Because it's the Cup.... The 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs start tomorrow night. Who's your pick to win the Stanley Cup?
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Because It's The Cup: 2014 Playoffs
Because it's the Cup.... The 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs start tomorrow night. Who's your pick to win the Stanley Cup?
Johnny Gaudreau First Career NHL Goal (Video)
Former Boston College Eagle and Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Johnny Gaudreau scores his first NHL goal, in his first game with the Calgary Flames.
Minnesota vs. Colorado: What We Should Expect
Minnesota and Colorado have been division rivals since Minnesota has come into the league in 2000, so I guess you could say that these two teams are familiar with each other.
Up until the last couple of seasons, Minnesota has never really had any superstars on their roster, unlike the usual star studded Avalanche of the late 90's and early 2000's. However, the Avalanche recently have been struggling to find success and even had finished 29th in the league out of 30 teams last season.
This year looked as if it was going to be a rebuilding season for Colorado after the firing of head coach Joe Sacco. Before the draft last year, the Avalanche would announce that Patrick Roy would be named their head coach, leaving many scratching their heads wondering how the Avs would fare in this situation. Lets just say a worst to first turn around leaves Roy as a front runner for this year's Jack Adams trophy.
As for the Minnesota Wild, Mike Yeo has this team in a position for a possible playoff run. The main question mark will be in goal. Can Ilya Bryzgalov play like the goalie of 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks? Or will the Bryz, who struggled in the playoffs with the Flyers, show up. If the ladder of the two is to happen, Minnesota's playoff life will be ending earlier then the fans, and the team would like.
Colorado would go 4-0-1 against Minnesota this season, and shocked the league on their extreme turn around with the big youth movement in Colorado. However, a big part of this would be the outstanding play of goalie Semyon Varlamov, who would break Patrick Roy's franchise wins record with 41 wins this season. Also another big weapon for the Avs, besides Duchene, Landeskog, and Stastny, you have to watch out for likely Calder winner Nathan MacKinnon. With his speed, he likes to lead the rush to the outside and also has a very potent snap shot, much like UND fans saw in Danny Kristo's four years at UND. Colorado has three solid lines of scoring who can burn you at anytime you make a mistake. It is no fluke that this team won the Central Division.
Looking back at the two teams head to head playoff history, the teams have met twice in the playoffs. the first time was in the 2002-2003 season, also happens to be the last time that Colorado won their division and Minnesota winning a playoff series, and the second was in the 2007-2008 season when Minnesota would win their first and only division crown.
The most recent series in 2007-2008, the two teams would battle hard in a very tough six game series where Colorado would come out on top, but later lose out of the playoffs. This would be the first season that Minnesota would reach the playoffs in consecutive years, having reached the previous season, but losing to the eventual cup champion Anaheim Ducks in five games.
Now the most memorable series in 2003. Minnesota, just in their third season in franchise history, would make their first ever playoffs, and would be slated a huge underdog against the star studded Avalanche lead by the likes of Sakic, Forsberg, and Roy. Minnesota came out in game one on a mission, making a statement by winning game one. The Avs would have none of it and would rattle off three straight wins to put the Wild on the verge of elimination. Going into game five, nobody counted the Wild as a threat to Colorado anymore and was already preparing for the Avs to move on to round number two. However, Minnesota would be victorious in game five and have one more chance at home to keep their playoff series alive.
The next two games will probably be the most historic games in Minnesota Wild history. On the verge of elimination, the two teams would experience overtime in game six. The Xcel Energy Center was loud, and the fans were on the edge of their seats wondering who was going to play hero. Richard Park would gain the puck at the offensive blue line skate up the right wing and fire, what looked to be a harmless snap shot, at Roy and would beat him to send the Wild back to Colorado for game seven. This would be the first home NHL playoff win in Minnesota since the North Stars did in the early 90's.
Now on to game seven. Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy was virtually unbeatable in the Stanley Cup Playoffs when it came to game sevens, and was unbeaten when it game to game sevens that went into overtime. This game would again end up in overtime, making everyone think that this game was in the bag for Colorado because of Roy in net. This, however, was not the case. Andrew Brunette would get a pass from a teammate, take the puck into the offensive zone, have the presence of mind to go to his backhand and bury the puck in the back of the net, ending the career of Patrick Roy, in his first ever game seven overtime loss.
