Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

[ARM]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Probably the low point was when Taylor Heise was able to score yesterday on a slapshot from outside the blue line. This just cannot be allowed to happen in any level of hockey.

But it does. I've seen both Noora Räty and Amanda Leveille, the two best goalies in Gophers history, get beat on shots from the blue line or beyond, in NCAA Tournament games no less. With yesterday's long-range goal happening so soon after goal No. 2, the goalie likely was looking back a bit too much.

Ironically, Muzerall is more from the Shannon Miller coaching mold in that her teams often feed on emotion to be successful, whereas Nadine played and coached under people at the "U" who aim more for the even-keel approach. UMD under Miller had down periods along with the highs, and I think it is what we've seen from Muzerall's Buckeyes.

 

[D2D]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

But it does. I've seen both Noora Räty and Amanda Leveille, the two best goalies in Gophers history, get beat on shots from the blue line or beyond, in NCAA Tournament games no less. With yesterday's long-range goal happening so soon after goal No. 2, the goalie likely was looking back a bit too much.

All I was trying to say is that when a puck goes in from that distance, it's a very soft goal, and it just shouldn't happen. This one was from roughly five feet beyond the blue line, and the goalie had a very clear view of the puck. But you may be right, the goalie might have been thinking about the one that got by her just moments before. Still, I don't think there is any doubt that she would like to have that one back.

Ironically, Muzerall is more from the Shannon Miller coaching mold in that her teams often feed on emotion to be successful, whereas Nadine played and coached under people at the "U" who aim more for the even-keel approach. UMD under Miller had down periods along with the highs, and I think it is what we've seen from Muzerall's Buckeyes.

Part of learning to become a successful head coach, I think, is knowing when and how often to push the buttons, and which ones to push at the right time.

 

[CrazyDave]

Ironically, Muzerall is more from the Shannon Miller coaching mold in that her teams often feed on emotion to be successful, whereas Nadine played and coached under people at the "U" who aim more for the even-keel approach. UMD under Miller had down periods along with the highs, and I think it is what we've seen from Muzerall's Buckeyes.

Nadine has said in the past that she appreciates my visits to OSU Ice Rink as a strong supporter of my team. After I sang the Rouser 16 times over the two games (including postgame each night to acknowledge a Gopher win), I may not be welcome in future seasons. (I didn't stick around long enough to ask her.)

I do know that I'm now considered a tormentor of little Buckeye fans.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

A couple of followups on my part in response to a number of the aforementioned things (hence my lack of specific quotes):

Yup. Too many good comments to quote them all. I appreciate everyone's contributions. Will use select quotes as way to toss in my two cents.

1) I agree with Still Eeyore that Ohio State is not as good as last year. As previously mentioned, they definitely miss Sauve in goal, but I think that the loss of Iafallo, Sadek, and Spring cannot be understated. Sadek might not have always showed up in the box score, but she was a constant on the blue line who could bail people out if they made mistakes. Iafallo scored a lot of timely goals, something this years OSU squad has struggled to do. And Spring was a model of consistency who again might not wow you with stats, but she was a reliable player who made the girls playing with her better. On top of the losses, just returning players isn't that meaningful if they don't get better. There are of course exceptions (Maltais for example continues to impress), but overall it seems to me that more players than not haven't gotten noticeably better, and some I would say have had their play decline. I won't get into specifics / speculation on that front, but player development is the key to maintaining success at the collegiate level with the inevitable annual roster turnover that occurs.

Great points, especially with regard to the departed Buckeyes.

But I believe most posters are leaving out a big part of the story. The January 2019 Badgers are better than last season; the January 2019 Gophers are much better than last season. I further suspect that competing with each other is making those two teams even better. Both teams had a significant influx of talent last Fall; both teams now seem to be jelling nicely. By comparison, anyone improving less rapidly looks worse. And if you're slumping, much worse.

Ironically, Muzerall is more from the Shannon Miller coaching mold in that her teams often feed on emotion to be successful, whereas Nadine played and coached under people at the "U" who aim more for the even-keel approach. UMD under Miller had down periods along with the highs, and I think it is what we've seen from Muzerall's Buckeyes.

The "Business Trip" approach works well if you have superior talent. If you're trying to pull upsets -- even mild upsets -- a little emotion can go along way. You are correct about the ups and downs of the emotional approach. No one can maintain a fever pitch over the course of 30+ games.

