MGoBlog: The MGoPodcast Michigan HockeyCast 8.13: Gophers, Hosers, and Posers
Jan 20, 2026
The hosts dive into Minnesota's hockey struggles, questioning how a team with decent players can perform so poorly. They discuss NHL playoff dynamics, emphasizing that teams are less interested in tanking this season. Michigan's impressive early game against Minnesota takes center stage, but concerns arise over their penalty kill and special teams. A lively debate on the merits of college hockey overtime adds to the discussion, while the hosts also highlight Michigan State as a key challenger in the Big Ten.
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Fewer Teams Will Embrace Full Selloffs
- Eastern teams' parity means many clubs see a path to the playoffs and resist selling assets at the deadline.
- David Nasternak expects limited large sell-offs compared with past years despite some Western teams embracing rebuilds.
Minnesota's Collapse Matches The Metrics
- Minnesota's poor season aligns with underlying metrics and roster composition, not just perception.
- Alex Drain and David Nasternak find their results shockingly bad given draft picks and past expectations.
Dominant Possession Turned Minnesota Into Mercyhurst
- Alex Drain recalls Minnesota registering only one shot halfway through the first period as Michigan dominated possession.
- David Nasternak compared Michigan's relentless pressure to historic long shift cycles from past teams.