Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

Nice to see the two U of M recruits each getting a goal in Team USA's 6-1 win over Sweden! Casey Mittelstadt opened the scoring for the U.S. with a beautiful wrister, which I happened to see on KSTP's sport segment this evening. Then Ryan Lindgren scored the USA's third goal on a give-and-go passing play...might he lend the Gophers some offensive punch from the blue line?

Other Minnesotans who scored for the U.S. were Kieffer Bellows (Edina) and Joey Anderson (Roseville). With six players Minnesota is well represented on the team. Missouri and New York, with three players each, are tied for second.

USA lineup here: http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/d...nes-041616.pdf

So how did Mittlestedt look overall? I forgot the game was on NHLnet.

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

USA plays Latvia today at 3pm CT, live on the NHL Network.

Highlights from their 6-1 win over Sweden, Mittelstadt's opening goal is about 1:50 in: https://youtu.be/kvSiXMoAdpw?list=PLC2673C44A8A8038B

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

I would expect double digits in that one.

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

12-1 final

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

If the two of them match Brodzinski and Seeler's 31 total points, that would be awesome. I'd expect about 25 total points between the two of them.

Offense from the D may be a real pain point.

The key there is the year. If they can put up 25 pts as freshmen vs. 31 as a junior and senior, things will be looking pretty good. We should keep in mind that Bischoff will be primary QB if he stays, but that would make 25 all the more impactful. Goals from offense is almost always the key for the Gophers. IMO last year recruits were on average a little light in that department.

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

I wouldn't assume Bischoff is the PP QB. I'd say Zuhlsdorf or Johnson if he steps up would be in the running.

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

I wouldn't assume Bischoff is the PP QB. I'd say Zuhlsdorf or Johnson if he steps up would be in the running.

You may be right, although Bischoff was chosen as QB over Johnson last year and is the only experienced Gopher QB on the team. My best guess is that Johnson will be on the inside track for QB #2...with Zuhlsdorf and Lindgren on the outside looking in for their first year. IMHO

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

You may be right, although Bischoff was chosen as QB over Johnson last year and is the only experienced Gopher QB on the team. My best guess is that Johnson will be on the inside track for QB #2...with Zuhlsdorf and Lindgren on the outside looking in for their first year. IMHO

Seems likely to me Bischoff's experience, consistent increase in his point totals since his FR year and the much needed senior leadership on the backline makes him a likely candidate for another season as alternative captain and the D QB. Overall I thought Johnson improved on D as the season progressed and showed flashes of his offensive skill set at needed times. But I remember a couple bad turnovers and position play issues too that he'll need to work on for game situations.

On Zuhlsdorf, solid offensive minded D, but it remains to be seen how quickly he adapts to D1. Traditionally he's not buried the puck much, but tends to jump up in the play and create scoring opportunities.

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

I really like what I've seen of Lindgren so far in the Worlds. Solid defensively, and makes a lot of smart plays in all three zones. I'm anxious to see how he does against better competition than what the U.S. has faced so far.

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

I really like what I've seen of Lindgren so far in the Worlds. Solid defensively, and makes a lot of smart plays in all three zones. I'm anxious to see how he does against better competition than what the U.S. has faced so far.

Nice to see he keeps getting considered for captain. Assume that can't hurt in giving him ample ice time next year to make the leap.

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

Zuhlsdorf has more offensive upside and leadership potential than Lindgren. Among Bischoff, Glover, Johnson, Sadek, Zuhlsdorf, Lindgren and Collins, Lindgren might be relegated to a rotation much like Sadek was last season.

[MaizeRage]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

Zuhlsdorf has more offensive upside and leadership potential than Lindgren. Among Bischoff, Glover, Johnson, Sadek, Zuhlsdorf, Lindgren and Collins, Lindgren might be relegated to a rotation much like Sadek was last season.

It's more likely that Lindgren is the best of that group than the worst.

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

It's more likely that Lindgren is the best of that group than the worst.

This is good from a Lindgren perspective and depressing overall.

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

It's more likely that Lindgren is the best of that group than the worst.

Is this a hit and run post or do you actually have some proof to back it up?

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Off Season thread - 2016

Is this a hit and run post or do you actually have some proof to back it up?

Is it that shocking? He was extremely highly regarded a few years ago and is the captain of the team steamrolling the U18s. He is a steady defenseman, which is kind of like Bischoff. Glover and Collins obviously are in no best on team discussion, and Johnson and Sadek will need to step it up this summer, too.