Re: MTU season thread Part 3. The Mel Sky-Pearson chronicles
Mel Pearson Show summary from this morning:
Last Friday:
Like how Robo is playing, need to play good defense
D. Johnstone goal - good to breakthrough after no scoring last Sat too
After CC's 5-3 PP, we took over the game
Felt good after MacLeod goal, and most of the game
Johnstone-Johnstone-MacLeod line might've been best line that night with offensvie chances, they can control the play in Offensive zone
Thorimbert was CCs number 1 star, kept them in the game on Friday
Saturday:
MacLeod goal, CC dman lost his footing under his own power, good non-call by refs
Olson goal - nice shot, Shields did a nice job telling our players where to shoot on CC goalie, big goal
CC goals mostly came off of MTU mistakes defensively, first CC goal, Sweeney fell and results in CC 2x1, don't like how we defended the 2x1
Had used the timeout earlier in the game, pulled Josh and got the tieing goal
Dirk noted the load fans in the background of the radio call of tieing goal, mel was confident we would get a few good looks, great shot by Seigo
Good job by refs to not blow play dead as Thorimbert never had puck frozen
Intermission before OT - we were excited, talked about it coming down to 1 shot, mentioned how no one believed in us, but we believe in ourselves, reminded them about our trip to Xcel center to remind them that's the place we want to get to
Good start to OT, 3:30 to get goal, it looked like Sova scored, but it was D. Johnstone, real nice job/puck possesion
CC went with a short bench the whole game, you knew that would wear on them eventually, they looked tired, We played 4 lines the whole game, confident in all 4 lines
Questions from listeners:
Is there an explanation for regular season record vs playoff record @ CC?
I don't think so, if there was Mel would change how we play in regular season. The desperation level goes up in playoff hockey.
How do you attribute to Huskies OT success this season, they're 5-0-4?
Not sure, in most games we've been the underdog. Once you've fought a good team and made it to OT, no one would've given you a shot to be in that game, and we play to win with an agressive style.
How does University make sure they follow NCAA regulations?
We have a compliance office that does a great job. Anytime there are questions/issues, they will talk to NCAA directly. Very happy/proud that department makes sure we are in compliance with all rules. Dirk - A lot of rules, Joel Isacson does a great job with that.
The defense has been playing a lot better lately, what's the reason?
We put a lot of effor into that. Not only Dman, also goaltender and forwards. Forward starting to realize the harder they work defensively the more offensive opportunities they'll have offensively, sounds odd, but it translates to that. We need to play rock solid defensive to extend our season. Need to force team to make plays to beat us.
What do the huskies need to do to get more success on PP?
We've put a lot of work there, we moved the puck well this weekend. It's an ongoing process, mostly please the way we moved the puck with nothign to show for it. We'll continue to improve on it.
Milos Gordic - playing well, struggling to score goals and that will happen, bottom line the team is having success. Can't force offense but can play good defense.
On DU:
Dirk and Mel got to watch the Sunday WI/DU game
Anytime a team has to play the three game series and then a short turnaround, it a lot of hockey and they're playing the early game
We have beat Duluth, DU, SCSU, Minn, if we play well, we can have a real good game against DU Thursday
I like our depth, even against a team like DU
Gwoz does a nice job, they're #9 and a good hockey team, but every weekend we go against good players like the Schwatz brothers and Thorimbert
It's a one game shot, anything can happen
Their freshman Dman, Leleggia, good defense and knows when to jump into the offensvie play
Quick final question that came in - do we watch video of opposing goalie to see weak spots?
We do, not all the time, but thought it was important to watch Thorimbert after not scoring last Saturday. Don't want to tell players where they have to shoot because every situation is different. We'll do that with Britain. Dirk wonders is Britain will play, he looked tired on Sunday.
Congrats on Coach of the Year award from Dirk - Thanks, but not a one man show, took a lot of people and the players have to do it on a nightly basis. Feel fortunate to take coach these guys.
Schwarz signing - no surprise, these high end kids are anxious to move one, and they're throwing good money at them. It's that time of the year underclassmen leave too.
Final thoughts - we're in good spirits, anytime you win that helps, we had a good trip and did some team bonding as a team. We're on a mission, big job ahead of us. Like mentally where our team is, we'll be ready, one at a time now
Game is 3PM ET on Thursday, pregame at 2:30ET on WKMJ. Tickets are available starting at noon today at ticket office.
Mel - Thanks to fans, we had great support at CC, and knows we'll have support in St. Paul.
