Sorry if anybody came and checked for in-game updates from Minneapolis... I had computer trouble and was unable to access to web until now.
First, about tonight's game... The Mavericks had control of the game for the better part of 40 minutes. They won the first and third frames, but as they did Friday night, they got destroyed in the second. Kyle Okposo had been silent all year before awakening for a five minute span to start the second period... before that time and after that time, he was silent again.
I thought MSU did a good job of keeping tabs on Blake Wheeler tonight after he had a pair of assists Friday and was the best player on the ice.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Lucia goal should have been disallowed (Shane Frederick and I may have been the only dissenters on this one). I thought it was clear Flynn made contact with Tormey, and whether he's outside the crease or not, it's still an interference penalty... but I digress.
There was another small thing in the game tonight that frustrated me as well... It was in the second period and for the second time in as many nights, Ben Gordon had his stick broken and did not immediately drop it to the ice. And it wasn't as if it was just cracked and he didn't know... his blade was on the ground while he held the shaft. Tonight, he threw his end into the crowd. I watched one of the officials look directly at him and not call a penalty. I don't care if he threw it into the crowd by accident... that needs to be whistled...
Minnesota did nothing to prove to me they are an elite team. They won about a third of the action this weekend, and were thoroughly outplayed for the other two-thirds by a team with less talent. I don't know if it's poor coaching or if guys just aren't playing well, but it's clear that (at least right now) Minnesota does not belong among the nation's elite.
Dan Tormey was up and down tonight. He made a couple fantastic saves. He also allowed a couple softies (the first goal comes to mind). I think Tormey can be a very good goalie, but to me, something just hasn't quite been right so far this season. Maybe it's just one of those things a goalie goes through over the course of the season...
It's too bad the Mavericks weren't rewarded with a win in this series. I think MSU proves they can play with Minnesota. If not for a couple of defensive lapses in the second period of both games, the Mavericks clearly had the advantage this weekend. It's too bad these teams won't play again this season (unless its in the playoffs)... it'd be interesting to see them go at it again in January or February.
Look for the weekly review on Tuesday... Thanks for stopping by.
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7 comments:
will stewart be out of the denver series?
Anon- he should be, unless the WCHA doesn't uphold the ruling that was made on the ice. The DQ was a bit much, in my opinion.
The Mavs need to step up the "D" and quit leaving the goalies out to dry.
the only reason stewart wouldn't play would be if jutting sits him on friday because of his dumb "penalty rule" it was obviously an unintential play and just a reaction, you only get kicked out for that game.
thanks guys for the replys. i wasnt sure if a game miscoduct penalty was for the next game or the game your playing in.
A few thoughts...Friday night the Mavs left Zacharias out to dry on 3 of the MN goals. Defensive lapses in our own end were reason the Mavs didn't win that game. The gophers went to the net unchallenged most of the weekend and found some relativly easy goals. Saturday night the second period was just hard to watch, and was ultimately too much for the Mavs to overcome. The PK looked to be a very passive box, very rarely challenging the puck handler. I may be wrong but when you run that type of PK isn't the idea to pack it in around your goalie to keep all shots to the outside? Both nights Gordon found easy backdoor tap in goals. Those types of passes shouldn't be getting through.
I did like that fact we made a game of it both nights in the third period. There may be hope for this team yet. Denver will be a tougher task than MN. I'd like to see the Mavs jump out to an early lead so we don't have to keep playing catchup all game.
Just got back from the Arena, where the team was given a day off today. A few players were on the ice, however, including Brian Kilburg, Matt Tyree, Kael Mouillierat, Mike Zacharias and others.
Jutting said Stewart is indeed out for Friday's game at Denver. Whether he makes the trip is also in doubt.
I some have wondered about that... I will have more in my weekly tuesday blog post later this evening...
dan-did you ask jutting if stewart was gonna make the trip or not? if he just has to sit out friday it wouldn't make sense for him not to make the trip; he plays on their top checking line, kills penalties and plays some power play? so could you elaborate? or were you just speculating if he would go or not. thanx dan
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