Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Because it simply reinforces the perennial image that Hak is extremely good at transforming perfectly respectable Mn. kids into goons.

If that's what you want to talk about instead of your own team...enjoy.

 

[state of hockey]

That being said...why is this being brought up again?

Boredom.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Boredom.

Then I'll help you guys out.

You have previously talked about line combinations. What do you project from those lines, and then ultimately from the team?

For example, Nick Bjugstad scored 42 points last season, the 6th highest total from returning players to the WCHA. He put up 25 goals and 17 assists. Where do you see those numbers going this season? He doubled his numbers from his Freshman to Sophomore season, but he's not going to double his numbers again. Realistically, i could see Bjugstad being around 30 goals (I think anywhere from 25-35 is realistic) and he should probably get a few more assists if he is playing on a line with Rau and Budish (who I think could have a huge season this year). Given that, I think around 25 assists from Bjugstad is realistic (say 20-30 assists range). That means I would peg Bjugstad at 30-25-55 for next season, with a high end of probably 65 points (which would likely make him the Hobey favorite).

Now we go to Kyle Rau. Rau had a tremendous Freshman year, and there is usually a pretty decent jump in production between the freshman to sophomore seasons. That being said, Rau put up great numbers, so a big jump is probably out of the question. I see Rau as a 20 goal guy (range: 15-25), but I think he could have a nice increase in assists as well, and would project Rau to be around 30 assists (range: 25-35). That means that I would peg Rau at 20-30-50, with a high end of 60 points.

Now Budish (again, assuming a Rau-Bjugstad-Budish line) had a decent season last year (12-23-35), but I think he could improve those goal totals, especially on this line. I would predict Budish to score about 20 goals (range 15-25), and put up another 25 assists (range: 20-30). That means that I would peg Budish at 20-25-45, with a high end of 55 points.

So, putting that line together I would predict about 70 goals (range: 55-85). For comparison, North Dakota's top line last year produced 63 goals...one of the best top lines in the country. Another comparison, North Dakota's top line from 2010-2011 (Frattin-Malone-Trupp) scored 69 goals, and were arguably the top line in college hockey that season. So basically, I expect Minnesota's top line to be one of the best in the country next season.

Now, what is fun is to put together projections like this for the rest of your projected lines, and D (remember to include powerplay time in your projections. I certainly don't think that Minnesota's top line will score 70 5x5 goals, but they should put up very good PP numbers). Then, you can put together a prediction as far as how potent the team will be offensively.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Mike Reilly:

 

[Driftryder]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Then I'll help you guys out.

You have previously talked about line combinations. What do you project from those lines, and then ultimately from the team?

For example, Nick Bjugstad scored 42 points last season, the 6th highest total from returning players to the WCHA. He put up 25 goals and 17 assists. Where do you see those numbers going this season? He doubled his numbers from his Freshman to Sophomore season, but he's not going to double his numbers again. Realistically, i could see Bjugstad being around 30 goals (I think anywhere from 25-35 is realistic) and he should probably get a few more assists if he is playing on a line with Rau and Budish (who I think could have a huge season this year). Given that, I think around 25 assists from Bjugstad is realistic (say 20-30 assists range). That means I would peg Bjugstad at 30-25-55 for next season, with a high end of probably 65 points (which would likely make him the Hobey favorite).

Now we go to Kyle Rau. Rau had a tremendous Freshman year, and there is usually a pretty decent jump in production between the freshman to sophomore seasons. That being said, Rau put up great numbers, so a big jump is probably out of the question. I see Rau as a 20 goal guy (range: 15-25), but I think he could have a nice increase in assists as well, and would project Rau to be around 30 assists (range: 25-35). That means that I would peg Rau at 20-30-50, with a high end of 60 points.

Now Budish (again, assuming a Rau-Bjugstad-Budish line) had a decent season last year (12-23-35), but I think he could improve those goal totals, especially on this line. I would predict Budish to score about 20 goals (range 15-25), and put up another 25 assists (range: 20-30). That means that I would peg Budish at 20-25-45, with a high end of 55 points.

So, putting that line together I would predict about 70 goals (range: 55-85). For comparison, North Dakota's top line last year produced 63 goals...one of the best top lines in the country. Another comparison, North Dakota's top line from 2010-2011 (Frattin-Malone-Trupp) scored 69 goals, and were arguably the top line in college hockey that season. So basically, I expect Minnesota's top line to be one of the best in the country next season.

