Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Extremely entertaining, faced paced and physical game tonight. As I expected, both teams battled hard and left everything on the ice. Congrats to the University of Michigan Wolverines - 2016 Big Ten Tournament Champions and good luck going forward.

In close games like this, it's usually whoever capitalizes on a mistake wins. Glover's penalty in the waning moments of the 3rd was unfortunate timing, clearly a hold, but that PP blast from the point by Werenski was the laser that sealed the game. IMO when these two teams tangle with the kind of speed and precision playmaking both teams possess, that's college hockey at its best.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Extremely entertaining, faced paced and physical game tonight. As I expected, both teams battled hard and left everything on the ice. Congrats to the University of Michigan Wolverines - 2016 Big Ten Tournament Champions and good luck going forward.

In close games like this, it's usually whoever capitalizes on a mistake wins. Glover's penalty in the waning moments of the 3rd was unfortunate timing, clearly a Federal Prison Arse-Rape, but that PP blast from the point by Werenski was the laser that sealed the game for Michigan. IMO when these two teams tangle with the kind of speed and precision playmaking both teams possess, that's college hockey at its best.

Fixed, because at least he made sure it was a penalty.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Fixed, because at least he made sure it was a penalty.

Yeah, he let his emotions get the better of him and completely lost it. To be honest, I went ballistic when I saw it. You can't do that when your season is hanging in the balance. But it's an emotional/physical game...it happens.

 

[Caustic Undertow]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

FWIW, I'll have lived in Minnesota for 7 years this June. As a Michigan fan, I will enjoy flipping on the radio to hear the Gopher call of the game. Part of this is that I am just happy to be able to hear Michigan play on the radio. Part of it is your phenomenal radio team, which projects both a love and knowledge of the game, and a level of intellectually honest fairness I just don't hear anywhere else. It is noticeable virtually every time I turn them on.

So be thankful that you have a team that's that good. Helps that you have long-time lead tv guy Mazzocco in color, of course.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

FWIW, I'll have lived in Minnesota for 7 years this June. As a Michigan fan, I will enjoy flipping on the radio to hear the Gopher call of the game. Part of this is that I am just happy to be able to hear Michigan play on the radio. Part of it is your phenomenal radio team, which projects both a love and knowledge of the game, and a level of intellectually honest fairness I just don't hear anywhere else. It is noticeable virtually every time I turn them on.

So be thankful that you have a team that's that good. Helps that you have long-time lead tv guy Mazzocco in color, of course.

I still think the MN radio guys are more homerish than needed, but they do call out their own at times. I do listen to the radio broadcasts often, since I cut the cable cord, and it is an enjoyable listen, I must say.

Talking about the team, yes, it's kind of funny (and sad) when we all are complaining: "OMG, we're ONLY at a .550 (or whatever) winning percentage! The team is in shambles!"

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

You can't do that when your season is hanging in the balance.

Especially against Michigan, with their power play averaging around 40% over the past half-dozen games. And "double especially" when the penalty is committed behind the net, as opposed to preventing what looks to be a sure goal. And I realize they're kids and will make mistakes, but that was a big one. As my daughter texted me right after, "WHY WOULD YOU TAKE THAT PENALTY?"

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Especially against Michigan, with their power play averaging around 40% over the past half-dozen games. And "double especially" when the penalty is committed behind the net, as opposed to preventing what looks to be a sure goal. And I realize their kids and will make mistakes, but that was a big one. As my daughter texted me right after, "WHY WOULD YOU TAKE THAT PENALTY?"

Usually undisciplined/stupid penalties like that are often payback. Glover was burning too hot out there and lost it on that hold/tackle. The Michigan PP looked scary good tonight. But yeah, I think the turnovers and penalties really hurt the Gopher's chances.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Usually undisciplined/stupid penalties like that are often payback. Glover was burning too hot out there and lost it on that hold/tackle. The Michigan PP looked scary good tonight. But yeah, I think the turnovers and penalties really hurt the Gopher's chances tonight.

The first 2 goals were shortside softies that Sheirhorn shoulda had, IMO, and I'm a STAUNCH goalie defender. The 3rd one? Snipe. Helluva shot.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

The first 2 goals were shortside softies that Sheirhorn shoulda had, IMO, and I'm a STAUNCH goalie defender. The 3rd one? Snipe. Helluva shot.

Eh, I'll give you the 2nd one he left some space on that post, but the first one I don't fault Scheirhorn at all. That was a hell of a nice turn by Motte, and then neither defenseman was quick enough to collapse down on him. When you get 2 wide open cracks like that right on the doorstep, it's hard to blame the netminder for a puck that rolls up his pads like that.

Ultimately it was the penalties that killed the gophers. 5-on-5 it was a very even game, and you could argue MN had the better of even-strength play. But when your penalty kill has struggled all year, and your opponent boasts one of the best PPs in the country that features 3 Hobey Baker finalists, you just can't spot them 3 extra attempts with the man advantage.

