All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Sounds like a good idea and there is enough interest in the WCHA tourney games to keep the interest level fairly high at the Xcel regardless of the exact format. Hell with one more team in the mix you'll probably have a little more interest. At the Joe when the CCHA used this format that first game on Thursday was often played in a horrible environment. One of the two Notre Dame participated in literally had just 100s of people in the stands over the first two periods. Can't see that happening for the WCHA regardless of who is playing.

IMHO they'll be eliminating the 3rd place game one year too late.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

My confidence has been shaken. But what about the team's? Can they reset themselves for the tournament?

Up until today, DU had been very resilient. A bad outing was always followed with a good one, and the until today, DU had not lost twice in a row. Now we are in new territory for this team. The resilience did not materialize against Wisconsin, and DU is out of proverbial Mulligans.

The one thing that I like is that DU will likely be facing either RIT or Sacred Heart in the opener. Good teams they are, but they not at the level of UND and Wisconsin. If DU plays all out and hard, there is no reason they can't win the opener. From there, the confidence builds again, and St. Paul is in the rearview mirror by then. From there, Chevy needs to regain his form. He was lousy this weekend, and Lalonde needs to get Chevy to settle down and play his game.

Then the rest of the boys need to show up and play for their school and for each other. Redemption can be cathartic...

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

Up until today, DU had been very resilient. A bad outing was always followed with a good one, and the until today, DU had not lost twice in a row. Now we are in new territory for this team. The resilience did not materialize against Wisconsin, and DU is out of proverbial Mulligans.

The one thing that I like is that DU will likely be facing either RIT or Sacred Heart in the opener. Good teams they are, but they not at the level of UND and Wisconsin. If DU plays all out and hard, there is no reason they can't win the opener. From there, the confidence builds again, and St. Paul is in the rearview mirror by then. From there, Chevy needs to regain his form. He was lousy this weekend, and Lalonde needs to get Chevy to settle down and play his game.

Then the rest of the boys need to show up and play for their school and for each other. Redemption can be cathartic...

No doubt we've got a chance here for epic redemption. Just go on a little four game winning streak and bingo, one of the great moments in DU history. The team I want to see (and was expecting to see today) is the team that buried CC with 6 goals in the first 30 minutes. If that team shows up then we can hang a banner.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

No doubt we've got a chance here for epic redemption. Just go on a little four game winning streak and bingo, one of the great moments in DU history. The team I want to see (and was expecting to see today) is the team that buried CC with 6 goals in the first 30 minutes. If that team shows up then we can hang a banner.

That 7-goal DU team is an ephermeral mirage. While DU put on a great effort, CC totally crapped the bed defensively in that game and made DU look better than they really are.

Our reality is this: DU is a 3.2 GPG team where 85% of its wins come by holding opponents to 2 GPG or less when Chevy is dominant in net. To win a championship, Chevy needs to be at the top of his game, DU needs a couple goals from the first line or PP, and a third goal from a Martin, Ostrow, etc.

The two 7-goal games DU had this year are outliers.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

That 7-goal DU team is an ephermeral mirage. While DU put on a great effort, CC totally crapped the bed defensively in that game and made DU look better than they really are.

Our reality is this: DU is a 3.2 GPG team where 85% of its wins come by holding opponents to 2 GPG or less when Chevy is dominant in net. To win a championship, Chevy needs to be at the top of his game, DU needs a couple goals from the first line or PP, and a third goal from a Martin, Ostrow, etc.

The two 7-goal games DU had this year are outliers.

Stop it. You're killing me.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

IMHO they'll be eliminating the 3rd place game one year too late.

Yep

Had a housefull of relatives but I was able to watch some of the 3rd period. Poorest performance this season by the team. Everyone has to re-dedicate themselves this coming week. If not, season over.

Looks like DU will be playing RIT as they have a 5-0 lead over SHU at the end of the 2nd period.

 

[gfmorris]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

Be happy to play y'all no matter when it is. Look forward to a challenge!

