All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

[redhawkman10]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

According to the bracketology thread, if the whole WCHA season and playoffs ended today, DU as the #2 overall seed probably face #15 overall seed North Dakota in our opening first round NCAA game, as six WCHA teams would make the tourney, and the rule about intra-conference matchups being avoided would be void.

Yea that would be a tough matchup, however with their remaining schedule they are either out or a 3 seed. There are too many teams that can bolster their PWR ahead of them.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

"Impressive" doesn't do justice to what the Pioneers accomplished last night. You figure down two, with UND desperate for some points, that maybe, maybe DU could get it tied and hang on in OT. Instead, the Pioneers torch 'em with three unanswered in about 7 minutes. Then add a 4th in the 3rd. Just a powerful performance in every aspect.

What's really gratifying is to read the references to the DU celebration echoing through an empty REA. I'm assuming part of it was singing the D-Rah. Way to go guys.

DU sweeps in Grand Forks are very rare things, at least in the last 30 years. I was actually in Grand Forks in 1985 when an average DU squad swept a much better UND team, and I returned there again for the WCHA playoffs a few weeks later only to see us get spanked and run from the building. It's been 18 years since DU took all four regular season games from UND and they haven't been swept at home since 2006, when Tech did it.

As for powerful performances, I guess it's all in the perception. Hakstol said it wasn't DU playing so well as much as it was his team dropping off in intensity level with a two goal lead, which is something Pioneer fans saw all too well in Madison with our own blown two goal lead. He could be right, but I also think DU finally started skating better in the second period, and the Sioux goaltending this year has been adequate, but not at Denver's level.

I think UND is a totally different team with Genonway in the lineup. There is no way the Sioux power play would be 0-33 with him in there. DU was never the same team after losing Trotter and Bozak during the season, and I think UND is hurting similarly without Genoway, who was a clear Hobey candidate.

I'll take the impressive sweep, but knowing that DU was somewhat lucky to get out of there with four points, considering DU was outplayed badly on the first night and about 50/50 on the second night until the Pios broke the game open.

Big step for the boys.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

DU sweeps in Grand Forks are very rare things, at least in the last 30 years. I was actually in Grand Forks in 1985 when an average DU squad swept a much better UND team, and I returned there again for the WCHA playoffs a few weeks later only to see us get spanked and run from the building. It's been 18 years since DU took all four regular season games from UND and they haven't been swept at home since 2006, when Tech did it.

As for powerful performances, I guess it's all in the perception. Hakstol said it wasn't DU playing so well as much as it was his team dropping off in intensity level with a two goal lead, which is something Pioneer fans saw all too well in Madison with our own blown two goal lead. He could be right, but I also think DU finally started skating better in the second period, and the Sioux goaltending this year has been adequate, but not at Denver's level.

I think UND is a totally different team with Genonway in the lineup. There is no way the Sioux power play would be 0-33 with him in there. DU was never the same team after losing Trotter and Bozak during the season, and I think UND is hurting similarly without Genoway, who was a clear Hobey candidate.

I'll take the impressive sweep, but knowing that DU was somewhat lucky to get out of there with four points, considering DU was outplayed badly on the first night and about 50/50 on the second night until the Pios broke the game open.

Big step for the boys.

All true. My only quibble is Hakstol's analysis. What was he going to say: "They treated us like Colfax hookers?"

 

[MagnessMan]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

The six goals on the weekend take us up to 3.12 Goals scored per game. Need to turn up the offense on the homestretch. 3.5 is the minimum goal to run the table. The schedule should allow us to do just that. Mercyhurst on paper doesn't look all that good. But I read some stuff on the boards that make me think they may be better their record. Good goalie and a couple of goal scorers. Need to be mentally ready for a team that is going to be gunning for us. No doubt the Cadets will be as well. PS was talking about Colborne, Shore and Maiani stepping up at the Ralph--they and others need to keep that going. I thought the fourth line once again gave us some good minutes and came close to sticking it in several times last night . I still would like to see the Goal Czar come back. He must not be cutting it in practice.

