SiouxTupa Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 As anxious as I am, I thought I would kick this off early. Maine is going to be a huge test. I like having harder games early, but at the same point, just like last year against BC, this series could be ugly. I'm thinking Maine takes game 1 by 6-4 with possibly an empty. UND battles back in game two and shines 4-1. Goalies step up and shut down. We've got huge offensive talent, and I can guarentee you that Zajac and Stafford will be getting comfortable together. You could see the chemistry building. The D was good in the late second/early third against Manitoba, and I'm sure will step up the physicality against Maine. They accomplished their goal of not taking a major penalty, and hopefully accrued no injuries. I'm really pumped for next weekend, and this one isn't even over yet. I'm thinking Jake gets the nod in Orno, but I'd like to see Jordan. I wish he could've gotten some time tonight, but maybe they're resting him. One thing is for sure, this year we have TWO goalies with big-game experience. What does everyone else think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiouxTupa Posted October 3, 2004 Author Share Posted October 3, 2004 When I look at that again after writing it, I see that I've got Maine with 6 goals on Friday. This is contingent upon the ugliness factor. We all know that when the defenses clamp down Maine doesn't score more than 3. Therefore, if we bring our "A" PHYSICAL defense we can shut them down to 3 or less and maybe even take both. Now I just have to remember that we're playing Jimmy Howard, so maybe we won't get 4. I want to see Stafford or Zajac (both ) dazzle us with a highlight reel goal next weekend too. I'm going to stand by my 4 goal a night prediction. If we can get that, I expect we can get the W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
U2Bad1 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 SiouxTupa: After I read your first post I was shocked that you predicted Maine would be able to score six goals. Did you see the NCAA championship game last year??? I see you made a wise correction in your second post. My question is, who did they lose from last year besides their senior goalie?? (can't remember his name). Their defense will be tough, hopefully we can get to howard right away on friday and keep it up all the way through Saturday It will also be a nice road test right away in very hostile territory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianvf Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 My question is, who did they lose from last year besides their senior goalie?? (can't remember his name). Frank Doyle was the senior goalie last year for Maine. I agree that this will be an interesting series. Maine will be a good challenge to see where the team is for the rest of the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 They lost I think 2 or three skaters. One of which was that transfer student from Minot State - Bottineau (or something like that) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spfreak Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 Maine lost Luc Acquino to major juniors and Prestin Ryan and Todd Jackson to graduation, and Dustin Penner to an early departure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1siouxfan22 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 Werent they the team with Jim Howard in goal? Who was only like a sophmore. This will be a huge test for UND. Maine is ranked ahead of them in every poll. A split wouldnt be bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choyt3 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 A split wouldnt be bad. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> A sweep would be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1siouxfan22 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 got that right. Who is the center between Zajac and Stafford? And if its not Murray who is on his line? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 I predict a split. We lose Friday, win on Saturday (reversing our trend last year regarding splits: W Friday, L Saturday). I think penalties will be a factor. I've heard Hockey East refs are as bad as ours. And Penner was the guy I was talking about who went to MSU Bottineau. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCM Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 got that right. Who is the center between Zajac and Stafford? And if its not Murray who is on his line? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Murray centered the first line with Porter on left wing and Spirko on right wing. Zajac centered the second line with Stafford at left wing and Genoway at right wing. McMahon centered the third line with Massen on left wing and Kaip on right wing. Fylling centered the fourth line with Fabian on left wing and Canady on right wing. Defensive combos were: Jones-Greene Fuher-Smaby Schneider-Radke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1siouxfan22 Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 I think that 2nd line is better than the first. There is alot of depth this year the third and forth lines should both contribute this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmidtdoggydog Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 Article from Sunday, October 3, 2004, Portland Press Herald: Black Bears hit ice running By JENN MENENDEZ, Portland Press Herald Writer PLAYERS TO WATCH Jimmy Howard Goalie, junior Howard emerged as