Re: Michigan Wolverines 2011-2012 hockey thread
I dunno i really like the way he plays best face off man we have and only a freshman. Also did a ton of good things that don't show up on the boxscore. Works hard evry shift so expect lots more good stuff to come.
Really good class overall. Future looks bright.
Let me break down your comments:
1.
I dunno I like the way he plays.... I agree, if he can clean up some defensive zone issues and find the net more, he'll be the player he was thought to be.
2.
Best faceoff man we have and only a freshman....based on statistics, you are correct where he averages 59% (140/236) of his draws compared to the team average of just over 51%. (Also compared to others with like number of faceoff chances- Treais 48%, Wohlberg 51%, Travis Lynch, 53%.) Do we not miss Matt Rust or what?
3.
Also did a ton of things that don't show up on the boxscore... such as? blocking shots? only six this season. PPG's? None. He has one GT goal. I have noticed that he gets outmuscled off of pucks too easily until recently when he has been more assertive with his body positioning. He also got burned after losing faceoffs by losing his check too frequently. Much the reason his +/- is negative. He has been really conscience (recently) of his defensive role on both ends of the ice, so he is putting out effort. His games against Ohio (friday) N'eastern and Union were brutal, though. He has been nonexistent on special teams, too, particularly the PP. He has only had three "positive" games- Niagara, @NMU and Ohio (sat), where he was +2, +1, +1. Michigan was 1-1-1 in those games. His best moment was the game tying goal against Miami- a bit of a fluke but we needed it. He worked hard that shift to earn it. He has gotten his points in six games this season and hasn't had a point in the last six-that is unacceptable for a kid that is suppose to have filled some of our offensive void this season.
4.
Works hard every shift so expect lots more good stuff to come.... That is an expectation, not a wish- especially with the credentials he came in with. (Of course we said that about Fallon and Moffatt, too.) He's only a freshman, so the criticism has to be tempered some, but he has to produce more, period. If he can't do that, then he has to change his game and be a specialist of some sort- PK, faceoff, whatever. But his first half was poor considering the potential he has. If not, he'll see his ice time decreased as he progresses through his career. At a minimum he can't be a liability out there.
I am sure there is a ton of pressure on Zach. Maybe he needs to just play a simpler game, be mindful of his defensive responsibilities and take the offense where he can get it. I'm sure he'll mature into the potential he's capable of.
As for your last comment... I agree. The future is good as long as they stay intacted. DiGiuseppe could be a flight risk after next season. Travis Lynch has been a pleasant surprise offensively. Guptill was always expected to be a physical force with offensive upside and will get bigger and stronger. Sinelli is a nice kid, a good role player. Chiasson is going to be a real steady defensive d-man. Serville has had some rough patches, and with other highly skilled defensemen coming in next season, he may have to really battle for ice time. Szuma is a good team guy and is considered a "preferred walk-on", so his ice time will depend on injuries etc.
Hard to say how our next class will compare to the departing class. (Pateryn, Wohlberg, Glendening, Hunwick.)
If Merrill stays, we'll have him with Trouba, Carrick, Clare, Chiasson, Bennett, Moffie, Serville and Szuma on the blue line. No seniors. Pateryn is a physical workhorse and contributes periodically on offense- so he will be missed-but if this lineup remains, we'll be in good shape.
Wohlberg is the biggest offensive loss up front, with Glendening more of a defensive forward and a clubhouse leader- Nieves is an offensive minded center, Milne is a two way forward and Selman sounds similar but can play center, wing and on special teams. They all have decent size, too. Sounds like we are covered unless we lose a forward off of the roster. Nieves would probably be expected to fill in some of Wohlberg's offensive production.
Hunwick is the biggest loss in terms of position. Rutledge is considered consistent and has "elite" potential, maybe not as highly rated as Gibson or Campbell, but he should move into the starting role comfortably. Our history has been pretty decent with freshmen goaltenders, but he will make youthful mistakes. Our biggest need is a back-up for him unless current sophomore back-up Adam Janecyk steps up his game and can split some time with Rutledge.
