College Hockey’s Influence on Team USA World Championship

LORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey announced today the first 15 players of the 2015 U.S. Men's National Team that will compete in the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship May 1-17 in Ostrava and Prague, Czech Republic. The initial group of players includes one goaltender, six defensemen and eight forwards.

Marc Arcobello, F, Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – Yale University

Justin Faulk, D, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) – Minnesota-Duluth

Jake Gardiner, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) – Wisconsin

Matt Hendricks, F, Edmonton Oilers (NHL) – St. Cloud State

Torey Krug, D, Boston Bruins (NHL) – Michigan State

Dylan Larkin, F, University of Michigan (Big Ten)

Trevor Lewis, F, Los Angeles Kings (NHL) – OHL

Alex Lyon, G, Yale University (ECAC Hockey)

John Moore, D, Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – OHL

Jeremy Morin, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) – OHL

Steve Moses, F, Jokerit (KHL) – New Hampshire

Connor Murphy, D, Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – OHL

Mike Reilly, D, University of Minnesota (Big Ten)

Dan Sexton, F, Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (KHL) – Bowling Green State

Ben Smith, F, San Jose Sharks (NHL) – Boston College

Jimmy Vesey, F, Harvard University (ECAC Hockey)

Checking the roster, 12-of-16 players had NCAA experience. 

Enter Devan Dubnyk

Here's some of an article that I wrote for the Hockey Writers. 

On January 14, 2015, the Minnesota Wild acquired Devan Dubnyk (97-91-26, 2.69 GAA, .914 SV%) from the Arizona Coyotes for a third round draft pick in the 2015 NHL entry.

That move appeared to be a steal as Dubnyk started 38 games in a row for the Wild. During those 38 games, Dubnyk went (27-8-2, 1.78 GAA, .936 SV%) and helped the Wild qualify for the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Wild finished with a (48-26-8) record and will play the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Needless to say, Dubnyk helped Wild turn their season around. Without Dubnyk, the Wild would be scheduling their tee times and playing golf. Since the Wild acquired Dubnyk, they’re a plus-43 goal differential. That’s the best in the NHL.

In three games against the Blues, Dubnyk is (2-1-0, 2.62 GAA, and .918 SV%) against the Blues this season.

Last summer, Dubnyk signed a one-year deal worth $800,000.00 with the Arizona Coyotes and will soon to be an unrestricted free agent. Based on his performance with the Wild, Dubnyk is set to cash in during the NHL’s 2015 free agent signing period. The Wild might want to consider offering him to a contract as soon as possible.

2014-15 ALL-CHN TEAMS

First Team All-CHN

F Jack Eichel, Fr., Boston University

F Jimmy Vesey, Jr., Harvard

F Daniel Ciampini, Sr., Union

D Mike Reilly, Jr., Minnesota

D Joey LaLeggia, Sr., Denver

G Zane McIntyre, Jr., North Dakota

Second Team All-CHN

F Evan Rodrigues, Sr., Boston University

F Zach Hyman, Sr., Michigan

F Tanner Kero, Michigan Tech

D Matt Grzelcyk, Jr., Boston University

D Robbie Russo, Sr., Notre Dame

G Kyle Hayton, Fr., St. Lawrence

All-CHN Rookie Team

F Jack Eichel, BU

F Dylan Larkin, Michigan

F Danton Heinen, Denver

D Noah Hanifin, BC

D Louie Belpedio, Miami

G Kyle Hayton, St. Lawrence

USCHO All-American Teams

First Team
F Jack Eichel, Boston University
F Tanner Kero, Michigan Tech
F Jimmy Vesey, Harvard
D Matt Grzelcyk, Boston University
D Joey LaLeggia, Denver
G Jon Gillies, Providence

Second Team
F Daniel Ciampini, Union
F Matt Garbowski, RIT
F Zach Hyman, Michigan
D Mike Paliotta, Vermont
D Mike Reilly, Minnesota
G Zane McIntyre, North Dakota

 

Third Team
F Sam Anas, Quinnipiac
F Bryce Gervais, Minnesota State
F Evan Rodrigues, Boston University
D Rob O’Gara, Yale
D Robbie Russo, Notre Dame
G Ryan Massa, Omaha

UND junior goalie Zane McIntyre has been named to the UCHO second team All-American.

Humble Pie a la Mode

by Redwing77

The season is over and the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but that's not what is humbling to me.  I remember back in 2005 when all four Frozen Four teams were from the same conference.  WCHA fans crowed about how awesome the WCHA was and, well, the WCHA won the NC that year.  But was that truly great?

In college football the only people who were overjoyed by the Alabama vs. LSU National Championship game was the teams who were playing and their fans... and ESPN.  It might have been the lowest rated championship football contest in terms of TV ratings in the TV era.

All season long, NCHC fans crowed about how amazing the conference is.  And I put up with it.  After all, my team is in the NCHC and the NCHC did dominate over the season.  Certainly they deserved respect.

