Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

I recall the days when it was pretty unusual for people to leave early, and when they did they stood out enough for the student section to shame them, "BEAT the TRAF-fic, BEAT the TRAF-fic!"

Yeah, those days are gone. If one team or the other has a two goal (or more) lead, you can see the early exits at the 15 and 10 minute TV timeouts in the 3rd period.

It's a real shame that anyone would leave early on a Saturday night with the chance to see a stick salute

 

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Yeah. Johnson has really rivaled Bischoff for best D. I wouldn't be surprised if his name were called more than anyone else on D.

He made a ton of great defensive plays and he had the great pass to Bristedt for his hat trick goal where he carried it all the way up the ice himself.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

I would have said Collins is up there for top D. The jump he's made this year is nothig short of astounding.

Bischoff had a crap game on Saturday. One of the goals scored was because of a terrible play he made in the defensive zone. Which isn't to say he's had a bad year. Just a bad game.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

This last weekend was my first chance to see the Gophers play all season and they looked pretty solid. But I haven't been around for the down times either. Just wondering what some of your thoughts are on whether this team has the mental toughness, skill set and depth to be a F4 team.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

It all comes down to defense and one number 2.5.

Allow fewer than that in, we're 13-0-1. More than that, we're 4-7-1.
6 0 W
4 0 W
2 0 W
1 0 W
5 1 W
5 1 W
4 1 W
5 2 W
5 2 W
4 2 W
4 2 W
4 2 W
4 2 W
2 2 T
6 3 W
5 3 W
4 3 W
4 3 W
2 3 L
2 3 L
1 4 L
5 5 T
3 5 L
5 6 L
4 6 L
3 8 L

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

This last weekend was my first chance to see the Gophers play all season and they looked pretty solid. But I haven't been around for the down times either. Just wondering what some of your thoughts are on whether this team has the mental toughness, skill set and depth to be a F4 team.

If you would have asked that question as late as December 3rd, I would have said little to no chance of getting the the Frozen Four. But they've turned it around and have improved in all facets of the game since then, including in goal, tighter D and effort from the entire lineup. IF they should continue on their current path through the B1G conference tournament I think they have an excellent chance of getting there, at least 50-50. But that's a big IF, because given their now well-earned position as conference favorite they'll have a target on their back the rest of the way, and all five of remaining B1G opponents will be gunning for them. Not an easy road to be sure, but since the break they've clearly shown they have the talent to get it done.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

If you would have asked that question as late as December 3rd, I would have said little to no chance of getting the the Frozen Four. But they've turned it around and have improved in all facets of the game since then, including in goal, tighter D and effort from the entire lineup. IF they should continue on their current path through the B1G conference tournament I think they have an excellent chance of getting there, at least 50-50. But that's a big IF, because given their now well-earned position as conference favorite they'll have a target on their back the rest of the way, and all five of remaining B1G opponents will be gunning for them. Not an easy road to be sure, but since the break they've clearly shown they have the talent to get it done.

I thought they showed they had talent pretty early, but not for full games, not just after December. I was impressed at times with stretches in some early games, clearly much improved from last year. But Scheirhorn had been inconsistent (although we knew he was capable of better play) and the play was inconsistent from the rest of the team. But those are both things that have the potential to improve over the season (don't expect to see lack of talent improve, and if there aren't signs of intensity as a team, don't expect it to all of a sudden appear late). So in the last month, the consistency of team play, including Sheirhorn, has improved. But I thought from early on this team had more potential than to just make it to the tourney. Of course this is hockey, so I rarely say "this is a Frozen Four team" unless they are dominant. But given Duluth appears to maybe be the best team in the country, and I think MN is now good enough to beat them maybe 40% of the time, I'd say anything can happen.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

This last weekend was my first chance to see the Gophers play all season and they looked pretty solid. But I haven't been around for the down times either. Just wondering what some of your thoughts are on whether this team has the mental toughness, skill set and depth to be a F4 team.

Its strength is that it is a fairly resilient team. But games like that of OSU, UW and UMD show that it can be dominated. I don't think this is a F4 team, but this story is not close to being written yet.

I would have said Collins is up there for top D. The jump he's made this year is nothig short of astounding.

Bischoff had a crap game on Saturday. One of the goals scored was because of a terrible play he made in the defensive zone. Which isn't to say he's had a bad year. Just a bad game.

Not sure if personally I'd put Collins in the mix for top D. But I would say that he's the most fluid 6'5" college player I've seen in a long time...that coupled with him probably being our most improved player...is indeed astounding.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Not sure if personally I'd put Collins in the mix for top D. But I would say that he's the most fluid 6'5" college player I've seen in a long time...that coupled with him probably being our most improved player...is indeed astounding.

I wouldn't say he's the undisputed #1 D. I think he should be in the conversation though. Maybe he's our best defensive defenseman. Bischoff is clearly more of an offensive-minded player.

 

[Koho]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Its strength is that it is a fairly resilient team. But games like that of OSU, UW and UMD show that it can be dominated. I don't think this is a F4 team, but this story is not close to being written yet.



Not sure if personally I'd put Collins in the mix for top D. But I would say that he's the most fluid 6'5" college player I've seen in a long time...that coupled with him probably being our most improved player...is indeed astounding.

I would still put Bischoff at number 1. He doesn't have the size to be imposing but I think is the most intelligent and has some offensive ability. If the opponent has a 2 on 1, Bischoff is the guy I want defending.

