Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe – The volatility of the position, however, might be enough for GMs Steve Yzerman and Ron Hextall to apply their money elsewhere.
Consider that the Avalanche, Bruins, and Blue Jackets are investing $20.325 million this season in Semyon Varlamov, Tuukka Rask, and Sergei Bobrovsky. In turn, the goalies are providing their employers with save percentages of .861, .854, and .840. They are wretched numbers that are more of a reflection of their teams’ ragged play than their individual performances. But none of the goalies have come close to approaching their previous standards. In Bobrovsky’s case, he helped Jackets coach Todd Richards lose his job.
Varlamov, Rask, and Bobrovsky are not this bad. Their numbers will improve. But the nature of goaltending — peaks and valleys, with defensive support playing a major role — does not make payment of a prime puck-stopper a sure thing.
The difference between a struggling, well-paid ace and an inexpensive backup is minimal when it comes to performance. But it’s a massive gap in cap allocations. In the case of Rask and Jonas Gustavsson ($700,000), it’s $6.3 million, or the price of a very good player.
It’s safer to invest big money and long term to skaters. They don’t have as many in-season variances in their play. Their performance also isn’t influenced as heavily by their teammates.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Over Paying Goalies
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe has a great piece on overpaying goaltenders. Some in the Wild fanbase were uttering some of the same things when the Devan Dubnyk to six-year 26 million dollar contract. So far this season, Dubnyk is (5-1-0, with a 2.35 GAA and a .907 SV%).
Nodaks Beat Catamounts 5-2
The announcers from Vermont called UND the Nodaks, maybe they know something we don't? Having watched the UVM video all weekend long, the video was top-notch and they could help a few of our NCHC brothers who don't have very good video production.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
A Goaltending Conundrum (RW77)
by Redwing77
Today, as I tediously tracked the Vermont score from the North Dakota iPhone App (I was with company and couldn't tune in), a viewer chimed in and remarked:
"Wouldn't it be interesting when Cam Johnson returns to be the third string goaltender."
I'm not sure this was tongue in cheek or serious, but let's pretend the poster was serious.
My response would be: A-wha?
There's no doubt in my mind that Matt Hyrnkiw has played fantastically and far exceeded EVERYONE'S (except perhaps the coaches and players) expectations. I will not take that away from him. I hope he continues to shine (He's now helped sweep Vermont).
That being said, he was brought in as a practice goaltender. The accurate statement would be "Wouldn't it be interesting to see the fans reaction when Matt goes from starter back to third stringer once Matej and Cam return?"
There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Johnson and Tomek are destined to be the feature goaltenders this season and Matt's career as a starter will last only until either Johnson or Tomek are once again at 100%. After all, 3 games started does not mean a goaltending controversy... especially when the goaltenders being usurped all all injured. This isn't Anthony Hammond usurping Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson here. Also, wins and ties against BSU and UVM are hardly quality wins. I'm curious how well the team would play if they were facing a lot tougher opponent... say a Denver, a UNO, or even a Miami (OH).
Like I said: This isn't to flame Matt or berate him in any way. It's just a plain fact.
I don't expect him to return to third stringer overnight, though. What Matt's play DOES do for UND is allow the trainers to bring Cam and Matej back to health fully before getting them on the ice. I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt start a game with Cam (or Matej, whomever is healthy first) as backup before ceding the starting role back to Cam or Matej (most likely Cam at this point).
Matt's a cinderella story. A very pleasant surprise. Surely we lucked out to have him as our #3 with the ability to step up under very unusual circumstances and step up in a big way.
Matt is destined for great things and I'm sure is living the dream as a starting goaltender for a top tier NCAA powerhouse hockey team. But he knows his role and he'll do whatever he can to fulfill that role.
I think the overall aftermath will be that you will see Hyrnkiw more than previously as primary backup for Johnson or Tomek (with one or the other taking a turn in the press box when healthy).
Today, as I tediously tracked the Vermont score from the North Dakota iPhone App (I was with company and couldn't tune in), a viewer chimed in and remarked:
"Wouldn't it be interesting when Cam Johnson returns to be the third string goaltender."
I'm not sure this was tongue in cheek or serious, but let's pretend the poster was serious.
My response would be: A-wha?
There's no doubt in my mind that Matt Hyrnkiw has played fantastically and far exceeded EVERYONE'S (except perhaps the coaches and players) expectations. I will not take that away from him. I hope he continues to shine (He's now helped sweep Vermont).
That being said, he was brought in as a practice goaltender. The accurate statement would be "Wouldn't it be interesting to see the fans reaction when Matt goes from starter back to third stringer once Matej and Cam return?"
