University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

[chickod]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Harvard fan here, could not believe the refs in this game. There were two icings that got blown off in the first 10 minutes that just showed me where this game was headed. I know that they are going to let the little things go in the last 5 min of the game, but you cannot just not call interference and cross-checking. The offsides call in the defensive zone with 1:55 was the stuff of legends. This was one of the best college hockey games I've ever seen, but the reffing in the end left such a sour taste in my mouth.

Yup, how else could BU have won? They suck...North Dakota and the entire NCHC is head and shoulders above the rest of college hockey...just ask them...

 

[Thisisahockeywebsite]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Not what I'm saying, but you have to give them a chance to play at least...

Edit: Here is a gif from reddit

https://gfycat.com/RealEnchantingAmericanalligator

 

[chickod]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

but you have to give them a chance to play at least...

Just what does that mean? Like Western Canada in the 50s where the goal is to smash someone's brains in, send 100 guys to the net like a phalanx and stuff the puck in? Sorry...let the Canadian junior leagues play that style. We SKATE here. If the goons don't like it, let them stay in Canada. The college game should be one of flow, creativity and speed. This isn't the NHL, which bores me to tears, where there is NO room on the ice (and they refuse to go to the Olympic ice surface) and it's just a train wreck. Why do you think the Bruins won the Stanley Cup and were two minutes away from winning another one, with practically no bonafide goal scorers? Sorry, if I want the refs to "let them play" I'll go watch the movie Slapshot.

 

[SJHovey]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Harvard fan here, could not believe the refs in this game. There were two icings that got blown off in the first 10 minutes that just showed me where this game was headed. I know that they are going to let the little things go in the last 5 min of the game, but you cannot just not call interference and cross-checking. The offsides call in the defensive zone with 1:55 was the stuff of legends. This was one of the best college hockey games I've ever seen, but the reffing in the end left such a sour taste in my mouth.

The refs didn't affect the outcome of the game. The Rodrigues stick incident near the end was stupid on his part, and he got away with it. If he'd been called for it I'm sure Quinn would have had some choice words for him.

North Dakota lost the game because, a) they gave BU an early power play which BU capitalized on, b) they let in a couple of goals that they shouldn't have, and c) BU generally kept North Dakota from getting a ton of great scoring chances.

These teams play 10 games on neutral ice, wouldn't surprise me if it ended 5-5, or 6-4 either way. Good hockey game that just didn't go our way last night.

 

[Thisisahockeywebsite]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Just what does that mean? Like Western Canada in the 50s where the goal is to smash someone's brains in, send 100 guys to the net like a phalanx and stuff the puck in? Sorry...let the Canadian junior leagues play that style. We SKATE here. If the goons don't like it, let them stay in Canada. The college game should be one of flow, creativity and speed. This isn't the NHL, which bores me to tears, where there is NO room on the ice (and they refuse to go to the Olympic ice surface) and it's just a train wreck. Why do you think the Bruins won the Stanley Cup and were two minutes away from winning another one, with practically no bonafide goal scorers? Sorry, if I want the refs to "let them play" I'll go watch the movie Slapshot.

Yeah, I'm agreeing that I don't want dirty play. If you're getting cross checked you can't play.

 

[chickod]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Yeah, I'm agreeing that I don't want dirty play. If you're getting cross checked you can't play.

Well, you're obviously referring to something specific. I don't know where you're going with this. If you've seen many college hockey games, the reffing wasn't a whole lot different last night. There is a large emphasis on protecting the player. Yes, you could say that the boarding call when Hickey was losing an edge was questionable, but they will always err on the side of the vulnerable player. Not the North Dakota's player's fault that he made contact just at the "wrong" time, but intent is not part of the rule. Are you saying that the trip that Eichel drew in the 1st was not legit? I don't know what you're trying to say.

 

[Thisisahockeywebsite]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

I thought it was an incredible game that went downhill. Specifically I think the game should have been 6 on 4 at the end. It would have only made it more exciting and I wouldn't feel so bad for ND

 

[jk]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Sioux fan here.

I have some issues with the officiating, but I'm sure the other side does too. The nature of the issue.