Go Chargers,
GFM

 

[Dmann]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

Some random thoughts:

1- This weekend felt like the Twilight Zone.
2- Swami makes the the top "intellectual quote" of the weekend with "Ephemeral Mirage" Wow, time to break out some Saint Exubery"s "Petit Prince" for reference!!
3- I thought Murray held his own.
4- I am very worried about this team.
5- I can't help but think of the conversation on this board last year about the Pios in the playoffs, remember Pablo? (granted we're not in the NCAAs yet so that was premature)
6-I was so relieved to have different announcers today. I feel like writing a letter (that sounds like something my wife would say)
7- co14ers, sorry about the poor choice of words last night, I was trashed.

 

[vizoroo]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

Some random thoughts:

1- This weekend felt like the Twilight Zone.
2- Swami makes the the top "intellectual quote" of the weekend with "Ephemeral Mirage" Wow, time to break out some Saint Exubery"s "Petit Prince" for reference!!
3- I thought Murray held his own.
4- I am very worried about this team.
5- I can't help but think of the conversation on this board last year about the Pios in the playoffs, remember Pablo? (granted we're not in the NCAAs yet so that was premature)
6-I was so relieved to have different announcers today. I feel like writing a letter (that sounds like something my wife would say)
7- co14ers, sorry about the poor choice of words last night, I was trashed.

I missed the "Ephemeral Mirage". Must have been when I was outside catching my double shot of Crown Royal courtesy of the Old Pio.

 

[A Shot and a Goal]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

I was just browsing the WCHA Live Blog from earlier today when Denver played Wisconsin and came across this entry:

[Comment From Roger: ]
Have heard Nutini's injury is a broken ankle and thatWrenn's is a dislocated hip, but of course, no one on the DU staff will speak openly about such injuries.
Saturday March 20, 2010 2:18 Roger

I have no idea if this is accurate, but based on how long the players have been out of the lineup this guy may know something. Throw in Maiani's injury and the team is in tough shape going into the tournament.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy

Some random thoughts:

1- This weekend felt like the Twilight Zone.
2- Swami makes the the top "intellectual quote" of the weekend with "Ephemeral Mirage" Wow, time to break out some Saint Exubery"s "Petit Prince" for reference!!
3- I thought Murray held his own.
4- I am very worried about this team.
5- I can't help but think of the conversation on this board last year about the Pios in the playoffs, remember Pablo? (granted we're not in the NCAAs yet so that was premature)
6-I was so relieved to have different announcers today. I feel like writing a letter (that sounds like something my wife would say)
7- co14ers, sorry about the poor choice of words last night, I was trashed.

3 & 4 are the most relevant here. Standing hip deep in what may be the wreckage of the entire season, under very unfavorable circumstances, the kid did do well.

I think we're all worried. And for good reason. It's not just a matter of losing two games. It's a matter of the nation's #1 ranked team being whipped last night and humiliated this afternoon. Denver people have seen games over the last 20 years or more in which the Pioneers have probably been smacked around the way they were today, but not me. The last game I saw in college was the '69 NC in the Broadmoor. And the few games I've seen since graduation, we've won. So this really is new territory for me.

Perhaps it goes back to the beginning of the season and the (apparantly) overly optimistic expectations. This was a senior dominated team, with lots of scoring punch that was just going to roll over people. Well, we had some scoring, but most of the rolling was done by the guy in the nets. And when he got hurt (or didn't show up) DU was exposed as an ordinary team with no ability to compensate for Chevy's absenses (think of that game against UAA).

So here at the end, when we're anticipating the tournament, DU just mails in a couple of performances against two key conference opponants who are peaking at just the right time, and looks simply awful in the process. I can imagine people shaking their heads, "this is the #1 team in the country?"

