Re: Michigan Tech 2011-12 Season Thread, Part II: You're gonna need a bigger bandwago
Mel Pearson show summary:
On UNO Series:
UNO did what they needed to do on the road to be successful
Disapointed we didn't get more points, but have to put this in rear view mirror, we're in the thick of it for anywhere from 4th to 9th in WCHA
UNO jumped to 4th with 3 points on the weekend, we still hold our own destiny
We're playing well, a bounce hear and there could've changed it
We were expecting them to be agrressive on the PK, we had a couple good lucks though on PP
They're a well coached team, that's as good a team as we've seen all year
Put emphasis on getting a good start Friday, two quick goals on Friday
Stebner quick goal, he's been playing well, if you can get shots through to the net, anything can happen
Reddick goal was big, good shot, got it away quick
Unfortuanate on 1st UNO goal, didn't cover 2x1 very well, hate to give it up
Anytime you give up a goal giving other team momentum, UNO started carrying play after 2-2 for about 10 mins
After down 3-2, we pushed back and got it together
Baker made a play out of not a lot, used Dman as a screen
From that point we were the better team
Couldn't solve Faulkner, he played a very good game in relief
Credit to Damon Whitten and PK unit, concerned with UNO PP coming in, our guys blocked shots, excellent job
Our PP on Friday never seemed to get anything going
UNO is a team that will turn it on at somepoint, they were picked top 4 in WCHA, you can see why, they're good
We needed a bounce on Sat and maybe we could've taken game over, didn't get that, Massa was the difference
We're playing well, have to remember we're still in the thick of everything
Around the WCHA:
UND is good 2nd half team, they've given up some losses at home, we've scored more WCHA goals than UND
Home ice is still very attainable
They discussed other WCHA games
Steve Yzerman - He was there to work, contacted us Thursday to let MTU know he was going to watch a game. He wanted to be hid so he could watch without autograph seekers, he's a classy guy. After the game, very appreciative and complimentary about how he was treated. He enjoyed the game/building/atmosphere. Sat and chatted for about an hour after the game. His first time to copper country, not often you get an NHL GM coming to your games. He was here to watch a few of our players and UNO players. Dirk - "He came in and out on priveate jet, did you ask him to use it for Grand Forks" Mel - I just asked if he brought his equipment.
Dirk - Maybe he was watching Shuester for UNO, big free agent Dman. Yes a lot of NHL guys are watching him. May not be 6'8", but he's tall. Dirk was getting texts about if he was going to talk to him. Mel has known him for a number of years. SUccess has not changed him at all, real down to earth guy.
On UND-
We are one point behind them.
We've gone into UMN and UMD and won, we're playign better on the road. Can be easier to get players focused.
They have big three - Nelson, Kristo, Knight
15 NHL draft choices on their roster.
We can have success against UND even though we struggled against them last year. It's a new year.
Brock Nelson - 20 goals - need to shut him down somehow, aware when he's on the ice.
We're doing a lot of good things, this weekend was good for us for finding out how we really have to play.
The guys are disapointed, but there's a lot of good things going on, can't overreact for one game. For 2 periods we were right there. Need to understanda good weekend can propel us into home ice.
Will need to come up with a couple twists in the PP to keep them off balance.
Questions:
Status of Gordic, Likteig and Brown?
Milos, concussion, somehwere around Duluth series, not sure if before or during. Had some symptoms, they're being very careful, it's day to day/week to week with him.
Likteig tweaked a knee in practice, should be able to skate today for the first time.
Brown, in Sat morning skate he dislocated his shoulder. Freak thing, not sure yet how long, could be rest of the season or week to week.
Thoughts on Tech Hockey Guide?
Great place to go if you're a fan of MTU hockey. In depth interviews with incoming players. Another resource you can go to get your fill of Tech hockey.
Dirk talked about long trip to UND:
It's not that bad of a ride to UND, we know what's at stake. We'll play hard/well. It's a big task, but a bigger opportunity. These are the environment you want to play in, where the games mean something. These guys havne't had that, weekend after weekend.
Guys are still uptempo in practice, but have to be careful to save energy for games. It's longest season in D1 athletics, have to keep their minds fresh. Changeup what we do in practice.
Mel has coached in Grand Forks for NCAA tournament. Great college hockey setting.
Looking forward to last 3 week. Thanks to fans and crowds, disapointed we couldn't get a win.
it's nice to see them discuss it to drive up interest a little. (evil laugh)