As for this series, will we see a series like this, or will we see one like in 2008? Honestly I think it will be a high flying series where if the games become more about offense, Minnesota has no chance to advance to the second round. However, if we have one goal, low scoring contests, this could very well go seven games.
Up until the last couple of seasons, Minnesota has never really had any superstars on their roster, unlike the usual star studded Avalanche of the late 90's and early 2000's. However, the Avalanche recently have been struggling to find success and even had finished 29th in the league out of 30 teams last season.
This year looked as if it was going to be a rebuilding season for Colorado after the firing of head coach Joe Sacco. Before the draft last year, the Avalanche would announce that Patrick Roy would be named their head coach, leaving many scratching their heads wondering how the Avs would fare in this situation. Lets just say a worst to first turn around leaves Roy as a front runner for this year's Jack Adams trophy.
As for the Minnesota Wild, Mike Yeo has this team in a position for a possible playoff run. The main question mark will be in goal. Can Ilya Bryzgalov play like the goalie of 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks? Or will the Bryz, who struggled in the playoffs with the Flyers, show up. If the ladder of the two is to happen, Minnesota's playoff life will be ending earlier then the fans, and the team would like.
Colorado would go 4-0-1 against Minnesota this season, and shocked the league on their extreme turn around with the big youth movement in Colorado. However, a big part of this would be the outstanding play of goalie Semyon Varlamov, who would break Patrick Roy's franchise wins record with 41 wins this season. Also another big weapon for the Avs, besides Duchene, Landeskog, and Stastny, you have to watch out for likely Calder winner Nathan MacKinnon. With his speed, he likes to lead the rush to the outside and also has a very potent snap shot, much like UND fans saw in Danny Kristo's four years at UND. Colorado has three solid lines of scoring who can burn you at anytime you make a mistake. It is no fluke that this team won the Central Division.
Looking back at the two teams head to head playoff history, the teams have met twice in the playoffs. the first time was in the 2002-2003 season, also happens to be the last time that Colorado won their division and Minnesota winning a playoff series, and the second was in the 2007-2008 season when Minnesota would win their first and only division crown.
The most recent series in 2007-2008, the two teams would battle hard in a very tough six game series where Colorado would come out on top, but later lose out of the playoffs. This would be the first season that Minnesota would reach the playoffs in consecutive years, having reached the previous season, but losing to the eventual cup champion Anaheim Ducks in five games.
Now the most memorable series in 2003. Minnesota, just in their third season in franchise history, would make their first ever playoffs, and would be slated a huge underdog against the star studded Avalanche lead by the likes of Sakic, Forsberg, and Roy. Minnesota came out in game one on a mission, making a statement by winning game one. The Avs would have none of it and would rattle off three straight wins to put the Wild on the verge of elimination. Going into game five, nobody counted the Wild as a threat to Colorado anymore and was already preparing for the Avs to move on to round number two. However, Minnesota would be victorious in game five and have one more chance at home to keep their playoff series alive.
The next two games will probably be the most historic games in Minnesota Wild history. On the verge of elimination, the two teams would experience overtime in game six. The Xcel Energy Center was loud, and the fans were on the edge of their seats wondering who was going to play hero. Richard Park would gain the puck at the offensive blue line skate up the right wing and fire, what looked to be a harmless snap shot, at Roy and would beat him to send the Wild back to Colorado for game seven. This would be the first home NHL playoff win in Minnesota since the North Stars did in the early 90's.
Now on to game seven. Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy was virtually unbeatable in the Stanley Cup Playoffs when it came to game sevens, and was unbeaten when it game to game sevens that went into overtime. This game would again end up in overtime, making everyone think that this game was in the bag for Colorado because of Roy in net. This, however, was not the case. Andrew Brunette would get a pass from a teammate, take the puck into the offensive zone, have the presence of mind to go to his backhand and bury the puck in the back of the net, ending the career of Patrick Roy, in his first ever game seven overtime loss.
As for this series, will we see a series like this, or will we see one like in 2008? Honestly I think it will be a high flying series where if the games become more about offense, Minnesota has no chance to advance to the second round. However, if we have one goal, low scoring contests, this could very well go seven games.
Minnesota Wild: A trip down memory lane (videos)
These are two of the biggest goals in Minnesota Wild history... Just think about this, Hall of Fame goalie Patrick Roy lost the last two games that he played in.
Also, the last game of Roy's NHL career was against the Minnesota Wild. Looking at some of the names of the players, the Av's were loaded.
