WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

[VarsityWisconsin]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Huge game tonight. It's a chance to separate ourselves a little bit from the middle tier of the division and go into next week against AA looking pretty good after one month of the season. Minnesota needs this game more, but we could help our Pairwise later in the season significantly if we pulled it off. I think we'll see some lineup changes as well. Possibly Turnbull in for Dolan or maybe Johnson will get back in there?

 

[VarsityWisconsin]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Johnson was back in there, but I wasn't impressed with his play. He had a couple bad turnovers and just seems like a boy amongst men out there. Turnbull got back in there too but wasn't much of a factor. I think our 4th line will be interchangeable from Friday to Saturday just to keep everybody warm.

 

[WisconsinWildcard]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Anyone know why Mitchell was out on Saturday?

 

[VarsityWisconsin]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Eaves had him out as a healthy scratch because he's shown nothing so far.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Well, UW got a lot of pucks on net, but the pp was BAD and they blew 2 clean breakaways (shoot 5 hole please!) The pp needed to come through for them at a critical time Saturday and failed.

I wasn't shocked to see Bennett get the Sat. start, he had a couple dandy saves in tight, but on the otherhand, Goody had done nothing not to deserve the start. At least Eaves admitted he blew that one.

It's really frustrating to see every bad screw up end in a goal against, while the teams UW played are not really screwing up to that extent, other than the 2 breakaways against the rodents.

I'd like to see Dolan and Thurber got some playing time.

 

[bucky15]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Well, UW got a lot of pucks on net, but the pp was BAD and they blew 2 clean breakaways (shoot 5 hole please!) The pp needed to come through for them at a critical time Saturday and failed.

I wasn't shocked to see Bennett get the Sat. start, he had a couple dandy saves in tight, but on the otherhand, Goody had done nothing not to deserve the start. At least Eaves admitted he blew that one.

It's really frustrating to see every bad screw up end in a goal against, while the teams UW played are not really screwing up to that extent, other than the 2 breakaways against the rodents.

I'd like to see Dolan and Thurber got some playing time.

I agree Bennett played well Friday, but the two goalie system was working.

Goody has put in his time over the years and has played well.

 

[aktick]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Simply by not playing Saturday, I would put Goody as the #1 right now. Not by much, but Bennett scares the crap out of me.

I don't want to see Johnson in the lineup again unless there are injuries...Dolan, Thurber, and Mitchell are all better options, even if they aren't playing their best. And Turnbull has to produce offensively to deserve a spot in the lineup - he's a liability defensively, and didn't show much Sat.

McDonagh seems to make plenty of "Smith-esque" plays defensively. Not as many, but too many. Goloubef and Gardiner are the 2 most reliable guys in their own end, I think. Schultz and Ramage are both very solid for freshmen. Unfortunately for them, I see no reason C. Johnson, Little, or Springer should be in the lineup.

The paper DotA has a long ways to go before they are the DotA on the ice...but they have been way better early this year than early last year, so I think they'll get better.

The PP just needs to get sloppy, IMO - throw crap on net, always be screening, work for deflections, rebounds, etc.

 

[uwbadgers14]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Simply by not playing Saturday, I would put Goody as the #1 right now. Not by much, but Bennett scares the crap out of me.

I don't want to see Johnson in the lineup again unless there are injuries...Dolan, Thurber, and Mitchell are all better options, even if they aren't playing their best. And Turnbull has to produce offensively to deserve a spot in the lineup - he's a liability defensively, and didn't show much Sat.

McDonagh seems to make plenty of "Smith-esque" plays defensively. Not as many, but too many. Goloubef and Gardiner are the 2 most reliable guys in their own end, I think. Schultz and Ramage are both very solid for freshmen. Unfortunately for them, I see no reason C. Johnson, Little, or Springer should be in the lineup.

The paper DotA has a long ways to go before they are the DotA on the ice...but they have been way better early this year than early last year, so I think they'll get better.

The PP just needs to get sloppy, IMO - throw crap on net, always be screening, work for deflections, rebounds, etc.

