While the second period of Friday's game left much to be desired, the UMD Bulldogs still found a way to get two NCHC standings points out of the evening, thanks to sophomore defenseman Neal Pionk's rocket of a one-timer with 41.7 seconds left in the third to tie it, then another blast for a power play goal 18 seconds into three-on-three overtime.
More will be needed to secure the five points that are now maximum for the series.
UMD will welcome back freshman forward Joey Anderson for this game, after he sat Friday to rest following the World Junior Championship. With Anderson's return, the forward lines are jumbled a bit, and freshman Jade Miller will be scratched.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Iafallo - Toninato - Anderson
Osterberg - Thomas - Mackay
Tufte - Johnson - Kuhlman
Peterson - Spurrell - Exell
Soucy - Raskob
Pionk - Kotyk
Wolff - Molenaar
Miska - Deery - Shepard
CC
Bergh - Gerdes - Hansen
Berardinelli - Rothstein - Halloran
Kehoe - Ockey - Michaud
Burmaster - Van Horn - Makara
Kivihalme - Farny
Blumenschein - Israel
McCaskill - Josefchak
Leclerc - Shatzer
Saturday, January 07, 2017
Saturday Hockey Notes and Thoughts: Bulldogs Get Late Pionk Goal for Tie
When the chips were down Friday night, UMD did what it's done for most of the 2016-17 season.
It found a way.
Friday's game was far from pretty, certainly leaving much to be desired on the Bulldogs' side, but UMD was able to grind out a 2-2 tie against last-place Colorado College at Amsoil Arena.
Sophomore defenseman Neal Pionk's rocket of a one-timer beat CC goalie Alex Leclerc with 41.7 seconds left in the third period to tie the game. After a scoreless overtime, the teams went to three-on-three overtime for an extra point in the NCHC standings. It was actually four-on-three, as a UMD power play carried over, and Pionk buried another blast from up high to end the game and get the Bulldogs that valuable point.
Lots to talk about here, and I'm going to try to be somewhat brief while covering as much as possible.
First, the Friday game. Not nearly good enough from UMD overall on this night, especially in the second period. The Bulldogs looked good at the start of the game, playing with some energy, but struggling to get a lot of quality scoring chances. The Tigers have played much better defensive hockey over a stretch that is now seven games, and they showed why in this game, frustrating the Bulldogs and limiting those grade-A opportunities.
Avery Peterson got his first in a Bulldog uniform with 6:04 left in the first, banking a shot in off a CC defenseman. Things were looking good less than 90 seconds later, when UMD was set to start its second power play of the game. That's where things started to turn the wrong direction. Luc Gerdes set up Sam Rothstein for a pretty short-handed goal to tie the game, and the Bulldogs fell a little flat for the better part of 20 minutes after that happened.
The second period might have been the worst of 57 20-minute periods UMD has played this season to this point. Just not much went right, from Peterson getting ejected for a hit from behind -- the first major called on UMD this season -- to Colorado College taking the lead 30 seconds into the power play, to the Bulldogs failing to execute much of anything in the offensive zone for a good chunk of the stanza.
Things did start to change in the third period. UMD looked sharper and started getting some pucks on Leclerc, who made a couple really good stops on in-close shots to keep it 2-1. Out of a UMD timeout with 48 seconds left, Dominic Toninato won a key faceoff, and Adam Johnson put the puck on a tee for Pionk on the left side. Tic-tac-toe-blast-twine-tie.
It appeared CC coach Mike Haviland wanted a pick called on the faceoff, but his efforts were in vain. It might be something to watch for in Saturday's rematch, as UMD didn't get the benefit of a couple potential faceoff interference calls, either.
Pionk's three-on-three goal was a missile from the high slot that Leclerc didn't really have a chance on.
Shot attempts in the third period and overtime were 38-6 in UMD's favor, and shots on goal were 24-3 for UMD. To get that kind of rebound performance after a rough second period -- again -- shows the kind of resolve in the group right now.
UMD chose to sit freshman forward Joey Anderson for Friday's game. Anderson is optimistic about returning Saturday, but it isn't a guarantee. I do think he'll play, as long as he is able to get some rest. When I spoke to Anderson before Friday night's game, he said he hadn't slept since the USA-Canada World Junior game the night before.
Assuming Anderson plays, Sandelin will have to scratch two forwards for the first time this season. Nothing about this will be easy, and even tougher than figuring out who has to sit will be drawing up the lines.
So IF Anderson plays, here's a primer on what to watch for.
First off, I don't see any way the top line in this scenario isn't Toninato with Alex Iafallo and Anderson. Why mess with a line that was so good before Christmas?
That's where it gets complicated. Adam Johnson played well after being moved back to center Friday when Peterson got ejected. Kraig Karakas was right to recommend Johnson stay at center, and it makes sense to have him on the second line. That leaves three centers -- Peterson, Jared Thomas, and Sammy Spurrell -- to center two lines. I believe all five play, and I think Peterson is the most likely candidate to move to wing.
Spurrell and Billy Exell aren't coming out of the lineup when they're as good as they are at killing penalties. Riley Tufte continues to play well. He isn't going to eat popcorn during the games. Guys like Karson Kuhlman, Parker Mackay, Kyle Osterberg, etc., aren't getting scratched.
I believe Jade Miller -- who started well and has not really had any cover-your-eyes games -- is going to be the odd man out.
Taking a total stab at the potential lines:
Iafallo - Toninato - Anderson
Osterberg - Johnson - Kuhlman
Tufte - Thomas - Mackay
Peterson - Spurrell - Exell
This looks a lot like lines from earlier in the season, only with Peterson instead of Miller on the fourth line. If Tufte warrants more of a look, maybe swap him with Osterberg and give that third line a bit more speed.
Either way, UMD has plenty of options, and this is a nice problem to have.
That's all for now. Check Twitter @BruceCiskie for more. Chat with the actual lines before Saturday's game.
It found a way.
