Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2015-2016 (Part 2) -- Amanda Kessel Enhanced
I've never been one to criticize college players (men or women) individually on a public forum like this, as long as in my opinion they are giving it their 100% best effort and making the most of every shift they're out there for. Realizing that some games are more critical than others, and that it's nearly impossible (or even wise) for any given player to give it more than their 100% a 100% of the time, I've tried to temper any public commentary I may have, knowing that everyone is blessed with varying degrees of natural talent, and you just want to see everyone making the most of the talent they do have on a consistent basis. This, I believe, is the hallmark of Coach Frost-coached teams (with due plus credit to his extremely capable assistants!). His players are not always at their best in terms of execution, but when they are on - which is most of the time and when they really need to be on in order to win the game - they are usually, nearly unstoppable. Pressure, pressure, pressure...then goal. Then repeat...usually in the 2nd and 3rd periods when so often the continual pressure wears their opponents down.
Having Amanda Kessel back has obviously increased the constant pressure on the opposing D, and the new Pannek-Schipper-Cameranesi line has made it that much more difficult for opposing teams to defend the Gophers' formidable offense. Since Kessel's return both lines have become pretty much equally troublesome for opponents' defenses. And the third line of Piazza-Skarzynski-Williamson is very capable of generating plenty of offense on their own, while defensively matching up well with any line the opposing coach can throw at them.
What perhaps is most encouraging, heading into the final weeks of the season, has been the play of Amanda Leveille in goal. Her steady - and sometimes spectacular play when called upon - has obviously given the whole team a new level of confidence when handing the puck in their own end. In the second half Leveille - by my count - has stopped 300 of 313 shots, for a save percentage of .9585. Not sure how this compares with other leading goaltenders, but it has to rank right up there with the very best.
North Dakota will obviously present a formidable challenge, as their continued post season hopes are on the line. It goes without saying that the Gophers will need to be operating on all cylinders to beat them, both offensively and defensively. We'll have the home ice advantage, but to put them away I really think it will take everyone performing at their very best to secure the win and advance to the Final Faceoff Final. Right now, that's the only thing that matters.
Since the latter part of last year, despite a blip or two, I think she has transitioned extremely well. I think now she is great back there!