WCHA Thread III

[JosephPSchmoe]

Re: WCHA Thread III

On a lighter note, I took my CTV Olympic DVD for Haley Irwin to sign. She didn't make the trip. I asked someone (I think it was one of the assistant coaches) if she was here. The coach said she wished Haley had been there. I walked away thinking to myself, "Actually coach, it's probably a good thing (for us) she wasn't here." Maybe Mr. Schmoe or one of the other UMD fans can fill us in on what happened to Haley. Hope she is going to be alright.

My understanding is she suffered a concussion a few weeks ago, then took an elbow to the head that exacerbated it. My guess is doctors are being very conservative with her recovery. Tara Gray missed a month earlier in the season with a concussion. I think sports doctors are taking the treatment of concussions a lot more seriously now than they ever have. Anyway, at this point of the regular season it won't hurt the Bulldogs much for her to sit out until the playoffs if it means she comes back at 100%.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

My guess is doctors are being very conservative with her recovery.

As I understand it, the process for doctors deciding when an athlete may return after suffering a concussion is dependent on how a post-injury test compares with a healthy baseline test. If the athlete's testing still reveals symptoms, then they aren't cleared to return.

 

[xwildfan]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Just a couple of additional thoughts, I really enjoy these discussions about recruiting, venues, and what the rest of us can do to close the gap with the big three (UMD, Wisconsin, Minnesota). I think Coach Barto has done a great job getting our program to this point and appreciate the great players she is bringing in and has brought here in past years. We had four kids in the Olympics with all four getting medals (Gold, Silver, two Bronze). That really made me proud to be a Buckeye. I do agree with WCHFan, I think we will be better next season with the players we have coming back. I'm not sure if we will crack the top three, but I believe we will be improved. Tough night tonight with the 5-2 loss to UMD. Maybe we can come back and get a split tomorrow. On a lighter note, I took my CTV Olympic DVD for Haley Irwin to sign. She didn't make the trip. I asked someone (I think it was one of the assistant coaches) if she was here. The coach said she wished Haley had been there. I walked away thinking to myself, "Actually coach, it's probably a good thing (for us) she wasn't here." Maybe Mr. Schmoe or one of the other UMD fans can fill us in on what happened to Haley. Hope she is going to be alright.

86, I wished I shared your optimism about next year; I don't see improvement unless things are done a lot differently.

The OSU D-zone coverage completely ignores the points both at even strength and on the PP. The opposing points have time to make nice set-up passes or to simply blast away on goal. The OSU strategy is to bring everyone down low in front of the goal; to "protect the house" so to speak. There are two results of this strategy: goalies are more screened; and since the wings are near the middle of ice they are rarely able to get to their break-out positions along boards to receive a pass from the defenders or center when they do get control of puck. Result: puck is simply pounded back in the OSU zone.

For those who watch OSU on a regular basis must see that there are times when it seems like they will never get out of the zone. One can count on one hand the times when OSU exits the zone with a couple crisp passes.

If you regular OSU fans are at game today, observe where OSU wings are in relation to points and where they are when OSU does gain control of puck (in the D-zone).

PP: Does it make sense to put your smallest, quickest and one of best passers on team (Wild) in front of net; and one of the strongest players in WCHA (Spooner) on periphery? Make better sense to put Wild on top and Spooner in front of goal. Also, realize pp is hurt by absence of Langan (another story).

The concept of line-matching is not even a passing thought. That was painfully obvious last weekend. Lams were not given a thought. Meanwhile, the ND coaches always made sure their strongest defender was on ice when Spooner was on ice.

Very discouraging year for the team. Maybe they are simply not that good. But I think they could be better. And especially ironic that the coaches have been on their grittiest, arguably smartest player for not playing with enough heart; showing proper leadership and not making smart decisions. This stuff gets out and you followers of OSU hockey would find it unbelievable who this player is.

 

[WCHFan]

Re: WCHA Thread III

XWildfan. I believe OSU is that good. If they played a system that used their speed or made adjustments during a game they would be a top 2 or 3 team. .

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Final From Saturday, February 12th
Minnesota-Duluth 5
Ohio State 1

UMD completes the sweep. OSU completes its home schedule a bit too soon.