But then on USCHO I read an altogether astonishing statement:  "The NCHC is the SEC of college hockey."

Wait... What?

The NCHC is NOT the SEC of college hockey.  The SEC of college hockey doesn't exist anymore.  I'd argue the last time the SEC of college hockey existed was back when North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan were in the same conference along with Notre Dame and Michigan State.  Yeah.  The SEC of college hockey broke up in 1981.

This year the NCHC had 6 teams make the NCAA Playoffs.  Two made the Frozen Four.  It is certainly a great accomplishment.  In the end, however, Hockey East prevailed.  Hockey East has been around longer than the NCHC, even if the teams in the NCHC have storied histories.

I think we need to take a step back a little bit.  We are a strong conference with great teams and super competition.  However, we are 0-2 in National Championships as a conference.  In fact, as a conference, we've yet to get a team to the National Championship game.

Calling the NCHC the "SEC of college hockey" makes me chafe.  We do not want to be the SEC of college hockey.  I want the NCHC to be a dominant force, sure, but a respected one by all.  The SEC does not seem to hold much respect by those outside of ESPN and the fanbases of SEC teams.

Redwing77's Bracket

by Redwing77

Redwing77's Stanley Cup Bracket

Goon posted his Bracket Challenge and I'm going to post mine.  I admit to being a bit homer with my Wings and I did post a major upset in the first round.  Sorry Habs fans.  Carey Price seems to actually be a good goaltender and he has chilled from his early career chumpiness.  However, the Habs have had abysmal luck against Ottawa this year.  And, quite honestly, I'd like to throw out a small bone to former Bowling Green State University goaltender, Andrew Hammond.

All in all, however, I think the entire bracket is irrelevant because I truly believe the Rangers are simply going to steamroll anyone they meet and take it all.  I put Chicago in the Finals because Crawford seems to actually play like an elite goaltender when he gets into the playoffs....sometimes anyways.  I believe Dubnyk's insane run ends vs. Oshie and the Blues.  Halak's stumbling continues in the playoffs.  Fleury sieves hardcore before the buzzsaw known as the Rangers.  Honestly, whoever wins the Detroit vs. Tampa series will face the Rangers in the EC Finals.

If my bracket holds together (which any betting man would bet against it), the series to watch will be the Blues vs. Wild, Chicago vs. Nashville (goaltending vs. offense really), and ALL of the Rangers games.  I think the entire Anaheim subbracket is the most boring bracket.

Original Six wins again.

My Stanley Cup Playoff Picks

It's that time of year again. I have the Tampa Bay Lightning winning it all this season. So, Tampa fans can blame me for jinxing their team.

Boston, er, Providence College Terriers (Video)

Wow! The person presenting the trophy can't even get the name of the school right.

This Would Be Good News

As I noted on radio, I'm getting the impression that UND sophomore defenseman Paul LaDue will remain with the Sioux for his junior year...
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 10, 2015

This would appear to be some very good news. I can't imagine that Paul LaDue is ready to step in and play at the NHL level just yet, but he's definitely improved over the last few seasons and can only get better playing in the NCHC. When I interviewed him earlier in the season, I got the impression that he likes playing for the hometown team.

...LaDue probably wasn't seen as much of a threat to sign w/ LA as Brodzinski. He's happy at UND; LAK comfortable w/ development there.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 10, 2015

Boston University’s Matt O’Connor misplays the Puck

Is it Karma? I don't know. It will be the shot that everyone remembers. It's hockey and weird stuff happens during games sometimes. In the semifinal game against UND, O'Connor gave up a bad goal to Troy Stecher as well.

Frozen Four: UND vs. BU Goals

While UND didn't win the game, this was an exciting game. I think UND was the better team, but failed to cash in on their opportunities.That being said, it was a tough way for UND to end their season.

Also, I thought UND got some untimely poor goaltending. All season long, Zane McIntyre was insane, he played well and was the team's most valuable player.

Massa Saving Mavericks so Far

The Providence College Friars have been in the Omaha Mavericks end most of the first period. Check out this save by Ryan Massa.

Typical Tiger Woods Shot

s/t @cjzero. I kind of like how Tiger Woods hits a bad shot then follows through, no twirl and drops his club.

Frozen Four: Eastern Bias Episode No. 29

EPISODE No. 29: FROZEN FOUR PREVIEW! With @BurntBoats, @TheBUHockeyBlog, @goon48 and the UNO bus with @samithenerd. http://t.co/Fbef0kh4Y5
— Eastern Bias (@easternbias) April 9, 2015

I had the opportunity to go on the podcast with the Eastern Bias team.

NCAA Frozen Four: UND Presser

At about the 12:30 mark the press conference starts. There were some things that stuck out today. Make no mistake about it, UND is on a business trip.

“It’s a real narrow focus here,” Zane McIntyre said. “We’re coming for business.”

Coach Hakstol was asked if he had any Instagram selfies. The answer is classic Hakstol.

“I’m working on it,” Hakstol said. “Maybe you can help me with that technology.”

