Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
I'd be shocked if more than 80% were sold.
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Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
- Thread starter Patman
- Start date
riverchief1
Well-known member
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
This is "back to the future" between UML and Minnesota State. Did a little digging and remembered that Saturday's game will actually be a battle of late 1970s and early 1980s Division II national powers. Lowell actually holds a 2-1 edge in NCAA tournament games vs. Minnesota State. Lowell’s first of three DII national championships came in 1979, beating then Mankato State 6-4. The following year, Mankato knocked Lowell out of the NCAAs in the semifinals on their way to winning the NCAA title. In 1981, Lowell returned the favor by beating Mankato on OT in the semis on their way to their second NCCA title.
This is "back to the future" between UML and Minnesota State. Did a little digging and remembered that Saturday's game will actually be a battle of late 1970s and early 1980s Division II national powers. Lowell actually holds a 2-1 edge in NCAA tournament games vs. Minnesota State. Lowell’s first of three DII national championships came in 1979, beating then Mankato State 6-4. The following year, Mankato knocked Lowell out of the NCAAs in the semifinals on their way to winning the NCAA title. In 1981, Lowell returned the favor by beating Mankato on OT in the semis on their way to their second NCCA title.
Carmine Scarpaglia
My bad.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
And avoid a lot of the ticket fees they charge.
And avoid a lot of the ticket fees they charge.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
Come on Red Cows, excluding your mavs thought the Pioneers were your favorite.. Stealing our hearts with the 3-2 OTs in Denver and even then we came to your house to visit twice. We've gotten to know each other really well.
You can't woo Hastings yet and if he thinks you are desperate....you will lose any negotiating advantage.
Crimson and Red are a lot closer than Red and Purple
Since I can't root for the red cows I'll be rooting for the purple ones, particularly since their head coach is likely to be our new head coach when the gap-toothed wonder retires.
We need Coach Hastings to be NCAA battle tested when he gets here.
Come on Red Cows, excluding your mavs thought the Pioneers were your favorite.. Stealing our hearts with the 3-2 OTs in Denver and even then we came to your house to visit twice. We've gotten to know each other really well.
You can't woo Hastings yet and if he thinks you are desperate....you will lose any negotiating advantage.
Crimson and Red are a lot closer than Red and Purple
Last edited:
manurespreader
Still upright
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
Seems to me that UML and DU play a very similar style, except UML can actually score goals. I'd give them the favorites hat. BC and Mankato are also similar, with BC having the obvious hobey choice in their line up. Both DU and Mankato have good goaltending. I can't speak to the two eastern teams. Mankato can be very patient and beat a good BGSU team that plays the trap, scoring the first goal late in the second. They were very good at home this year and less good on the road. It's just my opinion, but Denver is the weakest team, though in a one and done who knows.
Seems to me that UML and DU play a very similar style, except UML can actually score goals. I'd give them the favorites hat. BC and Mankato are also similar, with BC having the obvious hobey choice in their line up. Both DU and Mankato have good goaltending. I can't speak to the two eastern teams. Mankato can be very patient and beat a good BGSU team that plays the trap, scoring the first goal late in the second. They were very good at home this year and less good on the road. It's just my opinion, but Denver is the weakest team, though in a one and done who knows.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
I think it would be unseemly to worship your vanquisher.
Although, UNO has played DU more (24 times) than any of the other old WCHA schools in the conference and we are in the Summit League together.
For your sake, at least Josh Archibald won't be kicking you around next season. So, there's that.
Seriously, I'll be pulling for any NCHC team. But, besides the obvious Hastings connection, most UNO fans have a bit of an affinity, too, for MSU since we have a traveling trophy with them and, up to this season, had played them every year of our program's existence. The only school we can say that about.
MSU/DU regional final?
I'm certain BC and UML fans have their own thoughts about that.
Come on Red Cows, excluding your mavs thought the Pioneers were your favorite.. Stealing our hearts with the 3-2 OTs in Denver and even then we came to your house to visit twice. We've gotten to know each other really well.