From watching the game in the arena both nights it looked like the teams were fairly even and I was slightly worried about this club after saturday night but once i got a chance to watch the games on video, my mind is a little more at ease. Friday was a fairly even game but you could see in the 3rd period Minnesota didn't have a match for us toward the end of the game even though they did try to make a push and Saturday, its just really rare to see a game end up like that after one team just dominated the other. both teams PP is horrid right now so that was a wash but had Kangas just been normal kangas on saturday I think UW wins that game 5-4 or 6-4 area. Bennett was decent but got out played by kangas hands down. So after watching the games on the tube my mind is at ease that this team is going to be alright but does need to get some serious points at home this weekend...

 

[MadCityRich]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

The PP just needs to get sloppy, IMO - throw crap on net, always be screening, work for deflections, rebounds, etc.

I agree. I've written before; I watch the freakin' NHL every night there are games. Sure, they've got plays, but MOST of the time they're moving the puck up high, shooting 90MPH ankle-busters hoping for - and getting - deflections or tips.

Going for the perfect shot doesn't work most of the time as Saturday night proved.

 

[ZentWasTheMan]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Bennett was decent but got out played by kangas hands down....

What about Bennett was decent?! That first goal was extremely soft as I have no idea how you get beat on the near post in that situation...And their third goal, where in God's name is he going?! He stunk up the ice and made it impossible for us to get any points on a night where at worst we deserved one...

 

[MadCityRich]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

What about Bennett was decent?! That first goal was extremely soft as I have no idea how you get beat on the near post in that situation...And their third goal, where in God's name is he going?! He stunk up the ice and made it impossible for us to get any points on a night where at worst we deserved one...

Goalie rule#1: NEVER, EVER, NEVER, get beat short side. EVER!
That got the night started.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Simply by not playing Saturday, I would put Goody as the #1 right now. Not by much, but Bennett scares the crap out of me.

I don't want to see Johnson in the lineup again unless there are injuries...Dolan, Thurber, and Mitchell are all better options, even if they aren't playing their best. And Turnbull has to produce offensively to deserve a spot in the lineup - he's a liability defensively, and didn't show much Sat.

McDonagh seems to make plenty of "Smith-esque" plays defensively. Not as many, but too many. Goloubef and Gardiner are the 2 most reliable guys in their own end, I think. Schultz and Ramage are both very solid for freshmen. Unfortunately for them, I see no reason C. Johnson, Little, or Springer should be in the lineup.

The paper DotA has a long ways to go before they are the DotA on the ice...but they have been way better early this year than early last year, so I think they'll get better.

The PP just needs to get sloppy, IMO - throw crap on net, always be screening, work for deflections, rebounds, etc.

I agree, I cringe watching Bennett at times. He reminds of Stalock, and I hated Stalock. That first goal was horrible, I sit right behind the net saturday; I was in disbelief. I've seen a few people blame the D, and they had fault in some other goals this weekend, but that one not so much.

I was not happy that Eaves inserted Johnson and Turnbull in the lineup at the expense of Mitchell and Dolan. Sure Big John hasn't been able to handle the puck or do most anything well so far, but he is big and can hit people. If he can't cut it on Street's line, move him to the 4th line and tell him his only mission for the evening it to hit people, play D and cause chaos. Same w/ Dolan. The 4th line went from frightening to soft in one night. Thurber would have been better because he is nice on D and hits people. Against minnesota w/ talented players, rolling the 4th line of Bendi/Johnson/Turnbull is not going to cut it.

A guy next to me said his top PP unit would feature Patrick Johnson. I really like Ratty, but I want some of that guy's crack, because it must be good.

 

[WisconsinWildcard]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

I agree, I cringe watching Bennett at times. He reminds of Stalock, and I hated Stalock. That first goal was horrible, I sit right behind the net saturday; I was in disbelief. I've seen a few people blame the D, and they had fault in some other goals this weekend, but that one not so much.

I was not happy that Eaves inserted Johnson and Turnbull in the lineup at the expense of Mitchell and Dolan. Sure Big John hasn't been able to handle the puck or do most anything well so far, but he is big and can hit people. If he can't cut it on Street's line, move him to the 4th line and tell him his only mission for the evening it to hit people, play D and cause chaos. Same w/ Dolan. The 4th line went from frightening to soft in one night. Thurber would have been better because he is nice on D and hits people. Against minnesota w/ talented players, rolling the 4th line of Bendi/Johnson/Turnbull is not going to cut it.

