Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

[owslachief]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Well, if you're looking for some well-condensed, level-headed reason or series of reasons as to why we won tonight, you're not getting that from me. I have no clue. None. Superb defense in the second and third along with a sprinkling of magic fairy dust? I... um... sure. I'll go with that.

That was undoubtedly one of the strangest games I've ever seen. I'm not saying I won't take the final result, though.

Also, it took a boatload of courage for Leveille to play tonight. Hats off to the kid.

That is one scary offensive road show MSU bested this evening. Seeing it with fresh eyes I don't doubt now why Miami has 3 of the top 5 scorers in the CCHA. Yeah, 3 points for us is pretty important. Take them any way you can. Palmisano saw everything well tonight and played mad, I think.

 

[IrishHockeyFan]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Well, if you're looking for some well-condensed, level-headed reason or series of reasons as to why we won tonight, you're not getting that from me. I have no clue. None. Superb defense in the second and third along with a sprinkling of magic fairy dust? I... um... sure. I'll go with that.

That was undoubtedly one of the strangest games I've ever seen. I'm not saying I won't take the final result, though.

Also, it took a boatload of courage for Leveille to play tonight. Hats off to the kid.

Hey, I appreciate it. It looks like my team may need help to hold onto whatever spot they end up at in the standings. We're sure not getting it done on our own. Nice win for you guys, though. The CCHA is turning into an "on any given night" kind of league. Well, except for BGSU. No, wait, half of their wins are against my guys...

 

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Palmisano was terrifying at times tonight. I thought he gave up far too many big rebounds, and all of that seemingly aimless scrambling he does pots my blood pressure through the roof. I thought there were spots tonight where he definitely did not look great. That said, he made big saves when big saves absolutely had to be made.

That said, I thought we were pretty dreadful on the draw tonight, we looked completely dead in the first period, and getting outshot 46-22 generally doesn't translate well for any team, much less this team. There were at least two times early in the first where I asked myself, "How on earth are we not trailing 2-0 or 3-0 right now?" Immediately following that quandary, we get some awesome bounces and score our first two goals.

The defense in the second and third was solid. I thought we did a very solid job getting in front of Miami shots and tipping the puck away from the cage. That said, we stayed exclusively in our defensive zone for nearly the entire game... not good.

It also helped that Reichard and Knapp had rough nights.

So, yeah. I have no clue how we won, much less won and notched a seven on the scoreboard. That said, I'll happily take the result and I'm not going to ask questions about it.

Tomorrow is huge. I have a feeling Miami's going to be ten types of p*ssed. A win tomorrow, and we're back at .500. Simply put, I don't think transposing the way we played tonight to tomorrow would equal in another victory. It's going to be bruising and physical tomorrow, and we'll need to play smart. The season may hang in the balance.

 

[Spartanforlife4]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Went to a game for the first time in a long time tonight thanks to the Credit Union voucher tickets. A win is a win, but there were still negatives.
First off was never really getting an offense set up for an extended period except for the 5-on-3 and maybe one or two other times outside of that, and that.
Second, are some of these guys even paying attention to the game while they're out there? There were at least two or three instances where the puck went right by a man for a chance in the offensive zone and he didn't even know it was there, either skated past it or it just went by him.
Third, does Palmisano always go that far out of the crease? I noticed that in the Michigan games on TV, but it's really apparent in person. Two of the goals he was just hung out to dry by the defense, but on one he was so far out the Miami player literally had an empty net to score on for what I think was their second goal of the game. It worked for him tonight, but if the offense isn't rolling like it was tonight, or the rebounds bounce a little differently, they could in a 5-0 or 5-1 game just from the other team putting away the rebounds.

 

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Third, does Palmisano always go that far out of the crease? I noticed that in the Michigan games on TV, but it's really apparent in person.

In short, yes.

 

[Pirateasaurus]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Alright, Miami is a **** good team. They really outplayed us at times. I think we finally got the bounces tonight and that is why we won. Also, A bunch of my friends, including a japanese girl who has never seen hockey before, attended this game and all had absolutely the best time. Scoring 7 goals was a lot of fun, even if 2 of them or so were pretty soft.

