Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2017-2018 ... Home Playoffs This Season?
True enough, but not all that useful as an insight. We're talking about a team that was one bounce (or call) from the National Title Game. Of course that's hard to replicate -- for literally every team in D-1.
I'll say this much. First, the Buckeyes won't be sneaking up on anyone next year. That raises the level of difficulty a bit. Second, as everyone on this forum knows, the returning Olympians do change the mix. Casual fans might not be aware of that.
But the team's exact level of talent, and what kind of year each player will have, are always open questions.
It was definitely one call! The only fans who actually think that was a good call are the Clarkson fans and OSU haters. Coach Nadine thought it was a crap call and I'll side with her over the haters every time. The Clarkson girl flopped and the ref bought it. I'll be bitter about that for a long time. I completely agree with your response regarding those who don't think Ohio State will replicate what they did last season. Lots of teams aren't going to replicate what they did last season. The other side of that would be not too many thought Ohio State would do what they did this past season, so there's that.
As for sneaking up on teams, if we snuck up on anyone last season, that's their fault. With the roster we had last season, everyone knew we were going to be good. I am aware that some teams are getting Olympians back and that will make them better. Plus, we will be without our All-American goalie, Kassidy Sauve, who was obviously a huge part of our success last season. However, I think some are going to be pleasantly (or unpleasantly if they are on the other side) surprised at how good Amanda Zeglen will be in net, provided she earns the starting job next season. With all the scoring we have coming back, whoever is in net will not have to shut everyone out. As far as the whole Olympic year thing goes, which some like to use to minimize accomplishments, come October, we're going to hang a Frozen Four Banner in the OSU Ice Rink and begin our quest to try to return and finish the job in the 2018-19 season. I don't think there will be an asterisk on the banner that reads, "*This doesn't really count the same as the Frozen Fours from other years because it was an Olympic year."
Your points are well taken and my responses are not necessarily directed at you, just comments in general. I try to take a break and stay away in the offseason, but with a couple of defections, there have been things to talk about.
For those going to the games this fall, there will be three weekends where there are home football games (10/6, 10/13, and 11/3). Ugh, three games where we'll all have to pay $20 to park and that parking will be a half-mile away from the ice rink. The girls are worth it, though!
