It's hard to believe this season is a quarter of the way finished already. For some, it's getting to the 1/3 point. But after finishing a nine-out-of-10 game stretch on the road, the Mavericks will finally get a chance to have a little "home cookin" over the next 17 days or so. It's been a crazy season already, filled with more valleys than peaks, but there have been signs of life.
Remember, this team has played more games on the road thus far than any other team in college hockey. At 3-6-1 overall and 1-6-1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, MSU is not where it wants to be. But there is plenty to look forward to in the next couple of months - as the post-season will be here before you know it.
FORWARDS
A surprise: Sophomore Trevor Bruess started the season rotating between the third and fourth lines. That's the role he excelled in last season. But before long, Bruess led the Mavericks in scoring and was promoted to the team's top-line. Jon Kalinski struggled to get his season kick-started, until he lined up with Bruess and Mick Berge. Now, Berge and Kalinski have rocketed back to the top of the team scoring charts while Bruess has moved back down to his role as a grinder. You could argue 'Bruiser' has been the team's most consistent player thus far, and he will be counted on to provide the occasional scoring punch from those bottom lines the rest of the season.
A disappointment: Joel Hanson scored 15 goals during a breakout season last year, and added 13 assists to finish with 28 points - third on the team. With the graduation of Travis Morin, Hanson was being counted on to be the Mavs new No. 2 guy in the offensive end. But through 10 games, Hanson doesn't have a single point. He is the only forward regular to not find the score sheet yet.
A prediction: Sooner or later, things will open up for Hanson. He hasn't scored yet, but it's not as though he has been invisible. Being a senior, Hanson does all the little things right; he is disciplined and has been a very good leader. The younger players have talked about how much they respect Hanson because of the business like approach he takes despite the early point production struggles. "You don't see him out there breaking his stick," said freshman Rylan Galiardi. Hanson will be fine. This prediction may be a bold one, but I wouldn't be at all surprised: Hanson will be among MSU's top-3 point scorers by the time we ring in the new year.
Grade through 10 games: C-
The Mavericks have not scored enough goals for this grade to be higher. The have been adept, however, at creating chances and that's why this grade isn't lower. MSU has worked in practice this week on goal scoring and finishing chances when they get them. Perhaps its the lack of a proven sniper or the inexperience up front, but if the Mavs are to get back into this thing, they will need to improve on the 1.5 goals they are averaging so far in WCHA games.
DEFENSEMEN
A surprise: Junior Brian Kilburg has already scored more goals this season (1) than he did all of last season and is within two points of his entire total from 2006-07 (6). Following his benching Saturday at Minnesota, Kilburg played one of his best games Friday in Denver. He has been paired with freshman Kurt Davis all season and the two provide the team with its most versatile duo. Davis' specialty is on the offensive end (he has four assists so far) while Kilburg's size allows him to play a physical defensive style - as they did in the first game at DU. If these two can play that well together on a more consistent level the rest of the season, they will be a very good pairing.
A disappointment: If you really want to call it that... This may be stretching it a bit, but Ben Youds has only one point in eight games this season after being sold by head coach Troy Jutting as the most talented defenseman this program has ever recruited. I'm not calling the guy a bust just 10 games into his first season, because Youds has not been bad this season. But he hasn't been spectacular. Fellow freshmen Davis and Channing Boe have stood out more than Youds has - and he came in with the much higher billing. The fact Youds has been the most disappointing defender is really a credit to how well this unit has played so far.
A prediction: I am really high on the play of Boe thus far. Unlike Youds and Davis - the more offensive defensemen on the team - Boe provides a big, physical presence on the blueline. He has a cannon for a shot, too. My prediction, although it may be a bit long term, Boe turns into a Steve Wagner type player who by his third season, will be the most dependable Maverick defenseman.