There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Johnson and Tomek are destined to be the feature goaltenders this season and Matt's career as a starter will last only until either Johnson or Tomek are once again at 100%. After all, 3 games started does not mean a goaltending controversy... especially when the goaltenders being usurped all all injured. This isn't Anthony Hammond usurping Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson here. Also, wins and ties against BSU and UVM are hardly quality wins. I'm curious how well the team would play if they were facing a lot tougher opponent... say a Denver, a UNO, or even a Miami (OH).
Like I said: This isn't to flame Matt or berate him in any way. It's just a plain fact.
I don't expect him to return to third stringer overnight, though. What Matt's play DOES do for UND is allow the trainers to bring Cam and Matej back to health fully before getting them on the ice. I wouldn't be shocked to see Matt start a game with Cam (or Matej, whomever is healthy first) as backup before ceding the starting role back to Cam or Matej (most likely Cam at this point).
Matt's a cinderella story. A very pleasant surprise. Surely we lucked out to have him as our #3 with the ability to step up under very unusual circumstances and step up in a big way.
Matt is destined for great things and I'm sure is living the dream as a starting goaltender for a top tier NCAA powerhouse hockey team. But he knows his role and he'll do whatever he can to fulfill that role.
I think the overall aftermath will be that you will see Hyrnkiw more than previously as primary backup for Johnson or Tomek (with one or the other taking a turn in the press box when healthy).
UND's Hrynkiw Shines in Second-Career Start
(s/t to Schlossman for the video) All week long, Matt Hrynkiw has been the story. It's a nice feel-good story. Everyone has been talking about the walk-on third-string goalie at the Wednesday hockey press conference.
Myself included.
Last night, Hrynkiw stopped all 27 shots that he faced, earning him a shutout. Hrynkiw looked good between the pipes.
As I tweeted last night, after three games, Hrynkiw now has a 2-0-1 record, a 1.66 GAA, and a .933 SV%. That's pretty impressive for a third-string goalie that was probably never expected to play and probably wouldn't have played if Cam Johnson hadn't gone down with an injury.
Now, Johnson might have to work very hard to regain his starting spot. Frankly, I have been more impressed with Hrynkiw than I have with Johnson. Obviously, that could change.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Northeastern No Goal against the Gophers
I see no reason why this isn't a goal. The Northeaster forward is not in the Minnesota crease before the puck is in the net. There doesn't appear to be any contact with the goalie. I think this is a blown call by the B1G officials. Your thoughts.
Northeastern looked like it scored a goal. Being reviewed.
No goal call on the ice was for man in the crease.
3-0 #Gophers w/ 9:32 in 2nd
— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) October 24, 2015
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Flyers Unhappy with Zac Rinaldo's hit on Sean Couturier
Looks like Zac Rinaldo is trying to out do Rafi Torres and Matt Cooke. I am not sure that's possible. He's giving his all. No, this hit wasn't clean. There's no defending it. Will there be a suspension, the NHL hasn't made a decision on the hit yet.
As a Bruins fan, I was disappointed when the team Acquired Zac Rinaldo from the Philadelphia Flyers. In 228 games, Rinaldo has scored (8g-16a—24pts). The oft-suspended forward has racked up an amazing 582 minutes in penalties. That’s the equivalent of Rinaldo spending almost 10 games in the penalty box during his first five seasons in the NHL.
In today's NHL, players like Rinaldo are a dying breed, there's will be no room on NHL rosters for the one-dimensional players that racks up penalty minutes and receives long-term suspensions for bad behavior. These players will soon be gone in the NHL.
In his short five-year NHL career, Rinaldo has also been suspended 14 games.
Jan 26, 2015 Suspended by the NHL for 8 games.
Apr 07, 2014 Suspended by the NHL for 4 games.
Feb 13, 2012 Suspended by the NHL for 2 games.
Feb 04, 2012 Fined $5,000 by the NHL.
Obviously, the Flyers aren't happy with the hit in question.
Correction here. NHL didn't made a final decision on #bruins Zac Rinaldo.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 22, 2015
As a Bruins fan, I was disappointed when the team Acquired Zac Rinaldo from the Philadelphia Flyers. In 228 games, Rinaldo has scored (8g-16a—24pts). The oft-suspended forward has racked up an amazing 582 minutes in penalties. That’s the equivalent of Rinaldo spending almost 10 games in the penalty box during his first five seasons in the NHL.