I'll buy that it's a little ironic in Nadine's case. But I don't think Muzerall is in the habit of crossing lines that Miller was willing to cross. No fake flag desecration stories, to the best of my knowledge.

All I was trying to say is that when a puck goes in from that distance, it's a very soft goal, and it just shouldn't happen. This one was from roughly five feet beyond the blue line, and the goalie had a very clear view of the puck. But you may be right, the goalie might have been thinking about the one that got by her just moments before. Still, I don't think there is any doubt that she would like to have that one back.

As a general principle, of course you're correct. But if you had seen the Heise shot in person, I believe you'd be a little more forgiving of the keeper. The pace and placement of the shot certainly surprised me.

I do agree with ARM that the Buckeye keeper was a little shell-shocked from the 2nd Gopher Goal. And yes, D-1 doesn't allow time for "recovery" from such setbacks. But another part of the story is that the shot was a smart play by Heise. Goalies are human; they can be caught off-guard in such situations. Perhaps it's not common, but it isn't rare either. Sometimes longshots pay off, pun intended.

Part of learning to become a successful head coach, I think, is knowing when and how often to push the buttons, and which ones to push at the right time.

Absolutely. And it's a difficult art to master. But if you're giving up goals in bunches, different buttons need to be pushed. CH86 also made this point well when discussing positivity & confidence.

 

[arenalife]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

A couple of followups on my part in response to a number of the aforementioned things (hence my lack of specific quotes):

1) I agree with Still Eeyore that Ohio State is not as good as last year. As previously mentioned, they definitely miss Sauve in goal

I don't think they miss Sauve as much as you would like to believe. Before the current five game slide Brandlei had a 1.61/.943 line - pretty solid. Much of the onus is on Muzzeral, take your starting freshman goalie aside and (re)build her confidence. She got you this far, reassure her that she is the starting goalie for this team. Sauve has a lot of confidence, especially when her team is ahead. I witnessed a couple games where she removed herself after giving up a fourth (or more) goal in a game - I have never seen that! (Okay, I have; youth house hockey) On one occasion Muzz asked her what she doing at the bench, and sent her back in. My point is, the numbers are similar to date: Brandlei - 2.15/.928; Sauve 1.76/.930, but this year's OSU team may have a little less off ice (and maybe on too) goalie distractions.

I do agree that every player is gripping their stick a little to hard the last couple of weeks - seems like panic mode. They need to relax, have fun, and the wins will come.

 

[dd17]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Muzerall is extremely competitive and I'm sure she was speaking out of frustration, and quite possibly came down publicly a little too hard on her goaltenders, for whom confidence is very important. On the other hand they play a crucial part in any team's success, and having watched both games I don't believe on this particular weekend they held up their end of the bargain. Probably the low point was when Taylor Heise was able to score yesterday on a slapshot from outside the blue line. This just cannot be allowed to happen in any level of hockey.

Still, I would agree that some things are better left said in the locker room, or in this case maybe in a private conversation.

Muzerall has too much self preservation to have ever said anything like that to, or about, Sauve.

I watched bits and pieces. Goalies were only at fault for a couple.

OSU is very weak up the middle. It was a shooting zone between the hash marks in both games. When you give up the slot that easy to talented players with that much time they will pick corners all night long. This is where Iafallo is missed.

The strong side D was always getting caught in the offensive end. I lost count of how many odd man rushes Minnesota had but it was way too many.

Everything went right last year for OSU. Timely goals. Timely goaltending. Olympic year. Except for Dunne, not sure how many others could even crack the Minnesota roster. Obviously Maltais, but not top 6.

If I read the stats and gamesheets correctly, the only plus OSU players in WCHA play are 2 defense and the forth line. With another date against Wisconsin. That will never get it done.

As for Minnesota. Wow. Heise is unbelievable. Say what you will but that was one a heck of a shot from the blue line. Zumwinkle toyed with the D. The last goal on Saturday was poetry in motion. Based on early season play I was picking Wisconsin but I have changed my vote to Minnesota.

 

[Still Eeyore]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

As long as you were singing the authorized versions of school songs and simply winning spelling bees, I highly doubt you did anything inappropriate. Unless the tykes were literally at their first sporting event, they've undoubtedly seen and heard worse. Then again, I've haven't heard from the complainants yet. Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the charges.