Watching these old video, I can't imagine the NHL without HD TV. Also, I really don't miss NHL Hockey on ESPN anymore. I think that NBC and NBCSN have done a very good job with the NHL broadcasts.
7-4, 0.6 Irony...
@alex9ziegler @KelseyBoe Try this one (and take note of the clock): pic.twitter.com/wA0cebqVaK
— Drew Wrigley (@DrewWrigley) April 13, 2014
I just saw this tweet over on the Lieutenant Governor Dew Wrigley's twitter page. Nice!
Hearld Letter to the Editor: Union, Yale share key trait: Coaches who deliver
If anything, this was probably Dave Hakstol's beat coaching job so far to date. Yeah, I would hate to disappoint this letter writer, but Don Lucia and Dave Hakstol aren't going anywhere. #firehakstol #firelucia
WARREN, Minn. — The past two NCAA hockey champions have been fun to watch. Both Union College, this year, and Yale University the previous year captured the essence of collegiate athletics, in that neither give out athletic scholarships but both still rose to the pinnacle of an NCAA sport.
UND and the University of Minnesota Gophers should also be commended for their fine efforts in reaching the Frozen Four. The expectations for those two schools should be high, in that they are among the elite in resources, both financial and facilities in the collegiate hockey world. Union plays in an arena that seats just over 2,000 fans.
Both Union and Yale had lesser talent, if the number of NHL draftees on their roster is considered. But as ESPN’s lead hockey analyst Barry Melrose pointed out — and I do respect his knowledge of hockey — you could see plays develop and players executing a plan.
The announcers talked in this tournament about the fine traditions of both UND and the Gophers, which is true with many titles in their past. But what brought both Union and Yale to the epitome of the college hockey world was behind the bench. Don Lucia, head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, last won a title about 11 years ago; but from what I read, there is some pressure developing on him, as the expectations in Dinkytown are high — plus, he now has an athletic director who demands accountability. In Grand Forks, the current regime has yet to win a national championship.
You can only ride the tradition mantra so long. In my mind, part of tradition can be equated to longevity. In that regard, the Chicago Cubs have a fine and long baseball tradition; but not so in championships.
Given the “tradition” but more importantly the resources available, fans of the Gophers and UND should expect more than mere winning records. I commend the players of both teams; their effort cannot be questioned. I look one row back.
2014 NCAA Early Departures
Jaycob Megna, defense, UNO, junior, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Gustav Olofsson, defense, C.C., freshman, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Caleb Herbert, forward, UMD, junior, Washington Capitals (NHL)
Phil Di Giuseppe, forward, UM, junior, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Alex Guptill, forward, UM, junior, Dallas Stars (NHL)
Bryce Van Brabant, forward, QU, Junior, Calgary Flames (NHL)
Mike Zalewski, forward, RPI, sophomore, Vancouver Canucks (NHL)
Matt Carey, forward, SLU, freshman, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Trevor van Riemdsyk, defense, UNH, junior, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Josh Archibald, forward, UNO, junior, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)
Christian Folin, defense, UML, sophomore, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Connor Hellebuyck, goalie, UML, sophomore, Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
Pheonix Copley, goalie, MTU, sophomore, Washington capitals (NHL)
Jake McCabe, defense, UW, junior, Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
Jordan Oesterl, defense, WMU, junior, Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Ryan Carpenter, forward, BGSU, junior, Worcester Sharks (AHL)
Brian Ferlin, forward, CU, junior, Boston Bruins (NHL)Gustav Olofsson, defense, C.C., freshman, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Caleb Herbert, forward, UMD, junior, Washington Capitals (NHL)
Phil Di Giuseppe, forward, UM, junior, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Alex Guptill, forward, UM, junior, Dallas Stars (NHL)
Bryce Van Brabant, forward, QU, Junior, Calgary Flames (NHL)
Mike Zalewski, forward, RPI, sophomore, Vancouver Canucks (NHL)
Matt Carey, forward, SLU, freshman, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Trevor van Riemdsyk, defense, UNH, junior, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Josh Archibald, forward, UNO, junior, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)
Christian Folin, defense, UML, sophomore, Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Connor Hellebuyck, goalie, UML, sophomore, Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
Pheonix Copley, goalie, MTU, sophomore, Washington capitals (NHL)
Jake McCabe, defense, UW, junior, Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
Jordan Oesterl, defense, WMU, junior, Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Ryan Carpenter, forward, BGSU, junior, Worcester Sharks (AHL)
Johnny Gaudreau, forward, B.C., junior, Calgary Flames (NHL)
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Monday, April 14, 2014
My NHL Stanley Cup Predictions - Bruins win Rematch over the Blackhawks
Zach Hawkins has made his predictions for the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, here's mine. Feel free to chime in with your picks.
