yababy8 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I say yes... While it seems most everyone sees this squad as a hard working and effective group of guys I notice some, both fans and press, rating this years offensive group as average with respect to talent. Given this I have been feeling compelled to start this thread and get a fun little debate going- nothing better than a, 'how good are we debate' when we are really good. :-)- I intend to write up a critique and make an argument that they are one of the better group of forwards we have had since 1997. I will do that later when I have a little time to do it right. I am curious what others think? How do you see them comparitively? Of course they are not a forechecking, tough along the boards juggernaut like many Sioux squads in the past but I think they have some assets that in many(not all) of the other years in the said time frame we have been lacking. As a sneak preview to where I will go with my arguements I will throw a few words out there that speak to what I see when I watch these men play the game: Dynamic, fast, craftly, team work, stick work, measured, rythmic, finishers. I didn't choose any of those adjetives lightly or in a cavalier way. I think they stand out from other teams in these areas... Discuss.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scpa0305 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Is anyone knocking them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yababy8 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 Is anyone knocking them? Changed my post a little to clarify... ...its not about knocking them at all. It's a talent assessment question. Some rate them as not being loaded with talent. I think they are loaded with talent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scpa0305 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Changed my post a little to clarify... ...its not about knocking them at all. It's a talent assessment question. Some rate them as not being loaded with talent. I think they are loaded with talent. Loaded with college talent for sure. We even have one blue chipper in there. I think some posters were comparing this year's forwards to those of past years....especially the mid-2000 years. Those years we were really loaded. Multiple blue chippers every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 It's difficult to assess, because when I look back and see a guy like Matt Frattin listed on the '07-'08 team, I think of the Matt Frattin from the '10-'11 team, even though he wasn't nearly the same player. Same could be said for Trupp and Malone. I like our current group just fine. For me it's been a while since I felt this confident about lines 3 & 4. When we can put 21-13-14 out there as our 3rd unit and they control play for 90 seconds it's a pretty good indicator of the level of talent on the forward group. The ability to work hard is a talent in its own right, too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InHeavenThereIsNoBeer Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I think we may not have the same level of top end talent in our forward group as in years past, obviously not the DOT year. However, I believe having 4 good lines really helps us because I do remember a few games(very few) where the DOT line couldn't score and that spelled disaster for our team. It almost seemed like some of the other players assumed they'd score and when they didn't, it was too late in the game to pick up the slack. The fact that a team can't hone in on one line because anyone could score makes us a very dangerous hockey team. This becomes especially obvious in the NCAA tourney when you have the best teams in the country who are capable of shutting down a top line. This can spell the end of your season because your scoring line didn't get it done. This all being said, yes I would love to have another DOT line. That was some amazing hockey we got to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yababy8 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 Loaded with college talent for sure.You're stealing my thunder.. One of my points was going to be just that. In 1997 how many guys from that squad went on to have big time NHL level careers? I not only ask this question because we have a banner from that year but more because that team had an ability to completely take over a game with its forwards leading the way. I can vividly recall us being down by a couple of goals past the halfway mark in the National Championship game and not even being concerned about it because I knew that the team just kept going and going and eventually would break anyone with their speed and skill up front. It was so fun to watch... This team reminds me of that team more than any since then. The DOT line team,'06-'07, was right there but they were more of a could get rolling on you at any time team. In 97 like this year it is more about a rhythm that seems to work itself into a crescendo the further into the game they go. Its like they solve for the opponents game plan and crack their defenses and methodically take them down. Now this was only going to be one of my points. I am also looking forward to discussing their skating AND puck moving skills from inside the circles to down low. Then on to their fast break/rush abilities, maybe a little about play making, i.e. getting open looks!! It's about time on that one! There is a bit of a list to draw from I think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InHeavenThereIsNoBeer Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 It's difficult to assess, because when I look back and see a guy like Matt Frattin listed on the '07-'08 team, I think of the Matt Frattin from the '10-'11 team, even though he wasn't nearly the same player. Same could be said for Trupp and Malone. I like our current group just fine. For me it's been a while since I felt this confident about lines 3 & 4. When we can put 21-13-14 out there as our 3rd unit and they control play for 90 seconds it's a pretty good indicator of the level of talent on the forward group. The ability to work hard is a talent in its own right, too. Great point here, people refer to having a Brock Nelson on the 3rd or 4th line on this team. Yes, we was a very good freshie but let's not pretend like he was the same Brock Nelson that was NHL ready at the end of his sophomore year. Don't mean to go off on a tangent, but does anyone think that injury to Brock at the beginning of the Michigan FF semifinal caught our team off guard a bit? Not even the fact that we lost him, but just that you don't expect a big injury to happen at the beginning of such a huge game that disrupted play. I don't mean to re-hash this bc it hurts to think about it but I've always thought about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yababy8 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 I think we may not have the same level of top end talent in our forward group as in years past, obviously not the DOT year. However, I believe having 4 good lines really helps us because I do remember a few games(very few) where the DOT line couldn't score and that spelled disaster for our team.Spot on. This is exactly how I would compare them. Aside from this year since '07 the most confidence I have had in a team was the '06 DOT line team and I did not feel good about things when we were down. I recall the first game of the regional when Michigan got up on us early I was thinking it was game over and when we came back I was suprised. In '97 I was not suprised, I was expecting it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scpa0305 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I like this team when they are focused and motivated...their record and statistics speak for itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiouxTupa Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 What gives me confidence about this team, more than the last couple, is that the bottom two lines are capable of sustained offensive zone time. They're not necessarily there to score, but being able to wear down the other team and generate chances is a huge boost to a team. Last Sat is a perfect example because that OD-Gaarder-Pogs line didn't generate much on the scoreboard (maybe nothing) but they controlled play for large chunks. I don't think we can say that about the last couple years' teams - probably going back to 10-11. I LOVE that the seniors are taking a big step forward in consistency. Parks/Mac were always going to be key players for this year's team, and they've always struggled with consistency. Hopefully their run of great play continues. