WCHA Thread V

[Golden Tuuk]

Re: WCHA Thread V

So no one knows why Jincy Dunne is not in the lineup? This is a top player in the country, under scholarship, at a BIG10 school not in the line up and nobody knows what's going on? That's unbelievable to me in this day and age. What am I missing?

 

[Eeyore]

Re: WCHA Thread V

What am I missing?

That HIIPA violations are taken more seriously in women's sports.

 

[Golden Tuuk]

Re: WCHA Thread V

That HIIPA violations are taken more seriously in women's sports.

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[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Final Score From Saturday, October 17th
Minnesota 11
Ohio State 2

Gopher Tour-de-Force​

I have nothing but praise for the Gophers. Offense, Defense. Forecheck, Backcheck. All excellent. Very impressive performance, especially so early in the season.

As for the Buckeyes, 2015-16 is still a new beginning. But based on the first two home games, it appears we're starting from square one. Much work to do. Certainly the A+ quality of the opponent partly explains this weekend's results. But some of those Gopher goals came way too easily.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial and Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: (tie) Julianna Iafello, Ohio State and Claudia Kepler, Ohio State
The Buckeye's silver lining is a case of deja vu: They never quit, and were rewarded with some late goals. Julianna's came with 15.2 seconds left in the first. Claudia's wasn't a buzzer beater, but it came late in the 3rd. Guess the mighty Gophers only want to play 58 minutes a game. But you know what? If you can win by nine goals while playing "only" 58 minutes, just keep doing what you're doing.

#3 Star: (tie) Dani Cameranesi, Minnesota; and Sarah Potomak, Minnesota
Both players were +5 for the game. Dani had 2 goals and 3 assists. Sarah had 4 assists, for a total 8 assists on the weekend. How do you leave either one off the list? I couldn't.

#2 Star: Lee Stecklein, Minnesota
The Buckeyes didn't generate a lot of offense, but the Gopher D had a lot to do with that. Stecklein in particular. Strong, mobile and smart, Lee really controls the defensive end of the rink.

#1 Star: Hannah Brandt, Minnesota
A hat trick of goals; a hat trick of assists. +6 for the game. And very dynamic in the early going, when this game was decided. Despite the many strong performances, Saturday's #1 Star was actually a very easy choice.


Next Up: Home series with Minnesota State. Games will be held at the Schottenstein Center.

 

[KTDC]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Thanks PGB for the game report.

Best wishes for program development under the new Potter regime. See you in January!

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread V

http://www.wcha.com/women/against.php

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Thanks PGB for the game report.

Best wishes for program development under the new Potter regime. See you in January!

You're very welcome, and thank you for the kind words. They come at a time when they are especially appreciated.

You guys are definitely on the path to another outstanding season; enjoy the ride!

 

[Puckdrop14]

You're very welcome, and thank you for the kind words. They come at a time when they are especially appreciated.

You guys are definitely on the path to another outstanding season; enjoy the ride!

I am very much looking forward to the UW-UM games this coming season. Seems like both have a lot of firepower. The difference will likely be the back end and I would give the edge to UM. Having now seen them both play, I would say that UW are deeper offensively with four solid lines.

Well done PGB as always.

 

[brookyone]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Coming up, another full slate of conference games:

Minnesota State @ Ohio State

North Dakota @ St. Cloud State

Minnesota-Duluth @ Minnesota

Bemidji State @ Wisconsin

 

[ne7minder]

Re: WCHA Thread V

You're very welcome, and thank you for the kind words. They come at a time when they are especially appreciated.

You guys are definitely on the path to another outstanding season; enjoy the ride!

It usually takes a couple of seasons for things to settle in under new management. I hope both new coaches can produce quality teams given the chance. While it has been really fun burning through opponents I'd rather see some tight games and a WCHA where at least 4-5 teams have a legitimate chance for the title & an NCAA run. I had my complaints about both OSU and UMD in the past but both had some talent and still do, I look forward (in one way) to no more 11-2 games.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Having now seen them both play, I would say that UW are deeper offensively with four solid lines.

I think that was even more the case last year, when Minnesota didn't even have four lines most of the time, and Wisconsin had most of the players it does now plus Ammerman, Turnbull, Sylvester, and Josephs.

I'd estimate that over the history of this rivalry, the season series has gone to the team with the more-productive top line. It tends to play out in the head-to-head meetings as well. The Brandt line was involved in at least three goals in three of last season's games, had the OT game winner in another, and the late, tying goal in the fifth.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread V

I am very much looking forward to the UW-UM games this coming season. Seems like both have a lot of firepower.

Based on the last two weekends, you'd have to say both teams are a lock for the national title game. And even without regard to our games, that's a very plausible outcome.

But some portion of the big margins of victory are due to Buckeye inadequacies, as opposed to Gopher/Badger firepower. In particular, the current Buckeyes look like they really miss the Schmitt twins. The twins anchored the Buckeye 'D' for four solid years, providing leadership, stability and a physical presence. Those things were lacking this weekend. Eventually other Buckeyes will step up. But those are very big skates to fill; it's probably not going to happen over night.