The biggest factor in this game was goaltending. UND got here by playing a strong, fast, straightforward game, limiting Grade A chances, and relying on Zane to stop some of those and everything else. He let in three last night he probably wants back (I know I do). I don't think he let in three shots like that all year combined. Just picked a bad night to have his worst game of the year.

I thought UND had the better of the possession and chances, to a degree where I'd expect them to win the game with all else being equal. That said, it's tough to know how the game plays out if Zane keeps BU to one goal. Maybe BU plays better in a tie game than they did with the lead last night.

It might sound like sour grapes to say I thought UND outplayed them and deserved a better result, but I also said I thought Q. carried the play for a fair portion of the regional game and Zane made the difference in that game.

Zane really seemed like the worst of the worries going into the game, and I don't mean to be harsh because he's a great player and seemingly a nice young man.

 

[walrus]

Sioux fan here.

I have some issues with the officiating, but I'm sure the other side does too. The nature of the issue.

The biggest factor in this game was goaltending. UND got here by playing a strong, fast, straightforward game, limiting Grade A chances, and relying on Zane to stop some of those and everything else. He let in three last night he probably wants back (I know I do). I don't think he let in three shots like that all year combined. Just picked a bad night to have his worst game of the year.

I thought UND had the better of the possession and chances, to a degree where I'd expect them to win the game with all else being equal. That said, it's tough to know how the game plays out if Zane keeps BU to one goal. Maybe BU plays better in a tie game than they did with the lead last night.

It might sound like sour grapes to say I thought UND outplayed them and deserved a better result, but I also said I thought Q. carried the play for a fair portion of the regional game and Zane made the difference in that game.

Zane really seemed like the worst of the worries going into the game, and I don't mean to be harsh because he's a great player and seemingly a nice young man.

This Maine fan saw a good UND team let down by what I thought was going to be a great goalie. In reality he may be a great goalie, but he picked a bad time to be pedestrian. Too bad. Don't see it as the coaches fault. Love the way you guys travel

 

[brassbonanza]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

The refs didn't affect the outcome of the game. The Rodrigues stick incident near the end was stupid on his part, and he got away with it. If he'd been called for it I'm sure Quinn would have had some choice words for him.

North Dakota lost the game because, a) they gave BU an early power play which BU capitalized on, b) they let in a couple of goals that they shouldn't have, and c) BU generally kept North Dakota from getting a ton of great scoring chances.

These teams play 10 games on neutral ice, wouldn't surprise me if it ended 5-5, or 6-4 either way. Good hockey game that just didn't go our way last night.

Absolutely correct assessment. Two very even teams when you add the sum of the parts.

 

[brassbonanza]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

I thought it was an incredible game that went downhill. Specifically I think the game should have been 6 on 4 at the end. It would have only made it more exciting and I wouldn't feel so bad for ND

You must have missed Pattyn punching Oksanen in the head twice prior to Rodrigues's stick penalty. That's not deserving of a minor?

 

[Pablo]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

The refs didn't affect the outcome of the game. The Rodrigues stick incident near the end was stupid on his part, and he got away with it. If he'd been called for it I'm sure Quinn would have had some choice words for him.

I still can't believe that he did that...at that juncture of a game....in the Frozen Four. Just beyond stupid. The dude is SO lucky he didn't cost his team a chance at a national title. Were all the refs looking the other way? It doesn't seem that way--why would they have given Rodrigues a penalty if they didn't see it? And if they saw it, why didn't they call Rodrigues for the penalty in the few seconds between the time he did it, and the time that the UND guy chased him down? Just weird all around.

 

[Siouxfaninseattle]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

Yeah. I feel bad for Zane. Great season, and then plays arguably his worst game of the season tonight. Obviously, BU had a lot to do with that, but I have to imagine that average Zane stops the 2nd and 3rd goals, and maybe even the 4th.

This loss reminded me a LOT of the 2006 loss. Got behind early, came back strong and looked like we might just win it...only to get further behind...then make a charge in the final few minutes...only to have an empty netter seal the fate. The key in both games is that we never tied it up.