There was a little girl on Saturday, probably about eight years old, four rows in front of us, who turned and yelled, "Sucks," each time we chanted, "Minnesota!" Her timing was impeccable. She's probably ready to graduate to Michigan games.

 

[robertearle]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

In fact, Ohio State sets in 8th in the PairWise now, which basically means they are on the outside looking in as the CHA Champion will get an auto-bid and take that 8th spot away from Ohio State... The problem is, wins over St. Cloud and Bemidji and whoever we end up hosting in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs are not going to move the needle regarding the PairWise, so what it is now going to come down to now is we will have to win the WCHA Tournament and get the league's auto-bid to get in.

The thing you guys have to realize and remember is that the teams around you in the Pairwise play in the same two conferences, and have games against one another coming up. The Hockey East teams: BU and Northeastern play one another in the Beanpot, with the winner likely (?) then playing BC; at worst, either BC or BU gets one more loss. And then all three play their conference tournament, where two of the three will pick up another loss. Likewise, and even more so, for the ECAC teams: Clarkson has a game against Cornell, one again Colgate, and two against Princeton still to play; that's a fair number of losses to be doled out to some team or another. And then they play their conference tournament where two of the three get a loss.

Yes, unless OSU moots the question by winning the WCHA tournament, they have at least one more loss coming. But that is far from the only way they get into the NCAAs. Lots of hockey left to play, lots of twists and turns left to see in the Pairwise.

 

[shelfit]

There was a little girl on Saturday, probably about eight years old, four rows in front of us, who turned and yelled, "Sucks," each time we chanted, "Minnesota!" Her timing was impeccable. She's probably ready to graduate to Michigan games.

What a special little girl. I'm sure her parents were very proud of her. If I had yelled out that word at that age I can assure you my parents would not have let me yell it out for a second repetition let alone every time the Minnesota chant happened. But great story.

 

[pokechecker]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

...
Say what you will but that was one a heck of a shot from the blue line...

IMO, this is one of the most exciting plays in hockey, somebody letting loose a clapper on the fly between the red and blue line. I wasn’t there to see if such was the case with Heise, but I’m hoping more women learn to do this, it is a very effective and exciting play. One time I do remember it, is Stephanie Anderson of the Whitecaps scoring on a Gopher goalie. Despite being against my team , I couldn't help but applaud.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

There was a little girl on Saturday, probably about eight years old, four rows in front of us, who turned and yelled, "Sucks," each time we chanted, "Minnesota!" Her timing was impeccable.

I didn't know I had a child who lives in Ohio. Come to think of it, I did stay in a hotel about 9 yrs ago in Columbus and met a nice girl.........

 

[Still Eeyore]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

And, the OSU Ice Rink has joined the WCHA tradition of cranking the canned music after a Gopher goal to try to drown us out. They don't understand that this only encourages Dave to sing louder, and he's going to win that fight.

 

[Puckdrop14]

And, the OSU Ice Rink has joined the WCHA tradition of cranking the canned music after a Gopher goal to try to drown us out. They don't understand that this only encourages Dave to sing louder, and he's going to win that fight.

It must have been a combination concert and hockey games this past weekend!

 

[Puckdrop14]

They were singing the Rouser. Gopher fans do that on the road after goals. Sorry. You know how it ends ("Minnesota ... Minnesota ..."). Are you claiming that they should have stopped singing it because the little girl was saying "sucks"? I don't cheer a whole lot these days, but I'm never going to quit cheering in a positive fashion because someone from the other team is bothered by it. We do it for the players, so that even on the road, they will hear their fans cheering for them. I see no reason to stop.

Build a wall!

 

[pokechecker]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

And, the OSU Ice Rink has joined the WCHA tradition of cranking the canned music after a Gopher goal to try to drown us out. They don't understand that this only encourages Dave to sing louder, and he's going to win that fight.

the "winner" of poor sportsmanship was Boston University whose band would play during the Rouser in the 2014 NCAA 1/4 final
and they had to do it alot

 

[Still Eeyore]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Huh. My first impression was wrong. If I now understand you correctly, you guys successfully baited an 8 year old child, and you're crowing because you "won" a fan battle with the 8 year old.