Not sure I would say Collins is for sure the most improved. I don't think he was as bad as many made him out to be last year, as a mistake here and there stands out for a D and is what a person remembers. It also justifies the opinion of the person being critical of that D (which seems to happen every season with a Gopher D). He's improved a lot, but Lettari has really stood out (REminds me of how much Jake Hanson just seemed to improve dramatically in his last couple years). I remember his first game as a Gopher, I thought his effort exceeded the expectations I had for him based on how he was projected. But the rest of that year I never saw much of that again. But now, when he or Bridstedt are on the ice, they seem to make things happen.

Gates is much improved and I think Sheehy is much more consistent as well. And if you completely ignore his freshman year when he looked like he had potential at least as a playmaker and only look at the last couple, in the last couple weeks, Cammi is looking like he belongs and will contribute. For that matter, while he is not tearing things up, Romanko did nothing for me last year, but now seems like a forechecking machine. Jphnson also appears to have made a jump. Number of guys who have clearly taken a step up.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

I would still put Bischoff at number 1. He doesn't have the size to be imposing but I think is the most intelligent and has some offensive ability. If the opponent has a 2 on 1, Bischoff is the guy I want defending.

Not sure I would say Collins is for sure the most improved. I don't think he was as bad as many made him out to be last year, as a mistake here and there stands out for a D and is what a person remembers. It also justifies the opinion of the person being critical of that D (which seems to happen every season with a Gopher D). He's improved a lot, but Lettari has really stood out (REminds me of how much Jake Hanson just seemed to improve dramatically in his last couple years). I remember his first game as a Gopher, I thought his effort exceeded the expectations I had for him based on how he was projected. But the rest of that year I never saw much of that again. But now, when he or Bridstedt are on the ice, they seem to make things happen.

I think most would give Bischoff the nod. I am rarely negative on players (esp the kind of generic, blanket negativity). Collins did make me nervous as due to his size, it was difficult for him to quickly backpedal against serious speed. But as with even better passing, his agility seems greatly improved.

Gates is much improved and I think Sheehy is much more consistent as well. And if you completely ignore his freshman year when he looked like he had potential at least as a playmaker and only look at the last couple, in the last couple weeks, Cammi is looking like he belongs and will contribute. For that matter, while he is not tearing things up, Romanko did nothing for me last year, but now seems like a forechecking machine. Jphnson also appears to have made a jump. Number of guys who have clearly taken a step up.

Yep. In a year when BC, UND, BU, and Michigan recruiting all ranked higher and we lost out on key MN talent like Boeser and Gersich...it seemed like our now sophomores might be a tough class. Especially that in we seemingly brought in a 4th line plus in Romanko, Ramsey, Norman, Notermann, Marooney and Simonson. But the sophomores are shining overall right now...including Sheehy having the highest points per game of any Gopher since Potulny in '05-'06 (per Bonin).

Improvement has been so systemic this year, it really is a major credit to the coaching staff.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Improvement has been so systemic this year, it really is a major credit to the coaching staff.

I've always gotten a kick out of reading the comments in the StarTribune following articles on the Gophers. Inevitably, a large majority of the critical ones the past several years have been directed at the coaching staff. But for some odd reason I haven't noticed this nearly as much lately...

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

All time PPG record HIGHLIGHTS

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Very unsettling but entertaining weekend of hockey. That's why you're a Gopher fan.

In the race for the B1G title, OSU is not much of a threat due to its now difficult record. WI, which appears to be the top threat, is likely not due to a very tough schedule. PSU is actually the threat due to a home series (against us) and an upcoming Michigan (and State) smorgasbord. Which in a seemingly weekly pattern, makes this weekend very, very important.

 

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Very unsettling but entertaining weekend of hockey. That's why you're a Gopher fan.

I think the only positive I took away from the game on Saturday is that the Gophers won. LOL!

(It didn't hurt that my dad landed a beautiful 25.5" walleye shortly after Gophers took the lead)

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

The Gophers certainly can't expect Penn State to be nearly as generous as the Buckeyes were, giving us all that time on power play. We'll actually have to score some goals even strength to come away with a win, not to mention holding them to less than 5 goals...

Also I hope all of our players recover from what was a very physical game on Saturday. I'm especially worried about Pitlick who may have suffered a concussion.

 

[gopher wes]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

The Gophers certainly can't expect Penn State to be nearly as generous as the Buckeyes were, giving us all that time on power play. We'll actually have to score some goals even strength to come away with a win, not to mention holding them to less than 5 goals...

Also I hope all of our players recover from what was a very physical game on Saturday. I'm especially worried about Pitlick who may have suffered a concussion.

I wonder how much the Olympic sheet affected Penn St as compared to what we will see in Hockey Valley this weekend.

 

[goofy gopher]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

I think the gophers are a tough match up for Penn St.Gophers have a great record against them right. They like to play up and down and that is what MN does too, but better.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

I had no idea Justin Kloos is this close to catching Kyle Rau in total pts.

<img alt="" class="media-image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4kWb2VVMAIcHW2.jpg:large" data-height="630" data-width="1200" style="width: 500px; height: 300px; display: inline-block; margin-top: 1.5px; margin-bottom: 1.5px;">

On another note, Harvard looks very good this season and wins the Beanpot, and the Gophers reap the spoils too as their win puts us back at #4 in the PWR and in the hunt for a #1 seed in the Regionals.

 

[SteveO]

Re: Minnesota Gophers Season Thread - 2016-2017

Tyler Sheehy, Justin Kloos and Jake Bischoff represent the Gophers in Hobey Baker Award fan voting.

<img data-aria-label-part="" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3dMGc2VcAAw2By.jpg" alt="" style="width: 50%; top: -0px;">