We must play better in order to win tomorrow night. Still, that feels a lot better than needing to play a lot better to not be swept.

 

[Pirateasaurus]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

It's always a great feeling going into the second game anticipating getting a possible sweep. I am a little concerned about our energy tonight as it was apparent at times last night that we were completely gassed. If Miami possesses the puck like they did in the 1st and 3rd periods tonight for extended periods of time we may just hit a wall by the time the third rolls around. Still, I don't think we will be getting outshot to the tune of 46-22 again. I am predicting that we skate better tonight but ironically, don't get the 3 points. Miami has ridiculous skill and move the puck better than any team i've seen us play this year so I don't think we will be getting all the puck luck two games in a row.

Last night was loads of fun, however. I really wish the building was that full every night. It's feels great that we are pulling out wins in these marquee home games.

I do feel quite a bit better with Cannone sitting out, though.

 

[owslachief]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

That said, I thought we were pretty dreadful on the draw tonight, we looked completely dead in the first period, and getting outshot 46-22 generally doesn't translate well for any team, much less this team. There were at least two times early in the first where I asked myself, "How on earth are we not trailing 2-0 or 3-0 right now?" Immediately following that quandary, we get some awesome bounces and score our first two goals.

The 42-21 shot advantage also translates into Miami working us over AGAIN. I know it's a tall order (literally and figuratively), but the Spartans have to figure out a way of being far more physical. They tried to get and maintain possession with their sticks instead of their bodies. Let Miami manhandle you again and the luck you had last night can't be called on again.

And how many times are we going to see Miele getting open in the low slot and making that deadly toe drag? Gotta remedy that.

Tomorrow is huge. I have a feeling Miami's going to be ten types of p*ssed. A win tomorrow, and we're back at .500. Simply put, I don't think transposing the way we played tonight to tomorrow would equal in another victory. It's going to be bruising and physical tomorrow, and we'll need to play smart. The season may hang in the balance.

Besides the bounces, any clue what Blasi was so p.o'd about on the ice after the game?

Edit -
Ah. Now I read Piratesaurus' bit of news about Cannone and I see why RB may have a beef.

 

[owslachief]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Hey not to be too critical, but if the team can't be competitive for an entire weekend it's going to be a short March. Outside of the first 3 minutes of play until the Gazley breakaway, I don't think MSU was within an area code of a scoring chance. It's too bad Palmy had to be saddled with this, but once again 47 shots faced is not on him. That number doesn't count the number of pucks whistled just over the bar.

 

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Hey not to be too critical, but if the team can't be competitive for an entire weekend it's going to be a short March. Outside of the first 3 minutes of play until the Gazley breakaway, I don't think MSU was within an area code of a scoring chance. It's too bad Palmy had to be saddled with this, but once again 47 shots faced is not on him. That number doesn't count the number of pucks whistled just over the bar.

Honestly, I saw a lot of last night in tonight's play. The only two differences: No lucky bounces and solid goaltending from Miami's goalie. Miami still controlled play, took the majority of shots (47-26 tonight), and kept us exclusively out of the offensive zone.

I wrote this last night...

Simply put, I don't think transposing the way we played tonight to tomorrow would equal in another victory.

Simply put, we tried to transpose last night's play to tonight, and we were punched in the mouth because of it.

Very disappointing night.

 

[Pirateasaurus]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

For about 2 periods tonight, especially the first, I haven't seen us outplayed so badly since 2008. We didn't look like a Div 1 team out there. It looked like Miami was playing an exhibition game against York or something. I just don't understand.

That said, i thought the third was better. We laid out some big hits and created scoring chances. I know that Miami probably took their foot off the gas but it was at least nice to see us have some pride out there. We were humiliated most of the night.

I am not sure Miami has run a team into the ground this year like they did to us for most of this weekend. Again, I just don't understand.

 

[owslachief]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

For about 2 periods tonight, especially the first, I haven't seen us outplayed so badly since 2008. We didn't look like a Div 1 team out there. It looked like Miami was playing an exhibition game against York or something. I just don't understand.

That said, i thought the third was better. We laid out some big hits and created scoring chances. I know that Miami probably took their foot off the gas but it was at least nice to see us have some pride out there. We were humiliated most of the night.

