The last three days have kept sportswriters and experts of college hockey and the famous PairWise rankings very busy. There have been a plethora of scenarios putting several teams in and out of the NCAA tournament. As disgusting as it may be, the Mavericks will likely be out of the picture, and sub-.500 Wisconsin will be in. While it may not make sense to many, that looks to be the way it's going to finish. The Badgers moved ahead of the Mavericks tonight when Princeton won its conference tournament. Couple that with the fact the Northern Michigan beat Notre Dame, bringing NMU into the PairWise picture thus throwing everyone for a spin. Even though the Mavericks were 2-1-1 against the Badgers this season, it appears that UW, who was swept in two games by St. Cloud State in the first round of the WCHA playoffs, will be playing more games this season. The process is very complicated, but it appears there are two spots for Notre Dame, Wisconsin and MSU. Wisconsin moved ahead of the Mavericks with Princeton winning, and the Irish's loss put them in a tie with MSU, with Notre Dame edging Minnesota State by fractions of PairWise points.
The next question is, where did MSU go wrong? Losing to Nebraska-Omaha twice is what ultimately kept MSU out of the tournament, as Northern Michigan and Notre Dame combined for a 3-0 record against the other Mavericks.
Of course, the final field of 16 will be officially announced tomorrow morning at 10:30 on ESPN 2, but as far as the numbers are concerned, the Mavs will need a miracle to continue their season.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Jutting, Hanson Honored by WCHA...
Minnesota State head coach Troy Jutting and senior captain Joel Hanson were both recognized at the annual WCHA post-season banquet. Jutting was named the WCHA Coach of the Year while Hanson received the Student-Athlete of the Year award.
More surprisingly, no Maverick was named to the WCHA first, second, third or even all-rookie team. I wasn't terribly surprised to see that the first three teams had no Mavericks because frankly none of them had the numbers to be there. That is why they had so much success, however, because they get contributions from so many players that no individual had overly impressive numbers. An argument could be made for MSU goalie Mike Zacharias to be on the third team, because Denver's Peter Mannino had a very forgettable season but may have made it due to his reputation and strong first half of the season. Also, I was surprised that neither Kurt Davis or Ben Youds made the all-rookie team as they were two of the top young defenders in the league, quite obviously in my opinion.
More surprisingly, no Maverick was named to the WCHA first, second, third or even all-rookie team. I wasn't terribly surprised to see that the first three teams had no Mavericks because frankly none of them had the numbers to be there. That is why they had so much success, however, because they get contributions from so many players that no individual had overly impressive numbers. An argument could be made for MSU goalie Mike Zacharias to be on the third team, because Denver's Peter Mannino had a very forgettable season but may have made it due to his reputation and strong first half of the season. Also, I was surprised that neither Kurt Davis or Ben Youds made the all-rookie team as they were two of the top young defenders in the league, quite obviously in my opinion.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Additional Update...
Aside from my post yesterday about the Mavericks' fate, there is a new scenario that recently came to my attention. In Hockey East, the four teams left are New Hampshire, Boston College, Boston University and Vermont. New Hampshire and BC play each other on one side of the bracket, and they are both virtual locks for the NCAA Tournament. That leaves BU and Vermont on the other side, both of which are currently out of the NCAA picture. If BU or Vermont wins that tournament, that is another automatic bid for a team that otherwise wouldn't have made the field of 16, and that means one less spot for the Mavericks, who currently sit in one of the very last spots on the bubble. BU or Vermont wins Hockey Easy, and one of those teams will be in the finals so it is possible, that is likely all she wrote for MSU. Root for BC and/or UNH if you are a Maverick fan. There are of course many scenarios, but this is one that you should pay attention to. If Notre Dame falls apart in its final two games, then this may not even matter, but as it looks right now Hockey East a key for MSU.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Making sense of it all..
The Mavericks dropped to #14 in this week's USCHO/CSTV top-20 rankings, but all that matters are the PairWise Rankings. MSU suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Gophers this last weekend, putting them out of the WCHA playoffs and in a tie for 13th in the PairWise with Wisconsin. They must now wait to see if they will be selected by the committee for the NCAA Tournament. The committee meets Sunday.