Friday's game was far from pretty, certainly leaving much to be desired on the Bulldogs' side, but UMD was able to grind out a 2-2 tie against last-place Colorado College at Amsoil Arena.
Sophomore defenseman Neal Pionk's rocket of a one-timer beat CC goalie Alex Leclerc with 41.7 seconds left in the third period to tie the game. After a scoreless overtime, the teams went to three-on-three overtime for an extra point in the NCHC standings. It was actually four-on-three, as a UMD power play carried over, and Pionk buried another blast from up high to end the game and get the Bulldogs that valuable point.
Lots to talk about here, and I'm going to try to be somewhat brief while covering as much as possible.
First, the Friday game. Not nearly good enough from UMD overall on this night, especially in the second period. The Bulldogs looked good at the start of the game, playing with some energy, but struggling to get a lot of quality scoring chances. The Tigers have played much better defensive hockey over a stretch that is now seven games, and they showed why in this game, frustrating the Bulldogs and limiting those grade-A opportunities.
Avery Peterson got his first in a Bulldog uniform with 6:04 left in the first, banking a shot in off a CC defenseman. Things were looking good less than 90 seconds later, when UMD was set to start its second power play of the game. That's where things started to turn the wrong direction. Luc Gerdes set up Sam Rothstein for a pretty short-handed goal to tie the game, and the Bulldogs fell a little flat for the better part of 20 minutes after that happened.
The second period might have been the worst of 57 20-minute periods UMD has played this season to this point. Just not much went right, from Peterson getting ejected for a hit from behind -- the first major called on UMD this season -- to Colorado College taking the lead 30 seconds into the power play, to the Bulldogs failing to execute much of anything in the offensive zone for a good chunk of the stanza.
Things did start to change in the third period. UMD looked sharper and started getting some pucks on Leclerc, who made a couple really good stops on in-close shots to keep it 2-1. Out of a UMD timeout with 48 seconds left, Dominic Toninato won a key faceoff, and Adam Johnson put the puck on a tee for Pionk on the left side. Tic-tac-toe-blast-twine-tie.
It appeared CC coach Mike Haviland wanted a pick called on the faceoff, but his efforts were in vain. It might be something to watch for in Saturday's rematch, as UMD didn't get the benefit of a couple potential faceoff interference calls, either.
Pionk's three-on-three goal was a missile from the high slot that Leclerc didn't really have a chance on.
Shot attempts in the third period and overtime were 38-6 in UMD's favor, and shots on goal were 24-3 for UMD. To get that kind of rebound performance after a rough second period -- again -- shows the kind of resolve in the group right now.
******
UMD chose to sit freshman forward Joey Anderson for Friday's game. Anderson is optimistic about returning Saturday, but it isn't a guarantee. I do think he'll play, as long as he is able to get some rest. When I spoke to Anderson before Friday night's game, he said he hadn't slept since the USA-Canada World Junior game the night before.
Assuming Anderson plays, Sandelin will have to scratch two forwards for the first time this season. Nothing about this will be easy, and even tougher than figuring out who has to sit will be drawing up the lines.
So IF Anderson plays, here's a primer on what to watch for.
First off, I don't see any way the top line in this scenario isn't Toninato with Alex Iafallo and Anderson. Why mess with a line that was so good before Christmas?
That's where it gets complicated. Adam Johnson played well after being moved back to center Friday when Peterson got ejected. Kraig Karakas was right to recommend Johnson stay at center, and it makes sense to have him on the second line. That leaves three centers -- Peterson, Jared Thomas, and Sammy Spurrell -- to center two lines. I believe all five play, and I think Peterson is the most likely candidate to move to wing.
Spurrell and Billy Exell aren't coming out of the lineup when they're as good as they are at killing penalties. Riley Tufte continues to play well. He isn't going to eat popcorn during the games. Guys like Karson Kuhlman, Parker Mackay, Kyle Osterberg, etc., aren't getting scratched.
I believe Jade Miller -- who started well and has not really had any cover-your-eyes games -- is going to be the odd man out.
Taking a total stab at the potential lines:
Iafallo - Toninato - Anderson
Osterberg - Johnson - Kuhlman
Tufte - Thomas - Mackay
Peterson - Spurrell - Exell
This looks a lot like lines from earlier in the season, only with Peterson instead of Miller on the fourth line. If Tufte warrants more of a look, maybe swap him with Osterberg and give that third line a bit more speed.
Either way, UMD has plenty of options, and this is a nice problem to have.
That's all for now. Check Twitter @BruceCiskie for more. Chat with the actual lines before Saturday's game.
Friday, January 06, 2017
Game 19: Colorado College at UMD
It's not often that gold medalists get welcomed back to UMD the day after winning said gold medal, but freshman forward Joey Anderson will feel the love during this series opener. Of course, he'll feel it while not playing, as UMD has chosen to give Anderson a night off after he helped the United States win gold at the World Junior Championship Thursday night.
Anderson played 24:35, including nearly eight of the 20 minutes in overtime to lead all U.S. forwards. Since UMD coach Scott Sandelin had already talked about wanting to rest him in Friday's game, it's not at all surprising he will be a healthy scratch. Probably for the only time in his career here.
Same lines and defensive pairings as the Saturday win in Bemidji. Once Anderson returns, it'll be interesting to see how things change.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Iafallo - Toninato - Johnson
Osterberg - Thomas - Mackay
Tufte - Peterson - Kuhlman
Miller - Spurrell - Exell
Soucy - Raskob
Pionk - Kotyk
Wolff - Molenaar
Miska - Deery - Shepard
CC
Bergh - Gerdes - Hansen
Berardinelli - Rothstein - Halloran
Kehoe - Ockey - Michaud
Burmaster - Van Horn - Makara
Kivihalme - Farny
Blumenschein - Israel
McCaskill - Josefchak
Leclerc - Shatzer
(CC lists Alex Pernitsky as an extra skater for warmup. If he draws in, I'll update the lines on Twitter@BruceCiskie.)