The Bulldogs sure love the second period. Both nights they hit their stride in the middle stanza, bagging a decisive package of three goals each time.

You gotta love UMD's defensive corps. Once again a Bulldog defender captures top honors.

Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun​

Ohio State Honorable Mention: Liz Rizzo
Rizzo displayed great determination Saturday. One memorable sequence involved a play along the right wing boards. When crossing the blue line, a Bulldog player slashed the stick right out of Liz's hands. The stick hit the ice so hard it bounced up a couple of feet. Undaunted, Rizzo plucked the stick out of the air and carried on. A moment later she drew a penalty. That was pretty much the only way she was going to be stopped on that play. Ultimately the Bucks failed to score on the PP. But it was great to see the grit and drive that created the opportunity.

Minnesota-Duluth Honorable Mention: Jennifer Harss
It wouldn't be fair to say the Buckeyes severely tested Harss. The UMD defense did a fine job of limiting the OSU to mostly long range shots. But Jennifer held the Buckeyes scoreless for almost 54 minutes, positioning herself well on initial shots and eliminating potential rebounds. She certainly held up her end of the deal.

#3 Star: Natalie Spooner, Ohio State
On face-offs, Spooner was an astounding 20 of 25. Watching live, I knew she had done well on the draw. But when I saw the off-the-chart numbers on the scoresheet, I knew she had to have a star.

Also, with 6:12 left in the game, she broke the shutout with a great individual effort. Intercepting a Bulldog pass, she carried the puck strongly into the slot as we're so accostomed to seeing her do. To finish the job she beat Harss inside the left post. Obviously it wasn't enough to get the Buckeyes back into the game. But Spooner came to play and never quit.

#2 Star: Audrey Cournoyer, Minnesota-Duluth
The hard-working wing got the Bulldog offense going Saturday, contributing the lead assist on the first two UMD goals. She also finished the day's scoring with a goal of her own, skillfully steering a pass from Tara Gray into the net. With her three point night Audrey earns the second star.

#1 Star: Jocelyn Larocque, Minnesota-Duluth
What a weekend for Larocque! A goal and five assists on offense. While Jocelyn was on the ice, the Buckeyes never scored. Overall, she was +6 for the weekend.

I gave Larocque an honorable mention for Friday, but Saturday's performance deserved an upgrade. She was on the ice for every Bulldog goal, assisting on three of them. At 12:05 of the third, she took matters into her own hands and scored on a slapshot from up high. Well done.


Up Next Up: Road Trip To Bemidji State Wraps Up The Regular Season

 

[JosephPSchmoe]

Re: WCHA Thread III

#1 Star: Jocelyn Larocque, Minnesota-Duluth
What a weekend for Larocque! A goal and five assists on offense. While Jocelyn was on the ice, the Buckeyes never scored. Overall, she was +6 for the weekend.

I gave Larocque an honorable mention for Friday, but Saturday's performance deserved an upgrade. She was on the ice for every Bulldog goal, assisting on three of them. At 12:05 of the third, she took matters into her own hands and scored on a slapshot from up high. Well done.

And with the four points from Saturday, Larocque becomes the first Bulldogs defenseman to ever hit 100 career points. And she did it in just 121 games. An incredible player to be sure and we're lucky to have her.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

There will be a couple of games from this weekend broadcast on Wednesday on the Big Ten Network, according to the on-screen program guide. At 9:00 am CST it is UND@UW; at 1:00 pm BSU@UM will be shown.

 

[WCHFan]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Can anyone tell me what the tie breaker would be if Minnesota and Duluth finished with the same points?

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Can anyone tell me what the tie breaker would be if Minnesota and Duluth finished with the same points?

Head-to-head, so UMD would get the higher seed. Minnesota takes the #2 seed if they get 4 points from their trip to Grand Forks.

 

[CrazyDave]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Minnesota takes the #2 seed if they get 4 points from their trip to Grand Forks.

Actually, any combination of 4 points from the Gophers and St. Cloud State gives Minnesota the #2 seed. I concur with ARM, though, that it's simpler if Minny gets the job done on their own (particularly since the Huskies are not likely to be of much help).