I had a chance to talk to Zane at the Hobey ceremony and asked him the million dollar question. His answer was to be expected - he hasn't made any decision about staying. I told him I hope he stays.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

I had a chance to talk to Zane at the Hobey ceremony and asked him the million dollar question. His answer was to be expected - he hasn't made any decision about staying. I told him I hope he stays.

I really wouldn't be surprised either way. I think he's probably most likely to leave than stay. That being said, if I was his adviser, I would be telling him he probably has at least 2-3 years in the minors before he would have a shot at the NHL.

Supposedly LaDue is leaning towards coming back. IMO, that would leave the Schmaltz brothers as potential early departures. I really wouldn't be too surprised if both left, but I think both need a bit more developing before making the big jump. Whether they chose to do that in the AHL or college is up to them.

As for looking back at this season, I always set 2 levels of expectations (meets:exceeds). I then assign a star ranking to each exceeding level: wins (1), conference tourney (2), regular season (3), ncaa tournament (4). You then subtract the star value for not meeting that expectation So, a 10 star season would be basically the perfect season (i.e. exceeded expectations in all categories), and a -10 star season would be a disaster.

For 2014-2015 it went as follows
Wins: 25/30
NCHC Regular Season Finish: 2nd/1st
NCHC Tournament Finish: 2nd/1st
NCAA: Frozen Four/National Champions

So we failed to meet expectations in the conference tournament so that is -2, met each of the other three, and exceed expectations in the regular season so that is a +3. Add it all together and it is a 1 star season...not bad, not great...about what I expected.

I'm sure Hakstol will have whoever is in uniform ready to go next season, and North Dakota will be in the thick of it again next spring. Hopefully it ends better next time around.

 

[Siouxfaninseattle]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

I really wouldn't be surprised either way. I think he's probably most likely to leave than stay. That being said, if I was his adviser, I would be telling him he probably has at least 2-3 years in the minors before he would have a shot at the NHL.

Supposedly LaDue is leaning towards coming back. IMO, that would leave the Schmaltz brothers as potential early departures. I really wouldn't be too surprised if both left, but I think both need a bit more developing before making the big jump. Whether they chose to do that in the AHL or college is up to them.

As for looking back at this season, I always set 2 levels of expectations (meets:exceeds). I then assign a star ranking to each exceeding level: wins (1), conference tourney (2), regular season (3), ncaa tournament (4). You then subtract the star value for not meeting that expectation So, a 10 star season would be basically the perfect season (i.e. exceeded expectations in all categories), and a -10 star season would be a disaster.

For 2014-2015 it went as follows
Wins: 25/30
NCHC Regular Season Finish: 2nd/1st
NCHC Tournament Finish: 2nd/1st
NCAA: Frozen Four/National Champions

So we failed to meet expectations in the conference tournament so that is -2, met each of the other three, and exceed expectations in the regular season so that is a +3. Add it all together and it is a 1 star season...not bad, not great...about what I expected.

I'm sure Hakstol will have whoever is in uniform ready to go next season, and North Dakota will be in the thick of it again next spring. Hopefully it ends better next time around.

Interesting. Both of the Schmaltz brothers leaving? I think Jordan has not come close to progressing to be the dominant defenseman that you would expect from a number one draft choice, but maybe the AHL would be a better place to improve his game. Nick is absolutely lost - well for a number one draft choice anyway. He doesn't seem to have a clue when to attack the net and TAKE A SHOT!! He can be a great college player with a couple more years of experience. At least we are well stocked for next year.

 

[DoubleA]

This Maine fan saw a good UND team let down by what I thought was going to be a great goalie. In reality he may be a great goalie, but he picked a bad time to be pedestrian. Too bad. Don't see it as the coaches fault. Love the way you guys travel

Maine fan here living in Boston w/ BU season tix. ND-BU Thurs night was the best college game I've seen all year. Hands-down. I've been to 21 or 22 if I count correctly. ND played great. You played great tic-tac-toe control the puck hockey for a team advertised not to do so. And your goalie has a bad night the night of the NCAA semi's. Zane, what's up with that? I've seen the kid play three times live and 7 or 8 times incl TV. He's a stud. But great goalies earn their reputations (and their paychecks) having big games on big nights. It was not to be. That said, BU is loaded and you ran into a buzz saw. Not all Zane's fault.