Anderson played 24:35, including nearly eight of the 20 minutes in overtime to lead all U.S. forwards. Since UMD coach Scott Sandelin had already talked about wanting to rest him in Friday's game, it's not at all surprising he will be a healthy scratch. Probably for the only time in his career here.
Same lines and defensive pairings as the Saturday win in Bemidji. Once Anderson returns, it'll be interesting to see how things change.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Iafallo - Toninato - Johnson
Osterberg - Thomas - Mackay
Tufte - Peterson - Kuhlman
Miller - Spurrell - Exell
Soucy - Raskob
Pionk - Kotyk
Wolff - Molenaar
Miska - Deery - Shepard
CC
Bergh - Gerdes - Hansen
Berardinelli - Rothstein - Halloran
Kehoe - Ockey - Michaud
Burmaster - Van Horn - Makara
Kivihalme - Farny
Blumenschein - Israel
McCaskill - Josefchak
Leclerc - Shatzer
(CC lists Alex Pernitsky as an extra skater for warmup. If he draws in, I'll update the lines on Twitter
Bulldogs Welcome Back Gold Medalist Joey Anderson, Kick Off Second Half
For UMD's seven Canadian-born players, Thursday night was probably a little bittersweet. The home country fell in the gold-medal game of the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, but yet one of their own won gold in the process.
UMD freshman Joey Anderson returns to the team Friday after being absent since Dec. 15 for USA Hockey training camp and then the tournament itself. He missed the home-and-home series with Bemidji State to take part in the camp and take his shot at the 23-man roster, and he didn't just scrape by and barely make the team. Anderson became a mainstay on the U.S. penalty kill, and his work on the top line was exemplary, even if he didn't stand out on the scoresheet.
Team USA twice rallied from two-goal deficits against Canada in Thursday's game at Montreal, then used a Troy Terry shootout goal to win 5-4 and claim its fourth gold medal at the WJC, first since 2013 (Seth Jones, Johnny Gaudreau, Jacob Trouba, John Gibson, etc.).
The question now: Will Anderson, whom I believe is due back in town inside of six hours before faceoff, be in the lineup for Scott Sandelin's No. 1 Bulldogs as they open the second half against Colorado College?
Anderson told Dave Starman, who worked the World Juniors for NHL Network and did a great job and will be in Duluth for Friday's broadcast on CBS Sports Network, that he texted UMD's coaches saying he wants to play.
Well, duh.
That, however, was before Anderson played 24:35, including 7:49 in overtime to lead all U.S. forwards, in the gold-medal game.
Sandelin spoke at his press conference Wednesday about Anderson, and he gave every indication he was prepared to hold Anderson out of the Friday lineup, especially were the U.S. to play for gold.
(His press conference came before the Russia game, where Anderson also saw plenty of ice time as the game went a full ten-minute overtime before the Americans won in a shootout.)
"He and I talked," Sandelin said. "I didn't even ask the question because I know the answer (he wants to play). We'll see how everything goes. These are pretty emotional games, pretty high intensity. Playing four games in a row in four days, we'll see. Might be okay. You hear a lot of guys who do that, they want to keep playing. We'll see how the travel goes, but I'm probably leaning towards him having one night off and getting back at it Saturday."
Keep in mind, not only has Anderson played high-intensity games the last two nights, but he's played big minutes and played in big situations. It isn't an easy decision for Sandelin, and there isn't any kind of rule he can rely on. When Anderson arrives, I'm sure there will be a conversation. Perhaps it happens via phone before Anderson even gets to Duluth. If the player feels strongly about playing, I tend to think he'll play. Sandelin can read the situation and limit his minutes if necessary, and UMD has plenty of forward depth to pick up the slack should that be an issue.
Either way, it's fantastic. Love that the U.S. won, love that Anderson played such a big role. The World Juniors is a wonderful tournament and a great experience for these kids. Even if they're tired now, they'll be better players for having been a part of the event.
Colorado College is the next opponent for UMD, and at least for your humble correspondent, it feels like UMD hasn't played in a month. Friday will be just the fifth game in 42 days for the Bulldogs, who went into break in first place in the NCHC. UMD is guaranteed to stay there at least another week, regardless of this weekend's results, as Denver -- a point back of the Bulldogs -- is out of conference this weekend against Arizona State.
The Tigers are in last place, three points back of seventh-place Miami, as the second half opens. Colorado College, however, should be riding a high after taking the championship at the Florida College Classic last week, thanks to a 3-0 win over Merrimack and a 2-1 overtime victory against Cornell in the title game. Before break, CC played two overtime games at Miami, losing a shootout in one and falling in five-on-five overtime in the other.
The Tigers' defense is improving. CC allowed 25 goals over five losses starting with a 6-2 defeat to Omaha Nov. 5. It's given up just 11 goals in six games since, so while the Tigers are only 2-3-1 in those six games, it's clear that third-year coach Mike Haviland is getting better play from his team.
Up front, sophomore forward Mason Bergh has nine goals, including four on the power play. Freshmen Nick Halloran and Alex Berardinelli each have eight points (five and three goals, respectively). Sophomore Westin Michaud of Cloquet has four goals, though only one of them has come in conference play. Freshman goalie Alex Leclerc has taken the reins in goal, posting an .884 save percentage in over 750 minutes. But over this six-game stretch, Leclerc's up to a .939 save percentage now, including 49 saves on 50 shots in Florida.
"They've got some nice players," Sandelin said. "Some nice freshmen. They compete. They've got good team speed. They've got a good mixture, some small, speedy guys. I thought they were very tenacious on the puck in the two games (Florida). If our guys go into it without the respect factor for their team, we're going to have a huge challenge on our hands. We've got to go in with the right mindset."
So, in short, look out. If UMD isn't ready, there's a good chance the Tigers can shock the top-ranked team into playing. Don't be surprised if one of these games is a meat-grinder.
One more reminder: All games going forward can be heard only on 92.1 The Fan out of the Twin Ports. To listen live online (desktop and mobile devices all work), click here. Streams will be activated 15 minutes prior to pregame each night. Hit me up with questions.