Now, what is fun is to put together projections like this for the rest of your projected lines, and D (remember to include powerplay time in your projections. I certainly don't think that Minnesota's top line will score 70 5x5 goals, but they should put up very good PP numbers). Then, you can put together a prediction as far as how potent the team will be offensively.

Possible forward line combos:

Rau - Bjugs - Budish

Condon - Haula - Ambroz\Serratore

Warning - Boyd - Serratore\Ambroz

CReilly - Isackson - Michaelson

extras: Ryan Reilly Jared Larson Christian Horn


I know Condon was with Boyd last year, but I would love to see him with Haula on the 2nd line. I'm sure most of the lines(minus the 1st line) will be tinkered with at the start of the season.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

Possible forward line combos:

Rau - Bjugs - Budish

Condon - Haula - Ambroz\Serratore

Warning - Boyd - Serratore\Ambroz

CReilly - Isackson - Michaelson

extras: Ryan Reilly Jared Larson


I know Condon was with Boyd last year, but I would love to see him with Haula on the 2nd line. I'm sure most of the lines(minus the 1st line) will be tinkered with at the start of the season.

I think we'll see Warning on the second line. I think the freshmen are going to have to earn playing time, so I think we'll see Serratore on the 4th line for sure to start the season. My guess is that Connor Reilly will see the most playing time (if healthy) of all the freshmen forwards, but I think Christian Horn is the dark horse. Michaelson has the talent, but I don't think his game is gritty enough to fit a 3rd or 4th line role, so I don't think he'll get as much playing time.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, Ambroz's size could be beneficial on that second line, so I'm fine either way.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Warning is certainly on the rise.

I think the one big philosophical question is whether you stack the second line as much as possible or try to have a very good second and third line (like putting Condon on the third line would accomplish). Nice problems to have!

 

[Driftryder]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Warning is certainly on the rise.

I think the one big philosophical question is whether you stack the second line as much as possible or try to have a very good second and third line (like putting Condon on the third line would accomplish). Nice problems to have!

That's what I was thinking(stacking the 2nd line) by putting Condon with Haula, but certainly you could have Warning up with Haula on the 2nd line and have Condon and Boyd together on the 3rd line. As you said it's a nice problem to have.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Warning and Condon are both lefties? And Haula and Boyd both centers?

Then it seems Haula is on two, Boyd is on three. Flip Warning or Condon based on whether you want slightly more firepower in Condon on the second. And then put Ambroz where the size is needed. Perhaps this is pretty straightfoward once the decision is made on line balance.

See, coaching is easy.

 

[Slap Shot]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

I remember many UND fans condemning Blood for his actions but remember not one gopher fan talking about or even acknowledging Rau's slash.

Why would we admonish Rau for a slash he didn't commit? Are you trying to resurrect the, "Suspend Kyle Rau" thread? As for Gophers players running and hiding, just remember the integrity of fans that still insist Stu Bickel ran and hid. Stu Bickel, you know the guy that unlike Joe Finley has actually won a pro fight?

 

[Dirty]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Hey! Joe Finley won a fight with Jon Mirnasty! He also got his arse absolutely whooped by Biznasty while being called Jeff Finley, but that doesn't count.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Going to have to disagree. Though, if you were to actually explain the reasoning behind your disagreement, I might reconsider.

I don't care if you disagree. I know the family.

 

[state of hockey]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

I'll trust the coaches with the lines. A lot of different exciting options. I am just hoping for at least one Reilly from Reilly and Reilly goal.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

I don't care if you disagree. I know the family.

You know what family? The Ilitch family? God dude, learn to comprehend what you read (if you even read what I said at all). I said the Red Wings would push to sign him, not necessarily that Marshall would sign. And I'm sorry, but unless you can prove you are chums with Ilitch, Kenny Holland, or Mikey Babcock, you aren't an authority on the subject. Marshall himself isn't an authority on that subject.

And regardless of what "vibes" you're getting from the Marshall family (that you're apparently so close to), you're foolish if you think Marshall won't at least give it some thought if the Red Wings come knocking.

And personally, I don't want him to possibly be in that situation just so we can experiment with line combos.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

If that's what you want to talk about instead of your own team...enjoy.

