As we work our way into the final couple months of the regular season, intensity should ramp up all over college hockey.
Bumped into Denver radio VOX Jay Stickney as he arrived at the rink. First thing he asked me was what I thought of the new alignment. But outside of having Western Michigan in here before Christmas, nothing's been different. Same for DU, which even went to Alaska this season.
These two teams have always produced good hockey. These games should be no different. The Bulldogs need to keep playing well. That is a confident room, I tell you. It's a group that believes it can do great things, but those things aren't just going to happen. The players have to make them happen. Winning this series would go a long way, I believe.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Sampair - Cameranesi - Crandall (Justin)
Farley - Herbert - Basaraba
Iafallo - Toninato - Krause
Tardy - Decowski - Spurrell
Soucy - Welinski
Smith - Raskob
Johnson - Corrin
Crandall (Aaron) - McNeely
DU
Loney - Shore - Tabrum
Moore - Doremus - Marcinew
Larraza - Levin - Romig
VanVoorhis - Janssen - Arnold
Butcher - Makowski
LaLeggia - Didier
Zajac - Neville
Brittain - Cowley
Friday, January 17, 2014
Bulldogs Try to Stay Hot Against Streaking Pioneers
Get points on the road, and you've had a good weekend.
Get a sweep in any venue, and UMD coach Scott Sandelin will term it a "great weekend."
The time to celebrate a great weekend in Omaha has passed for UMD, now. The Bulldogs are back on home ice this week to take on a surging Denver team that just handed St. Cloud State its first road loss of the season.
It's a key matchup in the NCHC, featuring teams separated by just two points in the league standings (Denver is tied for third, while UMD is tied for fifth). Moreover, for a UMD team that actually possesses a decent non-conference profile, it's a chance to make more gains in the ever-popular PairWise rankings.
(UMD is 21st as of this writing, actually ahead of a Denver team that had some issues in non-conference play, including losses to Alaska, Alaska-Anchorage, and Canisius.)
The Bulldogs gained a lot of momentum in Omaha, despite being outshot 93-43. The consensus in the UMD room is that while the guys can play better, there wasn't a whole lot to pick at. UNO was willing to throw pucks to the net from everywhere, including center ice. It inflated the Mavericks' shot numbers, especially on Saturday, and it masked the good things UMD was doing on the defensive side.
"They threw pucks from pretty much everywhere," Sandelin said. "Below the goal line, side of the net, up high. It seemed there were a lot of pucks just laying there that they just couldn't get to. I thought our guys did a good job of blocking out, eliminating, tying up sticks."
"That's something we work on," sophomore defenseman Andy Welinski said. "They had a few big guys that they'd post up in front of the net ... that was a big thing we worked on, boxing guys out."
So, yes, it's possible to play well defensively while giving up over 50 shots in a game.
That said, I'm going to throw this out there: It's probably not good form to give up 93 shots on goal every weekend. I don't care who's in goal. At some point, that's going to burn a hockey team.
Of course, there's no reason to believe UMD will do that. Even with the big numbers Omaha put up last weekend, the Bulldogs are only giving up a shade under 28 shots per game. The short-term trend might be for a lot of shots, but UMD's long-term profile defies that.
Leaning on Aaron Crandall or Matt McNeely once in a while is part of the bit. Goalies get it. UMD has no intentions of making either of these goalies win them game after game. This isn't the 2007-2008 team that couldn't score for anything, and needed Alex Stalock to win them game after game. This group is expected to score goals, and it's up to Crandall and McNeely to bail out the occasional defensive lapse with a big save, while not letting in any soul-crushing softies.
Right now, it's Crandall's net. That doesn't mean it'll be Crandall's net until the end of the season, but if he keeps playing like he did last week, it sure will be.
Denver presents some challenges. It's as good a blue line as you'll find in the NCHC, led by Joey LaLeggia and captain David Makowski. Will Butcher, who played in the World Juniors, and Nolan Zajac -- back on the blue line after an experiment at forward -- are also part of the defensive corps.
LaLeggia is especially impressive. He's all over the ice, a factor in all zones. Not afraid to join the forecheck, LaLeggia reads plays as well as anyone and can fly. He is a good passer with a good shot. He's the best two-way defenseman Denver has at the moment, though Zajac and Butcher have a ton of potential.
"We've got to be aware of those guys," Sandelin said. "Their lineup is very solid. They play the game on the right side of the puck. A good defensive team."
Denver isn't loaded up front, but the Pioneers have four solid lines without a ton of holes. No one jumps off the page, though Ty Loney's development has been impressive during his time there, and Trevor Moore has adapted nicely in his first college season. DU isn't as big as DU used to be, but there's some size and plenty of physical on this team.
"They're a deep team, and they're strong," Welinski said.
Oh, and there's Sam Brittain.
After serving as DU's unquestioned No. 1 goalie in his freshman year, I don't think anyone could have assumed Brittain would still be in school as a senior. A blown-out knee and the emergence of Juho Olkinuora conspired to place the uber-talented Brittain on the back-burner. He stood on his head against UMD in the 2012 Final Five (67 saves in a double-overtime win), but Olkinuora made 46 starts to Brittain's 25 over the latter's sophomore and junior seasons. Olkinuora moved on to pro hockey (St. John's in the AHL this season) and Brittain is back to being the bell-cow goalie in Denver.
He's making the most of it, too. Brittain was outstanding last Saturday against SCSU, making 35 saves, including 16 in a second period where the Huskies outshot DU 17-9. Brittain has a .934 save percentage over 21 starts, to go along with a stingy 1.96 goals against average. That save percentage this season matches his number in three lifetime starts against UMD, with the fourth coming Friday night unless he gets hit by the team bus in the Amsoil Arena garage.
This is a tough nut to crack. Denver allows almost 31 shots a game, but when this team is on defensively, it's similar to UMD last week. Lots of shots, maybe, but not a lot of quality shots or scoring chances. The Pioneers are so confident in Brittain that they'll let you throw the puck on net if he can see it. And they'll make sure he can see it.
The penalty kills are both outstanding. They're similar, in that sometimes it's the goaltending, sometimes it's the skaters. Both teams are good at denying speed and good zone entries once they clear the puck. St. Cloud State really struggled at times with zone entries on Saturday, and you can expect UMD to have the same issues if puck movement isn't crisp.
Oh, and then the Bulldogs have to beat Brittain.
And DU has to beat Crandall.
Goals could be at a premium, but it should be a good weekend of hockey.
Get a sweep in any venue, and UMD coach Scott Sandelin will term it a "great weekend."
The time to celebrate a great weekend in Omaha has passed for UMD, now. The Bulldogs are back on home ice this week to take on a surging Denver team that just handed St. Cloud State its first road loss of the season.
