Re: The 2010 CCHA Championships 3/19-20: FSU, Miami, Michigan, and NMU
I do listen, But I don't agree with you. You actually just made my point. They lost Palushaj and didn't replace him, that is a talent/depth issue. They also didn't replace the guys the lost with guys who did the things need like you stated, that is a talent issue. You made my point, it just seems like you don't want to come to terms that the talent this year isn't what it was last year. Maybe Palushaj just made those guys better and without him they aren't as good. I don't think any different about Michigan they are a good team, just not as good as last years. Don't know why its so hard to admit...
regardless, it is great conversation and atleast you are getting mad/angry or bitter and can have a nice debate.
We'll just have to agree to disagree. I proved that they were nominal offensively compared to last season, sans Palushaj. The intangibles were the greatest difference, along with poor goaltending and defensive breakdowns.
Losing Palushaj early (a junior to be) was a blow. You can't replace a talent like him in a couple months. Same with Czarnik, although his impact was less.
Yes, Palushaj made his teammates better, where the other was a distraction.
Just the same, Michigan has overcome early departures for over 15 seasons and never missed a beat until this season. I could stretch to last year and also point out that Michigan lost Max Pachioretty early, after his freshman year, too. He would have had an impact this season.
I don't equate leadership, experience and maturity with talent. They have just as many upperclassmen this season that should have taken over. Depth is a different story. They are not as strong offensively, but that is a matter of age and development, plus their leading goalscorer from last season tanked. I showed you that it was a net sum wash in production. Last year's team was one player better in pure talent and had more experienced depth. Not that much a change that they should drop from 2nd to 7th place. Eleven NHL draft choices, coaches choice for top of the league... that doesn't tell me they are not talented, at least on paper, across at least three lines.
Just the same, amongst Michigan fans, we are missing a pure goalscorer we've had in the past- Hensick, Comrie, Cammalleri, Cogliano, Tambellini Porter, Kolarik... etc. Caporusso was suppose to supply that, but hasn't up until the last ten games.
The goaltending wasn't changed, yet it was worse.
The core group of juniors are performed nominally better than they were a year ago. Next year is put up or shut up time.
The underclassmen are about where they said they'd be, especially Chris Brown who was highly touted.
The experienced defense all returned and were inconsistent for most of the season and added little offense.
How many times did you see Michigan this season? I saw them for every home game live and some others on tv. Can say that for the last 15 years.
Just the same, how many Miami teams have you seen like this season or last?
Very few, IMO. They are that special.
Seems to me that it was more execution and effort than talent and depth that led to their conference spot. That is not to take anything away from UNO, Alaska, NMU, FSU and MSU- all talented teams. I think any team in the league could randomly beat another in positions 2-8. It happened last weekend, as a matter of fact. There is good reason some of those teams will qualify for the NCAA tourney this season.
But I will give you this much- the "type" of player Michigan has recruited has changed. They are still lightning quick, but are not as big, not as gifted as in the recent past. Michigan still doesn't have a big strong scoring defenseman, either. Most of their offensive rushing d-men are smallish. Their stay at home guys are not offensively gifted.
Remember, you asked why they finished 7th. I'm saying this team may not be vintage Michigan of the past, but they have enough talent and depth to at least finish top four in the league and make the NCAA's. They failed at the first goal and have some work to do for the other. It shouldn't have come to this, but in the long term it may be better for the returning players next season.
That guy is awesome!