You can't woo Hastings yet and if he thinks you are desperate....you will lose any negotiating advantage.
Crimson and Red are a lot closer than Red and Purple
I think it would be unseemly to worship your vanquisher.
Although, UNO has played DU more (24 times) than any of the other old WCHA schools in the conference and we are in the Summit League together.
For your sake, at least Josh Archibald won't be kicking you around next season. So, there's that.
Seriously, I'll be pulling for any NCHC team. But, besides the obvious Hastings connection, most UNO fans have a bit of an affinity, too, for MSU since we have a traveling trophy with them and, up to this season, had played them every year of our program's existence. The only school we can say that about.
MSU/DU regional final?
I'm certain BC and UML fans have their own thoughts about that.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
UML's Connor Hellebuyck: 1.73 GAA, .943 SV%, 6 shutouts ----- leading NCAA in GAA and SV%
BC's Thatcher Demko: 2.13 GAA, .921 SV%, 2 shutouts
I wouldn't call Hellebuyck a flashy goalie, but rather a smooth, technically-sound and well-positioned goalie who benefits from playing in front of a strong Lowell defense. Haven't seen Demko play too much this year in person, but I know when he's on his game he can be stellar as well. The goaltending is pretty solid everywhere you look at this point of the year.
UML's Connor Hellebuyck: 1.73 GAA, .943 SV%, 6 shutouts ----- leading NCAA in GAA and SV%
BC's Thatcher Demko: 2.13 GAA, .921 SV%, 2 shutouts
I wouldn't call Hellebuyck a flashy goalie, but rather a smooth, technically-sound and well-positioned goalie who benefits from playing in front of a strong Lowell defense. Haven't seen Demko play too much this year in person, but I know when he's on his game he can be stellar as well. The goaltending is pretty solid everywhere you look at this point of the year.
Patman
Rodent of Unusual Size
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
Lowell's MO has been to not give teams breathing room and then turn that into turnovers... incredibly persistent. The only thing I see as a real hinderance is the tendency to make dumb passes/clears leading into turnovers and getting pinned in the zone. Defense isn't as strong as last year, but then again, the last 120 minutes have been something I've been waiting for from the first 37 games.
Lowell's MO has been to not give teams breathing room and then turn that into turnovers... incredibly persistent. The only thing I see as a real hinderance is the tendency to make dumb passes/clears leading into turnovers and getting pinned in the zone. Defense isn't as strong as last year, but then again, the last 120 minutes have been something I've been waiting for from the first 37 games.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
Nah, we've already given you the replacement for Blais. You've got Jutting: experienced, rested, and ready!Since I can't root for the red cows I'll be rooting for the purple ones, particularly since their head coach is likely to be our new head coach when the gap-toothed wonder retires.
We need Coach Hastings to be NCAA battle tested when he gets here.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
There has been some "possession is 9/10ths of the law" talk around here where that is concerned.
There has been some "possession is 9/10ths of the law" talk around here where that is concerned.
MavHockey14
New member
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
Minnesota State (26-13-1 overall, 20-7-1 WCHA)
Probable Line Chart
21 Chase Grant - 18 Matt Leitner - 9 Bryce Gervais
25 Zach Stepan - 23 Teddy Blueger - 22 Jonny McInnis
12 JP Lafontaine - 26 Dylan Margonari - 19 Zach Lehrke
24 Brett Knowles - 17 Michael Huntebrinker - 8 Max Gaede
27 Brett Stern 7 Zach Palmquist
28 Jon Jutzi 6 Casey Nelson
11 Sean Flanagan 3 Blake Thompson
34 Cole Huggins
35 Stephon Williams
*If D Josh Nelson or D Carter Foguth can go, I'd assume Thompson is first man out, Nelson is the second man out.
Key Players
Matt Leitner (12-32-44): Leitner is the most skilled player on this team, and when he's consistent with his effort, which he has been as of late, he's arguably the best player on the ice. With good speed, great hands, and an innate ability to get the puck to his linemates, Leitner is a force offensively and on the power play.