It's a key matchup in the NCHC, featuring teams separated by just two points in the league standings (Denver is tied for third, while UMD is tied for fifth). Moreover, for a UMD team that actually possesses a decent non-conference profile, it's a chance to make more gains in the ever-popular PairWise rankings.
(UMD is 21st as of this writing, actually ahead of a Denver team that had some issues in non-conference play, including losses to Alaska, Alaska-Anchorage, and Canisius.)
The Bulldogs gained a lot of momentum in Omaha, despite being outshot 93-43. The consensus in the UMD room is that while the guys can play better, there wasn't a whole lot to pick at. UNO was willing to throw pucks to the net from everywhere, including center ice. It inflated the Mavericks' shot numbers, especially on Saturday, and it masked the good things UMD was doing on the defensive side.
"They threw pucks from pretty much everywhere," Sandelin said. "Below the goal line, side of the net, up high. It seemed there were a lot of pucks just laying there that they just couldn't get to. I thought our guys did a good job of blocking out, eliminating, tying up sticks."
"That's something we work on," sophomore defenseman Andy Welinski said. "They had a few big guys that they'd post up in front of the net ... that was a big thing we worked on, boxing guys out."
So, yes, it's possible to play well defensively while giving up over 50 shots in a game.
That said, I'm going to throw this out there: It's probably not good form to give up 93 shots on goal every weekend. I don't care who's in goal. At some point, that's going to burn a hockey team.
Of course, there's no reason to believe UMD will do that. Even with the big numbers Omaha put up last weekend, the Bulldogs are only giving up a shade under 28 shots per game. The short-term trend might be for a lot of shots, but UMD's long-term profile defies that.
Leaning on Aaron Crandall or Matt McNeely once in a while is part of the bit. Goalies get it. UMD has no intentions of making either of these goalies win them game after game. This isn't the 2007-2008 team that couldn't score for anything, and needed Alex Stalock to win them game after game. This group is expected to score goals, and it's up to Crandall and McNeely to bail out the occasional defensive lapse with a big save, while not letting in any soul-crushing softies.
Right now, it's Crandall's net. That doesn't mean it'll be Crandall's net until the end of the season, but if he keeps playing like he did last week, it sure will be.
Denver presents some challenges. It's as good a blue line as you'll find in the NCHC, led by Joey LaLeggia and captain David Makowski. Will Butcher, who played in the World Juniors, and Nolan Zajac -- back on the blue line after an experiment at forward -- are also part of the defensive corps.
LaLeggia is especially impressive. He's all over the ice, a factor in all zones. Not afraid to join the forecheck, LaLeggia reads plays as well as anyone and can fly. He is a good passer with a good shot. He's the best two-way defenseman Denver has at the moment, though Zajac and Butcher have a ton of potential.
"We've got to be aware of those guys," Sandelin said. "Their lineup is very solid. They play the game on the right side of the puck. A good defensive team."
Denver isn't loaded up front, but the Pioneers have four solid lines without a ton of holes. No one jumps off the page, though Ty Loney's development has been impressive during his time there, and Trevor Moore has adapted nicely in his first college season. DU isn't as big as DU used to be, but there's some size and plenty of physical on this team.
"They're a deep team, and they're strong," Welinski said.
Oh, and there's Sam Brittain.
After serving as DU's unquestioned No. 1 goalie in his freshman year, I don't think anyone could have assumed Brittain would still be in school as a senior. A blown-out knee and the emergence of Juho Olkinuora conspired to place the uber-talented Brittain on the back-burner. He stood on his head against UMD in the 2012 Final Five (67 saves in a double-overtime win), but Olkinuora made 46 starts to Brittain's 25 over the latter's sophomore and junior seasons. Olkinuora moved on to pro hockey (St. John's in the AHL this season) and Brittain is back to being the bell-cow goalie in Denver.
He's making the most of it, too. Brittain was outstanding last Saturday against SCSU, making 35 saves, including 16 in a second period where the Huskies outshot DU 17-9. Brittain has a .934 save percentage over 21 starts, to go along with a stingy 1.96 goals against average. That save percentage this season matches his number in three lifetime starts against UMD, with the fourth coming Friday night unless he gets hit by the team bus in the Amsoil Arena garage.
This is a tough nut to crack. Denver allows almost 31 shots a game, but when this team is on defensively, it's similar to UMD last week. Lots of shots, maybe, but not a lot of quality shots or scoring chances. The Pioneers are so confident in Brittain that they'll let you throw the puck on net if he can see it. And they'll make sure he can see it.
The penalty kills are both outstanding. They're similar, in that sometimes it's the goaltending, sometimes it's the skaters. Both teams are good at denying speed and good zone entries once they clear the puck. St. Cloud State really struggled at times with zone entries on Saturday, and you can expect UMD to have the same issues if puck movement isn't crisp.
Oh, and then the Bulldogs have to beat Brittain.
And DU has to beat Crandall.
Goals could be at a premium, but it should be a good weekend of hockey.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Aaron Crandall Takes Huge Step Toward Seizing UMD No. 1 Goalie Gig
Andy Welinski had to think about it.
"I don't know," he initially said.
Don't worry. I really didn't ask him a tough question.
I only asked him what his favorite Aaron Crandall save was in Omaha.
"Tough to beat the one on (Josh) Archibald," Welinski offered.
OK, but which one? Crandall stopped Archibald 15 times in two games, including nine in UMD's 3-2 win Friday.
"I'd say the first period on Friday night was a pretty big save."
Can't argue with that. That and the stop Crandall made on Archibald in the third period of Saturday's win are two of the best saves you'll see anywhere.
"There were a few of them," head coach Scott Sandelin said, before concurring with Welinski's assessment. He added that the save Crandall made on a partial breakaway by Archibald in the third period was pretty sweet, too.
"I'm not sure I could get in the position Cranny was in on that one," he said. "He certainly did a good job of stretching across and getting the toe on it."
The reigning NCHC Goaltender of the Week was positively fantastic in both games, stopping 90 of 93 shots as the Bulldogs swept Nebraska Omaha. It marked UMD's first series sweep of the season.
There aren't many words that can be used to describe what Crandall was able to do in Omaha, so we'll let the well-spoken Duluthian Welinski give it a whirl.
"He was steady. I think he kind of stole the show this weekend. It's what we need, a hot goaltender."
While 93 shots is a lot over two games, and 53 is a lot for a single game, Welinski and his teammates can take solace in the fact that Crandall was seeing virtually everything. UNO got a few tipped shots to the net, but most of the shots -- especially on Saturday -- were basically routine for the UMD senior. There were a lot of them, but many were from a distance or were pucks that just sort of trickled to the crease area so Crandall could cover.
Crandall was great on Saturday. He was beyond that on Friday. Archibald will be seeing a couple of his chances from that game in his sleep until he scores again. Crandall robbed him, as I already mentioned, with a superb save in the first period, but he also slammed his skate into the left post and prevented Archibald from stuffing the puck home after he had gotten by the UMD defense late in the third. It was UNO's last major scoring chance until Saturday night. He faced more traffic, more deflections, and more difficult saves on Friday, even though the volume of his work wasn't as high as Saturday.
