Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

[MadCityRich]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Great sweep! It's always special to sweep on the road. Last night, the team had it's slow periods but pulled thru' in the end after a long stretch of losing while entering the 3rd period. In the recent past I would've written them off after MSU scored at the end. I keep saying it, but the offense is so exciting to watch and the D is improving. No more concerns with goaltending from me.

With PSU coming in, Kohl Center should sell out 2 this weekend, but we'll see.

[BuB]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Great sweep! It's always special to sweep on the road. Last night, the team had it's slow periods but pulled thru' in the end after a long stretch of losing while entering the 3rd period. In the recent past I would've written them off after MSU scored at the end. I keep saying it, but the offense is so exciting to watch and the D is improving. No more concerns with goaltending from me.

With PSU coming in, Kohl Center should sell out 2 this weekend, but we'll see.

Not sure about sellouts - PSU still doesn't have the pull of a UMn, but I would expect very solid crowds at the very least. As for some sort of tribute to Coach Sauer this weekend, I really hope they find a way to do it both nights. As a Saturday night ticket holder those types of things seem to always be reserved for the Friday night game only, which I understand since it is always the "first" home game after the situation occurs.

Great sweep this weekend by UW....have to think PSU will be coming in with a good sized chip on their shoulder.

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

With PSU coming in, Kohl Center should sell out 2 this weekend, but we'll see.

Not sure about sellouts - PSU still doesn't have the pull of a UMn, but I would expect very solid crowds at the very least.

I'm guessing MCR means "should" as in "the program should be a program that gets 2 sellouts with important conference games," rather than "we can realistically expect..."

The re-building of the fan base only started this January, and it will be a long, long time before the program reaches its potential. The recent winning streak is a tiny blip on the local sports radar when we get out of our bubble of college-hockey-loving, USCHO-forum-account-having fans. Most people don't know anything about college hockey, because it was invisible for about 5 years, which is why so many hockey fans around here don't care about the Badgers.

Remember to bring your enthusiasm to the Kohl Center (without any "back in my day" grumpiness ...we want people to feel included, not excluded). The "old people" haven't sounded all that loud lately!

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Kinda funny G2O have implemented the same PP that MJ is currently running for the women's team, what I would call an umbrella PP. The umbrella PP is gold for the UW women right now, prior to that it sucked, which is confusing considering all the talent on that roster.

My wife failed to dvr the Saturday game on extended time, so I missed MSU tieing the game and the OT winner, which I was really looking forward to seeing, the OT winner that is.

They did not play particularity well like they did against the rodents Saturday night, but still got the sweep. Now beat PSU, losing to them is almost as annoying as losing to the rodents.

[bucky15]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Will Johnson has been playing some great hockey lately. Excited for back-to-back home weekends. Let the good times roll.

[MadCityRich]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

I agree re: the PP, Tim. Before G2O came aboard, one thing that was missing from the Badger PP (imo), was the defensemen blasting slappers from the point, ala Ryan Suter. So many things can happen to a puck flying 12" above the ice at 100 MPH for 60 feet.

[KaMiGo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

I haven't seen/heard anything official yet, but I believe that a fighting penalty carries a 1 game suspension in the NCAA.

I hate to say it, but I've been expecting a penalty like this from Greenway to bite us in the rear.

He is an aggressive young man and I often see him giving an extra push or shove after the whistle and have seen him in too many facemask-to-facemask situations where the linesmen have to come separate things.

I get that a player can be riled up and emotional, but you have to be able to keep that under control. One swing in a fight-or-flight reaction I can understand. But taking 3 or 4 big swings is just stupid. Add in the fact that he was smiling/laughing at the officials as they pulled him out of the box to send him off and I'm losing a little bit of respect for the kid. I sure hope he gets the message that things like this hurt the team and he gets a dose of maturity in a hurry.

Injuries + suspension + PSU always throwing LOTS of shots at the net has me worried for this weekend.

[Sieve1]

I'm guessing MCR means "should" as in "the program should be a program that gets 2 sellouts with important conference games," rather than "we can realistically expect..."

The re-building of the fan base only started this January, and it will be a long, long time before the program reaches its potential. The recent winning streak is a tiny blip on the local sports radar when we get out of our bubble of college-hockey-loving, USCHO-forum-account-having fans. Most people don't know anything about college hockey, because it was invisible for about 5 years, which is why so many hockey fans around here don't care about the Badgers.

Remember to bring your enthusiasm to the Kohl Center (without any "back in my day" grumpiness ...we want people to feel included, not excluded). The "old people" haven't sounded all that loud lately!

