Re: Michigan Tech 2013-2014: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Realignment
Mel Pearson show summary for 12-30, kind of a disjointed show with Mel on the phone and then pracice starting at 10:30, Muckalt and then Neville joined because of practice:
Tech remains on the road to play LSSU this weekend
On GLI:
Tough result, hard fought game, not greatest ice conditions, not an excuse, but passes not as crips, not as many good scoring opportunities
Western was a good hockey game, both teams had a few Grade A chances, both teams worked hard defensively, came down to a bounce, not much to choose between the teams
On MSU game:
We had good scoring opportunities, a couple 2x1s, Grade A chances, couldn't put one in, good pressure and controlled the game
Couldn't hit the net on some great chances, Sturos and Neville mentioned, we have to get better at that so we can get some seperation
Period 2, outshot MSU 20-5, partially due to PPs, MSU goalie great all weekend, gave MSU chance to hang around
J. Johsntone gets 1st goal of season, that line played well, Jake Johnstone and Blake skated well, doing a lot of things
Felt good heading in to 3rd, breakdown defensivly to tie it, backdoor, Pheonix had no chance, gave them some momentum/jump
Down 2-1 on MSU goal, redirect twice, and then big bounce off ice, no chance for Pheonix
Told the guys there's a lot of time left, MSU pretty good next 4-5 mins and we carried play last 8-10 mins of 3rd
Big goal by Petan, good work by Neville behind the net
In OT both teams played rather safe, not many chances
Hagg scores, Kero on the spot to extend shootout and scores, huge goal by Kero, a lot of pressure, Furne goal, great patience, nice move
Tech taking the ice for practice at 10:30 so Mel had to go, Muckalt joined:
on WMU game:
Phoenix played well for us, we just didn't capitalize on some of our best chances
Ice is bad for both teams, so expected some of the low scoring weekend it was overall at GLI
We are generating a lot of chances, bounce here/there, biggest thing is we have to hit the net, execute
Goal scoring is a premium, winning/tieing or 1 goal losses, PP getting better, we can play with anyone
Feel better about special teams, looking forward to second half, Phoenix giving us a chance to win every night
If we get lead, we need to get that next one to bury a team
On LSSU, split earlier this year:
goaltending a big factor for them last time we played them
huge weekend of hockey with tight standings
after simplifying things for outdoor ice, will go back to normal PP etc
they're a transition team, need to manage turnover and burry chances
Guys playing well right:
Have a lot of guys playing well, Neville had an excellent weekend for us, does a lot of little things and plays the right way
Eick/Petan/Neville will stay together
Johnstone is skating, moving his feet, generating chances
Our whole D group playing well
Kero excellent, using his speed
6-10-6, need points and a good second half start
Big games in the 2nd half, we're building towards the playoffs and the end of year, we've made strides and growing as a teamm
Learning how to play in 1 goal games, that's playoff hockey, and at the end of the year these games will be good experiences, learning how you have to play in these ways
Latest on D. Johnstone - he's a special player, difference maker, fine line between W/L and he could help offensively, he's feeling well, skating, getting close to playing, he feels good
Question for Mel taken by Muckalt:
In WMU game, crucial PP, why are Dmen on off-hands for PP faceoff?
Want to score off faceoff, so if we win it, they are on off side they can get a shot and have traffic going to the net.
We really work on set plays, different formations, we scored a lot last year and a couple this year off set plays.
Neville joined dirk on the phone, not practicing today:
Adjusted well to college hockey, expect a lot of myself though, want to play hard, do little things, finish hits etc
Comfortable on physical aspects of college hockey, finishing every hit counts
Do you see this team breaking out of scoring funk? we'll break through, when opportunities stop we should be worried, but as long as they're there we'll start scoring.
With Eick/Petan on the line, Eick doesn't get enough credit for his offense, he has up side, Petan is one of most skilled in WCHA, fortunate to have him as a line mate.
On Friday assist, knew ice conditions, wanted to get pucks to the net, so got it to Petan and he burried it.
Anticipate lines to stay similar, guys are developing chemistry.
Are you okay playing wing? Anywhere I Can help, winger most of junior career, switched to C last year of juniors.
Copley has been pillar in net, talk about his play? He does give us a chance every night, WMU had some key scoring chances, he made it look easy.
Nervous in or watching shootout? It was tense, Hagg scored, do or die for Kero, he burries it. Kero/Furne look relaxed. On bench guys were talking about MSU goalie coming out too far, they both made nice moves and buried them.
Thoughts on having shootouts in WCHA? They're a skills competition, not so much which teams playing better.
Big road games to start 2nd half, LSSU and Ferris, thoughts? Tough start to new year, tied with LSSU in standings. Ferris will be a challenge we're ready for.
Will play Ferris 4 straight games, with a bye week in-between. It'll be unique, use bye to see what we did right/wrong for 2nd wknd against Ferris.
Faceoffs even against WMU, they won some of the important ones. May need to bear down a bit in our own end. A lot of draws were scrambled with centerman tieing up each other sticks and wingers coming in for puck.
Day off from practice for Neville today. Going to winter classic, will be an incredible experience. Able to go to the big house as a team. Huge Toronto maple leafs fan, it'll be an experience.
Practice today at Plymouth Whalers arena, get a lift in and then go to a movie after dinner.
Dirk wants questions, you can always email your questions for Mel
dj@themix93.com
