So catching up ... my thoughts and views from the trip.
*Absolutely great showing by the Lowell fans. Having Holmstrom from the area helped of course, but the travelling group was still very good (at least 92 tickets sold for the Denver game, not sure about CC which appeared larger).
*WCHA refs make Hockey East refs look amazing. Some highly questionable calls, and I'm still not fully sure what happened on the "kneeing" call.
*Just a guess on my part, but Hellebuyck probably got the start with the expectation that he might not be playing anytime soon (specially with BC next weekend). I'm sure, even though he won't admit it, that Bazin wanted the win at CC more. Like I said though, just a guess on my part.
*While the Hawks are putting a ton of shots on net (116 through 3 games, almost 40 a game!), it doesn't appear all that many are challenging the goalies. They're not getting deep enough, at least that's what I think.
*Shayne Thompson (yes, even with the penalty) was a beast this weekend. He was flying absolutely everywhere.
*Doug Carr,
if he can keep this up, will run away with the HE Goaltender of the Year, and be very much in the run for the Hobey Baker. After the CC goal, it seemed like every shot that CC took, he was just snaring out of the air ... kinda like a "Yeah, no ... you're just not going to beat me again." He's at a 0.89 GAA.
*The numbers don't show it, but I thought Hellebuyck wasn't too bad. He made most of the saves he should have, and some that were very good. Tough first ever start for him considering it was the home opener for the #7 team in the country.
*Lowell still is drawing too many penalties, while not drawing enough themselves. I was shocked to see a blatant elbow about 2 feet from the ref on Saturday night against CC, and no call. I'm trying to remember the last time Lowell had a game without a power play?
*Lowell was the only team in HE to win a non-conference game this weekend.
Anyway, fun trip. I think this trip does the job, which was to bring the kids together. I overheard a couple of parents talking about how close this group is, which was great to hear. The win, hopefully, gets some confidence going with BC coming up twice this weekend. Should be fun, and I hope that we have a sellout Friday night.
And hey ... at least we're not Maine!
One thing to add: Was great to get a quick picture with Roloson on Saturday, and had a blast talking with Mike Nicholisien for a good hour as well.