Grade through 10 games: B
If not for the outstanding play of Mike Zacharias, this group would be the biggest surprise pf the season. Despite lacking an experienced defenseman that has a lot of skill, this group has played hard, disciplined hockey for most of the 10 games. Senior R.J. Linder has been everything the team has needed him to be: steady. Blake Friesen will be this year's Linder, next season. The junior is not the most skilled player on the team, but he rarely makes costly mistakes. Boe, Davis and Youds all provide a lot of potential. All three have seen substantial playing time as freshmen and will continue to because they have responded. Kilburg can be in the upper tier of WCHA defensemen when he plays a defensive, physical brand of hockey.
GOALTENDING
Grade through 10 games: B
Zacharias is the reason this grade is so high. If it were his grade alone, it would probably be an A. Dan Tormey has struggled so far this season, and the reason for that is unclear. He finished the season strongly last year, so I don't think it is hand-injury related.
Zacharias, meanwhile, has been one of the best in the conference. He has allowed a pair of questionable goals in 10 games, so there is some things for him to work on. But if he can maintain this level of play, or more realistically, stay around it, he will find himself playing a lot come January and February.
Let me know what you guys think of the grades. I'll stay away from grading coaches at this point. Besides, it seems as though you guys have decided final marks for them already.
I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving! Might take a break for a couple days, but feel free to leave comments, ask questions and peruse as usual. I'll be updating some of the sidebar information as this weekend's action progresses.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Of course you'll stay away from grading the coach because you would have to pry your lips of Jutting's butt to type the "F".
Heaven forbid!!
I find it very amusing that this is the same crowd that ripped me apart a few years back when I wrote in the Reporter that the Mavericks needed to make a coaching change. I was ripped to no end! My how the tables have turned.
I have my opinions about this coaching staff, but I don't think 10 games into any season that is 40games long is enough time to judge a coach or a coaching staff. Each team is different from year to year and sometimes it takes a while to adjust. That's not a kiss-ass opinion, that's just how it works.
If the Mavericks reel off six games in a row, or 8 out of 10 or 10 out of 12, the same crowd that is calling for Jutting's head now will talk about him as a Coach of the Year candidate.
My advice? Step away from the ledge... Jutting is not going anywhere anytime in the near future. Relax and "enjoy the season."
And remember that its alot easier to say "FIRE TROY" when you get to sit in your comfy computer chair behind an anonymous handle. I have to deal with the man and his players on a daily basis.
I need more time before I'm willing to give the coaches a grade. I've seen way too many teams have an undefeated December to get back into contention when it seemed like the sky was falling.
So what you're saying is that the coaching staff gets a clean slate every year? Finishing in the bottom half of the bottom half every year doesn't matter, you'll always wait to see how this year plays out?
I don't think as many people were against you as you think when you wrote the "Fire Jutting" article. Look at any WCHA blog or message board...how many people stick up for the guy? Generally about two...you and the guy who writes the Western College Hockey blog (aka: MaizeRage, and he writes the Mav Hockey Nation Blog). People have been against Jutting for a LONG time now and I don't see it changing any time soon...even if they Mavs would win it all this year. People would chalk it up to the player's passion and skill..not the coaching.
Anon #2- good point. Why should the coaching staff get a clean slate?
Dan- as far as people ripping you..well, that's just going to happen. After the cheering in the student section and the scene you made with that against the Gophers years back and then the Jutting hate to love situation...people have discredited you. May sound harsh, but it's pretty accurate. I know you want to be taken as a serious reporter but it's just not going to happen in Mankato. Also, with the errors in your blog and Reporter articles it just drives home the fact to people that you're a poor reporter. I'm not even saying this to be mean either. Just stating what I know. Thus, your keeping on Jutting's good side will make ZERO difference.
At the Gopher series there was talk of some other guy writing for the Reporter, covering hockey. I think he maybe covers some of the girls games now? Anyways..when that was the talk at the game and at the bars, people were more than excited to have a new beat reporter. Flat out..you made your bed and now you have to lie in it.
I think that you do have a lot of good ideas for this blog and I find it interesting...but it's not beyond people ripping it or you. That's just life on the internet and in the job you're doing.