"That's a big thing we worked on," Welinski said. "Boxing guys out and not letting them get in front of Aaron's eyes. He obviously had to make some saves, but I think we also did a great job of letting him see the puck, which helps a goalie out a ton."
Back in October, 14th-year head coach Sandelin talked about the need for a goaltender to emerge as the bona fide No. 1 for his team.
"They need to understand that someone needs to want that and step up and try to grab it," he said before the team's exhibition against Lakehead. "I think it creates some good competition, but the sooner the better (on a No. 1 emerging)."
One weekend does not a No. 1 goalie make. We've danced that dance before. However, Crandall took a huge step toward taking control of the position with his performance in Omaha. Thanks to the best weekend of his career, UMD enters this weekend on a three-game winning streak.
Crandall has struggled with controlling his emotions over the course of his UMD career. Thanks to his refusal to stop working at that, he's taken some huge steps this season.
"His demeanor has been a lot better," Sandelin said. "The last couple years maybe, the fuse might have been a little shorter. I think now it's a little longer. He's settled into just playing and not getting so in the ups and downs of a goaltender. He's a very competitive goalie. The emotions of the game got to him sometimes."
There have been a lot of firsts for Crandall this season. He had never won at North Dakota before (and from talking to Crandall, I can tell you that -- without a doubt -- this meant something to him), and he had never won back-to-back starts the same weekend before the trip to Omaha. He made eight straight starts, easily a career high, before giving up the net to Matt McNeely in the Minnesota series. Now, he has a chance to re-establish himself as "The Man" in goal for UMD, a label he's never been able to hold on to. You can bet he's determined to make it happen.
"I don't know," he initially said.
Don't worry. I really didn't ask him a tough question.
I only asked him what his favorite Aaron Crandall save was in Omaha.
"Tough to beat the one on (Josh) Archibald," Welinski offered.
OK, but which one? Crandall stopped Archibald 15 times in two games, including nine in UMD's 3-2 win Friday.
"I'd say the first period on Friday night was a pretty big save."
Can't argue with that. That and the stop Crandall made on Archibald in the third period of Saturday's win are two of the best saves you'll see anywhere.
"There were a few of them," head coach Scott Sandelin said, before concurring with Welinski's assessment. He added that the save Crandall made on a partial breakaway by Archibald in the third period was pretty sweet, too.
"I'm not sure I could get in the position Cranny was in on that one," he said. "He certainly did a good job of stretching across and getting the toe on it."
The reigning NCHC Goaltender of the Week was positively fantastic in both games, stopping 90 of 93 shots as the Bulldogs swept Nebraska Omaha. It marked UMD's first series sweep of the season.
There aren't many words that can be used to describe what Crandall was able to do in Omaha, so we'll let the well-spoken Duluthian Welinski give it a whirl.
"He was steady. I think he kind of stole the show this weekend. It's what we need, a hot goaltender."
While 93 shots is a lot over two games, and 53 is a lot for a single game, Welinski and his teammates can take solace in the fact that Crandall was seeing virtually everything. UNO got a few tipped shots to the net, but most of the shots -- especially on Saturday -- were basically routine for the UMD senior. There were a lot of them, but many were from a distance or were pucks that just sort of trickled to the crease area so Crandall could cover.
Crandall was great on Saturday. He was beyond that on Friday. Archibald will be seeing a couple of his chances from that game in his sleep until he scores again. Crandall robbed him, as I already mentioned, with a superb save in the first period, but he also slammed his skate into the left post and prevented Archibald from stuffing the puck home after he had gotten by the UMD defense late in the third. It was UNO's last major scoring chance until Saturday night. He faced more traffic, more deflections, and more difficult saves on Friday, even though the volume of his work wasn't as high as Saturday.
"That's a big thing we worked on," Welinski said. "Boxing guys out and not letting them get in front of Aaron's eyes. He obviously had to make some saves, but I think we also did a great job of letting him see the puck, which helps a goalie out a ton."
Back in October, 14th-year head coach Sandelin talked about the need for a goaltender to emerge as the bona fide No. 1 for his team.
"They need to understand that someone needs to want that and step up and try to grab it," he said before the team's exhibition against Lakehead. "I think it creates some good competition, but the sooner the better (on a No. 1 emerging)."
One weekend does not a No. 1 goalie make. We've danced that dance before. However, Crandall took a huge step toward taking control of the position with his performance in Omaha. Thanks to the best weekend of his career, UMD enters this weekend on a three-game winning streak.
Crandall has struggled with controlling his emotions over the course of his UMD career. Thanks to his refusal to stop working at that, he's taken some huge steps this season.
"His demeanor has been a lot better," Sandelin said. "The last couple years maybe, the fuse might have been a little shorter. I think now it's a little longer. He's settled into just playing and not getting so in the ups and downs of a goaltender. He's a very competitive goalie. The emotions of the game got to him sometimes."
There have been a lot of firsts for Crandall this season. He had never won at North Dakota before (and from talking to Crandall, I can tell you that -- without a doubt -- this meant something to him), and he had never won back-to-back starts the same weekend before the trip to Omaha. He made eight straight starts, easily a career high, before giving up the net to Matt McNeely in the Minnesota series. Now, he has a chance to re-establish himself as "The Man" in goal for UMD, a label he's never been able to hold on to. You can bet he's determined to make it happen.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Kasimir Kaskisuo Commits to UMD; Blake Heinrich Decommits
A couple of rather noteworthy headlines regarding UMD recruiting came across the ol' desk this week.
For those new to the blog, I don't delve too heavily into UMD recruiting, for a variety of reasons. I'll report on kids with local ties, but tend to avoid posting long blogs about the kids no matter what.
That said, I don't think it's a state secret that UMD is in search of at least one goaltender for the 2014-15 recruiting class. Reigning NCHC Goaltender of the Week Aaron Crandall is gone after this season. While Matt McNeely has certainly showed promise and plenty of physical talent, his numbers haven't been consistent, and he might not be ready to be a No. 1 goalie at this level yet.
Tuesday, UMD secured a commitment from goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo, who plays for the Cloquet-based Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League. Kaskisuo is a bigger goalie who has incredible numbers at the junior level, with a .948 save percentage and eight shutouts. He's missed time with a lower-body malady but should be back soon. The Wilderness are coached by Cloquet hockey legend Corey Millen.
Kaskisuo will finish the season with Minnesota, then join UMD next fall. Ranked 16th among North American goalies eligible for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Kaskisuo should be able to contend for the No. 1 position at UMD.
