Instead of simply making this a comment on the previous blog post, I decided to react to it AND give my thoughts on the upcoming series.
The Mav Sweep Video React
This is what I saw when I watched the video:
1. Most of the Mav goals came out of Gopher defensive breakdowns. Good teams capitalize on opposition mistakes and the Mavs did that. However, our defense is much better than Minnesota's. Jutting won't have the ability to walk into the arena on Friday knowing that John "Sucks at all things Hockey" Hill will not be there. If Jutting plays us like they played Minnesota, we'll beat them hands down.
2. 2 of the goals that were scored were flat out weak. The one on Friday where Kangas(?) was hugging the post was weak as all get out and the one on Saturday where Patterson decided not to simply smother the puck but rather attempt to pick it up simply elevated the puck enough for the Mavs player to lift it over his shoulder and into the net. W-E-A-K. Hopefully Patterson at least got an assist on the goal.
3. MSUM came into the season with the media convinced that their defense and goaltending are going to be average and their offense nonexistent. I was convinced of this as well. I don't feel like they'll be competing for home ice by the end of the season. However, they're not as bad as what was forecast...at least at this time.
UND SHOULD sweep MSUM but that doesn't mean much. UND has had tendencies the past few years to not take "bottom dwellers" all that seriously. UAA has gotten the better of UND several times because of this. And MSUM could benefit from that this weekend if UND isn't careful. The matter will be made easier by Gregoire and Hextall being out.
If Nelson and Genoway are also out, things will get a bit rocky. You can't sit here and say that losing your top D, top F, top gritty forward, and an up and coming freshman won't affect the team. However, if we do lose, it won't be because of injuries. Our team is too stacked for that excuse.
Assuming Nelson and Genoway are out, here's what I'd expect:
19 Evan Trupp–22 Brad Malone–21 Matt Frattin
11 Derek Rodwell*–10 Corban Knight–7 Danny Kristo
15 Brent Davidson–9 Mario Lamoureux–27 Carter Rowney
13 Brett Bruneteau*-8 Mike Cichy*-20 Joe Gleason
24 Ben Blood - 4 Derek Forbort
3 Derrick LaPoint - 25 Jake Marto
2 Andrew MacWilliam - 18 Dillon Simpson
32 Aaron Dell
31 Brad Eidsness
* - Note: Ok, I'm not really sure who would play left wing on the second line. It would either be Cichy or they'd fit someone in. I like Rodwell and I think he'd be a good fit if he can play left wing. Since Cichy played left wing this season in the past, it would be an easy fit. If Cichy did move up to the 2nd line, then 4th line center would be a question mark. I thought Cichy and Bruneteau have played center in the past (either at UND or in juniors) but I can't remember. So, it just as easily could be either of the two taking faceoffs.
I have no information about Nelson or Genoway and I'm optimistic (while being in the dark) that both will play. However, I'm not sure how strong our 4th line will be if Nelson is out. Yeah, his offensive numbers haven't been outstanding, but he's played solid.
My prediction: Too variable at this time to guess. however, like I said, we should be able to sweep them. However, MSUM's home arena has given us fits in the past and MSUM is playing very well right now.
Thoughts?
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