Jean-Paul Lafontaine (20-20-40): LaFontaine is an important piece of the nation's 4th best power play; 14 of his 20 goals have come on the power play. While his game has been somewhat inconsistent as of late, JP finds his way to the score sheet regularly. Lafontaine does a great job finishing, and can move the puck as well.
Johnny McInnis (21-16-37): The captain of the Mavericks, McInnis scores big time goals, including 6 gamewinners. 10 of his 21 tallies have come on the power play, and with good net presence, Johnny creates numerous chances for himself. McInnis' on ice leadership has continued to improve and grow this season, and it's no coincidence the team continues to do the same.
Zach Lehrke (8-20-28): With 28 points in only 30 games, Zach Lehrke just may have saved this season for the Mavericks. Without him, the team struggled out of the gate, to the point where fellow teammates and coaches had to virtually beg him to rejoin the team. The quarterback on the power play, Lehrke is extremely hard working, great on the forecheck, and a well rounded player. He racks up points on the power play.
Bryce Gervais (16-10-26): Gervais is a small, speedy forward who improves every single night. I'd say he's been the best player on the ice for the Mavericks the last month. He's elevated his game greatly, and has become a very complete player. He's one of the best two way forwards on the team, currently with a team leading plus/minus of 13.
Cole Huggins (21-7-1, 1.91 GAA and a .924 save percentage): Freshman goaltender Cole Huggins boasts the nation's fourth best GAA, and is tied second nationally with six shutouts. Huggins is an extremely fundamentally sound goaltender who makes virtually every save he should. As mentioned before, he's not particularly flashy, but he makes the big time saves when they're needed. He's really come on as of late.
Why will the Mavericks win the regional?
This team returns NCAA tournament experience, and features three balanced scoring lines; 1st line 87 points, 2nd line 83 points, and 3rd line 85 points. Additionally, their fourth line, known as their "energy" line, has eaten up quality minutes keeping the other nine forwards rested by playing good, disciplined hockey. They are 12th nationally in offense and defense, and have a goaltender whose confidence is through the roof right now. Extremely balanced, the Mavericks have fantastic special teams. Minnesota State boasts the nation's 4th best power play, which clicks at 25.26%, and is over 30% with Lehrke in the lineup. Additionally, its penalty kill is also 4th best in the country, killing off 86.7% of penalties. The catalyst for this team? It believes. The self proclaimed "pesky Mavs" believe they're not done yet, and they believe that they have a room full of guys who are capable of a deep post season run.
Why won't the Mavericks win the regional?
If Minnesota State struggles at all with their special teams, a quick exit is likely. The Mavericks are good 5 on 5, but they're exceptionally good on the power play and penalty kill. If those two aspects struggle, it will be virtually impossible for the Mavs to be successful. Consistently pressuring and moving their feet has been an issue for some stretches, and we're at the time of year where that type of mistake sends you golfing. Additionally, Minnesota State can ill afford to turn the puck over. Their defenseman have been solid, but when they make mistakes, it's likely due to forcing the puck up ice;some of which happens due to lack of support from the forwards. They're without 2 of their top 6 defenseman right now, and their status for this weekend is unknown. The replacements did a fine job in the Final Five, but what happens when the stage is even bigger?
Minnesota State (26-13-1 overall, 20-7-1 WCHA)
Probable Line Chart
21 Chase Grant - 18 Matt Leitner - 9 Bryce Gervais
25 Zach Stepan - 23 Teddy Blueger - 22 Jonny McInnis
12 JP Lafontaine - 26 Dylan Margonari - 19 Zach Lehrke
24 Brett Knowles - 17 Michael Huntebrinker - 8 Max Gaede
27 Brett Stern 7 Zach Palmquist
28 Jon Jutzi 6 Casey Nelson
11 Sean Flanagan 3 Blake Thompson
34 Cole Huggins
35 Stephon Williams
*If D Josh Nelson or D Carter Foguth can go, I'd assume Thompson is first man out, Nelson is the second man out.
