Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

They manage to tie 5-5 and them lose in OT 6-5. Correction on Marshall's turnovers...She had the one and Stecklein had the other on BU's 3rd and 4th goals..

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Quite the performance by the Gophers in the final 5 minutes of the 3rd to tie it up 5-5.

Onto OT...

Well that didn't last long. BU's Flynn scored 1:40 into OT to win it for the Terriers. Gophers have some defensive issues that they'll have to sort out.

 

[ne7minder]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

They manage to tie 5-5 and them lose in OT 6-5. Correction on Marshall's turnovers...She had the one and Stecklein had the other on BU 3rd and 4th goals..

It looked like Baldwin gave up 2. With this defense they are going to have to make the case they belong in the top 4.

 

[KTDC]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Pretty exciting game for a terrible game. What the heck, BU deserved to win that game.

Poor Sydney reached the point where it seemed like everytime she got the puck she turned it over on a pass or shot it from the blueline into a BU player for a turnover (or held onto it until a BU player came and took it away). And it makes it tough when it seems almost every decent chance your opponent gets results in a goal. Good comeback for the Gophers anyway, but the issues folks have been referencing all year are coming home to roost!

Should be fun (I hope) to see how the Gophers address things in the second half. We're looking like an elevated UND..anything is possible from the Gophers! Sure hope Cameranesi is back.

Congrats to BU on a well played game and big victory!

 

[Rhett Hot]

With Minnesota visiting BU the attendance figures at least doubled.

It was faculty/staff night along with free stuff for students and the men in VT, which is why attendance was so high.



Good win for BU today though. Wish I could've made it, but I split the weekend between the teams.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

In the midst of the carnage that has been the defensive coverage and puck protection over some of the last few games, I'd like to say that I've been impressed with the play of the pairing of Kelsey Cline and Katie Robinson. They're not flashy, but they're also not making the sort of turnovers that have resulted in goals against. Robinson had a couple of plays today where she tried to do too much, but not in the sort of careless way that others have. I've been a booster of Cline the past couple of years, and I think she's justifying it with her play this season.

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Trying to make sense...

Minnesota outshot BU 49-22...In a game they lost 6-5 in overtime. And it really was that lopsided from a puck possession perspective. Minnesota's goalie had a .727 save percentage, BU's had .898.

 

[ARM]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

I've been a booster of Cline the past couple of years, and I think she's justifying it with her play this season.

Cline didn't turn the puck over like others did yesterday, but she did whiff on attacking players that left Robinson alone defending odd-man rushes. That the puck stayed out on those occasions was more thanks to BU not finishing than anything the Gophers did to stop it.

Hopefully, the holiday break helps, because the last few games this has looked like a team that could use one.

 

[KTDC]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Trying to make sense...

Minnesota outshot BU 49-22...In a game they lost 6-5 in overtime. And it really was that lopsided from a puck possession perspective. Minnesota's goalie had a .727 save percentage, BU's had .898.

Yeah, BU scored on 3 of 7 shots in the second period and on their first shot in overtime.

It didn't really look to me like we were playing great in the third period, but we outshot them 21-4 for the period and the Gophs did work their butts off to tie the game there at the end.

Was watching replays of some of the game and the goals. Some brutal stuff in there. As ARM says, hopefully the break will do us good. Cross fingers Cameranesi comes back. It will be a real test of mental toughness to keep playing hard all the time, tighten things up, and not get discouraged with such a small margin for error.

On another note, Kelly Pannek, unbelievable hands and vision!

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Cline didn't turn the puck over like others did yesterday, but she did whiff on attacking players that left Robinson alone defending odd-man rushes. That the puck stayed out on those occasions was more thanks to BU not finishing than anything the Gophers did to stop it.

Hopefully, the holiday break helps, because the last few games this has looked like a team that could use one.

Yeah, her skating deficiencies, which have been discussed previously, must not be visible to some...

 

[ne7minder]

. . . Cross fingers Cameranesi comes back. It will be a real test of mental toughness to keep playing hard all the time, tighten things up, and not get discouraged with such a small margin for error.

Dani or no Dani they have to shore up the D and find the good Peters or they will be headed to Duluth for the NCAA playoffs.

They are still a very good team but that is not a reason to make the road harder.

 

[Sean Pickett]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Pretty exciting game for a terrible game. What the heck, BU deserved to win that game.

Well, I thought it was a pretty good game.

Congrats to BU on a well played game and big victory!

Thanks, hopefully BU can use it as a springboard for the second half.

I thought that both games were fund to watch, even though Minnesota controlled the game on Friday from the start and getting those 3 early goals basically put the game away.

