So, about this season, 2023-24 edition…
As I’ve done the last couple years, I rewatched MTU’s NCAA tourney game Sunday night. It helps me take a more objective look at things rather than being caught up in the emotion of the moment when the game is live. My two big take aways from Sunday’s re-viewing of the game: 1) Tech played well for about 40 minutes of a 60-minute game. 2) Tech needs to bring in offensive players or a new coach / new system that allows the current roster to maximize their offensive potential.
First, Tech has made the NCAA tourney three straight years. That’s great, but they have been outscored by a combined 17-1 in those games, 3-0 UMD, 8-0 PSU, 6-1 BC. I took some blow back among some Tech fans by suggesting that Tech isn’t ready to complete for a national title until they can average 4 goals per game in the regular season. I stand by that statement because they play in the CCHA and look what it took for the four teams to reach this year’s Frozen Four. Two game total goals by the FF teams: BU 12, BC 11, Michigan 9, and Denver 4. That’s an average of 4.5 goals per game and playing against the top teams in the country. If Tech can’t average 4 per game with 24 games played in the CCHA, they certainly are not likely to score three or four in an NCAA tourney game against a nationally ranked top team. The last three appearances make that pretty clear.
Secondly, Tech can’t play 2/3 of a game against anyone in the NCAA tourney and expect to win, much less the #1 seed. Tech didn't seem ready to play and was on their heels for the first 10 minutes. Again, this year they gave up a quick goal under a minute into the game. I don’t know if that is on the players or the coaches, or both, but it has now happened two years in a row in the biggest game of their season. By the middle of the first period, they finally found a complete level that could match BC. They hung tough and played well for about 35min in the middle of the game. They had ample scoring chances but couldn’t finish. They had a five-minute power play that really didn’t produce much for quality scoring chances. By the middle of the third period, Tech was off their game again, giving up three goals in just over 3 minutes. At that point, the game was over and it got ugly from a personal control stand point as well.
My guess is that Tech athletic administration is satisfied with making the tourney again and Joe stays on for now. Tech got hot at the end of the season and went on a roll scoring 24 of their 109 goals in March, but the season as a whole was not impressive. With Mankato and other top teams not at their usual levels, Tech was set up to win a MacNaughton Cup. But in the end they were closer to 7th place (5 pts) than 1st place (9 pts). Too many loses to teams they need to beat and hardly any offense until the last month of the season. How and when are things going to change if the team wants a fourth title? The current formula doesn't seem to be structured to take Tech any further. Maybe the powers that be are happy with things as they are, and we as fans have unrealistic expectations of what Huskies Hockey can/should strive to achieve. Programs with similar hurdles to clear and resources to support their team have won tourney games, reached the Frozen Four and even won titles. I see no reason a National Championship shouldn't be Tech's target every single season. If we're on a path that isn't going to take us in that direction and have us trending closer to the goal, even if the current results are better than the past 20-30 years, then changes are needed.
Anyway, time for the off season thread. Suggest your titles:
"Michigan Tech Huskies 2024 Offseason: Back-to-back-to-back NCAA tourneys... and we scored a goal this year!"