Key Players
Matt Leitner (12-32-44): Leitner is the most skilled player on this team, and when he's consistent with his effort, which he has been as of late, he's arguably the best player on the ice. With good speed, great hands, and an innate ability to get the puck to his linemates, Leitner is a force offensively and on the power play.
Jean-Paul Lafontaine (20-20-40): LaFontaine is an important piece of the nation's 4th best power play; 14 of his 20 goals have come on the power play. While his game has been somewhat inconsistent as of late, JP finds his way to the score sheet regularly. Lafontaine does a great job finishing, and can move the puck as well.
Johnny McInnis (21-16-37): The captain of the Mavericks, McInnis scores big time goals, including 6 gamewinners. 10 of his 21 tallies have come on the power play, and with good net presence, Johnny creates numerous chances for himself. McInnis' on ice leadership has continued to improve and grow this season, and it's no coincidence the team continues to do the same.
Zach Lehrke (8-20-28): With 28 points in only 30 games, Zach Lehrke just may have saved this season for the Mavericks. Without him, the team struggled out of the gate, to the point where fellow teammates and coaches had to virtually beg him to rejoin the team. The quarterback on the power play, Lehrke is extremely hard working, great on the forecheck, and a well rounded player. He racks up points on the power play.
Bryce Gervais (16-10-26): Gervais is a small, speedy forward who improves every single night. I'd say he's been the best player on the ice for the Mavericks the last month. He's elevated his game greatly, and has become a very complete player. He's one of the best two way forwards on the team, currently with a team leading plus/minus of 13.
Cole Huggins (21-7-1, 1.91 GAA and a .924 save percentage): Freshman goaltender Cole Huggins boasts the nation's fourth best GAA, and is tied second nationally with six shutouts. Huggins is an extremely fundamentally sound goaltender who makes virtually every save he should. As mentioned before, he's not particularly flashy, but he makes the big time saves when they're needed. He's really come on as of late.
Why will the Mavericks win the regional?
This team returns NCAA tournament experience, and features three balanced scoring lines; 1st line 87 points, 2nd line 83 points, and 3rd line 85 points. Additionally, their fourth line, known as their "energy" line, has eaten up quality minutes keeping the other nine forwards rested by playing good, disciplined hockey. They are 12th nationally in offense and defense, and have a goaltender whose confidence is through the roof right now. Extremely balanced, the Mavericks have fantastic special teams. Minnesota State boasts the nation's 4th best power play, which clicks at 25.26%, and is over 30% with Lehrke in the lineup. Additionally, its penalty kill is also 4th best in the country, killing off 86.7% of penalties. The catalyst for this team? It believes. The self proclaimed "pesky Mavs" believe they're not done yet, and they believe that they have a room full of guys who are capable of a deep post season run.
Why won't the Mavericks win the regional?
If Minnesota State struggles at all with their special teams, a quick exit is likely. The Mavericks are good 5 on 5, but they're exceptionally good on the power play and penalty kill. If those two aspects struggle, it will be virtually impossible for the Mavs to be successful. Consistently pressuring and moving their feet has been an issue for some stretches, and we're at the time of year where that type of mistake sends you golfing. Additionally, Minnesota State can ill afford to turn the puck over. Their defenseman have been solid, but when they make mistakes, it's likely due to forcing the puck up ice;some of which happens due to lack of support from the forwards. They're without 2 of their top 6 defenseman right now, and their status for this weekend is unknown. The replacements did a fine job in the Final Five, but what happens when the stage is even bigger?
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
Plainly stated, Lowell has the best goaltender in the country. I have no qualms about making that claim. Some may disagree, and that's fine; everyone has a right to be wrong if they want to.
17-8-2 1.73 GAA/.943 SV% 6 SO
In 51 career games at Lowell, Hellebuyck has more shutouts (12) than losses (11).
Plainly stated, Lowell has the best goaltender in the country. I have no qualms about making that claim. Some may disagree, and that's fine; everyone has a right to be wrong if they want to.