Saturday I thought BU came out and played better from the start and getting the early goals for them made it a different game. I was most impressed that even after Minnesota tied it up BU played well and once again came out in the second they got 2 more early goals and were able to maintain the lead for the period, including getting the late goal to regain a 2 goal lead. I also liked how they played in the third, even though Minnesota was able to tie it up. And in overtime I liked how BU seemed have better puck control. I also liked how when BU won the face-off just before the winning goal Crossley dumped it back in and BU was able to get control of the loose puck, which lead to the winning goal. My wife had wanted her to shoot on goal, but I had thought their were too many players between Crossley and the net and that dumping it in the corner was the better play. I'm glad that it was, although I didn't mention it to my wife.

I thought that Minnesota wasn't used to having to play from behind for most of the second and third periods, even though they were able to tie it up. Beside the loss to Wisoconsin have they had to play from behind a lot this season?

Also, was this their first loss to a non-WCHA team since the 2014 NC game? And when did they last lose to a non-WCHA team during the regluar season?

It was great to finally get to see the Gophers play at Walter Brown and I wish them well the rest of the season.

Sean

 

[KTDC]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Well, I thought it was a pretty good game.

Thanks, hopefully BU can use it as a springboard for the second half.


I thought that Minnesota wasn't used to having to play from behind for most of the second and third periods, even though they were able to tie it up. Beside the loss to Wisoconsin have they had to play from behind a lot this season?

Also, was this their first loss to a non-WCHA team since the 2014 NC game? And when did they last lose to a non-WCHA team during the regluar season?

It was great to finally get to see the Gophers play at Walter Brown and I wish them well the rest of the season.

Sean

Unfortunately Sean, the Gophers are very used to playing from behind this year. We have been giving up early goals on a pretty regular basis. I have a hunch they find that fact frustrating, however!

And yes, this is the first non-WCHA loss since that National Championship game of 13-14.

Gophers last regular season out of conference loss was to Harvard Dec 4, 2009 (1-0)

Since you are bringing up happy topics, as was mentioned last week, Gophers hadn't given up 8 goals since 1999. Well even 6 goals you have to go back to Feb 13 2010, a 6-3 loss to St Cloud State! Although the 2009-10 team did make it to the frozen four!

Go Gophers!




don't want to make too many mistakes against BU, some pretty strong forwards on that team.

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

At the break what adjustments can be made? Here are some thoughts from an unqualified observer.

Goaltender. There are two other goalies on the roster, who at this point could be given opportunities. Much of what is going on with Peters seems to be on the mental side of things. The proverbial "thinking too much" out there as she is trying to process her fundamentals instead of just letting the reactions flow. The confidence is on a roller coaster right now and needs some recharge and maybe the break will help with that. If not and she can't shake the doldrums then no harm in letting someone else try. Imagine, the lift it would give the rest of the team if they are picked up by a couple of big saves after turnovers.

Defensemen. Again it seems like certain players #9, #12, and even #2 at times, are trying to do too much to make up for the lack of scoring from any line other than the first line. This team has a lot of speed up front, is very good on the forecheck, and does very well in the face-off circle so there is not as much need for the defensemen to try and rush the puck as much as they do. There is plenty of talent in this group to adjust to more of a defense first attitude that moves the puck out of the zone as a priority and lets the forwards do more of the work through the neutral zone. They can handle that.

Forwards. The lack of scoring beyond the first line is somewhat perplexing. As I observe players like #23, #7, #10, #14, and #6, they are really playing pretty darn good. They are getting their chances and for whatever reason the puck is just not going in. I watch Piazza in particular, and she has a very good wrist shot that she gets on net with a high percentage. She should be scoring more and maybe with her and the others, it is again the case of trying to do too much. Maybe the break for this group will be just what is needed to relax and start fresh the second half. Obviously getting Cameranesi back would be helpful but there is still plenty of talent there to fill that void.

In spite of the issues, this is a team that still has a 15-3-2 record, That has a power play that converts at 31.15%, and kills penalties at a 91.2% rate. Those are great thing to build on for the second half.

 

[D2D]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Some very good points made, FHF. Re: goaltending the StarTribune had a very good article in Sunday's paper on Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who is having a phenomenal year up to this point. I point this out only because it goes into the mental part of playing the position, something you touched on in your post. It appears to me also that Peters has perhaps lost some confidence, and when that happens one goal can lead to another, and then maybe another, too easily. Certainly she's played very well at times, but like some of the skaters in front of her consistency has definitely been an issue and is something to work on. Anyway, some excerpts, my underlining:

Dubnyk’s confidence won’t allow him to think anything but happy thoughts at present.
"As far as the way I feel in net and being comfortable in being able to continue this, definitely,” he said.

Practically every Wild game turns into a one-goal game, putting extra significance on goaltending. Maybe Dubnyk has become numb to those tense situations, but he seems relaxed, even comfortable, knowing one small mistake could be the difference.