I'm told that this is likely not the end of UMD's goalie shopping, but I don't have names or specifics or anything like that for you. Just don't be surprised if they go get another one before the 2014-15 roster is finalized. With two viable No. 1 candidates in the fold for next season, it seems more likely that any other goalie added would be a young developmental prospect.
Meanwhile, the future of the UMD blue line took a hit this week when it was announced that Blake Heinrich will forgo his college eligibility to sign with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. Heinrich was drafted by Washington last summer, and is in his second season with Sioux City of the USHL after starring in high school at Hill-Murray.
Heinrich is the latest in a long line of college recruits and even signees to eschew the NCAA path in favor of heading to a Canadian major junior team. College isn't for everyone, and while there will be some who yell at Heinrich for this move, reality is that he probably left UMD in the best position possible to deal with his change of heart/mind. Decommitting nine months before fall semester starts is a lot easier on the college than doing so in the summer.
Also, there's a good chance UMD's coaching staff was prepared for this, and adjustments have already been made.
Heinrich is the first UMD recruit to take the major junior path since Mac Carruth, a goalie who left the NAHL for Portland in 2009 and spent three full seasons there before joining the Chicago Blackhawks. Before that, there was Jared Boll, who committed to UMD before winding up with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL in 2005. He's still in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets (collected career penalty minute No. 1,000 this season).
(EDIT: Twitter follower UMD26MN notes that Elliott Peterson committed to UMD around the time Boehm did, but bolted for the WHL. So he's the most recent, not Carruth.)
For those new to the blog, I don't delve too heavily into UMD recruiting, for a variety of reasons. I'll report on kids with local ties, but tend to avoid posting long blogs about the kids no matter what.
That said, I don't think it's a state secret that UMD is in search of at least one goaltender for the 2014-15 recruiting class. Reigning NCHC Goaltender of the Week Aaron Crandall is gone after this season. While Matt McNeely has certainly showed promise and plenty of physical talent, his numbers haven't been consistent, and he might not be ready to be a No. 1 goalie at this level yet.
Tuesday, UMD secured a commitment from goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo, who plays for the Cloquet-based Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League. Kaskisuo is a bigger goalie who has incredible numbers at the junior level, with a .948 save percentage and eight shutouts. He's missed time with a lower-body malady but should be back soon. The Wilderness are coached by Cloquet hockey legend Corey Millen.
Kaskisuo will finish the season with Minnesota, then join UMD next fall. Ranked 16th among North American goalies eligible for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Kaskisuo should be able to contend for the No. 1 position at UMD.
I'm told that this is likely not the end of UMD's goalie shopping, but I don't have names or specifics or anything like that for you. Just don't be surprised if they go get another one before the 2014-15 roster is finalized. With two viable No. 1 candidates in the fold for next season, it seems more likely that any other goalie added would be a young developmental prospect.
Meanwhile, the future of the UMD blue line took a hit this week when it was announced that Blake Heinrich will forgo his college eligibility to sign with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. Heinrich was drafted by Washington last summer, and is in his second season with Sioux City of the USHL after starring in high school at Hill-Murray.
Heinrich is the latest in a long line of college recruits and even signees to eschew the NCAA path in favor of heading to a Canadian major junior team. College isn't for everyone, and while there will be some who yell at Heinrich for this move, reality is that he probably left UMD in the best position possible to deal with his change of heart/mind. Decommitting nine months before fall semester starts is a lot easier on the college than doing so in the summer.
Also, there's a good chance UMD's coaching staff was prepared for this, and adjustments have already been made.
Heinrich is the first UMD recruit to take the major junior path since Mac Carruth, a goalie who left the NAHL for Portland in 2009 and spent three full seasons there before joining the Chicago Blackhawks. Before that, there was Jared Boll, who committed to UMD before winding up with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL in 2005. He's still in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets (collected career penalty minute No. 1,000 this season).
(EDIT: Twitter follower UMD26MN notes that Elliott Peterson committed to UMD around the time Boehm did, but bolted for the WHL. So he's the most recent, not Carruth.)
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Game 18: UMD at Nebraska Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. -- Here we go from Omaha, where UMD seeks its first series sweep since the last time it played Omaha, and its first road series sweep since taking two in Anchorage last season.
Friday was a nice step, but the Bulldogs know six points are within reach here. Time to get them.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Crandall (Justin) - Cameranesi - Osterberg
Farley - Herbert - Basaraba
Iafallo - Toninato - Krause
Sampair - Decowski - Spurrell
Soucy - Welinski
Smith - Raskob
Johnson - Corrin
Crandall (Aaron) - McNeely
UNO
Walters - Zombo - Archibald
Searfoss - Montpetit - Raubenheimer
Guentzel - Lane - Parizek
Polk - Pearce - Simonson
Megna - Brady
Cooper - Seeler
Young - O'Rourke
Thompson - Peters - Massa
Friday was a nice step, but the Bulldogs know six points are within reach here. Time to get them.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Crandall (Justin) - Cameranesi - Osterberg
Farley - Herbert - Basaraba
Iafallo - Toninato - Krause
Sampair - Decowski - Spurrell
Soucy - Welinski
Smith - Raskob
Johnson - Corrin
Crandall (Aaron) - McNeely
UNO
Walters - Zombo - Archibald
Searfoss - Montpetit - Raubenheimer
Guentzel - Lane - Parizek
Polk - Pearce - Simonson
Megna - Brady
Cooper - Seeler
Young - O'Rourke
Thompson - Peters - Massa
NCHC All-League Midseason Peek
OMAHA, Neb. -- I'm pretty sure media isn't going to be invited to vote on the official All-NCHC team this season. I'm too lazy to look it up and confirm it, however.
(North Dakota fans are probably happy that I won't get to vote this year.)
Either way, it was an annual bit when UMD was in the WCHA that I would do a mid-season look at the postseason awards. Sometimes, you called me a rock-eating moron. Sometimes, you just read it. Usually, you ignored it.
Do with it what you must. Here's my early look at 2013-14, starting with all-league teams.
FIRST TEAM
Forwards
Josh Archibald, Nebraska Omaha
Riley Barber, Miami
Shane Berschbach, Western Michigan
Defensemen
Joey LaLeggia, Denver
Andrew Prochno, St. Cloud State
Goalie
Ryan Faragher, St. Cloud State
SECOND TEAM
Forwards
Jonny Brodzinski, St. Cloud State
Rocco Grimaldi, North Dakota
Ryan Walters, Nebraska Omaha
Defensemen
Dillon Simpson, North Dakota
Nolan Zajac, Denver
Goalie
Sam Brittain, Denver
APOLOGIES TO ...