A guy next to me said his top PP unit would feature Patrick Johnson. I really like Ratty, but I want some of that guy's crack, because it must be good.

First of all, I also cringe a lot with Bennett, mostly when he is handling the puck or has poor control with his rebounds. Eaves wanted to see if Bennett could be a two night a weekend goalie and I think we got an answer.

Personally, I was very surprised to see Mitchell out. IMO, he does not use his body to its potential and would not be the guy to go out and have create some physical chaos (I am partial to Grotting in that department). However, I do not want Johnson to play ahead of Mitchell....or Dolan for that matter.

And to put Ratty on the PP? Wow...our PP is not good but I can tell you that would not make it better in any way. I am sorry you had to sit next to a guy with that viewpoint. I had a couple of idiots next to me in the student section on Saturday. In between yelling CENTER! every five second no matter where or what we were doing on the ice, they also managed to prove that they knew nothing about anyone on our team. (OMG look! That guy's last name is Street! That is such a weird last name!) Sometimes I wish that there was a class on campus to teach other students something about hockey........

 

[Timothy A]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Bennett had stellar numbers up to Saturday, so let's not quite dump in into Lake Mendota yet. Overall Bennett has been fairly good. There was the 1 goal against CC that he should have had, then the 2 bad ones against the rodents. Game 1 against the rodents he played great, though he did score on himself, but it's hard to know where the puck is underneath you with all the gear on. Bennett pretty much admitted his focus was lacking because he was suprised to get the start and it showed. It's been pretty obvious Eaves thinks more of Bennett than Goody. Hopefully Goody's confidence will ok after not getting the start Saturday.

I don't think Goody has allowed a soft goal yet, but I could be wrong.

So who starts Friday? Do you give Goody Friday because he missed his last start or do you go with Bennett and get back into the rotation? Or go Goody both games and see how it goes?

Mitchell just looks awkward out there. It seems like his stick is too long and it's always getting tied up in legs and other sticks.

I really love how physical McD is out there. Against the rodents there was that one play where he just swatted the rodent to the ice effortlessly.

Overall I'm very impressed with the freshmen who are playing.

It's still frustrating to see 3 forwards below the end line quite often and no one in front of the net to take a pass from the corner unless a D cheats down, but then that's pretty risky.

 

[uwbadgers14]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Bennett had stellar numbers up to Saturday, so let's not quite dump in into Lake Mendota yet. Overall Bennett has been fairly good. There was the 1 goal against CC that he should have had, then the 2 bad ones against the rodents. Game 1 against the rodents he played great, though he did score on himself, but it's hard to know where the puck is underneath you with all the gear on. Bennett pretty much admitted his focus was lacking because he was suprised to get the start and it showed. It's been pretty obvious Eaves thinks more of Bennett than Goody. Hopefully Goody's confidence will ok after not getting the start Saturday.

I don't think Goody has allowed a soft goal yet, but I could be wrong.

So who starts Friday? Do you give Goody Friday because he missed his last start or do you go with Bennett and get back into the rotation? Or go Goody both games and see how it goes?

Mitchell just looks awkward out there. It seems like his stick is too long and it's always getting tied up in legs and other sticks.

I really love how physical McD is out there. Against the rodents there was that one play where he just swatted the rodent to the ice effortlessly.

Overall I'm very impressed with the freshmen who are playing.

It's still frustrating to see 3 forwards below the end line quite often and no one in front of the net to take a pass from the corner unless a D cheats down, but then that's pretty risky.

I agree with what you said about bennett. Its a little early to throw him under the bus, shane never had great numbers against minnesota either and I beleive he struggled against minnesota on saturdays as well. Last year we managed to win both in minnesota because we were able to keep up and score with minnesota, that didn't happen saturday, for a number of different reasons. I think the normal rotation returns this weekend.