Speaking of Bad Nickname Ideas; Las Vegas Flamingos?

The University of North Dakota is going through the process of picking a new nickname, and many of us are worried that the university is going to pick a really bad nickname.

Looking at this suggestion by Craig Custance, Flamingos would take the cake for a horrible nickname. I can't imagine that anyone would allow this to happen.

That being said, I do like the Outlaws nickname that Tim Kavanaugh included in the linked article.

What would a team in Las Vegas be called? We've got suggestions. @CraigCustance http://t.co/LWjD0gQbuJ pic.twitter.com/q1Eu6q1loy
— ESPN NHL coverage (@ESPN_NHL) April 8, 2015

Wild Are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Back in January, I wrote this for the Hockey Writers.

The Minnesota Wild are going through a rough stretch. The Wild have lost 11-of-13 games (2-7-4) and if the Stanley Cup Playoffs started today, the Wild would be golfing.

Currently, the Wild (18-18-5) are in 12th place in the Western Conference and are seven points out of the final Wild Card spot.

Even though the Wild are struggling, head coach Mike Yeo still has confidence in his team. To many Wild fans, these are empty, meaningless words. They want wins, not platitudes.

“I still have confidence in this group,” Yeo said after Sunday’s game. “Still know what we’re capable of, but there’s no doubt the clock is ticking here.” (Michael Russo)

While there are some fans that will disagree with me. I think it’s a good thing the Wild didn’t fire Mike Yeo. The Wild (45-27-8) are going back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and since January 13, 2015 have gone 27-9-3 (.730). 

The Wild acquired goalie Devan Dubnyk (27-8-2, 1.73 GAA, .938 SV%). Also, Dubnyk five shutouts and has added two assists. I guess you could say that the rest is pretty much history. 

A Look at the NHL Standings

With the win against the Chicago Blackhawks last night, the Wild are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There's one spot remaining in the West. In the East, the Bruins, Pens and Senators are fighting for the remaining spot. It's going down to the wire.

How the Wild Make the Playoffs

Startribune’sMichael Russo had the Wild Playoffs Possibilities’. All of these possibilities make your head spin.  

The Wild would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Blackhawks in regulation OR if they win in a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

• the Flames fail to win in regulation or overtime;
• the Jets lose in any fashion; or
• the Kings lose in any fashion.
  * The Wild also would clinch a playoff berth if they lose to the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

• the Kings lose in regulation;
• the Kings lose in overtime or a shootout AND the Jets lose in regulation;
• both the Flames and Kings lose in any fashion; or
• the Flames lose in any fashion AND the Jets lose in regulation.

Tuesday at the Links: Wild Finish Expected

This is the last week of hockey in the NHL. The Frozen Four kicks off this weekend. There's a lot of hockey news breaking.

The NHL’s 2014-15 regular season is over this weekend. Apparently, Ron MacLean has fallen out of favor with Rogers Sport Ca.

David Shoalts, the Globe and Mail -- The start of the NHL playoffs next week will likely bring a significant change for television viewers. For the first time in 28 years, Ron MacLean is not scheduled to be in a host’s chair for any of the first-round series. MacLean will only be seen in his role as Don Cherry’s sidekick on Coach’s Corner, although the plan is to have the popular duo on the air almost every night.

When Rogers Communications Inc. wrested the Canadian national broadcast rights away from the CBC and TSN before this season, MacLean was replaced as the main Hockey Night In Canada host by George Stroumboulopoulos. MacLean retained his role with Cherry, but his host duties were confined to Rogers Hometown Hockey broadcasts on Sunday nights on the Sportsnet and City networks. Hometown Hockey wrapped for the season last Sunday.

Brett Slawson of the Hockey Writers has his top-ten free agents.

Devan Dubnyk has been likely the most inspiring story in the NHL this year. After a disastrous 2013-14 season, Dubnyk’s NHL career looked to be coming to an end, however, since being given an opportunity with Arizona and now Minnesota, Devan has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL today.

Like Soderberg, Dubnyk is also in an interesting situation. Prior to this season, Dubnyk struggled to say the least, making it difficult for a club to reward Dubnyk for one stellar season amid a career of inconsistency.

At the age of 28, Dubnyk has a ton of hockey ahead of him, while his current cap hit of 378K with the Wild, per conditions of his trade from Arizona, make Dubnyk the best bargain in the NHL. His 2014-15 contract, which pays 800K in total, is likely much less than the Wild or any other team will be willing to pay Devan for his services.

Considering Minnesota’s lack of goaltending options, the Wild will likely retain Dubnyk with a one to two year contract, as despite his stellar play this year, it’s hard to see a large number of NHL teams bidding for Dubnyk’s inconsistent services.

Hockey Wilderness: Wild Fail to Punch their Ticket to the Postseason

NHL Rumors: Bruins could look to trade Marc Savard's contract

SBN College Hockey: Goaltending key to Frozen Four Teams

Julien: We aren't out of the woods for playoff spot