 

[MagnessMan]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

All true. My only quibble is Hakstol's analysis. What was he going to say: "They treated us like Colfax hookers?"

The one thing I heard him say and I agree with was that when DU scored their first goal the UNDies didn't fight back to the level they should of. That will **** a coach off every time.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

The six goals on the weekend take us up to 3.12 Goals scored per game. Need to turn up the offense on the homestretch. 3.5 is the minimum goal to run the table. The schedule should allow us to do just that. Mercyhurst on paper doesn't look all that good. But I read some stuff on the boards that make me think they may be better their record. Good goalie and a couple of goal scorers. Need to be mentally ready for a team that is going to be gunning for us. No doubt the Cadets will be as well. PS was talking about Colborne, Shore and Maiani stepping up at the Ralph--they and others need to keep that going. I thought the fourth line once again gave us some good minutes and came close to sticking it in several times last night . I still would like to see the Goal Czar come back. He must not be cutting it in practice.

With Martin going to be sidelined, the door may have just opened for the Goal Czar to get back in the line-up. If he does he has to do something like put the puck in the net. If he doesn't I am afarid it will be back to the press box.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

The six goals on the weekend take us up to 3.12 Goals scored per game. Need to turn up the offense on the homestretch. 3.5 is the minimum goal to run the table. The schedule should allow us to do just that. Mercyhurst on paper doesn't look all that good. But I read some stuff on the boards that make me think they may be better their record. Good goalie and a couple of goal scorers. Need to be mentally ready for a team that is going to be gunning for us. No doubt the Cadets will be as well. PS was talking about Colborne, Shore and Maiani stepping up at the Ralph--they and others need to keep that going. I thought the fourth line once again gave us some good minutes and came close to sticking it in several times last night . I still would like to see the Goal Czar come back. He must not be cutting it in practice.

Mercyhurst has 'trap game' written all over it. Unkown AHA opponent with likely limited film to watch. DU is coming off an emotional high point at UND and playing at home with likely one eye looking ahead to AFA and Minnesota. The staff needs to get the boys focused on taking care of non-cons. A loss to Mercyhurst will drop our PWR like a stone. Can't let that happen on home ice.

With J-Mart out for a few weeks now with the bad shoulder, I would think Salazar will get another chance to contribute. There is no need to rush Martin back. I keep waiting for Wiercioch to get his scoring touch back, and here's hoping the Glasser/Gifford/Knowltons of the world can get some goals to help the big guns out.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

The one thing I heard him say and I agree with was that when DU scored their first goal the UNDies didn't fight back to the level they should of. That will **** a coach off every time.

And he took the blame for that. I guess I'm taking the macroview here. We beat those bastiches in front of huge crowds, in their gold plated arena (with the donut making machine ) and their season perhaps on the line. I'm just enjoying the moment.

That doesn't mean I disagree with Swami's more nuanced, informed, microview of things. There's work to be done, no question. But let's savor the flavor of this one. It won't happen again any time soon.

Apologies, I didn't realize I was channeling Dan Ackroyd.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

But let's savor the flavor of this one. It won't happen again any time soon.

With the new WCHA schedule and the 12 team league it may never happen again. The four game WCHA series is pretty much a thing of the past ending this season.

Starting next year DU will have four games with CC and two other random WCHA teams. DU will only play four games against the Sioux every four or five years.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

With the new WCHA schedule and the 12 team league it may never happen again. The four game WCHA series is pretty much a thing of the past ending this season.

Starting next year DU will have four games with CC and two other random WCHA teams. DU will only play four games against the Sioux every four or five years.