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fetch Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Fratttin never got it done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yababy8 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 He had the ability to score with that shot like non other but it was a bit of a one trick poney- pardon the pun. :-) He did miss on his chance against Michigan. One of the things I read which drew me to start this thread was in last weeks Tuesday chat Brad Schlossman stated that this forward squad was not as talented as the '11 squad. I disagree with that. I think we have much more skill in this group, aside from the physical aspect of course. I say there is no way we don't score a goal with this team vs that Michigan team. Zero chance. Hehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InHeavenThereIsNoBeer Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 He had the ability to score with that shot like non other but it was a bit of a one trick poney- pardon the pun. :-) He did miss on his chance against Michigan. One of the things I read which drew me to start this thread was in last weeks Tuesday chat Brad Schlossman stated that this forward squad was not as talented as the '11 squad. I disagree with that. I think we have much more skill in this group, aside from the physical aspect of course. I say there is no way we don't score a goal with this team vs that Michigan team. Zero chance. Hehe I'm not sure if I'd agree Frattin was a one trick pony. He was a pony that had a laser wrist shot, hit harder than any forward on the team, muscled through defenders to score huge goals(i.e. SCSU), and had a rocket one timer... some might call that a horse 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frozen4sioux Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I'm not sure if I'd agree Frattin was a one trick pony. He was a pony that had a laser wrist shot, hit harder than any forward on the team, muscled through defenders to score huge goals(i.e. SCSU), and had a rocket one timer... some might call that a horse Agreed......Frattin was a beast all over the ice ....if that was one trick.....it was a hellluva trick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airmail Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 One of the things I read which drew me to start this thread was in last weeks Tuesday chat Brad Schlossman stated that this forward squad was not as talented as the '11 squad. I disagree with that. I think we have much more skill in this group, aside from the physical aspect of course. I say there is no way we don't score a goal with this team vs that Michigan team. Zero chance. The '11 team was simply loaded up front, so comparisons to that team are natural. IMO, I don't think we have the physicality and scoring ability with the '15 forward group that we had in '11. And that isn't a knock against the current squad - more of a nod to the other group. We have a ton of talent this year - just a different dynamic that makes it work. Frankly, it probably works better as other already alluded to. To say the '15 group would score on the '11 Michigan team is kind of irrelevant. That Michigan team, for that game, had a very specialized defensive plan against UND that was successfully implemented and executed. Plainly, "Old Red" did his homework. What an awful night for the Sioux faithful. If blue-collar can bring us the championship that the blue-chips couldn't, so be it. I'm 100% on board. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoreSiouxForYou Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Don't mean to go off on a tangent, but does anyone think that injury to Brock at the beginning of the Michigan FF semifinal caught our team off guard a bit? Not even the fact that we lost him, but just that you don't expect a big injury to happen at the beginning of such a huge game that disrupted play. I don't mean to re-hash this bc it hurts to think about it but I've always thought about that. Yes. I was right there when it happened and it Startled the team and took some bounce out of their step. And Shawn Hunnywick. Glad its Friday, that thought just made me go get my pregame started. GO Sioux! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InHeavenThereIsNoBeer Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Yes. I was right there when it happened and it Startled the team and took some bounce out of their step. And Shawn Hunnywick. Glad its Friday, that thought just made me go get my pregame started. GO Sioux! Glad I could help! haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoreSiouxForYou Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Agreed......Frattin was a beast all over the ice ....if that was one trick.....it was a hellluva trick! The D play in the Neutral zone to flag a clearing pass out of the zone down and set up i believe Trupp on a break away at the Ralph (can't remember who it was against) was an example of his defensive tricks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoreSiouxForYou Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Glad I could help! haha Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snova4 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 My nugget to add is this, this is the first time in a long time, I have absolutely no fear when someone takes a penalty. Between Zane and this team's ability to score a man short, the "always were" chant is finally correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfhockey Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Cheers also from tioga Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoneySIOUX Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 My nugget to add is this, this is the first time in a long time, I have absolutely no fear when someone takes a penalty. Between Zane and this team's ability to score a man short, the "always were" chant is finally correct. Absolutely! I love our PK. So good at denying space and we win LOADS of those end board battles and are good at getting rid of the puck. Only a couple times this year have we lost those. Our forwards are great at the point on the PK and have a big time knack for putting away shorties on turnovers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George M. Bluth Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 My nugget to add is this, this is the first time in a long time, I have absolutely no fear when someone takes a penalty. Between Zane and this team's ability to score a man short, the "always were" chant is finally correct. I can't believe the semi-recent students stole the "always were/that's debatable" chant from Minnesota. Makes me cringe every time I hear it. It's so stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InHeavenThereIsNoBeer Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I can't believe the semi-recent students stole the "always were/that's debatable" chant from Minnesota. Makes me cringe every time I hear it. It's so stupid. I don't mind a few "stolen" chants as long as the student section is into the game. I think Wisconsin claims MN stole it from them too so who really cares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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