Speaking of enthusiasm at the Kohl Center, I'm bringing my teenage son and some buddies up from Chicago for the Fri night Michigan game and am looking for suggestions on where to eat before the game. Thinking the Nitty Gritty would be the go to, especially since we're celebrating his 16th bday, but they don't take reservations on game nights. Is it crazy there before games? Any suggestions for someone who's last Badger home game was at the Colliseum? 😜

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Speaking of enthusiasm at the Kohl Center, I'm bringing my teenage son and some buddies up from Chicago for the Fri night Michigan game and am looking for suggestions on where to eat before the game. Thinking the Nitty Gritty would be the go to, especially since we're celebrating his 16th bday, but they don't take reservations on game nights. Is it crazy there before games? Any suggestions for someone who's last Badger home game was at the Colliseum? ��

It will be very busy, but if you get there early enough (5 pm or so), you should be fine. Dotty Dumplings is right up the street one block towards state st (known for their hamburgers). Same deal there, need to get there early. There is a relatively new place called double u on university ave right up the block from Wando's 1/2 block that has good bar hamburgers. Wando's is an option and BW3 is right on University a block and a half west of Wandos. And there are lots more options on state street, hamburgers, Mexican, state street brats, portabella (Italian), gyro's (parthenons). And I forgot if you want a good pizza place that is really fast is Ian's pizza by the slice right next to Dotty Dumplings. They have good pizza and lots of weird combinations that are really good. Make sure to stop into Red Shed for a pickle jar LIT and they have fantastic grilled wings.

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

I haven't seen/heard anything official yet, but I believe that a fighting penalty carries a 1 game suspension in the NCAA.

I hate to say it, but I've been expecting a penalty like this from Greenway to bite us in the rear.

He is an aggressive young man and I often see him giving an extra push or shove after the whistle and have seen him in too many facemask-to-facemask situations where the linesmen have to come separate things.

I get that a player can be riled up and emotional, but you have to be able to keep that under control. One swing in a fight-or-flight reaction I can understand. But taking 3 or 4 big swings is just stupid. Add in the fact that he was smiling/laughing at the officials as they pulled him out of the box to send him off and I'm losing a little bit of respect for the kid. I sure hope he gets the message that things like this hurt the team and he gets a dose of maturity in a hurry.

Injuries + suspension + PSU always throwing LOTS of shots at the net has me worried for this weekend.

Not going to excuse the behavior from Greenway, but the hit on Jurusik was ridiculous. Greenway has to keep himself in check. Can't miss games due to stupid penalties like that.

Any word on Timmmmmeeeeee and his knee to knee injury? if they are both out D core will be really short handed (Greenway will be out for sure due to the fighting major)

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

I haven't seen/heard anything official yet, but I believe that a fighting penalty carries a 1 game suspension in the NCAA.

I hate to say it, but I've been expecting a penalty like this from Greenway to bite us in the rear.

He is an aggressive young man and I often see him giving an extra push or shove after the whistle and have seen him in too many facemask-to-facemask situations where the linesmen have to come separate things.

I get that a player can be riled up and emotional, but you have to be able to keep that under control. One swing in a fight-or-flight reaction I can understand. But taking 3 or 4 big swings is just stupid. Add in the fact that he was smiling/laughing at the officials as they pulled him out of the box to send him off and I'm losing a little bit of respect for the kid. I sure hope he gets the message that things like this hurt the team and he gets a dose of maturity in a hurry.

Injuries + suspension + PSU always throwing LOTS of shots at the net has me worried for this weekend.

Couldn't agree more. UW does seem to have depth @ D, and Greenway is still learning the D1 ropes, so if he misses the one game I'm not too worried, unless Davison is also out. Linhart/McGuire/Tischke/Hurley/Sexton/Bunz is a little sketchy.

I was surprised Soleway didn't land on the 4th line last weekend, he was looking good. Conversely Ustaski is moving up the chart a tad.

[Sieve1]

It will be very busy, but if you get there early enough (5 pm or so), you should be fine. Dotty Dumplings is right up the street one block towards state st (known for their hamburgers). Same deal there, need to get there early. There is a relatively new place called double u on university ave right up the block from Wando's 1/2 block that has good bar hamburgers. Wando's is an option and BW3 is right on University a block and a half west of Wandos. And there are lots more options on state street, hamburgers, Mexican, state street brats, portabella (Italian), gyro's (parthenons). And I forgot if you want a good pizza place that is really fast is Ian's pizza by the slice right next to Dotty Dumplings. They have good pizza and lots of weird combinations that are really good. Make sure to stop into Red Shed for a pickle jar LIT and they have fantastic grilled wings.

Thank you! Haven't been to Dotty's since they moved from Fairchild, so that would be fun. Lots of great suggestions- thanks!

[KaMiGo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Maybe G2O were reading this...3 first period goals for, 0 first period goals allowed. That is always a good indicator.

After a solid away/neutral sweep of Ohio State, here is where things stand:

🎵Guess who's back? Back again? Wisconsin's back, tell a friend. 🎵 https://t.co/XM4jeNxChH

— Crease Creatures (@CreaseCreatures) January 30, 2017

Wisconsin gets 93 votes, good enough to get to 18th place in the latest poll
RPI climbs to 18
PWR also climbs to 18
Team O, 3.59 - 7th
Team D, 3.14 - 43rd
PP, 27/124 21.77% - 10th
PK, 91/105 86.7% - 7th

Another weekend, another sweep...I could get used to this!

