scpa0305

Big win for the Wild.....Zucker is playing at a very high level. He's pretty fun to watch.

True...I guess I would have to exclude the US team. If you exclude them there are very few top notch skaters (who are great in college or have successful careers after college) who come from the NA. I'm pretty sure (I think) you know what I'm talking about )....the US team comment was a reach, but you are correct. The US team is almost a complete separate program which played NA team to gain experience (due to NA players being so old). Jacque Lam played in the NA, he was a solid college player but was never drafted and I think his numbers were a tad inflated due to the league he played in....but he was solid. Every once in awhile those players will come around. But again, my point is that I would be fine missing out on an NA skater and take my chance on a more highly heralded player who may be drafted.

Agreed....I'm starting to wonder if Koivu is hurt. That Pom injury was a huge blow, their first line hasn't even been noticeable. Has the first line even had a point yet? Either way I'm a Hawk fan but have been trying to cheer for the Wild more since Parise arrived.

Frattin sure looks good so far tonight....unfortunate Carlyle sat him for so long. He needs to stay top 6 and play with creative players, his shot is lethal.

Anyone know who Kristo is playing with in the Worlds? Bjugstad I'm guessing.....that's kind of funny.

Actually Crosby's line is the shut down line. His line play's against the other team's best line every night. That is what is so crazy about Crosby's numbers (more specifically +/-). Crosby is obviously known for his offensive production and for being a great 2-way center....as is Toews. I'm not saying Toews shouldn't win the Hart, I was simply trying to note that Crosby is a "do-it-all" type of player as well. If Crosby wouldn't have missed the last month of the season there would be no question that he should win the Hart.

That's great....looks like there are a decent amount of college players on that squad.

Toews and Crosby are my two favorite players in the league, however, I am shocked both of you two chose Toews over Crosby. Crosby is by far the best player in the league. Him and Toews are quite similar in that they both play D very well, are great captains and win a ton of faceoffs. However, Crosby's offense is much better than Toews (which is nuts because Toews is so good). Toews is my favorite player, for obvious reasons, but Crosby would be my first choice if we were starting a team...Toews wouldn't be all that far behind him though.

MInny might steal one at home but I have a strong feeling this series is over.

True...now check out the USHL commitments page. I never said there were no NA commitments. They usually are role players at best. Gaardner came from the NA I believe. Respectfully, I think you missed my point. My point was that we missed out on a NA player (I initially thought wasn't a goalie). I was fine with that because UNd typically pulls in many top notch recruits....I would say, besides young kids who will eventually move on to the USHL, there are minimal, at best, prospects playing in the NA. Many teams in the NA used to be in the AWHL (or Americas worst hockey league ). Some of these players may eventually be decent small league college players but we (UND) typically don't pull in these type of recruits because we go after NHL prospects...make sense? Sorry I'm writing from my phone. I not once said there were no NA players with college commitments. However many commit d3, walk on to d3 schools, or quite hockey altogether.

Yes, see two posts up. I noted that a lot of young players go to the NA first before heading to the USHL. Paul really matured during his first year in Lincoln. I don't end up seeing a ton of 2-3 year NA players making it past college. Many simply go the D-3 route, which isn't a big deal. I skate with a ton of good former D-3 players.

Jensen is very good, not surprised he left. Great organization too.

...you're reaching.

Yes, every once in awhile a decent forward comes out of there or jumps to the USHL. My bro's team had a guy who went to Maine. As for the goalies you are correct, I have seen some decent goalies come out of the NA.

I didn't hate on the kid...I was simply thinking I'm fine with UND not getting him...that's all. I played through high school and went to college, I could have played in the NA. I know enough about the game to hold my own. The previous guy was right, my comment most likely came off a little strong but I don't think the ECAC is that great of a league based on the type of players they recruit/produce. I love UND hockey but I also love the talent that comes through the program (and other WCHA schools for that matter). As for my original comment, my thinking was I was perfectly fine with this kid choosing to go to another school given the schools that were recruiting him (or lack there of). UND will be able to find another solid goalie. I am also perfectly fine with Zane taking the reigns from here on out. I have seen a lot stronger comments aimed at kids who choose to go to other WCHA schools (more specifically UM). So just because I call a spade a spade and note the ECAC in general is not one of the toughest leagues...and their schedules are relatively weak, don't jump all over me. Read my initial post, it wasn't all that bad. Sorry if upset you.

You're correct I should have deleted my comment....but I saw people had already commented on it. My bro and a bunch of buddies played in the NA...I know the compentition level. Most players end up going D-3 from the NA. I have no idea what you mean with your last two sentences. I have one degree.

....yeah.

Hahahahahaha. You were looking for this so I'll give it to you early.

Definitely, I didn't know he was a goalie. Every once in awhile a decent goalie comes from the NA. We'll agree to disagree regarding the ECAC...I look back further than one year. Their track record isn't that great. Edit: For all of you instantly bashing my initial post...please see above.

If St. Lawrence was the best offer he received....I'm fine with missing out on him. The NA is a decent league...but no where near the talent level of the USHL.

Blackhawks vs Pengiuns Cup would be epic!

Aren't we in the same boat?

This is true for my age group.

That is inherant in Chay's style of play as he jumps up a lot. Overall I was fine with both, however, I expected a lot from Lapointe, not so much Chay.

Ok, I little better than I thought...he was on some very good defensive teams though. I think what we were trying to say was he was a very offense minded defensemen in the USHL and he never quite hit that type of stride in college...some don't. Can't quite figure all that mess out but did Chay have a lot more points? Either way Chay's +/- was still good. Go back and check out Finley's +/-.