UMD freshman Joey Anderson returns to the team Friday after being absent since Dec. 15 for USA Hockey training camp and then the tournament itself. He missed the home-and-home series with Bemidji State to take part in the camp and take his shot at the 23-man roster, and he didn't just scrape by and barely make the team. Anderson became a mainstay on the U.S. penalty kill, and his work on the top line was exemplary, even if he didn't stand out on the scoresheet.
Team USA twice rallied from two-goal deficits against Canada in Thursday's game at Montreal, then used a Troy Terry shootout goal to win 5-4 and claim its fourth gold medal at the WJC, first since 2013 (Seth Jones, Johnny Gaudreau, Jacob Trouba, John Gibson, etc.).
The question now: Will Anderson, whom I believe is due back in town inside of six hours before faceoff, be in the lineup for Scott Sandelin's No. 1 Bulldogs as they open the second half against Colorado College?
Anderson told Dave Starman, who worked the World Juniors for NHL Network and did a great job and will be in Duluth for Friday's broadcast on CBS Sports Network, that he texted UMD's coaches saying he wants to play.
Well, duh.
That, however, was before Anderson played 24:35, including 7:49 in overtime to lead all U.S. forwards, in the gold-medal game.
Sandelin spoke at his press conference Wednesday about Anderson, and he gave every indication he was prepared to hold Anderson out of the Friday lineup, especially were the U.S. to play for gold.
(His press conference came before the Russia game, where Anderson also saw plenty of ice time as the game went a full ten-minute overtime before the Americans won in a shootout.)
"He and I talked," Sandelin said. "I didn't even ask the question because I know the answer (he wants to play). We'll see how everything goes. These are pretty emotional games, pretty high intensity. Playing four games in a row in four days, we'll see. Might be okay. You hear a lot of guys who do that, they want to keep playing. We'll see how the travel goes, but I'm probably leaning towards him having one night off and getting back at it Saturday."
Keep in mind, not only has Anderson played high-intensity games the last two nights, but he's played big minutes and played in big situations. It isn't an easy decision for Sandelin, and there isn't any kind of rule he can rely on. When Anderson arrives, I'm sure there will be a conversation. Perhaps it happens via phone before Anderson even gets to Duluth. If the player feels strongly about playing, I tend to think he'll play. Sandelin can read the situation and limit his minutes if necessary, and UMD has plenty of forward depth to pick up the slack should that be an issue.
Either way, it's fantastic. Love that the U.S. won, love that Anderson played such a big role. The World Juniors is a wonderful tournament and a great experience for these kids. Even if they're tired now, they'll be better players for having been a part of the event.
******
Colorado College is the next opponent for UMD, and at least for your humble correspondent, it feels like UMD hasn't played in a month. Friday will be just the fifth game in 42 days for the Bulldogs, who went into break in first place in the NCHC. UMD is guaranteed to stay there at least another week, regardless of this weekend's results, as Denver -- a point back of the Bulldogs -- is out of conference this weekend against Arizona State.
The Tigers are in last place, three points back of seventh-place Miami, as the second half opens. Colorado College, however, should be riding a high after taking the championship at the Florida College Classic last week, thanks to a 3-0 win over Merrimack and a 2-1 overtime victory against Cornell in the title game. Before break, CC played two overtime games at Miami, losing a shootout in one and falling in five-on-five overtime in the other.
The Tigers' defense is improving. CC allowed 25 goals over five losses starting with a 6-2 defeat to Omaha Nov. 5. It's given up just 11 goals in six games since, so while the Tigers are only 2-3-1 in those six games, it's clear that third-year coach Mike Haviland is getting better play from his team.
Up front, sophomore forward Mason Bergh has nine goals, including four on the power play. Freshmen Nick Halloran and Alex Berardinelli each have eight points (five and three goals, respectively). Sophomore Westin Michaud of Cloquet has four goals, though only one of them has come in conference play. Freshman goalie Alex Leclerc has taken the reins in goal, posting an .884 save percentage in over 750 minutes. But over this six-game stretch, Leclerc's up to a .939 save percentage now, including 49 saves on 50 shots in Florida.
"They've got some nice players," Sandelin said. "Some nice freshmen. They compete. They've got good team speed. They've got a good mixture, some small, speedy guys. I thought they were very tenacious on the puck in the two games (Florida). If our guys go into it without the respect factor for their team, we're going to have a huge challenge on our hands. We've got to go in with the right mindset."
So, in short, look out. If UMD isn't ready, there's a good chance the Tigers can shock the top-ranked team into playing. Don't be surprised if one of these games is a meat-grinder.
******
One more reminder: All games going forward can be heard only on 92.1 The Fan out of the Twin Ports. To listen live online (desktop and mobile devices all work), click here. Streams will be activated 15 minutes prior to pregame each night. Hit me up with questions.
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Monday (Yes, it's Tuesday) Musings: UMD Back to Work, Readying for Grind
UMD hasn't played in four of the last six weekends after playing at least an exhibition in every weekend since Oct. 1-2.
Hopefully, the nation's No. 1 team enjoyed its rest.
The Bulldogs return to action Friday night, starting a two-game NCHC series against Colorado College. Between then and March 4, UMD will play seven NCHC weekend sets and its final non-conference games at the (possibly final?) North Star College Cup in St. Paul. 16 games with one weekend off before the playoffs begin -- hopefully at home -- on March 10.
If all goes well for the Bulldogs -- and you all know where this team intends to end its season -- the Bulldogs will play 24 games and take just two weekends off before finishing up.
And, no, the schedule doesn't get any easier for UMD.
Colorado College might be in last place in the NCHC, but the Tigers won the Florida College Classic last week, beating Merrimack 3-0 and then Cornell 2-1 in overtime in the championship game. Goalie Alex Leclerc stopped 49 of 50 shots in the two games, picking up just his second and third wins of the season.