Let's take a look at the numbers:
Wisconsin gets 93 votes, good enough to get to 18th place in the latest poll
RPI climbs to 18
PWR also climbs to 18
Team O, 3.59 - 7th
Team D, 3.14 - 43rd
PP, 27/124 21.77% - 10th
PK, 91/105 86.7% - 7th[/QUOTE]

We are up to 232 votes, good for 17th place in the poll
RPI continues to climb, up to 15
PWR also climbing, up to 15
Team O, 3.71 - 6th
Team D, 3.12 - 41st
PP, 28/133 21.05% - 11th
PK, 97/111 87.4% - 6th

This week we get the free-falling PSU Nittany Lions (16-6-2)
10th in the poll
11th in the RPI
11th in the PWR
Team O, 4.17 - 1st
Team D, 2.58 - 21st
PP, 24/116 20.69% - 13th
PK, 80/95 84.2 - 21st

Penn State has been an odd team this year; lots of early season success, but at home against poor competition. Recently they have been in a 0-4-1 stretch during which they have not scored more than 4 goals and are averaging just over 2 per game.

Looking a little bit deeper into the numbers gives some interesting insight. For years PSU has been known as a team that will take a shot from pretty-much anywhere inside of the blue line and would put up 40 per game regularly. However, this year UW is ahead of them in shots. Not by much (824-805), but still ahead of them.

The other big thing that jumps out at me is how stats have adjusted based on full season vs conference stats. If you look at full season, UW is 3.71 for and 3.12 against and PSU is 4.08 for and 2.96 against. Trim that sample size down to just conference games and you get a completely different picture; UW at 4.20 for and 2.60 against with PSU at 3.80 for and 3.40 against.

I think that UW has a good chance to get some points. I don't know if I can call for a sweep, however, an undefeated weekend seems realistic.


A few other interesting tidbits:
Kunin is now up to 5th (tied) for total goals with 17
Sturtz from PSU (also a Sophomore) is also sitting at 17
Kunin's 2 short-handed goals are tied for the 3rd most
Sturtz from PSU is also sitting at 2
I doubt that we'll see him, but PSU has a goalie named Chris Funkey. I'll just leave that one alone.
Looking at conference stats only, Jurusik and Berry are 1 and 2 in the B1G with 2.2 and 2.5 GAA
Jurusik and Berry are 1 and 3 with SV% of .924 (Jurusik tied with Frey of OSU) and .903
UW tied with Minnesota in league play with 4.2 goals scored and leads the conference with 2.6 goals allowed.

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

It's good to be optimistic finally after the last few years..... So nice to be competitive.

[ChrisTheTurk]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey, Vol II: Rebuild, Refresh, and Renew!

Penn State has been an odd team this year; lots of early season success, but at home against poor competition. Recently they have been in a 0-4-1 stretch during which they have not scored more than 4 goals and are averaging just over 2 per game.

Looking a little bit deeper into the numbers gives some interesting insight. For years PSU has been known as a team that will take a shot from pretty-much anywhere inside of the blue line and would put up 40 per game regularly. However, this year UW is ahead of them in shots. Not by much (824-805), but still ahead of them.

The other big thing that jumps out at me is how stats have adjusted based on full season vs conference stats. If you look at full season, UW is 3.71 for and 3.12 against and PSU is 4.08 for and 2.96 against. Trim that sample size down to just conference games and you get a completely different picture; UW at 4.20 for and 2.60 against with PSU at 3.80 for and 3.40 against.

I think that UW has a good chance to get some points. I don't know if I can call for a sweep, however, an undefeated weekend seems realistic.

As to this coming weekend, on the negative side, the Badgers have some injuries and the Greenway suspension. That, and the pessimist in me has this sinking feeling that after a 5-game win streak and the drama of some of those OT games, they might be due for a letdown. Bucky really seemed to take their foot off the gas the middle three periods of that Mich. St. series, so a loss might not be the worst thing, if only to remind them they need to play a full 60 minutes.

On the plus side, despite the injuries and suspensions, Wisconsin seems pretty deep this year, so I'm not too worried about guys stepping into the lineup to plug holes. Also, Penn. St. played a pretty weak schedule this year up until the conference season started, and they promptly got thumped by Minnesota. I caught just a snippet of those games and it looked like Penn. St. had a lot of trouble with the Rodent's speed on the larger ice sheet, which bodes well for Wisconsin at the Kohl. Finally, we haven't lost two games in a row all year long, so even if we get beat Friday night, I have confidence in the coaching staff to fix the issue and get a result on Saturday.

I could easily see a split this weekend, and I'm hoping for more than that (and God, how strange is that to type after the last few years!).