an elite goaltender during the postseason last year. He set Hockey East and NCAA records and allowed two or fewer goals in 20 of 22 starts. In his first year as a No. 1 goalie, Howard is projected as a Hobey Baker candidate. Michel Leveille Forward, sophomore Leveille, a Quebec-born playmaking forward, had 34 assists in 43 games as a freshman last season. He is being eyed for his set-up passes but also for his potential to score. If Leveille has the breakout year some are hoping for, he could be a dangerous weapon. Jeff Mushaluk Defenseman, senior Mushaluk leads a corps of seven returning defensemen. As one of Maine's captains, he will be looked to for leadership on and off the ice. John Ronan Forward, senior Ronan will be an integral part of Maine's offense by committee. He'll also be looked to for his leadership on and off the ice as one of Maine's captains. UMAINE HOCKEYCOACH: Tim Whitehead, fourth season LAST SEASON: 33-8-3, NCAA runner-up KEY RETURNEES: G Jimmy Howard, F Michel Leveille, F John Ronan, D Mike Lundin, D Jeff Mushaluk, F Derek Damon KEY LOSSES: F Colin Shields, F Todd Jackson, F Dustin Penner, G Frank Doyle, D Prestin Ryan KEY NEWCOMERS: F Rob Bellamy, G Matt Lundin, F Billy Ryan (eligible in January) ORONO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiouxTupa Posted October 3, 2004 Author Share Posted October 3, 2004 For being a balanced team, they sure do mention their goalie a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farce poobah Posted October 3, 2004 Share Posted October 3, 2004 I don't see Maine scoring very many on the Sioux (1 or 2 if its a good night). They lost their top scorers too ... so if the Sioux can be airtight and if Brandt/Parise play strong, we may only need 2-3 goals to win. But I don't see the Sioux firing a lot past Howard either. (Its not gonna be 8 goals on 24 shots!) I look for low-scoring, conservative, playoff-style hockey. Predictions - Sioux 2-1, then 1-1 Saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sioux7 Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Watch, the Sioux will sweep. Defense will play a huge role. The Sioux will get it done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 For being a balanced team, they sure do mention their goalie a lot. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We were a balanced team last year and we mentioned Zach a lot. You realize that Howard is the best goalie they've had in a LONG time. I don't mind them focusing on the goaltender. Hey, Buffalo focused their whole team around Hasek one year and went to the Stanley Cup finals... with the same result In any case, Howard is the real deal folks. He doesn't make many mistakes so we have to make it count every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiouxTupa Posted October 4, 2004 Author Share Posted October 4, 2004 Just noticed that Maine dropped 7 on Vermont. I guess that was flukey? I realize that against real opponents and good defenses they don't score much, but they CAN score when needed...and that's not too often with Jimmy in goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kermit Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Maine is one of the top programs in the nation, and they are very tough at home. They started out last season by blitzing Minnesota at the Omaha tournament. This is an excellent matchup and anything could happen. I expect a split. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1siouxfan22 Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Vermont isnt quite the power house as the sioux either. With the goalies the sioux have and the gread d corps there is no way Maine will get 7 on the sioux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffj Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Interesting stat on Maine, looking at the USCHO website, is that they only lost one home game last year. Must be a very hard place to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZSIOUX Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 if anyone wants to check out maines message board website i believe this link will work below. maybe learn some stuff on maine that would be nice for the weekend series.... http://www.blackbears.net/sitenotes.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommiejo Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 All I can say aout this series is that it's going to be one "HELL OF A SERIES." Now if we either sweep Maine or split with them either way it's a good thing. I can't wait to watch it on TV if it's CSTV I hope. Hey I survive another Hurrican (Jeane) I only lost the front proch roof & lost power for a couple of days other than that I was O.K. Four Hurricans in six weeks I can't wait for "FIGHTIN SIOUX HOCKEY" to get started. SIOUX FAN SINCE 1973. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCM Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Tommiejo, it's good to hear that you survived the hurricanes. Having been through the '97 Grand Forks flood, I can only imagine what it must be like in Florida now. Welcome back to another season of Sioux hockey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprig Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 I can't wait to watch it on TV if it's CSTV I hope. SIOUX FAN SINCE 1973. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> CSTV on Friday night only, I believe, good to hear you've made it through all the storms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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