That had slipped my "mind." Just another reason for celebrating. Swami's right, Mercyhurst does have "trap game" written all over it. Was it Chevy who was quoted talking about how easy it is to get up for games against elite teams? He's right, of course, but they've gotta put the hammer down on Mercyhurst and run 'em out of the building. This is where coaches play a role.

In 25 years as a head coach, Tom Osborne only lost two games to teams who wound up with losing records. In other words, with just two exceptions, he always beat the teams he was supposed to beat. An important concept for any team that has national championship ambitions.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

I am looking at the "big" picture. DU needs to stomp on Mercyhurst and AFA this coming weekend. No rest for the regulars, get 'em out there. Play Chevy both nights to keep him sharp. He got his rest earlier this season when he was hurt. DU has a great chance to get the #1 seed in the NCAA tourney and that means being #1 in PWR. Miami's RPI will be dropping as they play a very easy schedule the rest fo the way. If DU takes care of business they should get the #1 seed and break the PWR tie with Miami. DU has the potential to run the table the rest of the season. Having a nice winning streak going into the tourneys is always a huge confidence booster. These last 10 games are why Gwoz gets paid the big bucks.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

I am looking at the "big" picture. DU needs to stomp on Mercyhurst and AFA this coming weekend. No rest for the regulars, get 'em out there. Play Chevy both nights to keep him sharp. He got his rest earlier this season when he was hurt. DU has a great chance to get the #1 seed in the NCAA tourney and that means being #1 in PWR. Miami's RPI will be dropping as they play a very easy schedule the rest fo the way. If DU takes care of business they should get the #1 seed and break the PWR tie with Miami. DU has the potential to run the table the rest of the season. Having a nice winning streak going into the tourneys is always a huge confidence booster. These last 10 games are why Gwoz gets paid the big bucks.

If DU gets up by 4 or more goals on Mercyhurst or maybe Michigan Tech or MSUM, you might see Murray get some playing time. Chances are they won't put up those kinds of scoring margins. Blowouts for this DU team are very rare. They need to play Murray sometime, or you won't know if he's game ready or not.

I can't see Miami dropping out of that top seed, given they should keep winning. I think they had their wakeup call against Robert Morris.

As for DU "running the table" I think that's unlikely. They'll likely drop some games that they shouldn't lose on paper, because that's been the pattern all year. Should get 2 wins against Mercyhurst and Air Force. AFA always play DU tough, though. Then comes the Gophers, and they haven't played well this year, but will come into Denver with a chip on their shoulder after losing to DU at home earlyin the season. That weekend is a place where DU will likely split. Then comes Michigan Tech at home- should be a home sweep there. They they go on the road to MSUM, which should be a sweep on paper but probably won't be. MSUM is a scrappy bunch. Then you have CC to finish up, and that's probably a split there, with DU getting the Gold Pan back based on the first DU/CC three point weekend for the Pios. I see DU going 7-3 or 7-2-1 and finishing around 23 or 24 wins, around 9-10 losses and 4-5 ties. Probably will end up somewhere beween 2-4 in the league race, and enter the NCAAs as a #2 or #3 seed.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

The AHA is 8-43-5 against nonconference opponents. Mercyhurst is 0-6-0 in nonconference games and Air Force is 0-4-0.

This weekend has "cupcake" written all over it not "trap."

The Air Force game is more of a concern. Their arena will be sold out and they will be all jacked up to beat us. They defeated CC last year 4-1, DU 5-2 in 2008 and only lost to DU & CC by 2-1 scores in 2006-07. Luckily CC will soften them up on Friday night.

I'd guess Murray will start on Friday. If he got a shutout, I'd trot him out against Air Force.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

The AHA is 8-43-5 against nonconference opponents. Mercyhurst is 0-6-0 in nonconference games and Air Force is 0-4-0.

This weekend has "cupcake" written all over it not "trap."

The Air Force game is more of a concern. Their arena will be sold out and they will be all jacked up to beat us. They defeated CC last year 4-1, DU 5-2 in 2008 and only lost to DU & CC by 2-1 scores in 2006-07. Luckily CC will soften them up on Friday night.

