burd

I don't miss physicality, but they're wasting speed they have. Seems like they are always passing to a stationary target.

You may be right, and it sure looks like this team is often a step late getting to the puck, but I think it's just as much about our guys always reacting to instead of dictating play, and that is not necessarily form lack of effort. They haven't found a style or scheme that fits them yet.

I lost my credibility long ago--you just lost the last of yours.

It could easily be said that Blais has laid an egg at UNO.

Were you living in Mongolia at the time?

Something like that. They have a little bit of a different talent package than Hak is used. to. Before the season started, many were thinking this might be a BC-like team, smaller but quicker with some good hands in the mix. I personally think it is a challenge for Hak to establish a scheme and roles that match the roster. He is not exactlyh a loosey-goosey kind of guy. But there are a lot of people on this site with far more hockey knowledge who will disagree I'm sure.

this isn't a Blais thing. He has done very little at UNO.

We're all gonna die

Big time expectations after we'd seen them play a couple of months their freshman year. They have speed, but it doesn't seem to be coming to the top in the system they're running.

Is it a defensive strategy when our guys glide the last few strides to the puck when it's anywhere along the wall? We seem to let the other player get first control then try to neutralize him, but it doesn't always work that way and we seem to be chasing a lot.

The bubble seems optimistic about now.

4 on 3. Time for some good chances and sustained pressure.

This team has the potential to be an up tempo team, but they sure get beat to pucks a lot.

Still wondering about that comment? Think A Beautiful Mind.

Gotta disagree with that. We've had plenty of talent (and speed)

The thing that has always frustrated me about our breakout scheme is how looooooong the Dmen hold on to the puck before they pass up ice, and then the forward has a guy all over him.

Sioux not winning many faceoffs

Their breakout scheme at this point seems predictable and easy to forecheck. That keep-it-on-the-perimeter mentality has our D constantly passing to a stationary (and covered) target along the boards. Maybe those aren't turnovers--call 'em turnbacks, because that's what happens most of the time.

It's a chip-it-along-the-wall-then-dump transition. Most often, it's a chip-it-along-the-wall-to-covered-winger-and-play-defense transition.

All these conclusions based on "someone suggested?"

I didn't see it that way. He just mishandled the puck on the first breakaway. He is by far the quickest on the Sioux team but I don't know how he stands regarding down-the-ice speed.

Aside from NC, Hak has gotten excellent results, but I agree that his system seems too conservative and regimented for some lineups to excel. The keep-it-on-the perimeter concept on the breakout and dump and chase in the O zone might be wasting some potential on this faster, smaller team. But I'm not a coach, and Hak has had great results, so I guess we wait and see if it comes together. Also, this St. Cloud team can skate; we should not forget that.

Bobby Orr still following you around?

That's a laugh, saying York teaches his players to play with their balls.

Agreed. SCSU has the better team at this point. Give these Freshmen some time, though. With this squad, I think Hak will have to loosen up a little and turn them loose a little more often.