Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

[burd]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

The only way I could have been more clear that the top part of that post was a joke or sarcastic is if I had said, "This first part is a joke."

You with your verbal molotov coctails. Where were you when things got hot a couple of nights ago?

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

My mistake, my meter must be broken.

I'm just saying, even I'm not crazy enough to actually believe that part of what I was typing. I'm insane, irrational etc, just not that bad.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

You with your verbal molotov coctails. Where were you when things got hot a couple of nights ago?

You know, you people continually bringing this epic meltdown up that I can't read because it was deleted is not very nice. Especially since I hear that my name was used in vain.

 

[Driftryder]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

You know, you people continually bring this epic meltdown up that I can't read because it was deleted is not very nice. Especially since I hear that my name was used in vain.

I missed it as well, dang.

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

Just a casual observer in the discussion.

When you talk about offensive numbers, you also need to add the perspective of the circumstances behind them. 20 of their 81 goals came in two home series against two relatively easy opponents in RIT and Mercyhurst. Obviously that is going to skew things higher from a team/individual statistical standpoint from a full season perspective. So it could mislead you into thinking the offense is better than maybe it really is. Of course, you could say that about many teams but it's worth pointing out when you look at season stat averages.

I agree, which is why I think (and mentioned) that conference numbers are much more indicative of the quality of a team than the overall numbers mostly because NC schedules vary so wildly in quality of competition.

Condon is really coming on as a player. Quickly becoming one of my personal favorites as a very good all around player. I'm not sure he'll make it to his senior season with the way he is progressing (maybe) but I have my fingers crossed.

I was told a large number of colleges were interested in him but for some reason UW seemed to think he wasn't "in play" with other schools. One person close to the kid told me a few years ago that he felt UW didn't do their homework on that situation and acted a bit "lazy". Not sure why but maybe they figured because of some family ties (i.e. his aunt who is now President of UW's W Club), he wouldn't seriously consider elsewhere. If so, big mistake...

Wouldn't surprise me if he felt insulted by Eaves scholarship offer, a number of WI kids (or more specifically their parents) have mentioned that Eaves REALLY lowballs the WI kids. Rumor has it that he nearly lost Pavelski because the initial scholarship offer was so low.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

Wouldn't surprise me if he felt insulted by Eaves scholarship offer, a number of WI kids (or more specifically their parents) have mentioned that Eaves REALLY lowballs the WI kids. Rumor has it that he nearly lost Pavelski because the initial scholarship offer was so low.

I've heard this and also that the coaches exude the attitude that the kids should be honored just for the chance to go to Wisconsin on the lowball offer.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

In conference it drops to 2.8 goals/game, but their goals against increases to 3.2 goals/game. This is actually MORE than they scored last season in conference per game, but about 0.6 goals allowed more per game than last year. I would argue (w/ ease) that last season's offense was better than this season's so I think defense concerns me much more than offense.

This isn't like the post 2006 Championship team were if Elliott hadn't been in net all season standing on his head that team wouldn't have been close to home ice. That was a real offensive blackout.

Might help if the combined special teams in conference wasn't in last place as well.

Almington, I think you mentioned Bennett early, I was thinking about that this morning actually. While that seemed like a big "win" at the time for UW, the team didn't get much in return, and really put themselves in the hole this season in net w/ no experience.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

In conference it drops to 2.8 goals/game, but their goals against increases to 3.2 goals/game. This is actually MORE than they scored last season in conference per game, but about 0.6 goals allowed more per game than last year. I would argue (w/ ease) that last season's offense was better than this season's so I think defense concerns me much more than offense.

This isn't like the post 2006 Championship team were if Elliott hadn't been in net all season standing on his head that team wouldn't have been close to home ice. That was a real offensive blackout.

Might help if the combined special teams in conference wasn't in last place as well.

Almington, I think you mentioned Bennett early, I was thinking about that this morning actually. While that seemed like a big "win" at the time for UW, the team didn't get much in return, and really put themselves in the hole this season in net w/ no experience.

I agree that the defense has been our biggest weak point this season and wasn't it supposed to be a strength with Rammer and Schultz back?

While the goaltending hasn't been tack sharp, I lay the lion's share of blame on the other 5 (4) folks on the ice. I can't prove it with numbers, but in watching the games it sure seems as though we're running around an awful lot in our own end. Lots of goals scored by uncovered opponents or through other coverage breakdowns.

As noted by others, the pk has been terrible.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

Condon is really coming on as a player. Quickly becoming one of my personal favorites as a very good all around player. I'm not sure he'll make it to his senior season with the way he is progressing (maybe) but I have my fingers crossed.

I was told a large number of colleges were interested in him but for some reason UW seemed to think he wasn't "in play" with other schools. One person close to the kid told me a few years ago that he felt UW didn't do their homework on that situation and acted a bit "lazy". Not sure why but maybe they figured because of some family ties (i.e. his aunt who is now President of UW's W Club), he wouldn't seriously consider elsewhere. If so, big mistake...

