yzerman19

We had ridiculous skill players upfront for many years: Parise, Stafford, Zajac, Toews, Oshie, Nelson, Schmaltz, Boeser...you're talking about some of the best 200-300 offensive players in the world. Throw in Frattin, Malone, Vandevelde, Jost, Grimaldi, Knight, Rowney, Bochenski, Jewels, Murray, Porter...guys that fall just outside that high bar, but still play(ed) in the NHL. Then throw in high-end college players that just couldn't/can't get over that hump: Kristo, Duncan, Trupp, Gregoire... We haven't gotten those kinda guys lately...meaning since Jost committed. I'm curious if we're losing that ultra high-end to Major Junior more these days...I might have to do some research...see if it's pervasive for forwards across NCAA

Well, St Cloud and Duluth both have multiple players on their roster with World Junior medals...We haven't had a guy make a US or Canadian team since Jost. We just don't have the horses. Yes, we have the best stable, yes, we have a pedigreed tradition, just not the horses this year. All due respect to JBD...he is a thoroughbred (to keep the analogy going) trouble is he's just one, and on the backend there's only so much offense he can create.

I AM disappointed with the recruiting that has led to this state. Honestly though, who would've thought that Hoff, JJ, and Adams would all turn out to be underachievers.

Kawaguchi is the only UND player outscoring Chris Wilkie in conference play...

Because of the gaps in the lineup, Honestly, at this point, I'd put Kawaguchi with Senden and Hain...figure out who plays pivot. Thats our top line. Most years that would be our 2nd/third line. Gardner, Weatherby and Smith are my heavy line that sees real minutes. i guess Hoff, Adams and Bowen are scoring line 2. 4th line...Brayden, Upton, and Dunlop...might as well be...

nobody can be disappointed with this team splitting with Duluth. Not this year. I continue to believe that coaching is all that stood between our current position and a last place finish in the NCHC. The forward skill level is just not there, and is even worse without Mishmash and Jones...but who are we kidding, on a typical UND team, Even those guys wouldn't be expected to consistently put the puck in the net. They'd carry heavy minutes on the third line, maybe the second.

Hockey is getting better all over the country. ND is no exception. USA Hockey's approach is working. It might not win you hockey games, but it is definitely upping the skill level.

Its about long-term player development, and I couldn't agree with you more. The NHL is a skaters league now, there just aren't big pylons out there with one purpose. Yes, its a physical game with contact, and you need to learn to separate a man from the puck with your body eventually, but the focus at the younger ages should be heavy on edgework and stick skills. You can never be a good enough skater.

Such a great lesson on rushing to the next level. Sticking in the NHL is about so much more than just skills. Take your time and develop. The NHL is unforgiving as a development league...it's the destination when your game is complete. lesson for all kids and parents at every level. Don't rush it.

All pro sports it's about speed now...if you add size to the equation, skies the limit

Dean Daschyn, Dan Brennan,Cary Eades...

I think that's acceptable- just imagine how ornery Zack Jones would've been had he played on a team with this few mimosa treatments

i was pleased to see while I was away that my Sunday morning mimosas remained in the community lexicon!

Could be- I'm not part of GOBC or in the room or in staff Meetings. I just know what I see.

I'd hypothesize that the staff is well aware of the lack of forward speed and offensive punch. One contrarian viewpoint is that maybe this is the best system given the composition of the team...yes it sucks losing 2-1, but imagine if it was 6-2, 7-3 regularly? Consider this...maybe we are overachieving Based on the composition of this year's team?

Thanks Wilbur!

Thanks- what is a HIE! ? ahhh...Holiday Inn Express...good stuff

Thanks- I was once as passionate as they come...was good to step back a bit

The puck possession, high structure mantra works- if, as I said before, you have horses for transition and a deadly pp. We just don't this year. Great system if you add the line Schmaltz, Jewels, and Boeser...who will pop 2-3 on the rush or pp/game...just don't have that this year

BCHL is not as strong as USHL apologies- must've read that wrong the first time

Penalties are often the result of competing hard- i never get too worked up about them. Forgive me for being obvious, but the gap on this year's team is offensive creativity. Forwards are playing really good structure, but sometimes to score, you need a license to be creative outside that structure. They are clearly coached to prevent opportunities against vs to create opportunities for on 5x5...which is a recipe for winning if you have great team speed for the transition game and a great power play. We do not have either. i was always coached that in the O zone you need to beat a guy 1:1, and once you do that the whole O zone is now full of odd-man opportunities to create something. Regarding draft picks, the difference in talent level between a 4-6th rounder vs Undrafted is marginal at best- somebody in the drafting organization saw something that might be useful in a depth or situational player and therefor it is worth taking a flyer on them in case they grow up to be Joe Pavelski. First rounders are the ones with elite skill. Been awhile since I posted- the personal haters drove me off.

NO- until you get solid officiating.

proud of the boys. embarrassed by the officials tonight. I hate on the boys when they play poorly, I usually give the officials the BOTD...not tonight

yes- that's why you use that power...make changes for better hockey. If we lose because we get outplayed...fine, I bitch and am butthurt. If we lose because of officiating...I'm pissed

Yes- that was garbage officiating. I don't want to leave the NCHC, but that's the threat...conference revenue would TANK