We are now 3 games into the regular season and 5 games overall. I've watched the 3 season games and had family members at the two exhibition contests as well. So some early season conclusions can be drawn from the action so far heading into a huge early season match up at home against Mankato.
1) Forwards- I have been pleasantly surprised by the freshman forwards both individually and as a group. Wright, Kruse, Johnson and Ford. The 4 are all in the top 7 of team scoring leaders. I know its only 3 games in, but that's a pretty impressive start. Letourneau and Spezia have been dangerous, but only have 1 point between them. We have talked at length on here about the need for guys to bury pucks when they get a chance, these two are a prime example, but its early. Overall I have liked our forward play. We seem to be faster overall and we have controlled the better part of the 3 games....once again just need to put the puck in the net.
2) Defense- The defense has been about as I expected, not much offense outside of Rauhauser, but solid and have done well on the penalty kill as well. Freshman Wells and Musser have both played and have not looked terribly out of place, so we should have little trouble with one of them in the dressed 6 D-men every night. Smith still seems to take the bad penalty at the bad time, but he also seems to be improved in the corners over last year.
3) Goaltending- He is were there have been a few surprises. I figured Bednard would take the job and run with it as the only returner, but he hasn't. He continues to be plagued by the "soft goal" as he gives up at least one every game. They have proven to be back breakers against both WMU and MSU leading to loses in both games. Freshman Eric Dop meanwhile has played really well in both his exhibition time and the start at home this past Friday. I would expect he will start this Friday against Mankato as well. I doubt Berg is ready to pull the plug on Bednard this early, but you can tell by his interviews the bad goals are starting to get under his skin. I imagine Bednard starts Saturday, but is on a short leash, especially if Dop plays well again on Friday.
