Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

So, game tonight. Kind of a big series. Michigan is 3-6-0 all time against Penn State (with me in attendance it's 3-5-0). My friends and I have loved taking the trip down to Pegula, but it's not worth it to us for 1 Thursday game. Is anyone going to tonight's game, or Saturday's game? If anyone is going Saturday, are you going to bouncyball as well?

Going into this weekend Michigan and Penn State are tied for 2nd in the conference, 6 points (2 wins) behind Minnesota. The Gophers are in non-conference action this weekend, and all B1G teams will have played half their conference games (10) at the conclusion of this weekend. B1G weekend for conference standings.


I'm hoping for a split this weekend. With the travel, our abysmal record vs. PSU, and some players sitting out I'd consider a split a good result.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

I, too, and just hoping for a split- we miss Dancs tonight, and Martin all weekend.... But I also wonder if their actions at the end of the game fired up the team at all.

And while Zach looked ok against the USDP team, I expect Racine to start tonight. All weekend, for that matter.

Haven't heard much about any injury reports- so hopefully that nasty spill Connor took at the end of the game doesn't turn out to be a big deal. Recall that he left the ice without a handshake, favoring his right side.

 

[alnike]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Michigan Daily is also reporting that Marody is out with mono, so Shuart will move up to third line.

The top half of the lineup chart will be ok, the bottom half will require some shifting this weekend.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Michigan Daily is also reporting that Marody is out with mono, so Shuart will move up to third line.

The top half of the lineup chart will be ok, the bottom half will require some shifting this weekend.

While it's not an annual problem, it's also common enough that it seems as if Yost and the student's homes need to be gone over with bleach once a year. yuk

 

[MGoBlueHockey]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Came in expecting a disaster, hoping for the best. That Blackburn-esque goal Racine let in made it feel like it was headed that way.......

And then that pass by Tyler Motte to Connor to get the lead back ended it. That pass was something you wouldn't have seen three years ago or even last year.

Elite effort tonight. Finally got a win in that house of horrors.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Connor for Hobey

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Top line is doing most of the scoring, though. Penn State is good, but overrated. They only played one ranked team all season (except for Minnesota), and that was 16th ranked St Lawrence.

Nice win in a game that usually goes the other way fast. Our defense and goaltending continue to make this team a one and done if they make it to the NCAA tourney. No way does our top line score 4-5 goals against better competition. Good job by Piazza stepping in on defense.

Will get Dancs back, but losing Marody hurts the solid line with Calderone.

Nice that Kile scores on the PP, but where is that line full strength. Really disappointed in Nieves.

Maybe they can steal a sweep at another neutral rink that they have not done well at lately.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

I'm going to be cautiously optimistic.

While lines 2-4 are not scoring like Connor-Compher-Motte, they are still generating chances. WRT scoring goals, yes, Boo is not what we hoped based on his past, but his play does create a lot of "chaos" and he's able to really get the puck in their zone quickly. Regardless of if he puts the puck in the net- it does wear on the other team.

Not counting the sloppy goal- 3 goas against isn't bad. Especially when faced with 49 shots (again, not counting the stupid fluke goal). Past seasons- those kinds of shots faced got a lot more than 3 goals. So I'm calling that some improvement.

If this team can get the straight up goals down to 2 per game, we'd be in much more confident state- and they have a few months to figure that out. With the D we have, what that really means is not turning the puck over- especially with the blind passes to nobody. That is getting better.

It will be interesting to see what we can do Saturday night.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

I'm going to be cautiously optimistic.

I have a much easier time being a pessimist, because then my hopes and dreams don't get smashed. However, this team is getting me a bit more excited. The offense is insane and fun to watch. The defense and goaltending still need work, but are improving.

I didn't watch or listen to last night's game, just constantly checked the score updates. I'm glad to see us get the win at Penn State against a team that for some reason has always (2 years) been difficult for us. Tomorrow should be interesting.

 

[MGoBlueHockey]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

The pressure is off in that game because they aren't the new kid at school anymore. And it helps that they are ranked.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

I have a much easier time being a pessimist, because then my hopes and dreams don't get smashed. However, this team is getting me a bit more excited. The offense is insane and fun to watch. The defense and goaltending still need work, but are improving.

I didn't watch or listen to last night's game, just constantly checked the score updates. I'm glad to see us get the win at Penn State against a team that for some reason has always (2 years) been difficult for us. Tomorrow should be interesting.

