I had speculated a game for each pro-game played - that was similar to what Leon Bristedt was subjected to as a FR at Minnesota when he missed the first two games. If you had told me Engaras would be subjected to as much as a year plus games I would have believed you - the hard part to reconcile is why Bristedt only missed two games. Karlsson - at LSSU this very season - missed just two games also, despite playing more pro games than Engaras. That's what makes things curious, why the different penalties??
Did Bristedt and Karlsson know they wanted to play NCAA Hockey and played 'professionally' while refusing benefits (yet still facing a minor penalty) while Engaras was, perhaps, caught off guard by UNH's interest and had accepted payment (thus a stiffer penalty)? Is Engaras actually eligible by now and recently injured? Is he being held out of other reasons - foreign transcript issues? Are they worried he may struggle on small ice and waiting for a home game? Is he being held out because they think they have better options? Were MN and LSSU more aggressive in pursuing a compliance solution? Lots of questions that I bet would be answered if asked - and I hope they soon are....
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As for last night's game - it's hard to reconcile UNH playing really well and not creating any consistent offense. At least for the last two periods. I know Jeff Cox tweeted that the two late goals were a just result as UML outplayed UNH. So I ask you and Snively (or anyone else) - what did they game look like? Did they not pull the trigger on shots? Missed nets? Blocked shots? What was zone time like? They talked a big game about going to the net this week - did they? Did they attack the goal with speed like I wanted to see? What sort of plays/possession made you feel good? We're UMLs shots grade A or outside? Etc? Thanks in advance...
Also, maybe you're being facetious or just blanked (hard to tell), but last time UNH regularly skated two FR defensemen? Last year. Gildon and Maass, haha.
Blackburn could easily be banged up. Could be a watch from the seats and play better tomorrow, etc. Could be a lot of things - I just thought it was worth noting.
I wouldn't be surprised to see either goalie tonight. If you still believe in Taylor - and I do - I'd rather keep getting him in games than chasing wins. But going back to Robinson would be fair, he's playing well...
Seriously...well, no one knows (or they aren't sayin') what's going on with these two players not being in the line up. This is stuff the ave fan is not privy to. You have to wonder tho, and, hey I'm all for the best players playing and if that means others sit, so be it. Still...can't help but wonder what's happened to LB as he's been a positive in the lineup. I don't want to undermine any other player; but I am curious. On another note, we've been clamoring for ice time for the younger crowd if they deserve it, so.....let's go 'Cats!!
