Re: Michigan Wolverines 2015-2016 Season
If you go back farther- it takes a while until the GAA stabilizes-
98-99: 2.32 (Blackburn)
99-00: 2.48
00-01: 2.42
01-02: 2.29
02-03: 2.37 (Montoya)
03-04: 2.4
04-05: 2.43
05-06: 3.01 (Sauer)
06-07: 3.14
07-08: 2.03
The issues really started the year that Montoya went pro early, and we had to bring in Billy Sauer a year early. So 3 of the 4 seasons where we had a GAA over 3 (even barely), Mel was still coaching here (counting back to the first season after the last NC).
I'm not sure if you know this but the poor GAA / high goals allowed against certain teams started the last year of the CCHA (not the year Mel left). Technically, it improved the first year after Mel left. For example, GAA for 2011-2012 was 2.17. I'll further point out this was fifth in the country, Hunwick had an average just below 2 (7th in country), and Hunwick had a 93.2 save percentage (6th in country). If this is downhill, then I believe you are talking nonsense. I will admit that after the 2011-2012 season our defense has gotten worse. For comparison, GAA for each season:
2008-2009: 2.05
2009-2010: 2.27
2010-2011: 2.23
2011-2012: 2.17
2012-2013: 3.25
2013-2014: 2.54
2014-2015: 2.89
2015-2016: 3.16
The trend I most clearly see is that our defense has continually dropped while in the B1G. Putting this all on Mel leaving is presumptous. Did it have an affect on the team? I would be surprised if many would disagree.
On the "fun" note, I beg to disagree. This is the first Michigan hockey team or Michigan football team that I have actually believed could come from behind and win on a routine basis in the last ten years. Personally, I find this fun as this is a luxury I have greatly missed. Granted the defense is heartbreaking at a minimum but the offense reminds of the teams from the 90's. I'll grant you this season we are 2-5 in one goal games and that is not fun.
If you go back farther- it takes a while until the GAA stabilizes-
98-99: 2.32 (Blackburn)
99-00: 2.48
00-01: 2.42
01-02: 2.29
02-03: 2.37 (Montoya)
03-04: 2.4
04-05: 2.43
05-06: 3.01 (Sauer)
06-07: 3.14
07-08: 2.03
The issues really started the year that Montoya went pro early, and we had to bring in Billy Sauer a year early. So 3 of the 4 seasons where we had a GAA over 3 (even barely), Mel was still coaching here (counting back to the first season after the last NC).