So we need a UND fan's topic approval next time when posting on a Gopher off season thread? Got it.

In retrospect, it's certainly been entertaining to observe the how over the past few years the UND hockey program has managed to spawn the unique and dubious WCHA reputation of rogue players engaging in throwing lawnmowers and other appliances in the streets, urinating in elevators, numerous drunk driving incidents, falling drunk and frostbitten in a snowbank, handshake line mayhem, head hunting with intent to injure, crazed on and off ice temper tantrums, stupid behind the back cheap shots, coach giving the finger to refs...etc.

Oh well, college kids do crazy things...

You know what family? The Ilitch family? God dude, learn to comprehend what you read (if you even read what I said at all). I said the Red Wings would push to sign him, not necessarily that Marshall would sign. And I'm sorry, but unless you can prove you are chums with Ilitch, Kenny Holland, or Mikey Babcock, you aren't an authority on the subject. Marshall himself isn't an authority on that subject.

And regardless of what "vibes" you're getting from the Marshall family (that you're apparently so close to), you're foolish if you think Marshall won't at least give it some thought if the Red Wings come knocking.

And personally, I don't want him to possibly be in that situation just so we can experiment with line combos.

Again, for the hundredth time...Marshall's stock is not that valuable at his current level of development. It will never happen...let it go.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

You know what family? The Ilitch family? God dude, learn to comprehend what you read (if you even read what I said at all). I said the Red Wings would push to sign him, not necessarily that Marshall would sign. And I'm sorry, but unless you can prove you are chums with Ilitch, Kenny Holland, or Mikey Babcock, you aren't an authority on the subject. Marshall himself isn't an authority on that subject.

When you know the people who are privy to the possibilities, it is pretty clear what will and what won't occur. That's authority enough and certainly more authority than the blind speculation being thrown out by you. They know it is a process and they know where they stand in the organizational structure. There is no rush and wouldn't be whatever his role is this season. You think the front office doesn't discuss things with the player, etc? LOL... OK.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Again, for the hundredth time...Marshall's stock is not that valuable at his current level of development. It will never happen...let it go.

I don't think he grasps such things very well.

 

[Hammy]

Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Possible forward line combos:

Rau - Bjugs - Budish

Condon - Haula - Ambroz\Serratore

Warning - Boyd - Serratore\Ambroz

CReilly - Isackson - Michaelson

extras: Ryan Reilly Jared Larson


I know Condon was with Boyd last year, but I would love to see him with Haula on the 2nd line. I'm sure most of the lines(minus the 1st line) will be tinkered with at the start of the season.

I'm not one to get heavily into line discussions in July since it is hard to form accurate opinions on future possibilities without seeing what improvements are apparent in early fall practices. But I'd probably go with what mnstateofhockey said with regard to Warning. I like him on the 2nd line more. I think he'll have a nice jump in production this year with his speed and ability. I wouldn't complain if Condon was there but I like him and Boyd together on the 3rd line. I think they'd have a real advantage most nights together. I like the possibility of putting Connor Reilly in an offensive role. I think he'd be better suited for that than he would be on 4th line.

Ambroz needs to step it up this year. I could see using with him on the 2nd line but I'd have a tight leash. He is a good fit with his size and being a right shooter for that 2nd line but he needs to produce.

I'd keep Serratore on the 4th line. He doesn't have the offensive upside to be a top 6 forward on this year's team. Keep him in the spot that utilizes his best traits. Defense, physical play, and chipping in the occasional goal. I completely agree on Isackson being in that spot as of now. Tough call on Michaelson there. I like the speed but can he play the defensive, grit role that 4th line typically requires? TBD. Even though he has an advantage in experience over Horn, I may be inclined to say Horn could be a better fit in that role.

Either way, the top 3 lines will be a tough match up for opponents.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

When you know the people who are privy to the possibilities, it is pretty clear what will and what won't occur. That's authority enough and certainly more authority than the blind speculation being thrown out by you. They know it is a process and they know where they stand in the organizational structure. There is no rush and wouldn't be whatever his role is this season. You think the front office doesn't discuss things with the player, etc? LOL... OK.

Fair enough.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

I don't think he grasps such things very well.

I understand that you expect blind agreement with everything you say, but that's not how I work. I didn't realize discussion was such a bad thing. LOL.... OK