2014 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions
EAST:
Round 1:
Boston over Detroit
Montreal over Tampa
Philly over NYR
Pittsburgh over Columbus
Round 2:
Philly over Pittsburgh
Boston over Montreal
Round 3:
Philly over Boston
WEST:
Round 1:
Anaheim over Dallas
LA over San Jose
Colorado over Minnesota
Chicago over St. Louis
Round 2:
Anaheim over LA
Colorado over Chicago
Round 3:
Colorado over Anaheim
STANLEY CUP FINALS:
Colorado over Philly
Round 1:
Boston over Detroit
Montreal over Tampa
Philly over NYR
Pittsburgh over Columbus
Round 2:
Philly over Pittsburgh
Boston over Montreal
Round 3:
Philly over Boston
WEST:
Round 1:
Anaheim over Dallas
LA over San Jose
Colorado over Minnesota
Chicago over St. Louis
Round 2:
Anaheim over LA
Colorado over Chicago
Round 3:
Colorado over Anaheim
STANLEY CUP FINALS:
Colorado over Philly
Odd for the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Here are the odds for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to online gambling site Bovada.lv.
Boston: 7-2
St. Louis: 6-1
Pittsburgh: 7-1
Chicago: 8-1
Anaheim, San Jose: 9-1
Los Angeles: 10-1
Colorado: 14-1
Philadelphia: 18-1
Detroit, Montreal, N.Y. Rangers: 20-1
Tampa Bay: 28-1
Minnesota: 40-1
Columbus, Dallas: 50-1
Boston: 7-2
St. Louis: 6-1
Pittsburgh: 7-1
Chicago: 8-1
Anaheim, San Jose: 9-1
Los Angeles: 10-1
Colorado: 14-1
Philadelphia: 18-1
Detroit, Montreal, N.Y. Rangers: 20-1
Tampa Bay: 28-1
Minnesota: 40-1
Columbus, Dallas: 50-1
Bruins get tough draw with Red Wings
There's a common theme starting to appear on line. I keep reading how the Boston Bruins don't match-up well against the Detroit Red Wings, because they're a fast skating team. It's true, the Red Wings won 3-of-4 games during the regular season. As a Bruins fan, the match-up with the Red Wings and the Montreal Canadiens are the least attractive to me.
@Real_ESPNLeBrun -- If I had to pick a Cup champion right now, I'd go with the Bruins, especially because the East should be a more navigable journey compared to the contender-deep West. Yet I'm sure Bruins fans aren't exactly overjoyed their team drew the dangerous Red Wings in the opening round, a team that beat Boston three out of four games this season. I'm still picking Boston to prevail, but the matchup proves yet again that there's no such thing as a layup in the salary-cap era. All 16 teams that made the postseason have a shot.
History tells us that the Boston Bruins haven't done very well against the Montreal Canadiens. Boston had a 1-2-1 record against the Habs this past season. That's a fact that well documented. So what did the Habs do, they added former Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek, a known Bruins killer at the NHL trade deadline. Bruins fans are hoping that the Tampa Bay Lightning knock the Habs out during the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
During his NHL career, Thomas Vanek has scored 62 points, including 30 goals, against the Bruins, far and away the most against any opponent he has faced. Vanek is really hot right now, finally breaking out with his new team by scoring a hat trick against the Colorado Avalanche (Mark Wallace Graham, Hockey Writers)The Bruins have a 2-5-2 record against the Red Wings and the Habs. Now, here’s the good news, the Boston Bruins have 15-1-0 record against the rest of the eastern teams in the playoffs. I know it sounds cliché, but anything can happen during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Years End and My UND Men's Awards
In a season that looked like we were going to be where Miami ended up this season, this group of guys showed the NCAA you don't need an explosive goal scorer to have success.
Even though the season ended in a heartbreaking fashion, this UND team has a solid base for the future ahead.
Now for my team awards. I will be giving out awards for my team MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and this years Unsung Hero.