In today's NHL, players like Rinaldo are a dying breed, there's will be no room on NHL rosters for the one-dimensional players that racks up penalty minutes and receives long-term suspensions for bad behavior. These players will soon be gone in the NHL.
In his short five-year NHL career, Rinaldo has also been suspended 14 games.
Jan 26, 2015 Suspended by the NHL for 8 games.
Apr 07, 2014 Suspended by the NHL for 4 games.
Feb 13, 2012 Suspended by the NHL for 2 games.
Feb 04, 2012 Fined $5,000 by the NHL.
Obviously, the Flyers aren't happy with the hit in question.
Sam Carchidi, Philly.com --- As the first period ended, former Flyer Rinaldo, his elbows up high, leveled Sean Couturier into the boards. It took Couturier a few minutes to get up, and he woozily skated to the locker room.The Flyers head coach wasn't very pleased with Rinaldo's check on Couturier. From Philly.com Flyers coach Dave Hakstol was fuming about the hit. "No place for it," he said.
He did not return after suffering what general manager Ron Hextall called an upper-body injury.
Rinaldo, who had a penchant for bad penalties when he played with the Flyers, was assessed a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. He is expected to receive his fourth career suspension.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Zac Rinaldo Hit on Sean Couturier
Boston Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier. Needless to say, Rinaldo's first game against his old team only lasted on period and he played only 2:53 minutes.
I don't think that this hit is suspension worthy, but the league will definitely take a look at it. Couturier was not on the bench to start the second period.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
T.J. Oshie Kisses His Stick
Oshie kisses his stick after scoring the 4th Caps goal, and his 3rd of the season pic.twitter.com/ew9wb8gjSO— Stephanie (@myregularface) October 21, 2015
Classic T.J. Oshie... After scoring his third goal of the year and the fourth goal for the Capitals, Oshie kisses his stick.
UND Nickname Vote: Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote
The group that filed the lawsuit to stop the nickname vote has failed. I can't imagine that there can be anything thing else standing in the way of the nickname vote. And as I write this, somehow karma will find a way to screw up the nickname vote. Now, the court has spoken and wasted no time throwing out this lawsuit. What nickname do we end up with?
Anna Burleson, Grand Forks Herald – A Fargo judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would have stopped the University of North Dakota's nickname vote. Court denies request to stop UND nickname vote.I must say that I agree with Rich Becker. There really are some bad nickname choices. Some are worse than others. I also think it's silly to not vote. At least you can have a hand in voting against the less attractive nicknames. I am sure you can figure out which one on your own.
Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in a complaint filed Thursday that the vote stop until UND or North Dakota are voting options and the state's Sioux tribes are included as eligible voters.
A judge denied the request Monday, citing a lack of evidence showing the vote would cause irreparable harm.
"We appreciate the decision of the courts," UND spokesman Peter Johnson said. "The voting process will continue, and we look forward to the results of the vote."
Becker, a Republican state representative from Grand Forks, said he had been told by legal counsel the case's hearing was short.
"We obviously will regroup and consider what our options are," he said.
"It is so obvious these five names inspire nobody really and they're trying to make lemonade out of a lemon," Becker said. "It is what it is. We're disappointed but the sun will come up tomorrow and we'll see what we're going to do next."
UND Nickname Vote: Zach Parise Doesn't Care for Choices
Former Fighting Sioux All-American forward Zach Parise doesn't like any of the Nickname choices that are being voted on. He's not alone, a lot of voters have relayed these feelings. It will be interesting to see if move on folks will complain about Parise who is one of UND's most popular Alumni.
Per Paul Walsh, Startribune:
Per Paul Walsh, Startribune:
The University of North Dakota opened voting Monday for a new nickname, with the ballot offering five choices to replace Fighting Sioux, and former UND hockey star Zach Parise has weighed in.
That nickname was erased in 2012 under pressure from the NCAA because of its potential to offend American Indians. New nickname options are: Fighting Hawks, Nodaks, North Stars, Roughriders and Sundogs.
Parise, a member of the Minnesota Wild who proudly wore the Sioux name on his jersey, said Monday that he doesn’t care for any of the names on the ballot.
Monday, October 19, 2015
UND Votes
— Tim Brubakken (@timbrubakken) October 19, 2015
Here's some of the tweets that came across my tweet deck today. The vote for a new nickname started today. What nickname did you vote for and why?
— Ryan Dunphy (@azsioux) October 19, 2015
Nodaks, Nodaks, and more Nodaks...What nickname did you vote for? In your opinion, which nickname is the least lame. For me, it's Fighting Hawks, but I can stomach Nodaks and Rough Riders, too.