McDonagh and Grotting where absolute animals all weekend long. If you have ever seen McDonagh and how he is build, its not a mystery how he is able to absolutely level players, he is a mack truck and forwards better know where he is at all times, not only did we out shoot and out chance the gophers on saturday, we out hit them by a significant margin, which is part of the reason why i'm not worried about this team yet. I think grotting could end up getting a free agent contract after school. He has showed he can score goals, he can cycle in the corners and is a good enough skater, i see him as a Burish/ Dustin Brown type player at the next level.

As far as Mitchell, your guess is as good as mine, he just is not playing very physical, for a guy his size he has played very soft so far this year. But for nothing else he needs to be out there in front of the the goalie on the PP so i didn't agree with him sitting on saturday at all..

 

[RedFreak]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

So who starts Friday? Do you give Goody Friday because he missed his last start or do you go with Bennett and get back into the rotation? Or go Goody both games and see how it goes?

Mitchell just looks awkward out there. It seems like his stick is too long and it's always getting tied up in legs and other sticks.

It's still frustrating to see 3 forwards below the end line quite often and no one in front of the net to take a pass from the corner unless a D cheats down, but then that's pretty risky.

I bet he plays Goody Friday night. I'd be surprised to see Bennett out there 3 games in a row, given that he didn't do well Saturday. And if Goody does well, I wouldn't be shocked to see him out there Saturday night as well. Depends on whether Eaves wants to work toward a single tender or if he's happy platooning, and the past weekend makes me think his desire is a single goal tender. But we'll see.

Mitchell has taken a step back this year.

I also don't understand the logic of 3 forwards going behind the net. What do they think they're going to do with the puck if they come up with it? You'd think they'd be coached to put the 3rd guy in front of the net, but I guess not.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

Mitchell didn't start strong the last few seasons either, but come January 11th or something he'll pull it all together and start cleaning up. Hopefully the team doesn't need him before he pulls it together again.

 

[jwilli]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

I bet he plays Goody Friday night. I'd be surprised to see Bennett out there 3 games in a row, given that he didn't do well Saturday. And if Goody does well, I wouldn't be shocked to see him out there Saturday night as well. Depends on whether Eaves wants to work toward a single tender or if he's happy platooning, and the past weekend makes me think his desire is a single goal tender. But we'll see. (snip)

According to Eaves during the Monday press conference, Bennett will start on Friday, here's the excerpt...

QUESTION #5: Mike, back to your goaltending. Just so everybody is on the same page, Brett Bennett is your number one goaltender?

EAVES: We don’t have a number one goaltender, Andy.

QUESTION #5: Okay. But that would appear to be . . .

EAVES: Because we gave him an opportunity?

QUESTION #5: Right.

EAVES: It was a feeling that I had. I just, you know, it’s like the quarterback scenario in football, okay, and we’re working through a process here. We went with a gut feeling that a coach had. It didn’t work out. So we’re going to go back, and we’ll see how we are again this weekend. I don’t want to make a big deal. It’s not a big deal to me. You know, Brett’s going to play on Friday, and then we’ll see and play Saturday.

QUESTION #6: What you said after Saturday’s game was that we’ll probably go down this road again later in the year.

EAVES: We said that at the very beginning. We said that at the very beginning.

QUESTION #7: Right. Would that also mean that perhaps Scott would be getting double . . .

EAVES: Absolutely.

QUESTION #7: Okay. Just wanted to make sure. That’s all I was going after. EAVES: Yeah, yeah, yeah

emphasis added

 

[uwbadgers14]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

According to Eaves during the Monday press conference, Bennett will start on Friday, here's the excerpt...

emphasis added

BAggott, you are such a tool, so a guy play 2 games in a row and he is the #1 goalie??? how long have you followed hockey again?? I can only imagine what goes on inside of eaves head when Andy Baggott is about to ask a question...

 

[aktick]

Re: WISCONSIN HOCKEY 09-10 - Climbing The Mountain (7th Edition?)

BAggott, you are such a tool, so a guy play 2 games in a row and he is the #1 goalie??? how long have you followed hockey again?? I can only imagine what goes on inside of eaves head when Andy Baggott is about to ask a question...

I'm fairly certain that for the last few years of Sauer's tenure, he wouldn't talk to Baggott. Maybe somebody can clarify for me...?