There are literally no grown-ups in this "great story." Obviously the negligent parents were the worst offenders. But good grief. After 3 repetitions or so, you guys became part of the problem.

My parents would have handled it the same way. Our parents had it right.

Of course any attempt to stand up for civility these days just makes one sound like a dinosaur...

The kid was fine. She was engaged, and having about as much fun as you can when your team is giving up six goals in a period. I only have a problem with kids when they don't really care about the game and insist on obstructing my view in their attempts to entertain themselves.

The only person being baited here is you.

 

[shelfit]

The kid was fine. She was engaged, and having about as much fun as you can when your team is giving up six goals in a period. I only have a problem with kids when they don't really care about the game and insist on obstructing my view in their attempts to entertain themselves.

The only person being baited here is you.

C'mon, Still Eeyore, take credit where credit is due; you are the Master Baiter!!!

 

[Blackbeard]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

My parents would have handled it the same way. Our parents had it right.

Of course any attempt to stand up for civility these days just makes one sound like a dinosaur...

No, it's worse than that, it will probably land you in court for child abuse because they will attempt to trace the source of your thoughts that lead to your despicable actions.

Then your social credit score will suffer substantially and some of your privileges will be revoked depending on how untrustworthy you are deemed to have become...like not being allowed to attend any tOSU Womens' Hockey games.

And if you think I'm joking, it has been happening and continues to happen in China as we post (just talking about the opening acts...they're just getting warmed up).

Worse, as if that wasn't bad enough...it's coming to a country near you...and me and most everyone else.

 

[Blackbeard]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Actually I'm pretty concerned about the ongoing loss of privacy, and how technology is accelerating the loss of whatever freedom the Chinese had.

Not sure how this connects to the topic du jour. If you're suggesting that cheering at hockey games is a trivial topic by comparison, I'd have to concede that point.

No, that's not what I was suggesting. More like the things we take for granted, seemingly innocuous things like being able to enjoy womens' hockey as an example, can disappear quickly in the do gooder political environment that we now all live in that was given birth and is perpetuated by morons or worse, (sociopathic politicians and influencers) who lack the ability to see down the road and visualize the consequences of their distorted thinking. Which is not to say that they are motivated to contemplate such things.

It was a comment on your comment...agreement with your sentiment. Good is now bad, bad is now good, kind is now mean, mean is now kind and on and on ad infinitum. You can't say anything anymore without possibly offending someone whose life can no longer go on as a result without first taking you to task legally for your appalling transgressions.

The social credit system which is right out of Orwell's 1984 or the Twilight Zone is the new big thing perpetrated by governments on their citizens but always with a cover story to make it more palatable to the clueless.

It will ultimately divide society into the desirables and the undesirables...based on someone else's standards...all politically motivated to neuter the citizens thereby dramatically reducing any likelihood of opposition.

Cameras have been and continue to be installed everywhere in China...they are even equipped with gait recognition....which can't be fooled even if you fake a limp. They will still know it is you.

And your government social credit score will be adjusted accordingly...and privileges will be revoked...are being revoked. Things like not allowing you library privileges, you go to leave on vacation but are prevented at the airport from boarding the plane, your kids are not allowed to go to university...these are some examples. And it is not hard to imagine that they will have a dossier on you from which they can easily check your habits and preferences from which they could custom tailor the punishment doled out for being such an undesirable as defined by the state. One of those could easily be no more tOSU womens' hockey games for PGB.

Thinking independently is not allowed.

So, again, it was just a comment agreeing with yours, albeit with some detail added for clarification.

The most important part of your post was two words..."stand up".

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

The kid was fine. She was engaged, and having about as much fun as you can when your team is giving up six goals in a period. I only have a problem with kids when they don't really care about the game and insist on obstructing my view in their attempts to entertain themselves.

I agree. It's all in good fun. It's a game. Games are fun. Don't we taunt/poke fun at our kids when we are playing UNO and you drop a draw 4 on them when they have 1 card left? You laugh, they giggle and you smile at each other. Or you are out fishing, sitting on a school of big perch, you see their rod tip bounce, they go to set the hook and miss it, you give them a little jab, they jab me back when I miss one a few seconds later, but when we're at Culver's for lunch we all laugh about how much fun we had and how great those perch are going to taste, should we beer batter or Panko crumb them? People in society today are too galvanized in black and white. All the fun is in the grey.