So here we go. For my team MVP, I give it to a kid who has battled in every single game he has played this season. I consider him the backbone of this very hard working team. My MVP is goaltender Zane Gothberg. Gothberg ended his season with a 1.99 goals against average after going on one of the most impressive runs a UND goaltender has put on in quite some time. He always seemed to be there to answer the bell whenever he was called upon to do so. I have a feeling many people will be agreeing with me on this one that Zane Gothberg is the most deserving for team MVP this season.
My Offensive Player of the Year isn't going to be quite as easy to pick out. There are a couple of deserving players on this team to earn this title. However, I am giving this award to Michael Parks. Parks has proven himself in every single game and has very few flaws to his game. He always goes hard on the forecheck and battles hard in the corners. It is also very hard to knock Parks off of the puck and especially inside the offensive zone. The master of the wrap around tallied up 30 points this season, and looks to be a team leader next season. Michael Parks is my Offensive Player of the Year.
For my Defensive Player of the Year I go with the obvious choice in Dillon Simpson. He was the Ryan Suter comparison for UND this year playing the big minutes and in important situations for this team. Along with his ability to block shots better than almost anyone in the NCAA, Simpson is also one of the best puck movers on the blue line as well, which is why coach Hakstol had him running things there on the power play. Dillon Simpson is the easy choice, for me, for Defensive Player of the Year.
For my ROY I go to another defenseman, and Grand Forks native, Paul LaDue. LaDue's highlight game of the season probably came in their 9-2 victory over Miami when he was an outstanding +6 on the game. LaDue also would be one of the top freshman in +/- this season, and his opponents would find it hard to score whenever he was on the ice. LaDue is looking to be a leader on the blue line for UND for the years to come making it easy for me to pick him as ROY.
Finally for my Unsung Hero. I'm sure you all can guess where this one is going. This walk-on laid it out on the line for every shift he was able to play giving it 110%. He would always make a play that seemed to get the guys fired up at key times, and either set up, or score, goals at key times in games. I give this to Edina, Minnesota's Connor Gaarder. The junior was on fire down the stretch run and into the playoffs. Gaarder would score the game winner against Western Michigan in the NCHC third place game, which ultimately sent them to the NCAA tournament. Gaarder would also score the 2OT winner against Ferris State to send UND to their 20th Frozen Four and 6th in their last 10 seasons. Gaarder could have been the poster child for this team because his play is North Dakota Hockey to a tee.
Well another season gone and another season of a lot of success, but still no big one for coach Hakstol. I see nothing but bright things in the future for this program and next season should be a fun one that's for sure.
Even though the season ended in a heartbreaking fashion, this UND team has a solid base for the future ahead.
Now for my team awards. I will be giving out awards for my team MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and this years Unsung Hero.
So here we go. For my team MVP, I give it to a kid who has battled in every single game he has played this season. I consider him the backbone of this very hard working team. My MVP is goaltender Zane Gothberg. Gothberg ended his season with a 1.99 goals against average after going on one of the most impressive runs a UND goaltender has put on in quite some time. He always seemed to be there to answer the bell whenever he was called upon to do so. I have a feeling many people will be agreeing with me on this one that Zane Gothberg is the most deserving for team MVP this season.
My Offensive Player of the Year isn't going to be quite as easy to pick out. There are a couple of deserving players on this team to earn this title. However, I am giving this award to Michael Parks. Parks has proven himself in every single game and has very few flaws to his game. He always goes hard on the forecheck and battles hard in the corners. It is also very hard to knock Parks off of the puck and especially inside the offensive zone. The master of the wrap around tallied up 30 points this season, and looks to be a team leader next season. Michael Parks is my Offensive Player of the Year.
For my Defensive Player of the Year I go with the obvious choice in Dillon Simpson. He was the Ryan Suter comparison for UND this year playing the big minutes and in important situations for this team. Along with his ability to block shots better than almost anyone in the NCAA, Simpson is also one of the best puck movers on the blue line as well, which is why coach Hakstol had him running things there on the power play. Dillon Simpson is the easy choice, for me, for Defensive Player of the Year.
For my ROY I go to another defenseman, and Grand Forks native, Paul LaDue. LaDue's highlight game of the season probably came in their 9-2 victory over Miami when he was an outstanding +6 on the game. LaDue also would be one of the top freshman in +/- this season, and his opponents would find it hard to score whenever he was on the ice. LaDue is looking to be a leader on the blue line for UND for the years to come making it easy for me to pick him as ROY.
