Monday aftermath

The Germans call it schadenfreude, a malicious satisfaction obtained from the misfortunes of others.  That seems to be the general sentiment washing over the state of Minnesota today, following the unceremonious exit of the Green Bay Packers in their first playoff game of the season.

I don't blame Vikings fans for celebrating this, particularly those who have friends, family or co-workers constantly reminding them of the gulf separating the two franchises.  My buddy Lee, for instance, has extended family all over Wisconsin who never miss a chance to needle him on this subject.  People in those circumstances are allowed to be giddy.  Heck, they're allowed to have a t-shirt made commemorating the occasion if they feel like it.

Just realize, you're not turning the tables on anything.  The Super Bowl scoreboard still reads Packers 4, Vikings 0, and the 2011 win totals fall right in line with it.  I'm not here to defend Green Bay or their fans, but some of the gloating over their loss is borderline comical, and would only be appropriate if the Purple had delivered it themselves.

Imagine the tables were turned, the miraculous had happened, and the Vikings were the defending champs, entering the playoffs after a 15-1 season.  A Vikings fan being beside himself with grief over that loss would rank among the greediest acts of all time.  Because being the defending champs means you won one, and that's all we've been asking for how long now?  Maybe this Packers season was like football bulimia: They had a nice meal (season), excused themselves, then went in the bathroom and vomited all over everything.  But are the anorexic Vikings really better off?  Seems everyone is going to bed hungry.

Some guy on the radio said the Saints and Packers losing made today "the greatest day of my life".  Hyperbole, no doubt, but sad hyperbole, because it says something very disturbing about Vikings fans as a group.  (Sadder still if that man has children, but that's another conversation).  Personally, I'm reserving the title of greatest (sports) day of my life for the day when we finally break through.  I don't even see how watching someone else lose can move beyond a good day to achieve "great" status.  A bit of cold comfort to make the workplace/family gathering/corner bar a tad more hospitable, that's about it. 

Did I enjoy it?  Sure.  But let's not make it part of our sporting lore.

Who should be gloating?  Gopher hockey fans.  Despite a split last weekend in Grand Forks, the maroon-and-gold outplayed North Dakota, and looked a lot classier in the process. (Cue Gopher fans: When have they not looked classier?)  I've chafed plenty over the years at having to listen to people whine about "cheap" and "dirty" UND players who were guilty of nothing more than physical play.  The clucking hens are never worse than when Minnesota comes to town, and I've chalked most of it up to the frustration of losing.  But lately, they're starting to have a point.

I don't care how nasty a game gets, certain lines have been crossed repeatedly by North Dakota players, and it's getting old.  You can't line a guy up on a terrible check from behind out of frustration, and most importantly, YOU CAN'T HIT SOMEBODY IN THE HANDSHAKE LINE!!!  Congrats Ben Blood, you made Deadspin, for all the wrong reasons.  And yes, for fairness, the Gophers Mark Alt was also guilty of a bad CFB on Saturday, but two dumb plays don't make a right.

Now I don't know all the history between these players and I'm obviously not dealing with the emotions of the game, but this isn't the first time this stuff has gone on in the handshake line, and it's tiresome.  It doesn't matter what the extenuating circumstances are, you're never going to come off looking good by getting into a shoving match while shaking hands.  If you're that angry, just forgo the line and skate off.  Emotions run high, but the reputation of your team and school are also involved here, get a grip.

There was a lot to be positive about over a weekend that featured some great play, and the Ralph as loud as I've ever heard it in my life.  The UND players probably felt as passionate as the fans did about closing out their last WCHA home series with Minnesota in a big way.  But coming from a guy who will defend any legal play you make to anyone who opens their mouth to criticize it, I have to say, if you're not planning to shake hands, don't get in line in the first place.

And for any Sioux fan that wants to say this stuff is "no big deal" or "the guy had it coming", I can offer a practical reason you should dislike it.  This stuff draws penalties that hurt in big games.  Agree with the calls or not, they happen, and that needs to be weighed against the need to "send a message" or "set a tone" against any opponent.  Particularly the skilled ones that show up last in the season when the chips are down.