Forwards
Justin Crandall, UMD
Austin Czarnik, Miami
Nic Dowd, St. Cloud State
Justin Kovacs, Western Michigan
David Morley, St. Cloud State
Defensemen
David Makowski, Denver
Jordan Schmaltz, North Dakota
Jaccob Slavin, Colorado College
Goalie
Ryan McKay, Miami
ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Forwards
Alex Iafallo, UMD
Luke Johnson, North Dakota
Trevor Moore, Denver
Defensemen
Will Butcher, Denver
Jaccob Slavin, Colorado College
Goalie
Kirk Thompson, Nebraska Omaha
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Goalie of the Year
Ryan Faragher, St. Cloud State
Defenseman of the Year
Andrew Prochno, St. Cloud State
Forward of the Year
Josh Archibald, Nebraska Omaha
Rookie of the Year
Alex Iafallo, UMD
Offensive Defenseman of the Year
Joey LaLeggia, Denver
Defensive Forward of the Year
Riley Barber, Miami
Player of the Year
Josh Archibald, Nebraska Omaha
I'm happy to talk about these picks. Hit me up on Twitter or in the comments. Just be nice. I don't cuss at you. Don't cuss at me. Or insult my mother/wife/son/dog.
Wait. I don't have a dog.
(North Dakota fans are probably happy that I won't get to vote this year.)
Either way, it was an annual bit when UMD was in the WCHA that I would do a mid-season look at the postseason awards. Sometimes, you called me a rock-eating moron. Sometimes, you just read it. Usually, you ignored it.
Do with it what you must. Here's my early look at 2013-14, starting with all-league teams.
FIRST TEAM
Forwards
Josh Archibald, Nebraska Omaha
Riley Barber, Miami
Shane Berschbach, Western Michigan
Defensemen
Joey LaLeggia, Denver
Andrew Prochno, St. Cloud State
Goalie
Ryan Faragher, St. Cloud State
SECOND TEAM
Forwards
Jonny Brodzinski, St. Cloud State
Rocco Grimaldi, North Dakota
Ryan Walters, Nebraska Omaha
Defensemen
Dillon Simpson, North Dakota
Nolan Zajac, Denver
Goalie
Sam Brittain, Denver
APOLOGIES TO ...
Forwards
Justin Crandall, UMD
Austin Czarnik, Miami
Nic Dowd, St. Cloud State
Justin Kovacs, Western Michigan
David Morley, St. Cloud State
Defensemen
David Makowski, Denver
Jordan Schmaltz, North Dakota
Jaccob Slavin, Colorado College
Goalie
Ryan McKay, Miami
ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Forwards
Alex Iafallo, UMD
Luke Johnson, North Dakota
Trevor Moore, Denver
Defensemen
Will Butcher, Denver
Jaccob Slavin, Colorado College
Goalie
Kirk Thompson, Nebraska Omaha
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Goalie of the Year
Ryan Faragher, St. Cloud State
Defenseman of the Year
Andrew Prochno, St. Cloud State
Forward of the Year
Josh Archibald, Nebraska Omaha
Rookie of the Year
Alex Iafallo, UMD
Offensive Defenseman of the Year
Joey LaLeggia, Denver
Defensive Forward of the Year
Riley Barber, Miami
Player of the Year
Josh Archibald, Nebraska Omaha
I'm happy to talk about these picks. Hit me up on Twitter or in the comments. Just be nice. I don't cuss at you. Don't cuss at me. Or insult my mother/wife/son/dog.
Wait. I don't have a dog.
Saturday Hockey Notes and Thoughts: UMD Holds On, Hits .500; Aaron Crandall Stands Tall in Net
OMAHA, Neb. -- I try to avoid hyperbole. I really hate when people throw out superlatives in describing every-day events.
UMD won a one-game game here Friday night, beating Nebraska Omaha 3-2. In doing so, the Bulldogs got outstanding and timely goaltending from senior Aaron Crandall, who made 38 saves.
During the postgame show, I said it might very well have been the best I've ever seen Crandall play. And while sometimes I end up having to take back stupid things I say on the air, this won't be one of those instances.
Meant. Every. Word. Of. It.
The Bulldogs didn't start badly in this game, but it was clear that they weren't as sharp as the opposition. UMD played with good energy and jump, I thought, but just didn't look crisp. Passes would miss and guys seemed a little unsure of themselves at times.
An early five-on-three came up empty, and not surprisingly. That early in the first real game off break, nothing was really working. I thought UMD looked a bit stagnant during the two-man advantage, which UNO killed off without a real scoring threat coming UMD's way. UMD's power play looked much better in the second period, however, and the game's first goal came seven seconds after it ended.
Alex Iafallo and Dominic Toninato combined for the first two goals, with Toninato tipping a long Iafallo shot for the first, then the pair setting up Adam Krause in the high slot for the second late in the middle stanza.
The second period featured some strong up-and-down action, but was more in line with how I feel UMD should play. UNO played with pace, but the Bulldogs blocked shots and were smart in their own zone. They weren't as good in the third period. UNO had chances, and the Mavericks were allowed to use too much speed. Josh Archibald was key here. The Mavs' leading scorer was held off the board Friday, but it wasn't from a lack of trying or a lack of opportunity. Archibald led the team with nine shots on goal and had at least three tremendous opportunities that Crandall stopped. He's an incredible high-end talent, and it's hard to imagine UMD keeping him quiet again.
The onus is on the Bulldogs to get more traffic in front of whichever goalie UNO starts Saturday and find a way to play more on their toes in the third period if they have a lead. Ryan Massa was solid on Saturday, but he had a clear path to too many shots. UNO blocked 16 shots, many of them early in the game.
UMD got back to blocking shots, too (21 in the game). That was a point of emphasis and will remain so. The Mavericks will shoot from anywhere, so it isn't surprising they got 40 on goal when UMD blocked over 20 as well. Expect more of that on Saturday. UNO's coaches can't be too upset with how their team played. There were plenty of big-time scoring chances, but Crandall was in good position and tracked the puck through traffic very well.
UMD needs a little more out of its top line. Tony Cameranesi, Justin Crandall, and Kyle Osterberg didn't create a ton of good chances Friday. That said, Osterberg had five shots on goal, the line combined for eight, and Cameranesi won the faceoff that set up Andy Welinski's one-time shot for the eventual game-winning goal (Welinski's first career GWG, by the way). That I believe they can get to another level is a testament to their skill and chemistry.
Cal Decowski's line with Charlie Sampair and Sammy Spurrell turned in some outstanding shifts again. A good example of their smarts came during the third period, when Spurrell got trapped on the ice for a long shift. UMD iced the puck and he couldn't get off. Instead of panicking, he kept things simple, blocked a shot, and was able to get off the ice. That's a good example for young players, who tend to lose their head when trapped on the ice for a long time. When you're tired, it's time to play a simpler game and not try to do too much. Instead, players tend to overextend themselves, and that's how critical mistakes are made.
During Saturday's broadcast, by the way, you'll be able to hear Decowski (who talks faster than he plays) chat about his line and their chemistry. It's as good a "fourth line" as you'll find anywhere.
By the way, I'm betting Crandall starts again in goal. Just a hunch.
