Preview: North Dakota

A win this afternoon, however, will not come easily. North Dakota (26-10-4) is one of the nation's best teams. In perhaps the toughest conference in the country, the WCHA, the fighting Sioux were dominant. They did not however, win the WCHA tounrament - they lost to No. 6 Denver in the semifinals then crushed No. 2 Colorado College in the finals. In fact, the Sioux are only 2-2 in their last two games, which has many of the North Dakota faithful very nervous.

Equipped with one of the best goaltenders in the country - senior Jean-Philippe Lamoureux is the only goaltender on the finalist list for the Hobey Baker award, given to the nation's top player - the Sioux have been successful with a stifling, physical defense. In fact, North Dakota is so physical that they have been accused numerous times this season of dirty play. In a February game against Minnesota, a lot was called into question about the UND program following a game-ending brawl in which a Sioux apparently blindsided a Gophers forward.

The UND offense has also proved potent this season. Led by junior forward Ryan Duncan (last year's Hobey Baker winner) and junior forward TJ Oshie (a Hobey Baker finalist this season), who are currently 1 and 2 in WCHA active career points, the Sioux have proved that they can also blow out opponents.

Other players to watch include junior defenseman Taylor Chorney and senior defenseman Robbie Bina, who make up the Sioux's most aggressive and effective defensive pairings.