The difference will likely be the back end and I would give the edge to UM. Having now seen them both play, I would say that UW are deeper offensively with four solid lines.

Interesting observation. Definitely looking forward to seeing the Badgers; even more so now.

I will say that ARM's reply is also persuasive. Particularly because the NCAA Tournament is single elimination, having those difference makers on your team -- the best of the best -- is a huge advantage. And my word, do the Gophers have difference makers. Depth is more important in a multi-game series; and of course the regular season.

I dunno; Regular season crown to the Badgers; Post-season crowns to the Gophers? At this point that's just chatter. But it will be fascinating to see how it plays out.

Well done PGB as always.

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA Thread V

It usually takes a couple of seasons for things to settle in under new management.

Agree 100%.

I hope both new coaches can produce quality teams given the chance. While it has been really fun burning through opponents I'd rather see some tight games and a WCHA where at least 4-5 teams have a legitimate chance for the title & an NCAA run.

Don't get too comfortable! Bemidji looks to be good, maybe North Dakota as well. While the league has two clear frontrunners this year, we're still talking about the WCHA. Taking a night off, any night off, is a really bad idea.

I had my complaints about both OSU and UMD in the past but both had some talent and still do, I look forward (in one way) to no more 11-2 games.

Looking back through 16+ seasons of WCHA play, an 11-2 loss is an extreme outlier for OSU. I hope to never see it again, and I actually don't expect to.

Because both programs have new coaches, OSU & UMD may be viewed as a pair for a while. But distinct identities will develop again soon enough. Both will reflect the strengths of the new coaches, not past regimes. It's a fresh start at both schools.

Circling back to your original point: Again, of course you're correct. But in the excitement of the new hires, some us lost track of that basic truth. As such, the last couple of weekends have been a bit of wake-up call. In hindsight, it shouldn't have been so surprising. It's pretty normal for a new regime to take a step or two back before charging forward.

P.S. Must spread.

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: WCHA Thread V

I like the top 6 forwards for Minnesota over WisconSIN. But that's what happens when you wear gold colored (tinted) glasses.

 

[Leather helmet]

Re: WCHA Thread V

I like the top 6 forwards for Minnesota over WisconSIN. But that's what happens when you wear gold colored (tinted) glasses.

I agree with ARM that UM-UW games will be decided by the top lines of each team.

Nobody, with the exception of the 2013 Gophers, scores consistently with their 3rd and 4th lines. If you are a third or fourth line player, your main purpose is to make sure the other team doesn't score while your top lines are resting. If you can score the occasional goal, that is a plus. If you forget that fact, you will be reminded of it as you watch the next game from the stands.

Of course, with both teams playing lopsided games to this point, there have been a lot more opportunities for points from the lower half of the roster, but it would surprise me greatly if the bottom two lines for either team led the scoring in any of their head-to-head games.

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Nobody, with the exception of the 2013 Gophers, scores consistently with their 3rd and 4th lines.

Wisconsin has had some very good 3rd lines over the years: 2008-09, 2010-11, and last year all come to mind as seasons where the Badgers third line would score key goals in big games. The first year, they had Brooke Ammerman on the 3rd line, in 2011 it included national team players like Deluce and Prevost, and last year, it was hard to tell which line was the 3rd on any given day.

 

[Leather helmet]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Wisconsin has had some very good 3rd lines over the years: 2008-09, 2010-11, and last year all come to mind as seasons where the Badgers third line would score key goals in big games. The first year, they had Brooke Ammerman on the 3rd line, in 2011 it included national team players like Deluce and Prevost, and last year, it was hard to tell which line was the 3rd on any given day.

Hmmm. Looks like I have to stop making provable assertions, or all my posts will be subject to correction.

So, here goes: The Gophers' uniforms have never looked better!

 

[ARM]

Re: WCHA Thread V

So, here goes: The Gophers' uniforms have never looked better!

Word.

As for the other, I agree with your broad point. I doubt there have been a dozen exceptions over the years.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: WCHA Thread V

I like the top 6 forwards for Minnesota over WisconSIN. But that's what happens when you wear gold colored (tinted) glasses.

My glasses are red and I am partial to agree with you at this point in the season.

Hmmm. Looks like I have to stop making provable assertions, or all my posts will be subject to correction.

So, here goes: The Gophers' uniforms have never looked better!

WORSE, they's never looked worse, can't you get anything right?!

 

[ne7minder]

Re: WCHA Thread V

Don't get too comfortable! Bemidji looks to be good, maybe North Dakota as well. While the league has two clear frontrunners this year, we're still talking about the WCHA. Taking a night off, any night off, is a really bad idea.

I take Bemidji's improvement as read, they play with a lot of heart I would never take them lightly. That other team I have zero respect for because they have zero respect for the game, They play cheap & dirty and it is not just a player or two. But then when you coach accuses you - in public, to the press - of having no heart simply because you got beaten by a better team I imagine there is a level of frustration that needs an outlet. A classless act from top to bottom.