Congratulations to former UMD goalie and national champion Kenny Reiter, who signed his first NHL contract Friday. He inked a two-way deal with the New York Islanders for the rest of the 2013-14 season. The contract doesn't guarantee Reiter will play in the NHL. Instead, the Islanders -- ravaged by injury between the pipes -- pick up another option for the NHL roster should it be necessary.
When Reiter came here, he wasn't guaranteed a dadgum thing. Through hard work and a ton of heart, he earned the starting job here over a more highly-touted goalie. That goalie chose to transfer and try to get a fresh start elsewhere, and Reiter ended up holding on to the job for about a season and a half, winning 52 games, including 23 in his senior season. He was the man during the 2011 NCAA Tournament, too, leading UMD to the title.
There aren't many better people in this sport than Kenny Reiter. He's a class act, and I hope to see a press release about him getting called up before this season is over.
As far as "good dudes" go who have left UMD and made it to the NHL, the only comparison I can think of is Jason Garrison. His story is similar, too, so it's cool to see Kenny get this opportunity.
The other NCHC action on Friday ...
Western Michigan scored three in the third period. Two of them were short-handed, including the winner from Nolan Laporte with eight seconds left, as the Broncos beat Miami 5-4 in Kalamazoo. The loss drops the consensus preseason favorite RedHawks to eighth place in the eight-team NCHC.
North Dakota got two Michael Parks goals in a 5-3 home win over Colorado College. The Tigers are 2-14-3 overall, but still a point ahead of Miami, thanks to an extra game played and a shootout win.
St. Cloud State continued its strong play with a 6-3 win at Denver. Jonny Brodzinski scored twice, and David Morley had three points.
UMD won a one-game game here Friday night, beating Nebraska Omaha 3-2. In doing so, the Bulldogs got outstanding and timely goaltending from senior Aaron Crandall, who made 38 saves.
During the postgame show, I said it might very well have been the best I've ever seen Crandall play. And while sometimes I end up having to take back stupid things I say on the air, this won't be one of those instances.
Meant. Every. Word. Of. It.
The Bulldogs didn't start badly in this game, but it was clear that they weren't as sharp as the opposition. UMD played with good energy and jump, I thought, but just didn't look crisp. Passes would miss and guys seemed a little unsure of themselves at times.
An early five-on-three came up empty, and not surprisingly. That early in the first real game off break, nothing was really working. I thought UMD looked a bit stagnant during the two-man advantage, which UNO killed off without a real scoring threat coming UMD's way. UMD's power play looked much better in the second period, however, and the game's first goal came seven seconds after it ended.
Alex Iafallo and Dominic Toninato combined for the first two goals, with Toninato tipping a long Iafallo shot for the first, then the pair setting up Adam Krause in the high slot for the second late in the middle stanza.
The second period featured some strong up-and-down action, but was more in line with how I feel UMD should play. UNO played with pace, but the Bulldogs blocked shots and were smart in their own zone. They weren't as good in the third period. UNO had chances, and the Mavericks were allowed to use too much speed. Josh Archibald was key here. The Mavs' leading scorer was held off the board Friday, but it wasn't from a lack of trying or a lack of opportunity. Archibald led the team with nine shots on goal and had at least three tremendous opportunities that Crandall stopped. He's an incredible high-end talent, and it's hard to imagine UMD keeping him quiet again.
The onus is on the Bulldogs to get more traffic in front of whichever goalie UNO starts Saturday and find a way to play more on their toes in the third period if they have a lead. Ryan Massa was solid on Saturday, but he had a clear path to too many shots. UNO blocked 16 shots, many of them early in the game.
UMD got back to blocking shots, too (21 in the game). That was a point of emphasis and will remain so. The Mavericks will shoot from anywhere, so it isn't surprising they got 40 on goal when UMD blocked over 20 as well. Expect more of that on Saturday. UNO's coaches can't be too upset with how their team played. There were plenty of big-time scoring chances, but Crandall was in good position and tracked the puck through traffic very well.
UMD needs a little more out of its top line. Tony Cameranesi, Justin Crandall, and Kyle Osterberg didn't create a ton of good chances Friday. That said, Osterberg had five shots on goal, the line combined for eight, and Cameranesi won the faceoff that set up Andy Welinski's one-time shot for the eventual game-winning goal (Welinski's first career GWG, by the way). That I believe they can get to another level is a testament to their skill and chemistry.
Cal Decowski's line with Charlie Sampair and Sammy Spurrell turned in some outstanding shifts again. A good example of their smarts came during the third period, when Spurrell got trapped on the ice for a long shift. UMD iced the puck and he couldn't get off. Instead of panicking, he kept things simple, blocked a shot, and was able to get off the ice. That's a good example for young players, who tend to lose their head when trapped on the ice for a long time. When you're tired, it's time to play a simpler game and not try to do too much. Instead, players tend to overextend themselves, and that's how critical mistakes are made.
During Saturday's broadcast, by the way, you'll be able to hear Decowski (who talks faster than he plays) chat about his line and their chemistry. It's as good a "fourth line" as you'll find anywhere.
By the way, I'm betting Crandall starts again in goal. Just a hunch.
******
Congratulations to former UMD goalie and national champion Kenny Reiter, who signed his first NHL contract Friday. He inked a two-way deal with the New York Islanders for the rest of the 2013-14 season. The contract doesn't guarantee Reiter will play in the NHL. Instead, the Islanders -- ravaged by injury between the pipes -- pick up another option for the NHL roster should it be necessary.
When Reiter came here, he wasn't guaranteed a dadgum thing. Through hard work and a ton of heart, he earned the starting job here over a more highly-touted goalie. That goalie chose to transfer and try to get a fresh start elsewhere, and Reiter ended up holding on to the job for about a season and a half, winning 52 games, including 23 in his senior season. He was the man during the 2011 NCAA Tournament, too, leading UMD to the title.
There aren't many better people in this sport than Kenny Reiter. He's a class act, and I hope to see a press release about him getting called up before this season is over.
As far as "good dudes" go who have left UMD and made it to the NHL, the only comparison I can think of is Jason Garrison. His story is similar, too, so it's cool to see Kenny get this opportunity.
******
The other NCHC action on Friday ...
Western Michigan scored three in the third period. Two of them were short-handed, including the winner from Nolan Laporte with eight seconds left, as the Broncos beat Miami 5-4 in Kalamazoo. The loss drops the consensus preseason favorite RedHawks to eighth place in the eight-team NCHC.
North Dakota got two Michael Parks goals in a 5-3 home win over Colorado College. The Tigers are 2-14-3 overall, but still a point ahead of Miami, thanks to an extra game played and a shootout win.