The Tigers are in a similar position to when they visited Duluth for Hockey Day Minnesota weekend last year. They're playing better hockey than they might have been earlier in the year, and while last year's team had picked up nice NCHC wins over St. Cloud State and Omaha, this one just won a holiday tournament and conceded just one goal in two games. 5-12-1 doesn't look like much, but CC is playing a more structured defensive game than it was. The Tigers are down about a half a goal allowed per game from last season, even though the team save percentage is down slightly (.880 compared to last year's .886). Leclerc's efforts in Florida lifted him to .884 on the season.
Along with a return trip to Colorado Springs next month, UMD also hosts St. Cloud State, Omaha, and Miami, while traveling to North Dakota and Western Michigan, along with the North Star Cup trip. There will not be much -- if any -- damage done to UMD's schedule strength ratings down the stretch.
Much was made before the Bemidji State series about how good a defensive team the Beavers are. There's no question that is true. BSU isn't at 1.62 goals allowed per game by some sort of freak accident.
Goals against alone is a sketchy way to measure a team's defensive prowess, but run with me on this for a second. UMD is eighth nationally in goals against, and the Bulldogs so far this season have played ten games against five teams that are also in the top ten. UMD is 7-2-1 in those ten games (2-0 against both Michigan Tech and North Dakota, 1-0-1 against Bemidji State, 1-1 each against Denver and Notre Dame), outscoring opponents 32-18 with two shutouts.
What does this mean? It means UMD can play good hockey against strong defensive teams. This is a veteran group capable of adapting when a team wants to try to put the clamp down on them.
It's also a team that's taken advantage of its scoring chances, even when they've been scarce.
We talked before the Denver series about UMD's need to improve its puck possession game. That need hasn't changed much in the four games since that first double-bye. UMD did a very good job keeping Bemidji State from generating much in the Saturday road win, especially in the third period. Bemidji State spent most of the last 3:30 on the power play without generating a shot on goal.
However, UMD is still struggling mightily on faceoffs (55th of 60 teams nationally), and the Bulldogs have been outshot at even strength six times in 18 games, already more times than it happened all of last season.
It's one of very few warts in UMD's game at this point in the season, but something the coaching staff will keep working to correct through the second half.
Many of you are aware of changes in the Duluth radio scene. I am now at Midwest Communications, plying my craft on the KQ Morning Show and doing whatever else is asked of me. However, I will continue to call UMD games as 92.1 The Fan remains a Red Rock-owned station.
Confused? I get it.
So what does this mean for UMD hockey fans? A couple things you need to know:
For starters, men's hockey games starting Friday will no longer be heard on KBAJ (105.5 FM - Deer River/Grand Rapids) or KAOD (106.7 FM - Babbitt/Ely), and instead will only be heard on 92.1 The Fan (WWAX-FM) in the Duluth area.
Also, our streaming will change. Starting Friday, you can find the games here. Simply click or tap -- the site works on mobile devices -- on the game you want to stream and follow the on-screen instructions. I know it's not the most user-friendly interface on Earth, but it is free.
If you have questions or problems, please contact play by play voice Bruce Ciskie (bciskie@gmail.com) or Red Rock internet director Rich Cannata (rcannata@redrockradio.org). Thanks in advance for your support.
Hopefully, the nation's No. 1 team enjoyed its rest.
The Bulldogs return to action Friday night, starting a two-game NCHC series against Colorado College. Between then and March 4, UMD will play seven NCHC weekend sets and its final non-conference games at the (possibly final?) North Star College Cup in St. Paul. 16 games with one weekend off before the playoffs begin -- hopefully at home -- on March 10.
If all goes well for the Bulldogs -- and you all know where this team intends to end its season -- the Bulldogs will play 24 games and take just two weekends off before finishing up.
And, no, the schedule doesn't get any easier for UMD.
Colorado College might be in last place in the NCHC, but the Tigers won the Florida College Classic last week, beating Merrimack 3-0 and then Cornell 2-1 in overtime in the championship game. Goalie Alex Leclerc stopped 49 of 50 shots in the two games, picking up just his second and third wins of the season.
The Tigers are in a similar position to when they visited Duluth for Hockey Day Minnesota weekend last year. They're playing better hockey than they might have been earlier in the year, and while last year's team had picked up nice NCHC wins over St. Cloud State and Omaha, this one just won a holiday tournament and conceded just one goal in two games. 5-12-1 doesn't look like much, but CC is playing a more structured defensive game than it was. The Tigers are down about a half a goal allowed per game from last season, even though the team save percentage is down slightly (.880 compared to last year's .886). Leclerc's efforts in Florida lifted him to .884 on the season.
******
Along with a return trip to Colorado Springs next month, UMD also hosts St. Cloud State, Omaha, and Miami, while traveling to North Dakota and Western Michigan, along with the North Star Cup trip. There will not be much -- if any -- damage done to UMD's schedule strength ratings down the stretch.
Much was made before the Bemidji State series about how good a defensive team the Beavers are. There's no question that is true. BSU isn't at 1.62 goals allowed per game by some sort of freak accident.
Goals against alone is a sketchy way to measure a team's defensive prowess, but run with me on this for a second. UMD is eighth nationally in goals against, and the Bulldogs so far this season have played ten games against five teams that are also in the top ten. UMD is 7-2-1 in those ten games (2-0 against both Michigan Tech and North Dakota, 1-0-1 against Bemidji State, 1-1 each against Denver and Notre Dame), outscoring opponents 32-18 with two shutouts.
What does this mean? It means UMD can play good hockey against strong defensive teams. This is a veteran group capable of adapting when a team wants to try to put the clamp down on them.
It's also a team that's taken advantage of its scoring chances, even when they've been scarce.
We talked before the Denver series about UMD's need to improve its puck possession game. That need hasn't changed much in the four games since that first double-bye. UMD did a very good job keeping Bemidji State from generating much in the Saturday road win, especially in the third period. Bemidji State spent most of the last 3:30 on the power play without generating a shot on goal.
However, UMD is still struggling mightily on faceoffs (55th of 60 teams nationally), and the Bulldogs have been outshot at even strength six times in 18 games, already more times than it happened all of last season.
