Re: Michigan State's Eternal Optimist Thread, 2014-15 edition
The OSU series sorta helped me confirm some thoughts I have about the team in general and some of the parts in particular.
Overall it's easier on the eyes as a fan than in the last few seasons, and we're seeing a few more of those goal-scorer-type goals than last season, where there were more of those scrappy kind where they keep whacking at it until it finds the net. We're still looking for more than one or two guys who are scoring threats every time they cross the blue line. Clone Matt Berry or even Ferrantino a few times and we'd have a few more goals from the scoring chances we ARE getting.
The defense is also significantly improved over last year. Although there are nights we're getting outworked along the boards and should find ways to spend more time in the opponent's D-zone, I see fewer give-aways and more support in moving the puck forward. Still blocking shots and that also helps.
The power play must improve. We can't spend the year at 10% and expect to end up with a winning record.
As far as individual expectations, it looks like the aforementioned Berry is on his way to a big senior season numbers wise. The guy can skate, handle the puck and has incredible instincts. Ferrantino and Maceachern give the team a lift too when they step on the ice, although the latter has a tendency to take on more resistance at times than he can overcome. But Mac's a great penalty killer up high and one of reason's our PK is one of the best.
Another senior I'm seeing playing great at times is Darnell, who while less the physical player he has been, is in noticeably better condition than he has been I think will be in our top 5 points guys when it's all said and done. His sharp-angle wrister on Thursday was a thing of beauty besides
. Another guy who seems to be getting it together is DeBlouw, who will always give some good solid checks, but also is handling and distributing the puck patiently and maturely. He'll get on the board too.
Good-surprised: Connor Wood has a good burst and good wheels. Looks like he wants to score too ... I think he'll be an important player. Travis Walsh is gonna lead the team in shot blocks probably, but his puck-handling has improved too. He's also given MSU something they haven't had too much off: D-men who can score.
On the up-tick: Holland doesn't scare me as much with the puck behind his goal-line, which is a plus. Maybe it's taken awhile to heal but his stride is better and he's making better decisions. Along with Boyd, he's also getting off more shots, which can't be bad. It'll take Draeger a bit longer to be on top of things.
They are who I
thought they were
I can certainly see the skill level of a Josh Jacobs, and it's refreshing to see a freshman D-man want to be a part of the offense. Ace at the right point on the power play too.
Sometimes spotted:
David Bondra, Ryan Keller, Dylan Pavelek (Fr)
Where are they?
Brock Krygier, Tanner Sorenson.
Sorenson's kind of an enigma to me. He's + to ++ when he's on the ice, but he's been a scratch for a long stretch (off-ice issues?). I thought Krygier was one of our better-skating, smart D'man last year (and as a Freshman), but I'm not sure he's seen much ice time this season.
Just to pick out and hopefully not too much picking ON particular players so far.
.