St. Cloud State continued its strong play with a 6-3 win at Denver. Jonny Brodzinski scored twice, and David Morley had three points.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Game 17: UMD at Nebraska Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. -- The second half of the season kicks off here at CenturyLink Center, where UMD takes on Nebraska Omaha. The Bulldogs are aiming to get back to the .500 mark, as are the Mavericks. Assuming no shootout, the Friday winner will, at least for one night, be break-even on the season.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Crandall (Justin) - Cameranesi - Osterberg
Farley - Herbert - Basaraba
Iafallo - Toninato - Krause
Sampair - Decowski - Spurrell
Soucy - Welinski
Smith - Raskob
Johnson - Corrin
Crandall (Aaron) - McNeely
UNO
Lane - Zombo - Archibald
Walters - Montpetit - Davis
Searfoss - Guentzel - Ortega
Polk - Pearce - Parizek
Seeler - O'Rourke
Young - Brady
Youso - Cooper
Massa - Peters - Thompson
Lines?
Lines.
UMD
Crandall (Justin) - Cameranesi - Osterberg
Farley - Herbert - Basaraba
Iafallo - Toninato - Krause
Sampair - Decowski - Spurrell
Soucy - Welinski
Smith - Raskob
Johnson - Corrin
Crandall (Aaron) - McNeely
UNO
Lane - Zombo - Archibald
Walters - Montpetit - Davis
Searfoss - Guentzel - Ortega
Polk - Pearce - Parizek
Seeler - O'Rourke
Young - Brady
Youso - Cooper
Massa - Peters - Thompson
Goaltending a Likely Story in Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. -- This is too easy.
Through 16 games this season, UMD has a team save percentage of .884. The Bulldogs are 7-8-1.
Through 18 games this season, Nebraska Omaha has a team save percentage of .880. The Mavericks are 8-9-1.
That tends to make sense when you think about it. Teams that struggle defensively and in goal aren't going to win more than they lose over the long haul.
While it's likely that this will be a storyline this weekend when these two teams meet here in Omaha, it seems like it's almost too easy.
Something else will creep up.
Maybe it's a UMD defense that's become increasingly leaky. Maybe it's a UNO team that played like it missed Jaycob Megna last weekend and will miss him again Friday, along with head coach Dean Blais, who is allowed in the arena but can't coach or communicate with his staff during the game. Perhaps we'll see UNO's penalty kill struggles (71.2 percent this season) rear their ugly (not for UMD) head. But can UMD's inconsistent power play take advantage?
What's striking when you study Omaha is the fact that it's almost a different team in conference play. In special teams play, UNO has been outscored by a way-too-wide 34-20 margin. Opponents have 30 power play goals and four short-handed markers, while UNO has 18 power play goals and a pair of shorties.
However, UNO has nine power play goals and a short-handed marker in eight league games, compared to eight PPGs and a single shorty for opponents. That means that the Mavs have been outscored 25-10 in special teams during non-conference games.
By comparison, UMD's strong penalty kill (87.5 percent) has kept the Bulldogs going in special teams. UMD has outscored opponents 16-12 in special teams situations, thanks to only allowing 11 power play goals. The power play is only hitting at around 19 percent, which is below normal for UMD, but the kill is sixth nationally and has kept UMD from being blown away when penalties are called.
Watching UNO's loss to New Hampshire last Friday, the defensive issues were glaring. They also might be a bit overblown. UNO got caught with the long change in the second period a couple times, trapping tired players on the ice. Those players made mistakes, UNO got outnumbered, and UNH buried some chances.
Both PPG allowed in that game came from point shots, which crystallizes the need for UMD to get pucks to the net while on the man advantage. It isn't always a strength for the Bulldogs, but when they've kept things simple and just driven the net, good things have happened.
UNO is probably thinking the same things heading into this weekend. Stay out of the box, play five-on-five (UNO is plus-nine even strength over 18 games), make a couple saves, and attack the opponent's shaky goaltender.
Simply put, the team that does the best job attacking the net is going to be in position to win. Reality suggests that it'll probably be more complicated than that.
Don't ever expect a 6-5 game. Usually, when you expect to see that, a 2-1 game shows up.
Either way, UMD needs the points to start the second half on the right foot. The Bulldogs had games in hand on the rest of the league entering December, but now only Colorado College and North Dakota have played more league games. Only getting three points out of SCSU and Western Michigan at home hurt big-time. UMD can't let more chances slip away.
Only one non-league weekend remains, so it'll be a grind to the finish. It's a grind UMD needs to start off well here. Get more than half the six points, and let's roll.
Through 16 games this season, UMD has a team save percentage of .884. The Bulldogs are 7-8-1.
Through 18 games this season, Nebraska Omaha has a team save percentage of .880. The Mavericks are 8-9-1.
That tends to make sense when you think about it. Teams that struggle defensively and in goal aren't going to win more than they lose over the long haul.
While it's likely that this will be a storyline this weekend when these two teams meet here in Omaha, it seems like it's almost too easy.
Something else will creep up.
Maybe it's a UMD defense that's become increasingly leaky. Maybe it's a UNO team that played like it missed Jaycob Megna last weekend and will miss him again Friday, along with head coach Dean Blais, who is allowed in the arena but can't coach or communicate with his staff during the game. Perhaps we'll see UNO's penalty kill struggles (71.2 percent this season) rear their ugly (not for UMD) head. But can UMD's inconsistent power play take advantage?
What's striking when you study Omaha is the fact that it's almost a different team in conference play. In special teams play, UNO has been outscored by a way-too-wide 34-20 margin. Opponents have 30 power play goals and four short-handed markers, while UNO has 18 power play goals and a pair of shorties.
However, UNO has nine power play goals and a short-handed marker in eight league games, compared to eight PPGs and a single shorty for opponents. That means that the Mavs have been outscored 25-10 in special teams during non-conference games.
By comparison, UMD's strong penalty kill (87.5 percent) has kept the Bulldogs going in special teams. UMD has outscored opponents 16-12 in special teams situations, thanks to only allowing 11 power play goals. The power play is only hitting at around 19 percent, which is below normal for UMD, but the kill is sixth nationally and has kept UMD from being blown away when penalties are called.
Watching UNO's loss to New Hampshire last Friday, the defensive issues were glaring. They also might be a bit overblown. UNO got caught with the long change in the second period a couple times, trapping tired players on the ice. Those players made mistakes, UNO got outnumbered, and UNH buried some chances.
Both PPG allowed in that game came from point shots, which crystallizes the need for UMD to get pucks to the net while on the man advantage. It isn't always a strength for the Bulldogs, but when they've kept things simple and just driven the net, good things have happened.
UNO is probably thinking the same things heading into this weekend. Stay out of the box, play five-on-five (UNO is plus-nine even strength over 18 games), make a couple saves, and attack the opponent's shaky goaltender.
Simply put, the team that does the best job attacking the net is going to be in position to win. Reality suggests that it'll probably be more complicated than that.