I'd guess Murray will start on Friday. If he got a shutout, I'd trot him out against Air Force.

I doubt we'll see Murray on Friday unless its a blowout. It may have "cupcake" written all over it but the last thing DU wants is to lose either of their last two non-conference games.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

DU back up to #2 in INCH Power Rankings.

 

[dggoddard]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

I doubt we'll see Murray on Friday unless its a blowout. It may have "cupcake" written all over it but the last thing DU wants is to lose either of their last non-conference games.

The last person who doubted my Murray prediction spent the night buying beers in Magness. Don't be that guy.

 

[Garibaldi83]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

If DU gets up by 4 or more goals on Mercyhurst or maybe Michigan Tech or MSUM, you might see Murray get some playing time. Chances are they won't put up those kinds of scoring margins. Blowouts for this DU team are very rare. They need to play Murray sometime, or you won't know if he's game ready or not.

I can't see Miami dropping out of that top seed, given they should keep winning. I think they had their wakeup call against Robert Morris.

As for DU "running the table" I think that's unlikely. They'll likely drop some games that they shouldn't lose on paper, because that's been the pattern all year. Should get 2 wins against Mercyhurst and Air Force. AFA always play DU tough, though. Then comes the Gophers, and they haven't played well this year, but will come into Denver with a chip on their shoulder after losing to DU at home earlyin the season. That weekend is a place where DU will likely split. Then comes Michigan Tech at home- should be a home sweep there. They they go on the road to MSUM, which should be a sweep on paper but probably won't be. MSUM is a scrappy bunch. Then you have CC to finish up, and that's probably a split there, with DU getting the Gold Pan back based on the first DU/CC three point weekend for the Pios. I see DU going 7-3 or 7-2-1 and finishing around 23 or 24 wins, around 9-10 losses and 4-5 ties. Probably will end up somewhere beween 2-4 in the league race, and enter the NCAAs as a #2 or #3 seed.

Call me optimistic but I see us as either 1-2 in the league race. I think the only team that might go on a run is UW.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

Call me optimistic but I see us as either 1-2 in the league race. I think the only team that might go on a run is UW.

Wisconsin, UMD, SCSU, and CC are all sitting within four points of us in the standings, with a full month of hockey to play.

 

[Mannino Saves]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

With the new WCHA schedule and the 12 team league it may never happen again. The four game WCHA series is pretty much a thing of the past ending this season.

Starting next year DU will have four games with CC and two other random WCHA teams. DU will only play four games against the Sioux every four or five years.

That's too bad. I was just getting used to stomping them in their Marble-laden Arena. Maybe a road trip is in order. That way we can dine at Whitey's Gastropub in East Grand Forks and hit on fat, ugly UND sweater-wearing chicks afterward??? Delich.

 

[Garibaldi83]

Re: All things Denver XXVI: From Boonetown to Motown

Wisconsin, UMD, SCSU, and CC are all sitting within four points of us in the standings, with a full month of hockey to play.

Oh I know. Wis is 3 pts back with series against MSU, ST. Cld, MT and Minny. UMD is 1 pt back with 3 series on the road against MT, UND and AA and then a home series against Minny. SCSU is 2 back with games against AA, UND, Wisc and MSU. Finally, CC is 3 pts back with 2 games in hand. They play Minn, UND and DU.

I believe it will shake down like this. Wisc/Du/UMD all have realatively "easy" schedules remaining it will truly come down to who becomes hot at the right time. SCSU has a tough road series at UW that might derail their hopes and I beleive CC has too tough of a schedule and games in hand to make a run.

Again call me optimistic or down right wrong but here is how i see it unfolding.

#1 Du/UW
#2 DU/UW
#3 UMD
#4 SCSU
#5 CC/or by a miracle UND/Minny just because they have games in hand