Finally for my Unsung Hero. I'm sure you all can guess where this one is going. This walk-on laid it out on the line for every shift he was able to play giving it 110%. He would always make a play that seemed to get the guys fired up at key times, and either set up, or score, goals at key times in games. I give this to Edina, Minnesota's Connor Gaarder. The junior was on fire down the stretch run and into the playoffs. Gaarder would score the game winner against Western Michigan in the NCHC third place game, which ultimately sent them to the NCAA tournament. Gaarder would also score the 2OT winner against Ferris State to send UND to their 20th Frozen Four and 6th in their last 10 seasons. Gaarder could have been the poster child for this team because his play is North Dakota Hockey to a tee.
Well another season gone and another season of a lot of success, but still no big one for coach Hakstol. I see nothing but bright things in the future for this program and next season should be a fun one that's for sure.
Justin Johnson drops John Scott (Video)
Watch this punch, that's a sledgehammer. Couldn't have happen to a nicer guy. Talk about karma finally coming around to bite you in the butt.
Two former college guys beating each other up. Justin Johnson played with the University of Anchorage Alaska Seawolves. John Scott played at Michigan Tech University.
02:22 BUF John Scott Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Justin Johnson
02:22 NYI Justin Johnson Fighting (maj) - 5 min against John Scott
Union takes home the title
Wow! What a game last night. IMHO, this was one of the better Frozen Four championship games that I have seen. Some might say that the improbable happened last night. Union College with one NHL draft choice, and no scholarships, beat the mighty Golden Gophers 7-4. Just for the record, the Gophers have 14 NHL draft choices on their roster.
Junior defenseman Shane Gostisbehere is the only player
on the Dutchmen’s roster that is drafted by an NHL team (Philadelphia 2012). After
his play this past weekend, there’s also a good chance that the Flyers will
want Gostisbehere to sign a professional contract, soon.
If you’re a regular college hockey fan, you will know that
this wasn’t a fluke. Union came into last night’s game on a 16-0-1 run, and the
Dutchmen hadn’t lost since January 31, 2014. Union has a knack for beating the big-time,
high-profile teams. Over the last two seasons, the Dutchmen have ended the
Boston College Eagles season. This year only reinforces that the ECAC is
becoming the premiere, power-house conference in college hockey. That's two titles, in
two seasons, not too shabby.
Union has a very veteran lineup with five seniors on
their roster. The average age of their senior class is 23 years old. I have
seen some making an issue of the Dutchmen’s age, but I don’t see a problem with
it.
Just for the record, the average age of the Union is 21years
and 11 months old. The average of the Minnesota Gophers is 21 years and two
months old. There’s not too much difference in age.
Union will lose five seniors, Daniel Carr (22g-28a—50pts),
Mat Bodie (8g-31a—39pts), Kevin Sullivan (9g-29a—38pts), Matt Hatch (13g-9a—22pts),
Cole Ikkala (2g-2a—4pts).
Congrats to the Gophers and the Dutchmen on a great season.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
An Early, Basic, Brief, and Very Amateur look at the incoming Freshmen for next year (Redwing77)
Ok, one thing I have been able to do even with grad school, is to keep up with the local USHL scene in Omaha, Nebraska. I've gotten to see a few of UND's future recruits in action, but I'm going to limit this article to ONLY those I've seen AND those who are listed per Heisenberg and Schlossman's blog as being 2014 recruits. I want to be VERY VERY clear: I'm only speaking of these players from a fan/viewer point of view. If you want a coach's perspective or one more like a scout, then read no further. This report is VERY amateur.
Right now, per Heisenberg, the following players are incoming:
Goaltenders:
Cam Johnson - Fargo/Waterloo (USHL)
Defensemen:
Hayden Shaw - Waterloo (USHL)
Tucker Poolman - Omaha (USHL)
Forwards:
Nick Schmaltz - Green Bay (USHL)
Trevor Olson - Sioux City (USHL)
John Simonson - Lincoln (USHL)
First, those I've only seen in limited capacity:
Hayden Shaw and Nick Schmaltz. I'm no scout. I've seen Waterloo play, but Shaw did not stand out. That's fine, as he's a defenseman. From what little I've seen of him thus far, he looks to be a shut down defenseman. What he actually turns out to be is unknown. Truthfully, he's a 1996 birthday. With only four slots opening, and assuming no one bolts, I'm curious to know if Hakstol asks Shaw to wait a year. Then again, I do not know how Coach Hakstol will work it.