It's one of very few warts in UMD's game at this point in the season, but something the coaching staff will keep working to correct through the second half.
******
Many of you are aware of changes in the Duluth radio scene. I am now at Midwest Communications, plying my craft on the KQ Morning Show and doing whatever else is asked of me. However, I will continue to call UMD games as 92.1 The Fan remains a Red Rock-owned station.
Confused? I get it.
So what does this mean for UMD hockey fans? A couple things you need to know:
For starters, men's hockey games starting Friday will no longer be heard on KBAJ (105.5 FM - Deer River/Grand Rapids) or KAOD (106.7 FM - Babbitt/Ely), and instead will only be heard on 92.1 The Fan (WWAX-FM) in the Duluth area.
Also, our streaming will change. Starting Friday, you can find the games here. Simply click or tap -- the site works on mobile devices -- on the game you want to stream and follow the on-screen instructions. I know it's not the most user-friendly interface on Earth, but it is free.
If you have questions or problems, please contact play by play voice Bruce Ciskie (bciskie@gmail.com) or Red Rock internet director Rich Cannata (rcannata@redrockradio.org). Thanks in advance for your support.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Joey Anderson Makes U.S. World Junior Team
Good news for UMD men's hockey fans as the Christmas holiday fast approaches. The IIHF World Junior Championships start Monday in Montreal and Toronto, and UMD will be represented on Team USA.
Freshman forward Joey Anderson has made the final cut of 13 forwards on the American squad. Anderson missed the Bemidji State home-and-home series to attend the U.S. training camp in Buffalo, and he scored a goal in a pre-tournament win over Switzerland on Wednesday night in Oshawa, Ontario.
It's the 13th time a UMD player has skated in this tournament, the first since defensemen Justin Faulk (USA) and Dylan Olsen (Canada) played in the 2011 tourney. UMD head coach Scott Sandelin was head coach of Team USA in 2005 and an assistant in 2012.
Anderson has six goals and 17 points for UMD this season in 16 games. All six of the goals and 11 of the points have come since NCHC play started (ten games). He's a responsible, smart two-way forward with a wicked shot. Anderson picked up the Bulldogs' system quickly enough to be elevated to the top line with seniors Dominic Toninato and Alex Iafallo by the time conference play started.
It's unclear the exact role Anderson will play for the U.S. team, but he was in the bottom six for the pre-tournament games. With the unexpected cut of OHL star Alex DeBrincat and injuries to expected contributors Brock Boeser (North Dakota, of course -- wrist surgery and out until next month) and Logan Brown, St. Cloud State's Bob Motzko (Team USA head coach) and staff will be looking for balanced scoring from all lines to pick up the slack. Key among that could be guys like Anderson, Kiefer Bellows, and Clayton Keller, stars on last year's Under-18 National Team (Bellows and Keller are freshmen at Boston University).
The gold-medal game of the tournament is Jan. 5 (as is the matchup for bronze), so Anderson will at least be back in Duluth in time for the series against Colorado College if the U.S. plays for gold or bronze. Obviously, it'll be up in the air if he plays, but it likely helps that the tournament is in North America as opposed to overseas.
The schedule for Team USA in the preliminary round is below. All Team USA games will air on NHL Network (channel 215 on DirecTV) with Steve Mears and the great Dave Starman on the call. They will also pick up the TSN feed of many other games during the tournament, so that's a great place to park the TV and watch some super international hockey.
Monday vs Latvia, 2:30pm
Wednesday vs Slovakia, 6:30pm
Thursday vs Russia, 2:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 31, vs Canada, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal games are Monday, Jan. 2, with the semifinals on Wednesday the 4th.
Enjoy the holiday. Be aware of the storm situation if you're traveling anywhere, and we'll talk sometime closer to the New Year. Follow me on Twitter @BruceCiskie for the latest updates.
Freshman forward Joey Anderson has made the final cut of 13 forwards on the American squad. Anderson missed the Bemidji State home-and-home series to attend the U.S. training camp in Buffalo, and he scored a goal in a pre-tournament win over Switzerland on Wednesday night in Oshawa, Ontario.
It's the 13th time a UMD player has skated in this tournament, the first since defensemen Justin Faulk (USA) and Dylan Olsen (Canada) played in the 2011 tourney. UMD head coach Scott Sandelin was head coach of Team USA in 2005 and an assistant in 2012.
Anderson has six goals and 17 points for UMD this season in 16 games. All six of the goals and 11 of the points have come since NCHC play started (ten games). He's a responsible, smart two-way forward with a wicked shot. Anderson picked up the Bulldogs' system quickly enough to be elevated to the top line with seniors Dominic Toninato and Alex Iafallo by the time conference play started.
It's unclear the exact role Anderson will play for the U.S. team, but he was in the bottom six for the pre-tournament games. With the unexpected cut of OHL star Alex DeBrincat and injuries to expected contributors Brock Boeser (North Dakota, of course -- wrist surgery and out until next month) and Logan Brown, St. Cloud State's Bob Motzko (Team USA head coach) and staff will be looking for balanced scoring from all lines to pick up the slack. Key among that could be guys like Anderson, Kiefer Bellows, and Clayton Keller, stars on last year's Under-18 National Team (Bellows and Keller are freshmen at Boston University).
The gold-medal game of the tournament is Jan. 5 (as is the matchup for bronze), so Anderson will at least be back in Duluth in time for the series against Colorado College if the U.S. plays for gold or bronze. Obviously, it'll be up in the air if he plays, but it likely helps that the tournament is in North America as opposed to overseas.
The schedule for Team USA in the preliminary round is below. All Team USA games will air on NHL Network (channel 215 on DirecTV) with Steve Mears and the great Dave Starman on the call. They will also pick up the TSN feed of many other games during the tournament, so that's a great place to park the TV and watch some super international hockey.