17-8-2 1.73 GAA/.943 SV% 6 SO
In 51 career games at Lowell, Hellebuyck has more shutouts (12) than losses (11).
joegrav
New member
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
If there's one thing we've all learned following this tournament, it's that the highly anticipated regional finals matchups usually don't come to fruition. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if either Denver or MN State get a win on Saturday.
Patronick is correct about Hellebuyck for Lowell. Every year, college hockey is chock full of goalies who are just okay but put up great numbers because they play on excellent teams. That's not the case with Hellebuyck. He's the real deal. He makes tough saves look routine, and he's great regardless of whether he's facing a lot of rubber or only facing shots occasionally. He's the reason why Lowell should probably be a slight favorite up until the theoretical point where they would run into Union in Philly, honestly.
From a BC perspective, I'm curious to see if the offense comes out looking the way it did most of the year on Saturday, flying around and creating a bunch of great chances. For whatever reason, Notre Dame has been kryptonite to the Eagles through the years; I'd be more concerned if the Eagles slumped down the stretch against multiple teams, rather than having repeated issues with ND. Should be interesting.
If there's one thing we've all learned following this tournament, it's that the highly anticipated regional finals matchups usually don't come to fruition. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if either Denver or MN State get a win on Saturday.
Patronick is correct about Hellebuyck for Lowell. Every year, college hockey is chock full of goalies who are just okay but put up great numbers because they play on excellent teams. That's not the case with Hellebuyck. He's the real deal. He makes tough saves look routine, and he's great regardless of whether he's facing a lot of rubber or only facing shots occasionally. He's the reason why Lowell should probably be a slight favorite up until the theoretical point where they would run into Union in Philly, honestly.
From a BC perspective, I'm curious to see if the offense comes out looking the way it did most of the year on Saturday, flying around and creating a bunch of great chances. For whatever reason, Notre Dame has been kryptonite to the Eagles through the years; I'd be more concerned if the Eagles slumped down the stretch against multiple teams, rather than having repeated issues with ND. Should be interesting.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
One thing, reading about this Mankato power play scares me. The only good thing I can take from that is Lowell played extremely clean at the Garden (just 3 opponents power plays). Sounds like they might be well off doing that again.
I know Lowell fans have talked about this for 2 years now, but he just almost never seems to be out of position. You won't see him making the diving saves, flopping around ... he's just consistently in the exact position he seems to need to be in. It's pretty **** impressive. And that stat that Patronick shows tells you a lot (12 shutouts in 2 years, 11 losses).
One thing, reading about this Mankato power play scares me. The only good thing I can take from that is Lowell played extremely clean at the Garden (just 3 opponents power plays). Sounds like they might be well off doing that again.
HawkUnderground
Member
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
This was great, thanks for the nice outline of the team.
I wish I could return the favor about UML but I fear I wouldn't do it justice.
Sounds like we have a real battle ahead of us.
This was great, thanks for the nice outline of the team.
I wish I could return the favor about UML but I fear I wouldn't do it justice.
Sounds like we have a real battle ahead of us.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
I personally think this is the best region top to bottom in the country. You've got 3 conference tourney winners and BC. In the Lowell-MSU game you've got 2 very good goalies. Huggins had 6 shutouts this year as a freshman behind a defense that was pretty suspect for the first half of the year and not starting the season as "the guy". This could be a huge battle for everyone in all 3 games on the weekend.
I personally think this is the best region top to bottom in the country. You've got 3 conference tourney winners and BC. In the Lowell-MSU game you've got 2 very good goalies. Huggins had 6 shutouts this year as a freshman behind a defense that was pretty suspect for the first half of the year and not starting the season as "the guy". This could be a huge battle for everyone in all 3 games on the weekend.
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
You should have got 60 seconds on the selection show.
You should have got 60 seconds on the selection show.
hockeynut92
New member
Re: Northeast Regional: BC vs Denver, Lowell vs Mankato
UML will take this game running away.
UML will take this game running away.