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Close, but not exactly correct. The first ever Women's Varsity game was indeed held at the Schottenstein Center, but that was strictly a one Schott deal. It wasn't a failed experiment.

Rather, it was a single exhibition game, I believe on a Football Saturday. A significant set of renovations on the Ice Rink were almost, but not quite, complete. Taking the brief delay and turning it into a good thing, the first occasion was scheduled for the big building.

A short while later, the first NCAA game was held at the Ice Rink. The point to remember is that the just completed renovations were specifically intended for the new Women's Varsity. And yes, we've been there ever since.

Thanks for the correction there, Pgb-ohio. For some reason, I thought we played that whole first season at the Schott.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Actually, any combination of 4 points from the Gophers and Minnesota State gives Minnesota the #2 seed. I concur with ARM, though, that it's simpler if Minny gets the job done on their own.

UMD hosts SCSU, so the Mavericks getting points won't help us much.

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA Thread III

86, I wished I shared your optimism about next year; I don't see improvement unless things are done a lot differently.

The OSU D-zone coverage completely ignores the points both at even strength and on the PP. The opposing points have time to make nice set-up passes or to simply blast away on goal. The OSU strategy is to bring everyone down low in front of the goal; to "protect the house" so to speak. There are two results of this strategy: goalies are more screened; and since the wings are near the middle of ice they are rarely able to get to their break-out positions along boards to receive a pass from the defenders or center when they do get control of puck. Result: puck is simply pounded back in the OSU zone.

For those who watch OSU on a regular basis must see that there are times when it seems like they will never get out of the zone. One can count on one hand the times when OSU exits the zone with a couple crisp passes.

If you regular OSU fans are at game today, observe where OSU wings are in relation to points and where they are when OSU does gain control of puck (in the D-zone).

PP: Does it make sense to put your smallest, quickest and one of best passers on team (Wild) in front of net; and one of the strongest players in WCHA (Spooner) on periphery? Make better sense to put Wild on top and Spooner in front of goal. Also, realize pp is hurt by absence of Langan (another story).

The concept of line-matching is not even a passing thought. That was painfully obvious last weekend. Lams were not given a thought. Meanwhile, the ND coaches always made sure their strongest defender was on ice when Spooner was on ice.

Very discouraging year for the team. Maybe they are simply not that good. But I think they could be better. And especially ironic that the coaches have been on their grittiest, arguably smartest player for not playing with enough heart; showing proper leadership and not making smart decisions. This stuff gets out and you followers of OSU hockey would find it unbelievable who this player is.

Xwildfan, call me an eternal optimist (LOL)! You bring up some very good points that I can't dispute. Mrs 86 and I have been to a number of home games this season. Unfortunately, for me, I just do not know enough about the x's and o's of the game of hockey to comment on coaching philosophies and strategies. I do think we could be better and probably should have been better this season. At no point did I think we would finish the regular season in 6th place this season.

 

[CrazyDave]

Re: WCHA Thread III

UMD hosts SCSU, so the Mavericks getting points won't help us much.

My bad... previous post fixed. Don't know why I had that in my head. All I can say is that I'm still recovering from the long day yesterday.

 

[high slot]

Re: WCHA Thread III

PP: Does it make sense to put your smallest, quickest and one of best passers on team (Wild) in front of net; and one of the strongest players in WCHA (Spooner) on periphery? Make better sense to put Wild on top and Spooner in front of goal. Also, realize pp is hurt by absence of Langan (another story).

xwildfan, you made this same assertion twice last week and I hadn't seen Wild playing in front of the net on the power play so I watched very carefully this weekend. Wild, did not play in front of the net on the power play, not once, not one second. Granted she is asked to play down low (be a forward) on the PP, vs. her usual defense position, but is always along the right boards or in the right corner. Touminen's role on the PP (based on what she's told in practice) is to play in front of the net. Sometimes she's there, sometime she's not.

If your concern is that Wild is not on the point for the power play, that's one thing. To suggest that her stated and practical role on the PP is in front of the net is inaccurate. Any game tape will show that.

Obviously, the coaches are trying to get what they think are the best five players on the ice for the PP. It's clear they like McIntosh quaterbacking the PP from the point. That leaves Reilly and Wild fighting for one PP point position and my guess is that because of her shot, Reilly earns the nod. Wild does a good job down low -- it's not that bad a gig.

