The big question for a few people, at least the ones who were posting questions to the previous thread, was the status of forward Jerad Stewart heading into this weekend's series at the University of Denver.
Because his penalty was deemed a game disqualification, he will not be able to play Friday night against the Pioneers. Justin Bostrom - who was assessed a checking from behind penalty just minutes before, was only given a game misconduct. He will be eligible to play Friday in the Gophers first game against Alaska-Anchorage.
Notable nuggets:
* The fact Stewart must sit out one game may have an effect on whether Mavericks head coach Troy Jutting even brings the sophomore to Denver this weekend. "I don't know yet," was all Jutting could offer this afternoon.
* Jutting refused to reflect on the Gophers series today, saying "I'm only looking forward to Denver."
* The coach is mindful about the fact his team is tired right now, as the Mavericks have been going at it for about six or seven straight weeks, spending much of that time on the road against second-place Michigan Tech, defending conference champion Minnesota and the longest trip of the year to Anchorage. This weekend's trip isn't exactly a short one either.
But after this weekend, the Mavericks will get a weekend off before hosting Minnesota-Duluth and Wisconsin and taking a bus trips to nonconference Bemidji State and Nebraska-Omaha before Christmas. After returning from Denver Sunday, MSU will not have to board a plane again until they head back to the Rocky Mountain State for a series at Colorado College on Feb. 29 and Mar. 1, 2008.
* Jutting gave his team the day off today in order to rest mentally and physically. A few players did show up to do some work on their own, including forwards Kael Mouillierat, Matt Tyree, defenseman Brian Kilburg and netminder Mike Zacharias. Others were also there, and it seemed like a pretty good turnout for an optional day.
* Zacharias will start Friday night in net for the Mavericks. Jutting said he's not sure who will play Saturday, but once again, it's safe to say the starter will not be determined until after the conclusion of game one.
* Jutting noted that no player will be punished Friday for violating his new penalty rule. "I wouldn't classify any of the penalties we took as stupid or selfish," he said.
* The only player in question on the injury front is defenseman Blake Friesen. A decision on him isn't expected until later this week.
Check back Thursday for the traditional weekly preview. Feel free to ask questions, I check the site multiple times daily and will try as hard as I can to get you a quick answer. Thanks for reading!
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8 comments:
yessssssss
The kneeing DQ is a bit much, if you ask me. I always thought for a DQ you had to show intent? Well, all the replays don't show it (in my opinion).
What's wrong with Friesen?
Has anybody heard if Mike Howe (the gopher who was taken off on "sled") is doing any better? That boy has had a rough go of it.
Thought the DQ was a little much myself... Jutting said yesterday (and I agree with) that you have just as good a chance of injuring yourself in that situation. Besides, if you're gonna go throw a knee to send a message, don't you aim a little higher than fourth line winger Mike Howe?
not sure why Friesen is questionable, the injury situation can be a bit tricky with collegiate athletics. I'll try and get a better answer today or tommorrow.
After failing to get a tie this weekend, is Jutting fighting for his job now?
Hey Chris,
I think Troy has been fighting for his job since he signed his contract extension. With only a two-year deal to show his team is heading in the right direction, the time is now for the Mavericks to put-up or shut up.
So far this season, I have seen a different team than the one I saw last year. Obviously, they didn't get a point against Minnesota, but I think it's fair to say they controlled much of the action all weekend. In the past, MSU would have gone to Huntsville and probably split against a weaker opponent. This year, they dominated from the start and knew they were a better team going in.
I think all of this, however, is building for an even more impressive team next year - given everyone sticks around. While I see the Mavericks finishing about .500 this season, MSU will have a chance in 2008-09 to be a top-four team in the WCHA. If they finish .500 again with those expectations, then you may see a new coach behind the bench in 2009-10.
the bottom line is this coaching staff has had enough talent and enough kids that compete their butts off in the last 5-6 years to be a top 5 team in the wcha every year, i think the answer on this coaching situation is pretty cut and dry.
I definitely disagree with that last post. Yes, they "compete their butts off", but this team has never had enough raw talent to be expected to finish in the top 5 every year. We just don't draw those kind of recruits. We probably never will either. Teams like Minnesota, North Dakota, Denver, Wisconsin, and CC will always be drawing away the best talent. Considering this, I think the coaching staff, despite its shortfalls, needs to be given some credit for competing well in this league with average talent.
Also, it seems that this coaching staff is starting to establish some good recriutment channels. We've got a stream of talented players coming out of Green Bay. And the goalie coach connection seems to be drawing some kids from Shattuck. I'd hate to shake things up when our foot is finally in the door.
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