Stats don't lie:

- #1 offense in the country 4.95 GPG
- #45 defense in the country 3.15 GPG
- #4 PP at 27%
- #45 PK at 79%
- #13 worst PIM's in country (only behind #12 OSU in B1G)

Connor leads the country in goals and total points. Motte is tied in goals. Compher is in top 10 in points.

Other than that we have a pretty pedestrian team that is fun to watch but forget at long stretches how to play defense or adapt to how the game is being officiated.

And Alfa- I like Boo- nice guy, nice talent. But he is weak on the puck (as a senior!) and his line is abysmal defensively, especially when Werenski or Downing are on the ice. Just an observation.

As far as the schedule: there are no more games against teams that will boost their PWR, only subtract from it. They need to keep winning period and the road schedule may have a few games where we don't show up. The biggest series is lining up to be against Minnesota who is their best chance at stealing the conference and winning the autobid. They have gotten increasingly better, can score, play defense and have goaltending. It will be interesting to see what they do in their tourney while we play Penn State again. I am not discounting PSU, but I don't see the same challenges from them as I do from Minnesota.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Stats don't lie:

- #1 offense in the country 4.95 GPG
- #45 defense in the country 3.15 GPG
- #4 PP at 27%
- #45 PK at 79%
- #13 worst PIM's in country (only behind #12 OSU in B1G)

Connor leads the country in goals and total points. Motte is tied in goals. Compher is in top 10 in points.

Other than that we have a pretty pedestrian team that is fun to watch but forget at long stretches how to play defense or adapt to how the game is being officiated.

And Alfa- I like Boo- nice guy, nice talent. But he is weak on the puck (as a senior!) and his line is abysmal defensively, especially when Werenski or Downing are on the ice. Just an observation.

As far as the schedule: there are no more games against teams that will boost their PWR, only subtract from it. They need to keep winning period and the road schedule may have a few games where we don't show up. The biggest series is lining up to be against Minnesota who is their best chance at stealing the conference and winning the autobid. They have gotten increasingly better, can score, play defense and have goaltending. It will be interesting to see what they do in their tourney while we play Penn State again. I am not discounting PSU, but I don't see the same challenges from them as I do from Minnesota.

The regular season championship has NOTHING to do with the autobid. The autobid goes to the conference tournament champion. Therefore it is technically possible for the regular season BTHC champion to miss the NCAA tournament.

Imagine this scenario, sparty wins the conference tournament and is the only representative of the BTHC. While HIGHLY unlikely it is a possibility...

While statistics don't lie they can be manipulated.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

The regular season championship has NOTHING to do with the autobid. The autobid goes to the conference tournament champion. Therefore it is technically possible for the regular season BTHC champion to miss the NCAA tournament.

Imagine this scenario, sparty wins the conference tournament and is the only representative of the BTHC. While HIGHLY unlikely it is a possibility...

While statistics don't lie they can be manipulated.

You're preaching to the choir, son. I'm not an idiot, I know how it works. I was referencing how Michigan is 6th in the PWR now and presumably, if they win most of their games, can be a contender for an at large. The regular season is symbolic, a nice banner, and a means to secure a way to the national tournament in case they trip during the BiG Ten tourney. The regular season is for seeding purposes. If you recall, that is how they made it in 1998. Both MSU and OSU (who were in the CCHA championship) were ranked higher after Michigan lost to the Bucks in the CCHA semi's. The Bucks beat MSU at Yost, while Michigan upset North Dakota to advance (after squeaking by Princeton.) The Buckeyes went to the FF and got blown out by BC, who Michigan defeated to win it all.

In the first B1G Ten tourney, Wisconsin won it IIRC and Minnesota got beat by the Bucks in the semi's. Anything can happen so better to have a bid secured than count on an autobid and end up a 4th seed in the national tourney.

As far as stats, I have no clue what you meant by being manipulated. They are pretty telling.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

You're preaching to the choir, son. I'm not an idiot, I know how it works. I was referencing how Michigan is 6th in the PWR now and presumably, if they win most of their games, can be a contender for an at large. The regular season is symbolic, a nice banner, and a means to secure a way to the national tournament in case they trip during the BiG Ten tourney. The regular season is for seeding purposes. If you recall, that is how they made it in 1998. Both MSU and OSU (who were in the CCHA championship) were ranked higher after Michigan lost to the Bucks in the CCHA semi's. The Bucks beat MSU at Yost, while Michigan upset North Dakota to advance (after squeaking by Princeton.) The Buckeyes went to the FF and got blown out by BC, who Michigan defeated to win it all.

In the first B1G Ten tourney, Wisconsin won it IIRC and Minnesota got beat by the Bucks in the semi's. Anything can happen so better to have a bid secured than count on an autobid and end up a 4th seed in the national tourney.