I am not sure Miami has run a team into the ground this year like they did to us for most of this weekend. Again, I just don't understand.

You're right - MSU did look junior-like - I suppose it didn't help their psyche much to draw that bogus clipping penalty and what looked like a solid hit and have the puck go in with .1 seconds. But no excuses.

 

[Nevergoodenough]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

For about 2 periods tonight, especially the first, I haven't seen us outplayed so badly since 2008. We didn't look like a Div 1 team out there. It looked like Miami was playing an exhibition game against York or something. I just don't understand.

That said, i thought the third was better. We laid out some big hits and created scoring chances. I know that Miami probably took their foot off the gas but it was at least nice to see us have some pride out there. We were humiliated most of the night.

I am not sure Miami has run a team into the ground this year like they did to us for most of this weekend. Again, I just don't understand.

You don't understand? Really? It's called being out-coached. If anyone had looked at replays of Friday's game, it would have been apparant that Miami gets that low slot weak-side area filled, yet here it was Saturday and that area was still uncovered. Adjustments needed to be made both in the D zone and the O zone, yet they weren't.

Blasi is one of the best coaches out there, and he just gave a clinic on how to do the job. Lose on Friday, make some major adjustments, and win on Saturday. My hat is off to the Miami team, well done.

 

[MCB]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

You don't understand? Really? It's called being out-coached.

I hear George Gwozdecky or Danton Cole will be coaching the team next year.

Anyone know where to get a name plate made for a jersey?

 

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

I hear George Gwozdecky or Danton Cole will be coaching the team next year.

Hollis isn't giving a hockey coach an $800,000 contract. Gwozdecky's out. I could see Cole to MSU happening, but I really don't think that'd be a good hire for us.

And frankly, I'd rather have Cole at tNTDP so we can rebuild some ties and break up Red's monopoly down the street.

 

[owslachief]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Hollis isn't giving a hockey coach an $800,000 contract. Gwozdecky's out. I could see Cole to MSU happening, but I really don't think that'd be a good hire for us.

And frankly, I'd rather have Cole at tNTDP so we can rebuild some ties and break up Red's monopoly down the street.

To a point. Red's hold on that pipeline seems to be weakening - but not to our advantage. They're flowing to Notre Dame, Miami, the Northeast/Ivy schools and North Dakota it seems.

 

[Nevergoodenough]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

I have a question for those that are closer to the action than I am: Why not give Renfrew or Newton the reigns? Here's how they can do this.... have Comley "retire" so to speak, have him take some time off and give one of these guys the interim job as a tryout of sorts. See if they can get some changes to take hold, and if they can get the team on their side, them give them a two-year shot. If things appear to not change, then go out for a search. Hollis could suggest that Comley go on a recruiting trip, maybe down to Florida for two or three months, and then get some regrouping to take place.

What say you?

 

[Arwen22266]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

To a point. Red's hold on that pipeline seems to be weakening - but not to our advantage. They're flowing to Notre Dame, Miami, the Northeast/Ivy schools and North Dakota it seems.

Look at the facilities at ND, Miami and UND. I would too.

 

[inverted stein]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

I have a question for those that are closer to the action than I am: Why not give Renfrew or Newton the reigns? Here's how they can do this.... have Comley "retire" so to speak, have him take some time off and give one of these guys the interim job as a tryout of sorts. See if they can get some changes to take hold, and if they can get the team on their side, them give them a two-year shot. If things appear to not change, then go out for a search. Hollis could suggest that Comley go on a recruiting trip, maybe down to Florida for two or three months, and then get some regrouping to take place.

What say you?

Florida? What you're suggesting would be disastrous. He'll want to switch to doing a little recruiting for Jake Boss Jr. - say from November to March and we'd never see him and his fine motivational strategery behind the bench again.

Look at the facilities at ND, Miami and UND. I would too.

Notre Dame!? Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? I mean the sketches are pretty and all.

 

[aallenpollreisz]

Re: Come Back With Your Shield, Or On It: MSU Spartan Hockey 2010-11

Notre Dame!? Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? I mean the sketches are pretty and all.

Well, their new barn is opening next year...