Mel Pearson Show summary for 12-31:
Mel called in from Chicago, no ice in Madison due to the basketball game so practiced in Chicago
On MI Game:
Disappointing loss, maybe toughest this year
Guys came to play, outshot them 17-5 in 1st, just couldn't score, hard to force offense
Diff Sunday to Monday, offensive execution Monday was not good, executed game plan, but couldn't finish
We just weren't as hungry around the net
0-1, MI, a little lax on coverage, Dmen shot that found its way into the net
Tough to give up the goal, we had one of our better 1st periods in a long time
1-1 Gould, Gould/Kero/Petan line has chemistry, can see their confidence, has skill, speed, grit, senior leadership
Now need consistency from other lines
Gould has become a serious hockey players, he's very social/outgoing, but on the ice surface have to be serious, he's done that, can be himself but a diff player on ice, came back in great shape too
Thought we had a strong 2nd period, had an advantage in zone play/puck possession
Pietila had a great PP opportunity in the slot early in 2nd, shot it wide, critical point in game with chance to take lead
1-2, MI Hyman, good job on PK, but goal was on a rush as we made a change, normally Jamie will stop that shot
We had chances in 3rd after that, Gould with a great chance, normally he'd put that in
Too bad, we had a great MTU crowd, one of best MTU crowd's Mel's seen, disappointed for fans
On FSU:
1-0 Eick, wanted fresh legs, L'Esperance came in and did a nice job, a big body like Joel can create room/space, did a good job creating this goal
2-0 Gould, Kero got the puck on net, he had a good week overall, wide open net for Gould
3-0 L'Esperance, happy for Joel, he's had chance, but this should help his confidence, remember Sturos having tough 1st half, Joel's bein in/out lineup, this could be start of real solid 2nd half
As game went on Joel L'esperance got better and better
4-0 Kero, beat Motte, great move
4-1, redirect goal, didn't like giving up that goal, don't want to give them any life
4-2, PPG, didn't like that one, sure Jamie wants it back
Played well after that goal, didn't give up a lot after that, every game is so important in PWR
PP - we had limited opportunities, good looks but couldn't finish
Neville is good, 50/50 for the weekend, no headaches or anything, concussion is main concern, not sure if he'll practice today, not as serious as originally thought
Questions for Mel:
When 5x3 is it better to have Blake/Tanner at the same time?
Not necessarily, we have a few different group. Some is how much they've been on the ice.
Watching UMD PP, they are always moving and generation scoring chances, how do we get back to being less deliberate?
It's a work in progress, we'll have stretches of good and bad. Some is out players, and some is other team. Hard to force offense. We'll keep working on it.
How different is it for focus of exam week vs. being off for break?
Like to have normal daily activity, more focused and organized. Like busy, keeps you in a normal routine.
Even worried about this weekend, traveling a lot of downtime, rather guys be in class focused like a normal trip.
Was there an extra emphasis for short quick shifts late in Saturday's game?
Not as concerned about matching lines, but yeah short shifts, need to be best conditioned team. Just takes one long shift to get out of sorts.
Mel, how hard was it to recruit current skill players, is recruiting getting easier?
Always have challenges, publicity is good. We're talking to young men now, that a few years ago that wouldn't be interested. Sometimes recruits seek us out.
Convincing players to come to Tech still has same issues, but it's gotten better and opened doors with how we're playing. Know there are a number of recruit at GLI too to see how we play.
What's toughest adjustment to being a favorite in games?
Just the expectation that come along with it. More distractions, NHL more interested, media interviews etc. Games are the same, but so many outside things going on.
You'll get teams best effort now too, they know they need to show up and play Tech.
Do you plan on giving Phillips any games off?
Good question, when you're winning, no. We go over the lineup, we like our other goalies, they've made strides.
On WI:
They're a big ten school, better than their record. They beat and tied Ferris.
They've had a tough schedule and been in most of their games. We have to be ready to play.
