Sioux Vs DU

[Old Barn Guy at Home]

After watching a lot of the Sioux hockey games this year, the glaring lack of "finishers" is always evident. For those fans who are continually bemoaning the lack of offense, I'm afraid it's not going to get much better this season. You must remember that this team lost it's two top offensive producers (Zach and Bo), plus Lundbohm. Now they are also playing without a very skilled and speedy Brady Murray. This weekend also sees the Sioux without a fairly strong two-way player (McMahon). The Sioux don't have depth in the goal-scoring department. They really don't have a lot of offensive firepower (finishers at the D-1 college level). The past month, they look like they are working hard, trying their best. Maybe we just have to "cut them all some slack." Get used to it. They aren't going to fill the net, even when they do create some excellent opportunities.

Now, can they win and go on into the playoffs? Yes, I think they can. Don't expect it to be easy or pretty, but they could pull off a "2004 Denver" and surprise the heck out of a lot of hockey "experts." To do this, they WILL need some luck. Heaven knows that we haven't used up much of it so far in the regular season.

Keep the faith. As long as the guys are working hard and playing together, you can't really expect some of the "role player" guys to magically turn into consistent big time goal scorers. It just isn't going to happen at the level at which they play. But some just may get the opportunity to produce and get the job done when it is needed the most.

And to Hak........hang in there fella. First years are never easy and you have been challanged by many difficult circumstances beyond your control. You have a good staff to help you and you will do just fine. You are just "paying your dues" as a first year coach of a program that is always expected to win (not considering that most of the offense producers are no longer in the line up or even the program). You guys will find more recruits that will come in a bring the needed skills/traits to the team. I have faith in you guys and the program, and a lot of other hockey people do too.

[The Sicatoka]

I saw a faint glimmer of hope last night:

Drew Stafford was trying to go to the net and not pulling up and out at the dot.

Take 'em to the net Drew.

Lead 'em.

[Goon]

[redwing77]

Yeah, I noticed Drew rushing the net more too. Zajac has done this as well, but we need Massen, Genoway, Porter, or any of those playing center to park themselves in front of the net more and allow the defense to get spread out. Then pepper the net with shots and hopefully we can actually get our stick on the puck.

All these pucks hopping over sticks, whiffing, and the word "chances" are starting to make me want to scream!

[dagies]

Old Barn Guy, nice job.

Seemed like the ice was in better shape this weekend than last? The guys were passing and catching more effectively, with fewer flubs. Anyone at the game notice anything?

[dagies]

oooo

Sparky wasn't happy after the game last night. This from PCM's recap on USCHO

"It seemed like after each goal, we got satisfied and then we lost concentration or took stupid penalties," said the Slovakian forward. "They scored right away. You have to be aware in those situations"

Game Recap

[PCM]

Yeah, I noticed Drew rushing the net more too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now if he could just get his serve down and work on his overhead smash, he'd be awesome.