Nick Schmaltz is the most limited of viewership of the list. I've only seen him play once and it was on a lousy webcast game between Green Bay and Omaha. He seemed fast but he didn't stand out much. The commentators certainly raved a lot about him, though.
Trevor Olson - He's done alright this year for Sioux City. He wears the 'C' for Sioux City. Likes to hang out in front of the net. However, at least tonight, he did quite a bit of whining to the refs (though I can't really blame them. We had two of the worst officials I've ever witnessed). He's a pretty tall dude at 6'1" tall. I think at the NCAA level he'll be another Rodwell or perhaps a Gaarder type.
Most Viewership:
John Simonson - He was Lincoln's leading scorer and scholarship winner. He wore the 'A' for Lincoln this year (future Alaska Nanook hack Zach Frye wore the C). He played for a rather poor team racked with disappointing defensive performances, suspensions, injuries, and tragedy this year. He has a lot of pep to his game and loves to rush the net. I think he reminds me of a Mark McMillan type player.... Maybe O'Donnell even.
Cam Johnson - Ok, most of my viewership came before he was traded to Waterloo. He started the year as Fargo's starting goaltender and was traded while still in that capacity. In my opinion, he really was the ONLY veteran player on Fargo that was playing well consistently, but it was never enough. Fargo has the worst team D in the USHL and their record shows it. That being said, Johnson had his fair share of consistency issues. I'm not too concerned about Johnson at UND unless he's expected to jump right in and start right off the bat (say, if Gothberg bolts). He can steal games, but he's not as talented as Gothberg yet. He does have tremendous potential though.
Tucker Poolman - This is the fellow I have the MOST exposure to. I'm not sure if it is the coach's strategy or not, but he's the most aggressive defenseman in the offensive zone I've ever seen. He's OFTEN deep in the zone and many of his USHL leading goals (among defensemen) came from below the faceoff circles. He's on the ice in every situation and logs a ton of minutes. He's NOT physical at all. Don't look for him to make any really big hits. He has fought at least once this year in the USHL but even the fans were wondering what the heck was going on to force him to fight. If I were to describe Poolman, he'd be a combination between Mattson and perhaps LaDue. I do NOT project him to continue this style of play at UND and I likewise do not expect him to be a world beater offensively at the NCAA level. However, what he COULD be is the next Dillon Simpson in terms of on and off ice leadership. He is far and away the best defenseman on Omaha and, imo, one of the top 3 defenseman in the USHL this year.
Who knows how it is going to turn out. Who knows if who I compared these players to (if I did at all) is even close. Maybe I'll be wrong and Olson will light it up. Maybe there's another Trevor Hammer or Wes Dorey in this mix. I don't know. All I do know is that there's a LOT of good coming our way in the next few years (Christian Evers is going to grow into a stud, imo).
Right now, per Heisenberg, the following players are incoming:
Goaltenders:
Cam Johnson - Fargo/Waterloo (USHL)
Defensemen:
Hayden Shaw - Waterloo (USHL)
Tucker Poolman - Omaha (USHL)
Forwards:
Nick Schmaltz - Green Bay (USHL)
Trevor Olson - Sioux City (USHL)
John Simonson - Lincoln (USHL)
First, those I've only seen in limited capacity:
Hayden Shaw and Nick Schmaltz. I'm no scout. I've seen Waterloo play, but Shaw did not stand out. That's fine, as he's a defenseman. From what little I've seen of him thus far, he looks to be a shut down defenseman. What he actually turns out to be is unknown. Truthfully, he's a 1996 birthday. With only four slots opening, and assuming no one bolts, I'm curious to know if Hakstol asks Shaw to wait a year. Then again, I do not know how Coach Hakstol will work it.
Nick Schmaltz is the most limited of viewership of the list. I've only seen him play once and it was on a lousy webcast game between Green Bay and Omaha. He seemed fast but he didn't stand out much. The commentators certainly raved a lot about him, though.
Trevor Olson - He's done alright this year for Sioux City. He wears the 'C' for Sioux City. Likes to hang out in front of the net. However, at least tonight, he did quite a bit of whining to the refs (though I can't really blame them. We had two of the worst officials I've ever witnessed). He's a pretty tall dude at 6'1" tall. I think at the NCAA level he'll be another Rodwell or perhaps a Gaarder type.