Monday vs Latvia, 2:30pm
Wednesday vs Slovakia, 6:30pm
Thursday vs Russia, 2:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 31, vs Canada, 2:30pm
Quarterfinal games are Monday, Jan. 2, with the semifinals on Wednesday the 4th.
Enjoy the holiday. Be aware of the storm situation if you're traveling anywhere, and we'll talk sometime closer to the New Year. Follow me on Twitter @BruceCiskie for the latest updates.
Monday, December 19, 2016
The Blog Returns
Hi, everyone.
Please accept my apologies for jumping around, jumping up and getting down, but the blog is moving back here. It'll all make sense soon, but please bookmark this page for UMD hockey-related updates and things.
Please accept my apologies for jumping around, jumping up and getting down, but the blog is moving back here. It'll all make sense soon, but please bookmark this page for UMD hockey-related updates and things.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
New Blog Location
http://921thefan.com/category/ciskieblog/
The memory remains.
Because I might be back someday.
The memory remains.
Because I might be back someday.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday Musings: Rally Falls Short and Season Ends in Worcester
Well, for a second straight season, UMD wrapped up its season with a heartbreaking 3-2 Northeast Regional final loss to a Boston school. This time, it was Boston College in Worcester, not nearly as controversial as last year's Boston University defeat in Manchester.
Instead, Saturday was a game UMD very well could have won were it not for the exploits of Thatcher Demko, the Mike Richter Award and Hobey Baker finalist who made some incredible saves and kept his team in the game at times where UMD was dominating play. Demko got backing from captain Teddy Doherty, who continued a huge senior season by scoring twice, and Ryan Fitzgerald, who put home his 23rd of the season for a 3-0 lead in the third period.
Wonder if anyone in the building or watching at home thought that would be the game-winning goal when it happened.
UMD got a power-play goal from Austin Farley, then a goal from Karson Kuhlman on a scramble in front to make it 3-2 with more than four minutes left. UMD buzzed on a late power play, but Willie Raskob's stick exploded in the left circle, and Tony Cameranesi's cross-slot pass hopped the stick of Farley on the goal line before BC cleared it to clinch the win.
Ugh. That close.
Demko really made a huge difference, and the Eagles got two timely goals from their captain to get going on the scoreboard and open up a lead. UMD still made it interesting, but BC's opportunism really burned the Bulldogs while Demko held them at bay just enough.
When you see a team put forth the kind of effort UMD did on Saturday, it really is hard to be down on them. A really good team lost by one goal to a really good team. It's truly as simple as that.
It could be a news-worthy offseason for UMD. First off, there's always the looming possibility of early departures in college hockey. Minnesota has already lost Hudson Fasching, Michael Brodzinski, and Nick Seeler one year early. Omaha lost Jake Guentzel. Michigan is going to lose like half its team. It happens.
For UMD, there could be a few. Drafted players like Dominic Toninati and Carson Soucy have decisions to make, and there are free agents on the roster who might decide to turn pro, too. Based on what we know about the Wild and Seeler, it's likely GM Chuck Fletcher will present the pros and cons of leaving early to Soucy, then let the player make an informed decision.
Oh, and head coach Scott Sandelin's contract will expire after the 2016-17 season. UMD is 95-77-23 (.546) since Sandelin signed his last extension after the 2011 NCAA title win. That's up 38 percentage points from his current career number of .508 (287-277-65). Coaches at this level rarely coach the final year of their contracts (yeah, I know Red Berenson did, but he's freaking 76), so it'll be interesting to see what happens there.
Lots of talk about the terrible regional attendance. This is not a recording.
It was not good in Worcester, especially after Providence was eliminated. You might not believe this, but Providence is basically as close to Worcester as Boston is, so the Friars fans were out in full force on Friday. Many more of them than Boston College fans in the building, and the place really emptied out after the UMD-Providence game ended.
Attendance in Cincinnati didn't look good. Attendance in Albany didn't look good. Attendance in St. Paul was embarrassing.
A few thoughts.
I'm in favor of letting home sites bid on regionals, but what happens to UMD if the Bulldogs host a regional at Amsoil Arena and miss the tournament? It's an issue here, too.
(How about buildings with actual press boxes first? Worcester doesn't have one, and neither does Manchester. I don't need an XCel Energy Center-size press box or anything, but it's nice to not be calling games from a makeshift press row set up in the nosebleed seats of an arena.)
In all seriousness, we're going to keep talking about this, and it's just not likely anything is done. There are no quick fixes, no easy answers.
(I've been in favor of letting top seeds host regionals before, but the problem with that is arranging transportation and lodging for three teams on very short notice. How tough would it be to find 100+ hotel rooms in, say, St. Cloud on three days notice? The answer is "very," and the benefits are outweighed by the logistical issues that would crop up.)
The discussion on Twitter is good, for the most part, and I hope someone can figure something out. Right now, what we have is just not acceptable.
Offseason is underway. I presume we will have a press conference with Sandelin at some point this week to wrap up the season. Might get a few more answers on potential departures at that point.
Keep following on Twitter for quick updates on departures, recruiting, and contracts. Always my favorite things to talk about!
Instead, Saturday was a game UMD very well could have won were it not for the exploits of Thatcher Demko, the Mike Richter Award and Hobey Baker finalist who made some incredible saves and kept his team in the game at times where UMD was dominating play. Demko got backing from captain Teddy Doherty, who continued a huge senior season by scoring twice, and Ryan Fitzgerald, who put home his 23rd of the season for a 3-0 lead in the third period.
Wonder if anyone in the building or watching at home thought that would be the game-winning goal when it happened.
UMD got a power-play goal from Austin Farley, then a goal from Karson Kuhlman on a scramble in front to make it 3-2 with more than four minutes left. UMD buzzed on a late power play, but Willie Raskob's stick exploded in the left circle, and Tony Cameranesi's cross-slot pass hopped the stick of Farley on the goal line before BC cleared it to clinch the win.
Ugh. That close.
Demko really made a huge difference, and the Eagles got two timely goals from their captain to get going on the scoreboard and open up a lead. UMD still made it interesting, but BC's opportunism really burned the Bulldogs while Demko held them at bay just enough.
