Re: Michigan Wolverines 2016-2017 Season
I have no information to offer. Berenson is on a year to year basis as far as Manuel is concerned. I think Red revels in the fan concern for his retirement. He seemed annoyed about the fuss made at the last home game last season.
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As far as the 2016-17 team, there are many unknowns. The USNDT kids coming in have a good pedigree. I like the idea that they are under the radar. No big individual names looking over their shoulder at the NHL. At the same time, a really down year would IMO send Red off for good. I think the non conference schedule aligns/softens with what could be his biggest coaching challenge in some time.
Minnesota has the inside track on the conference, very talented up and down the lineup. Wisconsin will have to be taken seriously again, but still may be a year away. Ohio State can play with just about anyone given the opportunity. Problem is, they don't take games off, they take weeks off in between. Michigan will be talented, but not at the offensive prolific talent level like last season. I agree with the comment that many of their defensive deficiencies also departed. I think they will fight for anywhere from 2nd-4th place. Penn State lost a good deal of talent and may be in re-building for this season. MSU showed some life at the end of the season, but lost several key experienced players, something that will keep them down this season.
From a national perspective, hard to think that the B1G Ten teams have taken a giant leap compared to other conferences. It will still be the NCHC and HEA dominating the rankings. The WCHA and ECAC is probably on par with the B1G. Getting more than the autobid into the national tournament will be a surprise.
I have no information to offer. Berenson is on a year to year basis as far as Manuel is concerned. I think Red revels in the fan concern for his retirement. He seemed annoyed about the fuss made at the last home game last season.
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As far as the 2016-17 team, there are many unknowns. The USNDT kids coming in have a good pedigree. I like the idea that they are under the radar. No big individual names looking over their shoulder at the NHL. At the same time, a really down year would IMO send Red off for good. I think the non conference schedule aligns/softens with what could be his biggest coaching challenge in some time.
Minnesota has the inside track on the conference, very talented up and down the lineup. Wisconsin will have to be taken seriously again, but still may be a year away. Ohio State can play with just about anyone given the opportunity. Problem is, they don't take games off, they take weeks off in between. Michigan will be talented, but not at the offensive prolific talent level like last season. I agree with the comment that many of their defensive deficiencies also departed. I think they will fight for anywhere from 2nd-4th place. Penn State lost a good deal of talent and may be in re-building for this season. MSU showed some life at the end of the season, but lost several key experienced players, something that will keep them down this season.
From a national perspective, hard to think that the B1G Ten teams have taken a giant leap compared to other conferences. It will still be the NCHC and HEA dominating the rankings. The WCHA and ECAC is probably on par with the B1G. Getting more than the autobid into the national tournament will be a surprise.