Don't ever expect a 6-5 game. Usually, when you expect to see that, a 2-1 game shows up.
Either way, UMD needs the points to start the second half on the right foot. The Bulldogs had games in hand on the rest of the league entering December, but now only Colorado College and North Dakota have played more league games. Only getting three points out of SCSU and Western Michigan at home hurt big-time. UMD can't let more chances slip away.
Only one non-league weekend remains, so it'll be a grind to the finish. It's a grind UMD needs to start off well here. Get more than half the six points, and let's roll.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Bulldogs Need Good Start to Second Half
MINNEAPOLIS -- Hello, layover.
I come to you from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where I'm spending a few hours waiting for my delayed flight to Omaha. A UMD-UNO series preview is coming later, but for now, let's take a quick gander at where UMD stands with the season about half over.
The good
The Bulldogs have done a very good job preventing opponents from racking up high shot totals. Despite a defensive lull since Thanksgiving, UMD is still highly-ranked nationally, allowing just over 25 shots per game. That's not a bad number, especially for a team we knew might struggle at times in goal.
UMD has to tighten things up on that side of the ice, but we'll cover that in a little bit.
The freshmen have been strong. UMD has 18 goals and 44 points from its rooks so far, and their continued presence gives the Bulldogs some balance across the forward lines.
Individually, I thought Kyle Osterberg, Justin Crandall, Alex Iafallo, and the Cal Decowski line (with Charlie Sampair and Sammy Spurrell) had good or better halves. Decowski's line has great chemistry and has actually showed itself capable of playing effectively with increased ice time compared to most "fourth lines."
(It was funny talking to Cal this week, because you should have seen his face light up when I asked him about his linemates. It's a great trio because of how they compliment each other on the ice, and it's going to be fun to watch their development continue.)
The power play has struggled, but UMD's penalty kill has consistently been in the top ten nationally (sixth entering the weekend) through the first half of the season. That kill and improved performance from the power play lately has propelled UMD to fifth in combined special teams this season (Bentley, BC, Denver, and BU are the top four).
The not-so-good
Can't ignore the goaltending. After a good start, UMD entered break with a team save percentage of .884. I'm no math whiz, but that isn't great. Both Aaron Crandall and Matt McNeely have had their moments, but they've also each had their struggles.
(While Crandall's worst game was probably at Minnesota, McNeely's best one was probably the following game against the Gophers. Weird how that works out.)
It's not all on them. There have been plenty of breakdowns that have led to odd-man rushes, breakaways, and other sorts of grade-A scoring chances. yes, there have been some clunker goals at times, but each goalie has also been hung out to dry plenty.
That means team defense isn't strong enough. Odd-man rushes and breakaways don't happen without defensive breakdowns, and many rebound goals could be prevented with stronger play out front, no matter how juicy the rebound might be. Gap control could be better, and defenders have to do a better job of getting in position and occupying opponents so they can't just jam at the puck down low.
There have been communication breakdowns, too. On St. Cloud State's winning goal Dec. 6, what appeared to be a two-on-three turned into a straight one-on-one situation when Tim Smith stepped up on SCSU forward Jonny Brodzinski and no one filled for him after he got walked. Smith seemed to take a gamble because it looked like he had help, but that help didn't read the play the same way. Brodzinski got open and ripped a wrister that beat McNeely for the winner.
Those things happen, but they're preventable, and UMD has to clean that up.
Overall
We knew this team was young, especially with the D-corps. We knew the goaltending might be problematic at times. It's hard to be mad at things we expected to happen.
Being under .500 sucks, but let's go back to what I've said before. This team should improve greatly as the season goes on. I expect the Bulldogs to show that improvement in the second half, in all phases of the game.
If the goaltending holds up, UMD could very well make a run in a league that is still very much up for grabs.
I come to you from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where I'm spending a few hours waiting for my delayed flight to Omaha. A UMD-UNO series preview is coming later, but for now, let's take a quick gander at where UMD stands with the season about half over.
The good
The Bulldogs have done a very good job preventing opponents from racking up high shot totals. Despite a defensive lull since Thanksgiving, UMD is still highly-ranked nationally, allowing just over 25 shots per game. That's not a bad number, especially for a team we knew might struggle at times in goal.
UMD has to tighten things up on that side of the ice, but we'll cover that in a little bit.
The freshmen have been strong. UMD has 18 goals and 44 points from its rooks so far, and their continued presence gives the Bulldogs some balance across the forward lines.
Individually, I thought Kyle Osterberg, Justin Crandall, Alex Iafallo, and the Cal Decowski line (with Charlie Sampair and Sammy Spurrell) had good or better halves. Decowski's line has great chemistry and has actually showed itself capable of playing effectively with increased ice time compared to most "fourth lines."
(It was funny talking to Cal this week, because you should have seen his face light up when I asked him about his linemates. It's a great trio because of how they compliment each other on the ice, and it's going to be fun to watch their development continue.)
The power play has struggled, but UMD's penalty kill has consistently been in the top ten nationally (sixth entering the weekend) through the first half of the season. That kill and improved performance from the power play lately has propelled UMD to fifth in combined special teams this season (Bentley, BC, Denver, and BU are the top four).
The not-so-good
Can't ignore the goaltending. After a good start, UMD entered break with a team save percentage of .884. I'm no math whiz, but that isn't great. Both Aaron Crandall and Matt McNeely have had their moments, but they've also each had their struggles.
(While Crandall's worst game was probably at Minnesota, McNeely's best one was probably the following game against the Gophers. Weird how that works out.)
It's not all on them. There have been plenty of breakdowns that have led to odd-man rushes, breakaways, and other sorts of grade-A scoring chances. yes, there have been some clunker goals at times, but each goalie has also been hung out to dry plenty.
That means team defense isn't strong enough. Odd-man rushes and breakaways don't happen without defensive breakdowns, and many rebound goals could be prevented with stronger play out front, no matter how juicy the rebound might be. Gap control could be better, and defenders have to do a better job of getting in position and occupying opponents so they can't just jam at the puck down low.
There have been communication breakdowns, too. On St. Cloud State's winning goal Dec. 6, what appeared to be a two-on-three turned into a straight one-on-one situation when Tim Smith stepped up on SCSU forward Jonny Brodzinski and no one filled for him after he got walked. Smith seemed to take a gamble because it looked like he had help, but that help didn't read the play the same way. Brodzinski got open and ripped a wrister that beat McNeely for the winner.
Those things happen, but they're preventable, and UMD has to clean that up.
Overall
We knew this team was young, especially with the D-corps. We knew the goaltending might be problematic at times. It's hard to be mad at things we expected to happen.
Being under .500 sucks, but let's go back to what I've said before. This team should improve greatly as the season goes on. I expect the Bulldogs to show that improvement in the second half, in all phases of the game.
If the goaltending holds up, UMD could very well make a run in a league that is still very much up for grabs.
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