I'm glad he's working out for Minnesota honestly. for two reasons. 1. I'm glad for Nate in general and wish him the best of luck.
2. and selfishly, I hope this drives some boosters to maybe make a phone call or two and say "hey, *** is that kid from Wausau doing in Minneapolis? we didn't offer?" I don't recall the specifics on Condon's recruiting just as I don't on LaPoint but unless you have a Kessel-type situation which is highly unusual in WI UW should have the pick of the litter like the U does in MN.

btw - does Lucia get away with lower offers due to the pride on ice legacy or...??? I honestly don't know what UMN has been offering kids.

on another note
I hope UW can become a team w/3 lines and 1 grind line which would be the direct opposite of today.

in years past UW didn't have grinders on the 1st or 2nd lines, they were 4th liners exclusively. and with that they had goal scorers all over the place, I'm pretty sure Spencer and Fairchild occupied 3rd line duty while putting in a bunch of goals, Dan Plante as well. then when they got boosted to 1st or 2nd line they became 20 goal scorers (or almost all of those 90, 91, 92 class guys did)

recently the 3-4 line guys get promoted and they modestly achieve 8-12 goals, that's just not enough

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

btw - does Lucia get away with lower offers due to the pride on ice legacy or...??? I honestly don't know what UMN has been offering kids.

Have to agree with Hammy, Condon is coming along really nicely. He's playing with more and more confidence every day.

To answer your question, the only recruits that I am fairly certain got less scholarship to play at Minnesota than they probably could have gotten elsewhere are Louie Nanne and Vinni Lettieri (Lou Nanne's grandsons). And that is more a result of their grandfather than anything. Hammy could probably answer your question more thuroughly though.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

I agree that the defense has been our biggest weak point this season and wasn't it supposed to be a strength with Rammer and Schultz back?

While the goaltending hasn't been tack sharp, I lay the lion's share of blame on the other 5 (4) folks on the ice. I can't prove it with numbers, but in watching the games it sure seems as though we're running around an awful lot in our own end. Lots of goals scored by uncovered opponents or through other coverage breakdowns.

As noted by others, the pk has been terrible.

North Dakota's GW goal on friday night is a prime example of what you are talking about. That kid never should have been that open.

Ramage has been horrible at times this season, he is trying too hard. He needs to go back to playing like he did when Brendan Smith use to blunder or commit himself too deep offensively, and he was left having to stop a 2 on 1, 4 or 5 times a game, as a freshman. He is having a Patrick Johnson type identity crisis, trying to play a game that is not his game.

Faust and Simonelli need to step up and find an identity on this team. They are going to be the backbone of the defense next season.

 

[darker98]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

You know, you people continually bringing this epic meltdown up that I can't read because it was deleted is not very nice. Especially since I hear that my name was used in vain.

If your real name is c*ck sucker then your name was brought up a lot.

 

[burd]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

One thing I've noticed this year as an opponent fan is that in the past the Badgers always seemed ready to grab momentum, no matter what the score. If they came back to tie a game, Parise help you. You don't feel that from this team. Maybe it's just the lack of horses in the stable. For example, I don't think anyone on this team could score that goal Earl scored to beat the Sioux in overtime years ago. Zengerle is a better player, I think, but I don't know if he could have done that. To seize or change momentum, though, you need some folks up and down the lineup who can step up, and they just don't have them this year. Same story for UND, perhaps to a lesser extent.

Oh, and Gurt. The best thing from Mari was when he kept saying your mouth was always open for business.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

North Dakota's GW goal on friday night is a prime example of what you are talking about. That kid never should have been that open.

Ramage has been horrible at times this season, he is trying too hard. He needs to go back to playing like he did when Brendan Smith use to blunder or commit himself too deep offensively, and he was left having to stop a 2 on 1, 4 or 5 times a game, as a freshman. He is having a Patrick Johnson type identity crisis, trying to play a game that is not his game.

Faust and Simonelli need to step up and find an identity on this team. They are going to be the backbone of the defense next season.

yes. Ramage and Springer have been awful all season, and Simonelli and Faust should be stepping up this season, instead they're just kind of there not seeming to be able to take the next step.

haven't seen enough of Daly and obviously not Drake to make a statement other than the 2 games I saw Drake = Drake>Springer...easily

 

[Hammy]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

btw - does Lucia get away with lower offers due to the pride on ice legacy or...??? I honestly don't know what UMN has been offering kids.

