as15

I just re-watched the highlights from last night, Rocco's goal was a thing of beauty. I don't think people realize how hard it is to catch a puck in the skate like he did, especially at full speed. Also, where did O'Donnell's one-timer come from, I haven't seen that from him before, what a shot on his goal.

Hopefully the latter isn't already occurring, last year was Hakstol's worst year (record-wise) and this year is on pace to be. Not saying it is happening, just that this year and last year have the chance to be the two worst years of his tenure as head coach.

I agree a ten or more year draught would be unacceptable, some might get a little skunky by then.

Story of Miami's year so far.

I think Olson is a lock to come in too, I have heard that if Gersich is able to finish accelerating, he will be here next year as well. Even is J. Schmaltz leaves, I don't see any reason to bring in another defenseman, Poolman (who might win USHL Defenseman of the Year this year) will be hard pressed for playing time already.

Honestly I'm ok with neither of them making it to campus. Elite talent at age 15-16, just didn't develop as expected, which happens. This is when a player like Trevor Olson or John Simonson becomes even more valuable.

Yes, I think it helps our cause that the Blues' have such good organizational depth at all positions, they really have no need for any of their prospects to be ready for a while.

I was skeptical when Brock left, but it is obvious he made the right decision. His first two years of professional hockey are almost identical to Zach Parise's, with both playing in the AHL their first year out of school, and then the NHL from there.: Parise: AHL: 58 points, 0.79 NHL: 32 points Nelson: AHL: 52 points, 0.79 ppg, NHL: on pace for about 31 points right now Not saying he will be as a productive as Parise, just putting into perspective what he is accomplishing at the same age.

Just by how he has been playing this year, I would put the chances of Schmaltz being here for his senior year at close to 0%. He has shown the ability to dominate as a defenseman, which is pretty rare. The reason why I think he stays for his junior year is to play with his brother and he is still physically underweight. I know he almost weighs 200 pounds, but he is visibly the skinniest player on the ice, almost at all times. Brock Nelson was the same way his sophomore year, but even though he was skinny, I thought he always seemed pretty strong on the ice (his sophomore year, at least), I haven't gotten that impression from Schmaltz, yet.

I agree, he is one of the most invisible players I have ever seen, freshman or not. I can't even remember a single above average play he has made all year, or a shot even.

Sorry if this has been already answered, but what are some bars/establishments that usually play the UND game's on their tv's in the Twin Cities?

If he keep showing a good two way game, I don't see how Luke Johnson doesn't get a look as a 3rd/4th line center for. Thompson doesn't really have a shot this year, Ausmus will really have to stand out for him to be considered.

I think Stecher and LaDue are head and shoulders above Ausmus and Thompson, right now. I also thought Ausmus looked better in his game this weekend, than Thompson did, but its hard to judge only on their first games.

I agree, Rocco needs to be more selfish than he was for the exhibition. He needs to realize there isn't a player in college hockey that can skate with him.

I agree, O'Donnell works hard, but is so unnoticeable in the ice, good for a defenseman, not a forward.

Grimaldi

Me too, I thought Mattson was fine. The only thing I can't stand is he always tries these soft backhand passes at the offensive blue line that never seem to work.

In order to maximize the talent on the ice, does anyone think we will see a defenseman play forward, specifically Stecher, this year?

After the first game, I would put Thompson as our 7/8 defenseman with Panzarella. He was the least impressive of all our freshman d, Stecher was a pleasant surprise.

Johnson must've really impressed Hakstol to already be in a Top-six role as a center.

Wondering if the coaches want to get an in-game look at the freshman, either that or Rodwell isn't going to be a very big part of the team this year.

Parks

I think the expectations for Gropp are a little high. At the same age as Gropp is now, Toews was busy scoring 20+ goals against NCAA opponents. Don't get me wrong, Gropp will be a great player, but Toews is proving to be a once a decade player in the NCAA.

Especially over St.Clair. St.Clair was an every night player last year, as he will be this year as well.

Skinny as a twig like Nelson, but he also is coming in with two years of junior, which Brock didn't have. I'm not saying Tambellini will ever be as good as Nelson, but I think its pretty safe to say he will be more ready for the college game than Nelson was as a freshman.