The one thing I would point out though is that people sure seem to get into it with you WAY more than they do over on Shane's blog. Also, you'll note that eventhough Shane doesn't have a proof reader, his is not full of mistakes (grammar and factual). If you want to present this as a "professional" blog...which I assume you do since you advertise it in the reporter and state that you're a reporter...you need to be ready for the critizism and for hearing things you don't want to hear.
Also, this is on the internet...and when you do apply for jobs after graduation if people look at your work and find this blog, how impressed do you think they'll be with the way you've interacted with people making comments? Not good at all is my guess. Again, you don't see Shane engaging that way (or any other reporter that has a blog for that matter). You're entitled to your opinion but it's all about delivery of it.
Just something to think about.
Also, no...I'm not an internet tough person. Anything I ever say about Jutting I would say right to his face. In fact, anything I just wrote here I would say to your face.
I understand that being a reporter, you are entitled to criticism. I don't have a problem with it...
I have asked you over and over to provide me with proof of my factual errors. You still haven't. All you do is talk about it.
Check my blog. Where are these spelling errors you speak of? I spell check every article I post. Yes, occasionally one will slip by. Sorry I'm not perfect.
You are entitled to your opinion. Again, if you don't like my material, or how its delivered, then I suggest you stick to other blogs.
Shane does a fine job with his blog, but he is not perfect. I wouldn't expect him to be, and I think he knows he is not. He is a consumate professional and a great reporter. If you find his blog to be better than mine, by all means, I won't be offended. I'm not trying to compete with him. I consider him a good friend, and I think we both work hard to get you guys the best information we can. With all due respect, I think we both do a pretty darn good job too.
If all you have on me is the Gophers stuff from 4 years ago and the whispers of you and your buddies at a bar, I think I'm doing okay. I don't expect everyone to always agree with me.
Again, you hide behind an anonymous handle. If you would say all this to my face, at least reveal your name...
Once again, any further comment in this thread that is simply going to be a personal attack on me will be removed. This is a hockey blog. Let's keep it to discussion of the game.
Dan, this blog is awesome. It's not as awesome as the other "anonymous" and his pathetic rantings, but it's still up there.
Thank you for the love, whomever you are...
I guess I also forgot to answer the question about giving the coaching staff a clean slate every year.
I don't think you can give them a completely clean slate each season, but keep in mind; these guys were one of the 10 or 15 best teams in college hockey by the end of the regular season last year. Minnesota State (like it or not) also gave Jutting a new contract extension, meaning they were in essence, giving him a clean slate.
Look, whether you think he should be canned or not, its not going to happen anytime in the immediate future. I will say this: as much as some would like it to be about only wins and losses, it's just not realistic to believe that. Not at MSU.
So, a clean slate every year? Not exactly. But he's back. So why not give him a chance to re-prove himself?
I'll also say this: if things don't turn around for this team by the new year, I'd probably be more willing to listen to your calls for his job a little more seriously. Let them play a few games at home. I see at least five games they should win on the schedule before 2008 (2 at Bemidji, UNO, Princeton and Yale at home). Unfortunately, they are all nonconference. If they can win 2 or 3 against UMD and Wisconsin in the next two weeks, then they are looking at a 6-2 or a 7-1 run leading into the second half, and an overall record of 10-7-1 and be just under.500 in the conference. I don't think that would be too bad...
Did I miss the games that Bruess played on the 3rd and 4th lines??
Jutting has a clear first-line, and after that his lines are somewhat interchangable. When I say 3rd or 4th line, I'm referring to not being on the top-line.
One could say the top-line will usually have Jon Kalinski on it. But because the Mavericks don't have first-round picks scattered on its roster, ice-time is usually dictated by who is playing the best during the game. One line may enter the game as the "second line" but the line that enters the game as the "fourth line" may actually play more.
I wouldn't put too much weight into the number of the lines. With the Mavericks, there is a top-line that needs scoring and the second through fourth lines that rotate through pretty evenly.
Post a Comment