Sun Doubles. he's definitely been a real big time stud. Then just looking at this overall matchup, it is definitely one you do not want to miss ladies and gentlemen now. That is all we have on this episode of Between the Pipes. I definitely do want to thank you guys for taking your time and coming to check out this episode. Make sure to leave a comment, make sure to leave a like, make sure to give us a five-star review. Make sure if there's any particular games that you do want me to cover later in the season, make sure you make sure you send a message out, whether it be to the Game Day Collective website, or if you want to personally message me on on X Foremino's Twitter, my Instagram handle is at J J Rust52 J-R-U-S-52. I always looking to hear from my audience and always love hearing from the people. But Until next time, ladies and gentlemen, this is Between the Pipes, and we'll catch you next time.