I met, talked with, and drank with many Sioux fans this week. The amount of Green around the Gahhden Thursday night was a true testament to North Dakota hockey and to your loyalty. Congratulations. And not for nothing, but as an outsider, this loss was not on Hakstol. No way. Playing this BU team in Boston in the Frozen Four is a nightmare for anybody. See you guys next year.

 

[Dutchman]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

I met, talked with, and drank with many Sioux fans this week. The amount of Green around the Gahhden Thursday night was a true testament to North Dakota hockey and to your loyalty. Congratulations. And not for nothing, but as an outsider, this loss was not on Hakstol. No way. Playing this BU team in Boston in the Frozen Four is a nightmare for anybody. See you guys next year.

+1

 

[Hammy]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

I really wouldn't be surprised either way. I think he's probably most likely to leave than stay. That being said, if I was his adviser, I would be telling him he probably has at least 2-3 years in the minors before he would have a shot at the NHL.

If you're honest, what does McIntyre really have left to prove in college? He's already shown he is a top level goalie on this level. Is one more year against the same level of competition really going to push his development compared to facing better players in the minors? Not likely. He's closing in on five years removed from being drafted and he'll be 23 in the near future. Not to mention, he has the chance to go the free agent route too if he doesn't like how things look in the Boston system. I think it is a long shot that he comes back.

Doubt the older Schmaltz is coming back. NHL teams tend to push to sign their higher draft picks after their junior year because they don't want to risk them holding out for free agency after their senior season.

I also wouldn't rule out a few guys that appear to be unlikely to get offers. I've already heard of a few college guys getting offers that you would be surprised about. It is far more economical these days to pursue young guys than what it once was.

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

If you're honest, what does McIntyre really have left to prove in college? He's already shown he is a top level goalie on this level. Is one more year against the same level of competition really going to push his development compared to facing better players in the minors? Not likely. He's closing in on five years removed from being drafted and he'll be 23 in the near future. Not to mention, he has the chance to go the free agent route too if he doesn't like how things look in the Boston system. I think it is a long shot that he comes back.

Pretty sure I was being honest. Were you?

As I said, I think it's more likely that he'll leave than stay. Further, if I was his "adviser," I would certainly be telling him he probably has at least 2-3 years in the minors before he would have a shot at the NHL. That being said, McIntyre would likely not play as much next season if he were to return. Tomek is going to play a bit next season, so I definitely agree that McIntyre would develop more in the minors. He probably would only play 25-30 games if he comes back.

Of course, it is important to note the importance of UND to McIntyre and the role that it plays in his life. We've all seen guys who could have left a year or two early, but chose to stay because of their relationship with the school. Again, I would put it probably about 75/25 that he leaves, and I wouldn't blame him for it.

Doubt the older Schmaltz is coming back. NHL teams tend to push to sign their higher draft picks after their junior year because they don't want to risk them holding out for free agency after their senior season.

I don't really know of anyone that thinks Jordan Schmaltz is coming back. FWIW, he never really stood out...probably will be a better pro than a college player. Hopefully, Nick decides to stay, but I wouldn't be real surprised if he left too.

I also wouldn't rule out a few guys that appear to be unlikely to get offers. I've already heard of a few college guys getting offers that you would be surprised about. It is far more economical these days to pursue young guys than what it once was.

I highly doubt I would be surprised about it. I am good friends with some high-level hockey agents, and we talk a lot about who is getting pressure/offers. I know of several guys that have decisions to make...from just about every major program in college hockey. It's the nature of college hockey these days.

 

[SiouxFanatic]

Re: University of North Dakota 2014-2015 Season Thread

This was pretty inevitable...I think they're the best team in the country and I don't think it's really close. If they don't gift-wrap a goal when the game is over at 4-1 this thing was never in doubt. I say that because I have seen this team all year...when you step up EVERY TIME you have to all year, it's not "puck luck" or anything else. It's great talent asserting itself. I know that he is under fire and I am not defending him; I just think that blaming him solely takes the credit from a great BU team.

What's that you say? Best team you say? Nope, that's Providence.