Nodaks it is. #UNDnickname #NodakNation
— Tom Mroz (@tom_mroz) October 19, 2015
Sad day. Just voted #nodaks for the new nickname. Please for the love of God, don't vote Sundogs #UNDnickname #fightingsiouxforever
— Dan Riley (@rile0151) October 19, 2015
Sundogs probably won't be a popular choice. Not seeing the nickname Sundogs tweeted a lot today.
To anyone eligible to vote for the new UND nickname, please vote the fighting hawks!
— Spencer C (@C1Spencer) October 19, 2015
Words of the only other person from my high school to go to UND on the Nickname vote: "It's the Monte Mohawks thing all over again." #truth
— Sara Folkestad (@saraj323) October 19, 2015
Notch another vote for #Nodaks.
— Steve Drees (@stevedrees) October 19, 2015
Not that I want a new nickname but from the list of names were given I gotta choose Nodaks. Go back to where it all started. #tradition
— Drake Caggiula (@drakecaggiula) October 19, 2015
So I have been successfully co-opted into the process. #Nodaks #newnickname pic.twitter.com/YejTjmkWn9
— Trevor Van Berkom (@OhioSioux) October 19, 2015
I voted #Nodaks but will still call them the Fighting Sioux.
— Brad Boyd (@NDBrad) October 19, 2015
— Tim Brubakken (@timbrubakken) October 19, 2015
UND remains NO. 1 in USCHO.com Division I Men's Poll
October
19, 2015
Team
|
(First
Place Votes)
|
Record
|
Points
|
Last
Poll
|
|
1
|
North Dakota
|
(16)
|
2-
0-2
|
931
|
1
|
2
|
Nebraska-Omaha
|
(15)
|
4-
0-0
|
927
|
3
|
3
|
Providence
|
(12)
|
2-
0-1
|
902
|
2
|
4
|
Boston College
|
(
4)
|
2-
1-0
|
829
|
4
|
5
|
Minnesota-Duluth
|
(
1)
|
2-
1-0
|
730
|
7
|
6
|
Denver
|
3-
1-0
|
726
|
5
|
|
7
|
Massachusetts-Lowell
|
(
1)
|
3-
0-0
|
665
|
9
|
8
|
Boston University
|
1-
1-0
|
631
|
6
|
|
9
|
Harvard
|
0-
0-0
|
580
|
8
|
|
9
|
St. Cloud State
|
(
1)
|
4-
0-0
|
580
|
12
|
11
|
Michigan
|
2-
0-0
|
525
|
11
|
|
12
|
Bowling Green
|
3-
1-1
|
419
|
10
|
|
13
|
Yale
|
0-
0-0
|
387
|
13
|
|
14
|
Quinnipiac
|
3-
0-0
|
352
|
17
|
|
15
|
Miami
|
2-
1-1
|
312
|
18
|
|
16
|
Michigan Tech
|
1-
1-0
|
205
|
16
|
|
17
|
St. Lawrence
|
3-
1-0
|
180
|
19
|
|
18
|
Union
|
2-
0-2
|
145
|
NR
|
|
19
|
Merrimack
|
2-
0-0
|
70
|
NR
|
|
19
|
Minnesota
|
0-
3-0
|
70
|
15
|
|
Others receiving votes: Bemidji
State 59, Minnesota State 54, Massachusetts 39, Clarkson 29, Western Michigan
27, Notre Dame 25, Penn State 24, Robert Morris 24, Vermont 19, Dartmouth 18,
Michigan State 7, Bentley 5, Colgate 3, Cornell 1.
|
|||||
UND remains the number one team in this week’s USCHO Poll. I
expect a meltdown from a certain fan base or two. Don’t for get to vote for
your favorite nickname choice.
The 4th Beaver Goal on Friday
Take a look for yourself. I've had a few people ask about the fourth Beaver goal. The game-tying goal. Some have said that the playoff was offsides. I watched this play over and over again, the puck doesn't come out. But where is it?
Sunday, October 18, 2015
UND Nickname Vote Starts Tomorrow at 0800 C.T.
Remember Folks, if you can vote on the UND nickname and don't. You have no room to be upset if you don't like the end results. Per the email that we got. Feel Free to add your nickname choice and why.
Voting begins on Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. Central Time, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Oct. 23. The voting link will not be activated until the voting opens on Oct. 19.
Eligible voters will only be able to vote once, and will be asked to choose from the following potential nicknames:
Voting begins on Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. Central Time, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Oct. 23. The voting link will not be activated until the voting opens on Oct. 19.