From what I understand from talking to various parents over the years, it is not uncommon for Lucia to sell kids/parents on "giving a little back" to the U. In other words, taking a little less in order to help the program be strong as a whole. They tend to be willing to do it since they want to be a Gopher so much and it's not like 10% or 20% is a deal breaker. Its not like they all take less than they could elsewhere though. But its not unheard of for some.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

From what I understand from talking to various parents over the years, it is not uncommon for Lucia to sell kids/parents on "giving a little back" to the U. In other words, taking a little less in order to help the program be strong as a whole. They tend to be willing to do it since they want to be a Gopher so much and it's not like 10% or 20% is a deal breaker. Its not like they all take less than they could elsewhere though. But its not unheard of for some.

Thanks Hammy. That is kinda the story I've heard over the years too, but wasn't really sure.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

Eaves stated in Baggot's article the boys are passing too much and that's why they aren't getting many shots on goal. From what I saw last few weeks, they weren't passing out of great chances, only the 1st line, & Schultz are capable of generating quality shots consistantly. Hopefully Lee can ignite the second line a little more now that he's back and getting back into the groove. UW's pretty much sending out a 1st line, a 3rd line and 2 4th lines every game.

Home ice isn't dead yet, but 4 pts are a must this weekend.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

Eaves stated in Baggot's article the boys are passing too much and that's why they aren't getting many shots on goal. From what I saw last few weeks, they weren't passing out of great chances, only the 1st line, & Schultz are capable of generating quality shots consistantly. Hopefully Lee can ignite the second line a little more now that he's back and getting back into the groove. UW's pretty much sending out a 1st line, a 3rd line and 2 4th lines every game.

Home ice isn't dead yet, but 4 pts are a must this weekend.

you are **** right here. 1st line and 3 lousy lines. Chuck is going to kill me for this but I have to call it as I'm seeing it

this game tonight is killing me. **** this.

Rumpel - extremely overrated. if he was supposed to be elite it ain't happening now and if he's not showing it now I'm not sure it's going to happen, period.

Faust, Simonelli, Springer, Ramage - absolutely no improvement over last year or years prior. average at best which leaves McCabe as the only bright spot on D for next year. so this sort of ensures a bottom 6 finish for next year. you can't win w/an average to below-average d-core.

Zengerle is a stud and he's playing 1-2 levels above every other forward on this team. the guys at times can barely handle his passes. it's like Turris from a couple years ago making passes guys couldn't handle. if Zeng's were 3 inches taller he'd probably be entertaining the NHL offers in the off-season.

Mersch and Barnes - good, not great. on an elite team they're your 3rd line mainstays who can chip in 10-14 goals per season.

Woods and Paape could possibly turn it up a bit or they could plateau and be 8-goal a season guys, hard to tell but...

the rest are grinders and it hurts me to say it but they look so much like that UW team from 98-99 where they had 2 d-men like today (dessner and tanabe) and 2-3 guys on O, reinprecht (today = zengerle), kuk (today = barnes), http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0005801999.html

etc.

I just really don't see how this team becomes an FF team next year I really don't. besides Kerdiles and Zulinick, you'd need 4-6 guys (simonelli, faust, mersch, barnes, paape, woods) to step up and contribute in ways they either haven't shown the capability of yet, or surprise us with a ceiling we haven't seen yet.

sorry. but I see 7th place next season.

gd it.

and this is the reason I say I want improvement in recruiting from Eaves NOW. they'll need 3 consecutive Kerdiles/Zulinick classes and have to have a couple of Smith/McDonagh/Gardiner's in there as well (none in the queue that I can see just yet) and that is asking a ton.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

I'm having a hard time seeing this team doing much better next year. If we aren't seeing flashes of a decent team at this point in the season, how much better could they possibly get? Fittingly enough, given our lack of conference hardware, our WCHA tenure seems destined to end with one hell of a whimper.

Would it kill them for someone besides <strike>First</strike> Only Star to keep their feet moving and show some **** poise on offense? At least Mersch can hold onto the puck.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XX - Growth Through Experience

I'm having a hard time seeing this team doing much better next year. If we aren't seeing flashes of a decent team at this point in the season, how much better could they possibly get? Fittingly enough, given our lack of conference hardware, our WCHA tenure seems destined to end with one hell of a whimper.

Would it kill them for someone besides <strike>First</strike> Only Star to keep their feet moving and show some **** poise on offense? At least Mersch can hold onto the puck.

absolutely. this is killing me as a fan. not only this season but feeling that next year will be more of the same, possibly 7th place instead of 8-10th.

when I think of a great YOUNG line I think of Toews and Oshie showing brilliance and flashes of dominance as frosh. nothing like that on UW.

I REALLY remember Morrison/Botteril on Michigan who were just absolutely flying and dominant as frosh and sophs. nothing like that on UW.

the JP Dumont line for tOSU several years ago that was dominant. again nothing like that on UW and that's what you look for when you look for signs of a future resurgence.

...I'll stop now, I'm getting really ****ed off at Eaves, and seriously ****ed off at tonights pathetic and apathetic performance.