When you see a team put forth the kind of effort UMD did on Saturday, it really is hard to be down on them. A really good team lost by one goal to a really good team. It's truly as simple as that.
******
It could be a news-worthy offseason for UMD. First off, there's always the looming possibility of early departures in college hockey. Minnesota has already lost Hudson Fasching, Michael Brodzinski, and Nick Seeler one year early. Omaha lost Jake Guentzel. Michigan is going to lose like half its team. It happens.
For UMD, there could be a few. Drafted players like Dominic Toninati and Carson Soucy have decisions to make, and there are free agents on the roster who might decide to turn pro, too. Based on what we know about the Wild and Seeler, it's likely GM Chuck Fletcher will present the pros and cons of leaving early to Soucy, then let the player make an informed decision.
Oh, and head coach Scott Sandelin's contract will expire after the 2016-17 season. UMD is 95-77-23 (.546) since Sandelin signed his last extension after the 2011 NCAA title win. That's up 38 percentage points from his current career number of .508 (287-277-65). Coaches at this level rarely coach the final year of their contracts (yeah, I know Red Berenson did, but he's freaking 76), so it'll be interesting to see what happens there.
******
Lots of talk about the terrible regional attendance. This is not a recording.
It was not good in Worcester, especially after Providence was eliminated. You might not believe this, but Providence is basically as close to Worcester as Boston is, so the Friars fans were out in full force on Friday. Many more of them than Boston College fans in the building, and the place really emptied out after the UMD-Providence game ended.
Attendance in Cincinnati didn't look good. Attendance in Albany didn't look good. Attendance in St. Paul was embarrassing.
A few thoughts.
- Whoever it was in the NCAA that decided the XCel Energy Center was a good place for an NCAA regional needs to rethink their philosophy. They've yet to have a well-attended regional there, regardless of Minnesota's involvement. This was deplorable and should end this "regionals in NHL-size buildings" bit forever.
- The Cincinnati bit also needs to end. It doesn't work, even with Michigan and North Dakota playing there. Wait until Miami makes the tournament and has to play there and is joined by Notre Dame. It'll work about as well there as it did in Toledo.
- Worcester is a bigger building, and they tarped off the upper deck with nearby Providence and Boston College playing. Nothing will ever draw better than that in that particular building.
- Manchester gets another regional next year, which will be great if New Hampshire makes the tournament. Otherwise, ugh.
- Anyway, ticket prices are insanely high. They price out all but the most dedicated fans of participating teams, especially when you factor in the cost of travel on short notice (oh and it was Easter weekend). $86 for all sessions in Worcester. $90 in St. Paul. $60ish for single sessions. It's too much. Obviously these regional hosts are making money, because otherwise they'd stop bidding on regionals. They don't, and places like Worcester, Manchester, and Bridgeport are hosting constantly. But if someone doesn't look at this problem, nothing else that is done will matter.
I'm in favor of letting home sites bid on regionals, but what happens to UMD if the Bulldogs host a regional at Amsoil Arena and miss the tournament? It's an issue here, too.
(How about buildings with actual press boxes first? Worcester doesn't have one, and neither does Manchester. I don't need an XCel Energy Center-size press box or anything, but it's nice to not be calling games from a makeshift press row set up in the nosebleed seats of an arena.)
In all seriousness, we're going to keep talking about this, and it's just not likely anything is done. There are no quick fixes, no easy answers.
(I've been in favor of letting top seeds host regionals before, but the problem with that is arranging transportation and lodging for three teams on very short notice. How tough would it be to find 100+ hotel rooms in, say, St. Cloud on three days notice? The answer is "very," and the benefits are outweighed by the logistical issues that would crop up.)
The discussion on Twitter is good, for the most part, and I hope someone can figure something out. Right now, what we have is just not acceptable.
******
Offseason is underway. I presume we will have a press conference with Sandelin at some point this week to wrap up the season. Might get a few more answers on potential departures at that point.
Keep following on Twitter for quick updates on departures, recruiting, and contracts. Always my favorite things to talk about!
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Game 40: UMD vs Boston College (NCAA Northeast Regional Final)
WORCESTER, Mass. -- One more win, and UMD will have fulfilled a major goal it had coming into the season: A trip to the NCAA Frozen Four. It would be UMD's fifth in school history and the third under head coach Scott Sandelin.
All that stands in the way? A Boston College team that is seeking its 12th Frozen Four in 19 years. An Eagles squad that is 14-1 in regional games played in Worcester under Jerry York. That's all.
No big deal, right?
#JustWinBaby
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Iafallo - Toninato - Johnson
Farley - Cameranesi - Kuhlman
Osterberg - Thomas - Young (Austyn)
Sampair - Decowski - Mackay
Welinski - Pionk
Soucy - Raskob
Corrin - Kotyk
Kaskisuo - McNeely
BC
Doherty - Sanford - Gilmour
Fitzgerald (Ryan) - White - Tuch
Wood - Cangelosi - Calnan
Jeke - Brown - Dudek
McCoshen - Fitzgerald (Casey)
Kim - Santini
Couturier - Savage
Demko - Milosz
All that stands in the way? A Boston College team that is seeking its 12th Frozen Four in 19 years. An Eagles squad that is 14-1 in regional games played in Worcester under Jerry York. That's all.
No big deal, right?
#JustWinBaby
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Iafallo - Toninato - Johnson
Farley - Cameranesi - Kuhlman
Osterberg - Thomas - Young (Austyn)
Sampair - Decowski - Mackay
Welinski - Pionk
Soucy - Raskob
Corrin - Kotyk
Kaskisuo - McNeely
BC
Doherty - Sanford - Gilmour
Fitzgerald (Ryan) - White - Tuch
Wood - Cangelosi - Calnan
Jeke - Brown - Dudek
McCoshen - Fitzgerald (Casey)
Kim - Santini
Couturier - Savage
Demko - Milosz
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