Re: Official 2013-2014 Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks Season Thread
Mankato fans, can you tell us lowell fans what to expect from your team? Very aware of the unbeaten streak you have had in the second half. I think we matched up begging of the season 3 years ago, with Lowell sweeping in Mankato. However I could be wrong on both accounts. Looking forward to a reply.
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?