Most Viewership:
John Simonson - He was Lincoln's leading scorer and scholarship winner. He wore the 'A' for Lincoln this year (future Alaska Nanook hack Zach Frye wore the C). He played for a rather poor team racked with disappointing defensive performances, suspensions, injuries, and tragedy this year. He has a lot of pep to his game and loves to rush the net. I think he reminds me of a Mark McMillan type player.... Maybe O'Donnell even.
Cam Johnson - Ok, most of my viewership came before he was traded to Waterloo. He started the year as Fargo's starting goaltender and was traded while still in that capacity. In my opinion, he really was the ONLY veteran player on Fargo that was playing well consistently, but it was never enough. Fargo has the worst team D in the USHL and their record shows it. That being said, Johnson had his fair share of consistency issues. I'm not too concerned about Johnson at UND unless he's expected to jump right in and start right off the bat (say, if Gothberg bolts). He can steal games, but he's not as talented as Gothberg yet. He does have tremendous potential though.
Tucker Poolman - This is the fellow I have the MOST exposure to. I'm not sure if it is the coach's strategy or not, but he's the most aggressive defenseman in the offensive zone I've ever seen. He's OFTEN deep in the zone and many of his USHL leading goals (among defensemen) came from below the faceoff circles. He's on the ice in every situation and logs a ton of minutes. He's NOT physical at all. Don't look for him to make any really big hits. He has fought at least once this year in the USHL but even the fans were wondering what the heck was going on to force him to fight. If I were to describe Poolman, he'd be a combination between Mattson and perhaps LaDue. I do NOT project him to continue this style of play at UND and I likewise do not expect him to be a world beater offensively at the NCAA level. However, what he COULD be is the next Dillon Simpson in terms of on and off ice leadership. He is far and away the best defenseman on Omaha and, imo, one of the top 3 defenseman in the USHL this year.
Who knows how it is going to turn out. Who knows if who I compared these players to (if I did at all) is even close. Maybe I'll be wrong and Olson will light it up. Maybe there's another Trevor Hammer or Wes Dorey in this mix. I don't know. All I do know is that there's a LOT of good coming our way in the next few years (Christian Evers is going to grow into a stud, imo).
Gophers lose, are the fans set to riot in streets of Dinkytown?
RT @JanelKlein: A MN State Patrol helicopter just hovered over the crowd at the U of MN pic.twitter.com/fsN0Tdv1kM
— KARE 11 (@kare11) April 13, 2014
Crowds getting more rowdy in Dinkytown. @karlahult on the scene covering it live now on @kare11 news
— Rena Sarigianopoulos (@RenaKARE11) April 13, 2014
What do we have here?
Minneapolis PD @ChiefHarteau in riot gear live on @kare11. Trying to keep order as crowd grows at 14th & 4th. pic.twitter.com/8PgEl5uJub
— Blake McCoy (@BlakeKARE11) April 13, 2014
RT @JanelKlein: More than 300 officers are watching the crowds on the U of MN campus. pic.twitter.com/mnMc9E6c5M
— KARE 11 (@kare11) April 13, 2014
Gopher fans gather in Dinkytown after U of M loses NCAA Championship 7-4. Live video here: http://t.co/3X9w8rnDM7 pic.twitter.com/AAmUXuw7Pb
— KARE 11 (@kare11) April 13, 2014
MT @JanelKlein: Crowds pack the streets at U of MN after the Gopher hockey team loses NCAA championship game pic.twitter.com/THGOhZHkTX
— KARE 11 (@kare11) April 13, 2014
NHL Officials not allowed on Social Media
Interesting piece. I can't imagine a world without any of these things. I suppose there's a life outside of the Internet.
Social media is off-limits for all the officials! They are not allowed to have a Facebook or Twitter account as information could easily be misconstrued or deemed to be inappropriate. It is just another undesirable location that the officials could become accessible. After NBA referee Tim Donaghy was convicted on criminal charges and served time in federal prison for betting on games he officiated, NHL officials are "strongly discouraged" from entering casinos while travelling on NHL business. You can forget about reading a book written by any NHL officials until after they retire; unless perhaps it is a children's coloring book! Other than the number on the back of their sweater (no names since '94) the league is most content when their officials are seen and not heard from.
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