IMO there's absolutely nothing to build on after this weekend (Murray not getting blown out of the building isn't even a blip on the radar screen). And Swami's right (I wish I had a buck for every time I've written that) Gwoz and his players are going to have to dig deep to make any waves in the tournament. Right now, I wouldn't be all that chippy about beating RIT. I have a sense that our weaknesses have been exposed and the whole world knows we've been faking it. Man I feel bad about it.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

I was just browsing the WCHA Live Blog from earlier today when Denver played Wisconsin and came across this entry:

[Comment From Roger: ]
Have heard Nutini's injury is a broken ankle and thatWrenn's is a dislocated hip, but of course, no one on the DU staff will speak openly about such injuries.
Saturday March 20, 2010 2:18 Roger

I have no idea if this is accurate, but based on how long the players have been out of the lineup this guy may know something. Throw in Maiani's injury and the team is in tough shape going into the tournament.

Doesn't sound that far fetched.

OK DU is starting witha clean slate. Everyone thinks they will play RIT who will be making their first NCAA appearance. If things go to form they would likely play Cornell in the 2nd game who UND beat twice earlier this season. Likely landing ground will be Albany, NY about 2.5 hours north of NYC. Good chance of a Seth Appert siting as RPI is just across the Hudson River from Albany.

I am going to look on the positive side of things after a disasterous weekend in St. Paul. The team needs to look in the mirror and take a good look at themselves. Get back to the hockey that they play best; strong transition game, relentless forecheck, cycling the puck down low, excellent goaltending.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

And if it turns out I'm being an overly pessimistic poopy pants, I'll gladly eat my words. So long as I can wash them down with some you know what.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

And if it turns out I'm being an overly pessimistic poopy pants, I'll gladly eat my words. So long as I can wash them down with some you know what.

After this weekend's performance I am surprised you have any left.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

After this weekend's performance I am surprised you have any left.

I'm like John Denver. Remember, he used to do public service announcements about driving 55 and conserving gas, then it turned out he had a 1000 gallon tank on his property? Well, I've got a tank all right, but it ain't gasoline.

 

[Jori_DSF]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Hard to blame anybody for being negative after this disappointing of a performance. Those players need mind bleach before heading into next week, or maybe it's the fans that need it

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Hard to blame anybody for being negative after this disappointing of a performance. Those players need mind bleach before heading into next week, or maybe it's the fans that need it

We don't count. The players need to have their minds bleached, fluffed, folded and drip dried.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

I'm like John Denver. Remember, he used to do public service announcements about driving 55 and conserving gas, then it turned out he had a 1000 gallon tank on his property? Well, I've got a tank all right, but it ain't gasoline.

Why is it I remember that useless piece of information. I remember sitting in those gas station lines in Denver while he was filling 'er up on his property in Aspen. Hottie Claudine Longet shot the wrong person in Aspen.

Claudine was great on McHale's Navy.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Why is it I remember that useless piece of information. I remember sitting in those gas station lines in Denver while he was filling 'er up on his property in Aspen. Hottie Claudine Longet shot the wrong person in Aspen.

Claudine was great on McHale's Navy.

Ahhh, SNL's "Spider Sabich Ski Tournament," classic. As to your question, Denver joined an exclusive club of "celebrity" hypocrits. Willie Nelson did a PSA the theme of which was "laid back Willie doin' 55" 'til the DPS busted him doing 95! End of spots. Then Tony Curtis was fronting for an anti-smoking campaign called "IQ" for I quit, 'til he was popped for pot smoking in a London hotel. Oops.

Don't do as I do, do as I say generally isn't a well received message.

 

[du78]

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Re: All things Denver XXVII: From Boonetown to Motown - It's not a Ford, it's a Chevy!

Ahhh, SNL's "Spider Sabich Ski Tournament," classic. As to your question, Denver joined an exclusive club of "celebrity" hypocrits. Willie Nelson did a PSA the theme of which was "laid back Willie doin' 55" 'til the DPS busted him doing 95! End of spots. Then Tony Curtis was fronting for an anti-smoking campaign called "IQ" for I quit, 'til he was popped for pot smoking in a London hotel. Oops.

Don't do as I do, do as I say generally isn't a well received message.

If Willie had been doing the anti-smoking campaign, the ink wouldn't have dried on the contract before he was given the heave-ho.