Well, I'll be flying home to Minneapolis next week for the regional and I won't get to see our Gophers....drat. Crossing my fingers Northeastern gets sent to St. Paul, but obviously it will be Ferris. Hopefully at least Michigan will be there. They certainly are a fun team to watch.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Eh, I'll give you the 2nd one he left some space on that post, but the first one I don't fault Scheirhorn at all. That was a hell of a nice turn by Motte, and then neither defenseman was quick enough to collapse down on him. When you get 2 wide open cracks like that right on the doorstep, it's hard to blame the netminder for a puck that rolls up his pads like that.

Ultimately it was the penalties that killed the gophers. 5-on-5 it was a very even game, and you could argue MN had the better of even-strength play. But when your penalty kill has struggled all year, and your opponent boasts one of the best PPs in the country that features 3 Hobey Baker finalists, you just can't spot them 3 extra attempts with the man advantage.

Well, I'll be flying home to Minneapolis next week for the regional and I won't get to see our Gophers....drat. Crossing my fingers Northeastern gets sent to St. Paul, but obviously it will be Ferris. Hopefully at least Michigan will be there. They certainly are a fun team to watch.

Agreed, no shame in losing to MI. Better team. Sucks to say it, but it's the truth.

 

[state of hockey]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Just didn't have the horses this year. Ah well it was fun to watch them put some fight into it this weekend. Onward to next year.

 

[ex_goldy]

Minnesota can usually pour on the offense but this year focus changed to the defense. Due to lack of offense. I see new recruits adding talent next year and year after. We get to watch the post season but next year should be a different story. I dont think Brodz, Fasching, or Kloos will be around next year but if one stays the team will be the better for it.

 

[Stauber1]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

And I'm pretty optimistic about next year. The big question now is who stays and who goes.

I can think of 3 who are very outside risks (Brodzinski, C. Reilly, Seeler)
Kloos is a possibility but seems unlikely.
Fasching....it's going to be a long summer waiting to see what he does.

 

[William Blake]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Fasching disappeared down the stretch. No points in either playoff game, just 1 assist and zero goals in the last 3 losses (this one, and the ones against MSU and UW). He's not the best player on the team, would it be a stretch for him to stick around? Rau did all 4 with near a point per game each season, this is Hudson's first season near that mark.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Although Fasching was the team's second leading scorer, and assist leader, so his presence would be missed if he does leave.

Other than Eric Schierhorn, the biggest positive surprise this year IMO: Nick Seeler. The team's most physical player, and far and away the team leader in plus/minus with +21.
Most disappointing season: Connor Reilly, with just 6 goals and 20 points despite playing on the top two lines - mostly with Kloos - all season.

 

[Slap Shot]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Fasching may not have shown up on the score sheet but I thought his presence was evident and to say he disappeared his a pretty one-dimensional way of looking at his playing time.

 

[Bonin21]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

And I'm pretty optimistic about next year. The big question now is who stays and who goes.

I can think of 3 who are very outside risks (Brodzinski, C. Reilly, Seeler)
Kloos is a possibility but seems unlikely.
Fasching....it's going to be a long summer waiting to see what he does.

I doubt we will have to wait long.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

Based on remarks from Kloos in the postgame press conference he seems likely to return:

We've been through a lot, through the highs and lows. We grew together. There's going to be a really good Gopher Hockey team on the ice next year.

Both Fasching and Bristedt hitting the 20 goal milestone in college hockey was a nice surprise this season.

Fasching disappeared down the stretch. No points in either playoff game, just 1 assist and zero goals in the last 3 losses (this one, and the ones against MSU and UW). He's not the best player on the team, would it be a stretch for him to stick around? Rau did all 4 with near a point per game each season, this is Hudson's first season near that mark.

Hudson elevated his game beyond expectations with some big goals this season. His leadership with his physical play and consistent hustle were key motivators for the team. Rau didn't hit the 20 goal milestone until his senior year. My guess is I don't think Fasching will be back.

 

[JoeGopher]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

It was a good game and Michigan is clearly the better team. I was impressed with the fact that they decided to play defense this weekend, and didn't see that in the previous matchups. My concern if I were a fan is Racine. He gives up a lot of big rebounds. The Gophs weren't in a position to take advantage. Minnesota was better in 5-5 play but allowing a 75% PP conversion will kill you every time.

As for next year, it will be interesting. A couple of thoghts:
* Fasching was very inconsistent and streaky this year. If he comes back, I'd like to see some improvement in game to game presence. He disappeared for large stretches of the season
* Cammarata has to either bulk up and get gritty, ala Kyle Rau, or be relegated to 4th line and penalty killing
* Collins needs to decide if he actually wants to be a hockey player. Size sometimes works, but he has too many flaws to be playing as much as he does
* Seeler is a very gifted player and a real bright spot on the team
* Kloos really stepped up his game and as a leader. There were times he strapped this team to his back this year
* Bristedt has really great energy and makes things happens. Just needs to focus on making less mistakes in blind passes and play away from the puck
* Schierhorn is the main reason this team had a shot this year. Could go down as one of the best in UofM history

Some incremental improvements and this team could be inline for it's 6th conference title and hopefully NCAA's next year.

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread 2015-16

* Cammarata has to either bulk up and get gritty, ala Kyle Rau, or be relegated to 4th line and penalty killing

Cammy as a penalty killer? Please God don't ever let this happen. Too slow, small, and indifferent to kill penalties.