Eligible voters will only be able to vote once, and will be asked to choose from the following potential nicknames:
- Fighting Hawks
- Nodaks
- North Stars
- Roughriders
- Sundogs
Lol. No Pizza... Matt Hrynkiw Saves
Boeser, Caggiula & Stecher got the three stars; Matt Hrynkiw got his first win, the hard hat and the fawning media. pic.twitter.com/VPkzIrgJdB
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) October 18, 2015
Junior walk-on goalie Matt Hrynkiw spent a lot of time talking to the media this past weekend after being into the fire. Hrynkiw showed great poise this past weekend and successfully met the challenge.When the junior goalie was asked if he was nervous making his first career start, ever.
I "was more nervous yesterday," Hrynkiw said of coming in relief Friday. "It was kind of spurred on me yesterday. Today, I was fully prepared. I went through my routine all day. I knew I was going in and I was plenty prepared for it."
Junior G Matt Hrynkiw meets with the media after making his collegiate debut in relief of an injured Cam Johnson. pic.twitter.com/YCLwN1L2cg
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) October 17, 2015
Is Nodak Nation Trending?
Last night, before the UND's game against the BSU Beavers, the Nodak Nation flag made an appearance in the student section. I have to admit that nickname is kind of catchy and could be trending. Tomorrow, I am still voting for Fighting Hawks.
That being said, could this be UND's new nickname? Apparently, the head coach of the UND hockey team Brad Berry seems to like the nickname, too.
Congrats Matt Hrynkiw-1st Collegiate Win. To Brock Boeser-1st Career Hat Trick. And our loud and passionate Student Sections. #NoDak Nation
— Brad Berry (@BradBerry29) October 18, 2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Lines UND vs. BSU
Some line changes for UND.
Matt Hrynkiw will get his first career start. UND forward Shane Gersich is out with an undisclosed illness.
Refs for this game will be Todd Anderson, Timm Walsh, Linesmen Mike Eslinger, Brandon Schmitt
Friday, October 16, 2015
Breaking News: Lawsuit filed to stop nickname vote; UND says it won't affect process
Just when you think it can't get any weirder, now a lawsuit has been filed to stop the nickname vote. No idea how this turns out, but UND is going ahead with the vote.
Per the Grand Forks Herald:
Per the Grand Forks Herald:
A lawsuit was filed in district court in Grand Forks Thursday in an attempt to stop UND's upcoming nickname vote, though for now the vote will continue as planned.
Plaintiffs Lavonne Alberts, Rich Becker and William Le Caine requested in their complaint that the vote be stopped and held only when UND or North Dakota is on the ballot and members of the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes are allowed to participate.
UND spokesman Peter Johnson said in an email that the school is aware of what had been filed.
"The university intends to move forward with the nickname vote as planned beginning on Oct. 19 unless otherwise directed by the courts," he said.
Related articles
A Troll Is Trying To Hijack The University Of North Dakota's Search For A New Nickname(deadspin.com)
North Dakota Football Player Accused of Theft Did So While Wearing Jersey(lostlettermen.com)
University of North Dakota: Nickname vote will stand(bismarcktribune.com)
Herald Letter: Here's hoping Haakenson blocks UND nickname change(ndgoon.blogspot.com)
Shelby Amsley-Benzie with the Shutout
Coming into the weekend’s WCHA series between UND and the BSU Beavers, both teams knew that goals were going to be at a premium. Today was no different.
The game reminded me of a playoff game. There was little room to roam on the ice and the game was a tight-checking defensive battle. After the game, there were a few players wearing ice bags.
When it was all said and done, two goaltenders had shutouts and the only goal of the game came on a shootout. UND senior forward Becca Kohler scored the shootout winning goal giving UND a 1-0 win. The game will officially go down as a tie in the Pairwise Rankings, and UND will get the extra points.
If you're not following @Chips_Corner on twitter, you need to.
The game reminded me of a playoff game. There was little room to roam on the ice and the game was a tight-checking defensive battle. After the game, there were a few players wearing ice bags.
When it was all said and done, two goaltenders had shutouts and the only goal of the game came on a shootout. UND senior forward Becca Kohler scored the shootout winning goal giving UND a 1-0 win. The game will officially go down as a tie in the Pairwise Rankings, and UND will get the extra points.
Amy's hard hat is an easy pick tonight, Shelby with the shutouuuuut 💚💚 pic.twitter.com/l5RdJqYn3O— Chip Chipman (@Chips_Corner) October 16, 2015
If you're not following @Chips_Corner on twitter, you need to.
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