“Going into third period of a 0-0 game, if I’m worried about the fact that it’s 0-0, the puck might go off somebody’s face into the net and there’s nothing you can do about it,” he said. “There’s no point in worrying about they might score.”

Dubnyk has found a sweet spot in terms of his approach and self-awareness. He’s not uptight. He hasn’t allowed his team’s lack of scoring punch to affect his own performance. He focuses intensely on specific areas, worrying less about what-ifs and worst-case scenarios.

He concentrates on taking proper angles and using sound technique. He reminds himself to never lose sight of the puck, even if no threat exists...Basic stuff. But those things are enabling him to keep a clear mind in pressure situations... “You’re not going to feel good every night,” he said. “[You] try to make sure nobody knows.”

“I certainly feel confident,” he said.

http://www.startribune.com/wild-goalie-devan-dubnyk-brushes-worry-aside/405809136/

Like you, FHF, I'm no goaltending expert, but I thought this article points out how important the mental part of playing the position really is. Coming from a guy who's leading the NHL at his position right now.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Even if you think goaltending is a serious problem, there isn't a ready solution on the roster.

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Even if you think goaltending is a serious problem, there isn't a ready solution on the roster.

So I take it you don't think it is? Look, when you've given up 8 and 6 goals in the last 3 games you have to start with what's going on in net. Added to the fact, is that Minnesota has had the first goal scored on them numerous times this year. That is out of the norm for this team as is the number of goals allowed in 2 of the last 3 games.

If it's true there isn't "help" on the roster doesn't that speak to the fact that, in essence, they have 2 practice goalies? I am not buying the fact that D'Angelo is nothing more than a practice goalie on the roster.

.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

So I take it you don't think it is?

I phrased it that way so as not to take a position on whether it's a problem.

If it's true there isn't "help" on the roster doesn't that speak to the fact that, in essence, they have 2 practice goalies? I am not buying the fact that D'Angelo is nothing more than a practice goalie on the roster.

Long term, you may be correct; I certainly hope so. Right now, she can't stop shots going over her shoulders. For this season, I very much doubt that she's a solution. Sydney Peters is our goalie of the present, and we need to figure out how to make that work.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

Defensemen. Again it seems like certain players #9, #12, and even #2 at times, are trying to do too much to make up for the lack of scoring from any line other than the first line. This team has a lot of speed up front, is very good on the forecheck, and does very well in the face-off circle so there is not as much need for the defensemen to try and rush the puck as much as they do. There is plenty of talent in this group to adjust to more of a defense first attitude that moves the puck out of the zone as a priority and lets the forwards do more of the work through the neutral zone. They can handle that.
.

Haven't watched MN a lick this season. But I'll say (as I have before) that most D1 defensemen are recruited for their offensive ability not their defensive ability (playing good defense isn't particularly valued by many head coaches because they believe they can teach it and some asst coaches (recruiters) don't know what good defense looks like). It is pretty tough at the college level to teach kids that were recruited to rush the puck, score goals, and drive the offense to hang back and play.... well, defense. I suspect that a talented group such as MN defensemen fall into this category...

 

[KTDC]

Re: Minnesota Women's Hockey 2016-2017 (aka Season 20)

At the break what adjustments can be made? Here are some thoughts from an unqualified observer.

Forwards. The lack of scoring beyond the first line is somewhat perplexing. As I observe players like #23, #7, #10, #14, and #6, they are really playing pretty darn good. They are getting their chances and for whatever reason the puck is just not going in. I watch Piazza in particular, and she has a very good wrist shot that she gets on net with a high percentage. She should be scoring more and maybe with her and the others, it is again the case of trying to do too much. Maybe the break for this group will be just what is needed to relax and start fresh the second half. Obviously getting Cameranesi back would be helpful but there is still plenty of talent there to fill that void.

In spite of the issues, this is a team that still has a 15-3-2 record, That has a power play that converts at 31.15%, and kills penalties at a 91.2% rate. Those are great thing to build on for the second half.

I phrased it that way so as not to take a position on whether it's a problem.

Long term, you may be correct; I certainly hope so. Right now, she can't stop shots going over her shoulders. For this season, I very much doubt that she's a solution. Sydney Peters is our goalie of the present, and we need to figure out how to make that work.

Thanks FiveHole for the post.

I think our 2nd and 3rd line forwards have been having trouble making good decisions on when to shoot and when to pass. Along with they are pressing, clutching the stick too hard, and snake-bit. And maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.....lol

It's hard to believe they can't score better than they have been, though. I'd love to see the dam break second half of the season.

I basically agree with eeyore on the goaltending. We're probably all-in with Peters this season.