As far as stats, I have no clue what you meant by being manipulated. They are pretty telling.

Yea, I most definitely assumed you knew that but the fact that you said a BTHC regular season championship would put them in the tourny threw me a little. I know that you know what you are talking about when it comes to Michigan Hockey. I apologize.

Have you ever listened to a sparty football fan? If you have you are all too ware tht statistics can be manipulated.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

And Alfa- I like Boo- nice guy, nice talent. But he is weak on the puck (as a senior!) and his line is abysmal defensively, especially when Werenski or Downing are on the ice. Just an observation.

Great that you mentioned him- while still kind of lost in our defensive zone, he finally got a goal tonight. Great one, too, thanks to our Engineer. Piazza made a great and daring move with the puck, and totally faked a shot to let Boo have the easiest goal of the night.

That Compher, Conner, Motte line is really something- to struggle like that and still put a great goal in to seal the game.

And I sure hope that rather nasty interference that drew blood results in at least one game suspension.

 

[UMICH]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Great that you mentioned him- while still kind of lost in our defensive zone, he finally got a goal tonight. Great one, too, thanks to our Engineer. Piazza made a great and daring move with the puck, and totally faked a shot to let Boo have the easiest goal of the night.

That Compher, Conner, Motte line is really something- to struggle like that and still put a great goal in to seal the game.

And I sure hope that rather nasty interference that drew blood results in at least one game suspension.

I thought that Piazza's move was outstanding. I was very impressed that he drew the Penn State guy in like that and them walked rihght past him. Then he topped it off with that pass to Boo for the easy tap in.

Yea tht was an ugly play by Shuartz and I agree tht it deserves a suspension. The thing is Penn State goes to Minny next week. Since we go to Minny in a few weeks but Penn State comes to Yost to end the season it would benefit Michigan if Penn State swept Minny next weekend (or at least split).

Question, what are the tie-breakers for the regular season if teams tie in points? I'm guessing 1.) Head-to-head, 2.) Regulation wins, 3.) PWR. Is that correct?

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Great that you mentioned him- while still kind of lost in our defensive zone, he finally got a goal tonight. Great one, too, thanks to our Engineer. Piazza made a great and daring move with the puck, and totally faked a shot to let Boo have the easiest goal of the night.

That Compher, Conner, Motte line is really something- to struggle like that and still put a great goal in to seal the game.

And I sure hope that rather nasty interference that drew blood results in at least one game suspension.

I don't know why, but mentioning Nieves seems to work. Red took Selman off his line and moved him to center. Kinda worked out in Marody's absence. Piazza is making hay, which is great.

As far as the hit on Motte, I could see this coming. PSU was frustrated and taking runs. This better warrant more than 1-2 games- it looked deliberate- and he didn't get a game misconduct for CTH? I have never seen a 5:00 interference/roughing major. I can't say it measures up to the way Martin lost it- but it ranks up there. Motte could have been seriously injured.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

Yea, I most definitely assumed you knew that but the fact that you said a BTHC regular season championship would put them in the tourny threw me a little. I know that you know what you are talking about when it comes to Michigan Hockey. I apologize.

Have you ever listened to a sparty football fan? If you have you are all too ware tht statistics can be manipulated.

No problem... and no, I don't listen to Spartan logic about anything.

 

[MGoBlueHockey]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

I really don't know what to say. What a series. Finally swept those bastárds.

Cutler Martin knocking the **** out of that buckeye was definitely worth it now. 100%. His suspension is over and we swept the one team that we have not been able to sweep.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season

I really don't know what to say. What a series. Finally swept those bastárds.

Cutler Martin knocking the **** out of that buckeye was definitely worth it now. 100%. His suspension is over and we swept the one team that we have not been able to sweep.

So, now does he have to fight to get back into the top 6 defensive rotation? Piazza has represented well. IMO Martin comes back, so does someone else sit? Boka? Ceccone? De Jong?

Yes, satisfying sweep, especially since it was a real boost to the morale, tied for tops again in conference and huge boost to RPI (QW bonus > top 20 RPI team, plus two quality road wins.) We only have two teams on the schedule that will give us the top 20 RPI boosts- PSU and Minnesota. On the flip side, can't lose at home (damaging to PWR/RPI) and can lose to the other bad teams on the schedule- although a run of 11 more undefeated games is possible but unlikely. MSU, Wisconsin, Ferris and OSU may not be "good" teams but you can't just throw your sticks on the ice against them either. I suspect that the Minnesota road games and PSU home games will be barnburners.