Food for thought:
- DU is a little ahead of last year's team at this point in the season. This year's team is 10-4-2 at December 1. Last year's was 9-4-1 on Dec. 1. While W and Ls are similar, the difference is that this year's team has played a stronger schedule to this point. This is amazing considering last year's team was much more experienced, and this year's team has had more injuries early.
- This year (so far) and last year, both DU teams average(d) 3.2 GPG offensively. That means that if things stay on current pace, DU will have replaced all the offensive output lost from last season. Astounding when you consider Rhakshani, Reugessger, Colborne, and Wiercioch all left. That is astonishing recruiting folks. Let's hope they continue to score at this rate. If they do, DU should be in good position for the playoffs. I had figrued them for a 2.5 goal offense this year, but they are better than expected so far. One of the reason for the better output is more accurate shooting. This year, DU is shooting at 11%, which is up from last year's 10%. Now a 1% uptick may not sound like much, but it means more goals on less shots over the ecourse of the season. That bodes well if the Pios can keep it up.
Rough news on the attendance front. DU is down about 200 fans per game compared to last years average, despite a very attractive home schedule in the first half. Part of that is the economy, but I also think the buzkill of poor posteaseasons for DU since 2005 is taking a toll at the gate.
Players moving up:
1) Drew Shore's developmental expolosion is incredible. He's already passed his last year's entire output (19 points) in November (22 points), and has gone from a -8 player last year to a +12 player this year. His shooting accuracy has gone from .5 percent to 27%. Amazing. He could have a 50+ point season like Rock did last year, but he will likely miss some games for the WJT.
2) Salazar is on pace to exceed his 15 goal freshman year, and went from 1 goal all of last year to 8 already. What a difference good linemates make...
3) Makowski's development has been rapid. He's already replaced Weircioch (who was a sophomore) at about the same scoring rate. He could have 25-30 points by the end at this rate.
4) Brittian has come in and replaced Chevy (so far), with better GAA and a better saves percentage (so far). Astounding for a freshman. Can he keep it up?
5) Other DU guys who are having better years than last year - Maiani is averaging a point per game, which is slightly above last year's output (after a slow start). Ryder, Nutini and Shawn Ostrow have all already equaled their last season's point outputs in November. Bravo.
6) Matt Donovan - Donovan has 11 points in 16 games, which should mean he'll have a better point output than last year's 21 points, but this year, he's gambled more on D, and he's paid the price defensively. His game can get better, methinks. He has so much talent...
7) Other nice surprises: Zucker has been a revelation - he's the best rookie forward at DU since Bozak, IMHO. Right now, he's on a pace for a 30-35 point season, which would be outstanding for a 18-19 year old rookie.
8) Bennett is getting better after a rough start. He should reach 25 points, which is about where I thought he'd be. He'd have more points if his linemates could better convert his awesome passes. If he could move his feet a bit more, I think his output will increase. It's coming.
9) Philips has almost equaled his offensive output from all of last season (he has 3 points now and 4 in all of last year). He is a -1 which is better than where it was early, but he was a +5 player last year.
10) Dewhurst has no points, but he is an effective forechecker and helps out in the middle. Like his effort level.
Players who could step it up:
1) Kyle Ostrow - He's working hard, but not being rewarded much. He was a +12 last year, and this year he's a -2. Part of that is his role, but last year he had 16 goals and 10 assists for 26 points. This year, just 4 goals through November and 5 assists. At his current rate, he won't surpass last season's output.
2) William Wrenn - Last year, William had 7 points and was a +5 on the season. This year so far, no points and he's a-7, lowest on the team. I know he's been hurt, but let's hope he's recovers soon.
3) John Lee: He had 12 points last season, and this year only 3 points so far, which projects out to about an 8 point year. He's a stay at home d-man, but it would be nice to seem him contribute a little more offesively as his hand heals.
4) Chris Knowlton: Last year he had 6 points, this year, nothing so far despite more ice time. He sure works hard - hopefully he can up his contribution.
5) Adam Murray: I feel for this kid. He's gone from bad (.874 saves percentage) to worse (.827) in limited duty and lost his place in the rotation. Part of that is injury, part is mental. I hope he gets a shot at UAA to right the ship. He needs a confidence boost.