 

[xwildfan]

Re: WCHA Thread III

xwildfan, you made this same assertion twice last week and I hadn't seen Wild playing in front of the net on the power play so I watched very carefully this weekend. Wild, did not play in front of the net on the power play, not once, not one second. Granted she is asked to play down low (be a forward) on the PP, vs. her usual defense position, but is always along the right boards or in the right corner. Touminen's role on the PP (based on what she's told in practice) is to play in front of the net. Sometimes she's there, sometime she's not.

If your concern is that Wild is not on the point for the power play, that's one thing. To suggest that her stated and practical role on the PP is in front of the net is inaccurate. Any game tape will show that.

Obviously, the coaches are trying to get what they think are the best five players on the ice for the PP. It's clear they like McIntosh quaterbacking the PP from the point. That leaves Reilly and Wild fighting for one PP point position and my guess is that because of her shot, Reilly earns the nod. Wild does a good job down low -- it's not that bad a gig.

High Slot, you are 100 percent right about this weekend. Didn't appear anyone was in front of net on PP this weekend. They struggled just to gain the zone. They were hampered by no Langan; and Riley went out with hand injury. So, the pp was definitely a bit out of synch. However, if you happen to look at game tapes of the last Gopher or ND series, check who spends the most time trying to screen the goalie. Has nothing to do with the gig. Just think your biggest, strongest player should be the one doing the screening in front of net.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread III

Just think your biggest, strongest player should be the one doing the screening in front of net.

IMO, that would be a waste of Spooner, because she is not only the Buckeyes' biggest, strongest player, she's also their all-around most dangerous. I'd say the players in the WCHA most like her are Duggan and Knight, and Coach Johnson has had Duggan play the point in the past and Knight has done so this season. When Minnesota had Lyndsay Wall on top during the stretch from 2003-2005, her shot opened up a lot of things for their power play, and when she wasn't available, the unit faltered despite the other talent it had. While I agree that Wild is not the player you want to have setting screens, there are better uses for a player of Spooner's many gifts, be it out high or acting as a QB along the wall.

 

[high slot]

Re: WCHA Thread III

High Slot, you are 100 percent right about this weekend. Didn't appear anyone was in front of net on PP this weekend. They struggled just to gain the zone. They were hampered by no Langan; and Riley went out with hand injury. So, the pp was definitely a bit out of synch. However, if you happen to look at game tapes of the last Gopher or ND series, check who spends the most time trying to screen the goalie. Has nothing to do with the gig. Just think your biggest, strongest player should be the one doing the screening in front of net.

All three of your assertions took place prior to Reilly being injured, so that's irrrelavent -- Langan has played only a few minutes over the past three-four series. We'll have to agree to disagree. The PP may not have been effective this weekend, but it did get set up at times. When it did, and as well as last weekend against ND, Wild was stationed on the right half boards. Touminen has been on the first PP unit all year and IMO being in front of the net is her primary role/responsibility. Wild may end up there occasionally, but IMO it's far from her primary role/responsibility.

 

[GumpW]

Re: WCHA Thread III

UMD hosts SCSU, so the Mavericks getting points won't help us much.

Come on, the Huskies are hot, they've won 50% of their last two games, and they did take a shoot-out win vs Duluth last fall! The Bulldogs are probably terrified Could it be a Huskies sweep? (ok, probably not, but a person can dream, right?)

 

[WCHFan]

Re: WCHA Thread III

I'll jump in if I were coach of OSU I would have Wild up top as I feel she is the best defender is a great passer and does have a great shot(wouldn't give up shorties). Then I would put Spooner(right hand shot) at the left slot and Hokey or McIntosh at the right slot (left hand shot) they both could walk across and shoot or just one time shots. McIntosh or Rielly would be the girl down low and Mintu out front. Of course what the heck do I know!

It can work with a foward at the point as with Lam or Knight. I just feel Mac would be better down low behind the net or at the left slot. She's a great passer with excellent vision.

I truly thought OSU was the better team when they played ND and actually feel they are the 4th best team in the WCHA and are really close to #3.

It's always easier to coach from the stands.