What Maverick fans should be watching:
Since MSU is tied for 13th with Wisconsin, and since Wisconsin hosts one of the NCAA regionals, it is likely the Mavericks will have to move ahead of th Badgers, even though they have a better resume, to make the tournament. With Colgate upsetting Clarkson in the ECAC Tournament, that leaves one less at-large bid and puts the cutoff at 13 in the Pairwise to make the tournament. With Air Force and Niagara winning their respective conference tournaments and gaining automatic bids, coupled with the fact that four other conferences (including the WCHA) will crown champions this weekend, that leaves 10 at-large bids left.
To put this ever so complicated selection process simply, the Mavericks need the team (Notre Dame) directly in front of them in the PairWise to lose, and teams behind them to also lose. The Irish play second-rated Miami this weekend, and with top-rated Michigan also in the field, the Mavericks need the Irish to lose to those teams as a win would propel Notre Dame much higher and make them a shoe-in for the tournament. If the highly-rated teams beat the Irish, they will likely slip in the PairWise, allowing the idle Mavericks to jump them, and the third place game against a weak Northern Michigan Team (pending they lose to Michigan in their first round game) would be meaningless, as beating a weaker opponent like Northern Michigan wouldn't be enough to move the Irish back into the picture.
Secondly, the Mavericks need teams behind them to lose, specifically Harvard (15th PairWise) and Princeton (16th PairWise). In the final four of the ECAC Tournament, those two teams are on opposite sides of the bracket, so if they both lose that would be perfect for MSU. Ideally, if Cornell wins that tournament, that means that they will have gone through Harvard, and likely Princeton, which means that Maverick fans should be rooting for the Big Red.
All of this would help the Mavericks, but this is also pending that there are no major upsets an any of the tournaments, as major upsets result in fewer at-large bids and that means less spots for MSU to take in the field of 16.
To summarize, Maverick fans should root for all of the favorites to win their respective tournaments, root for Cornell, watch Harvard, Princeton and Notre Dame closely and hope they lose, and hope that Minnesota does not do well in the Final Five. If the Gophers do well, that would be a 5 seed winning these games, making them upsets, thus taking at-large bids away from the rest of the field. Bad for MSU. More updates will come as the conference tournaments wrap up.
Questions? Check out the blogs of Shane Frederick of the Mankato Free Press and Dan Myers of USCHO.com.
Shane Frederick's Blog
Dan Myers' Blog
These guys are excellent and their analysis should help any questions you may have.
What Maverick fans should be watching:
Since MSU is tied for 13th with Wisconsin, and since Wisconsin hosts one of the NCAA regionals, it is likely the Mavericks will have to move ahead of th Badgers, even though they have a better resume, to make the tournament. With Colgate upsetting Clarkson in the ECAC Tournament, that leaves one less at-large bid and puts the cutoff at 13 in the Pairwise to make the tournament. With Air Force and Niagara winning their respective conference tournaments and gaining automatic bids, coupled with the fact that four other conferences (including the WCHA) will crown champions this weekend, that leaves 10 at-large bids left.
To put this ever so complicated selection process simply, the Mavericks need the team (Notre Dame) directly in front of them in the PairWise to lose, and teams behind them to also lose. The Irish play second-rated Miami this weekend, and with top-rated Michigan also in the field, the Mavericks need the Irish to lose to those teams as a win would propel Notre Dame much higher and make them a shoe-in for the tournament. If the highly-rated teams beat the Irish, they will likely slip in the PairWise, allowing the idle Mavericks to jump them, and the third place game against a weak Northern Michigan Team (pending they lose to Michigan in their first round game) would be meaningless, as beating a weaker opponent like Northern Michigan wouldn't be enough to move the Irish back into the picture.
Secondly, the Mavericks need teams behind them to lose, specifically Harvard (15th PairWise) and Princeton (16th PairWise). In the final four of the ECAC Tournament, those two teams are on opposite sides of the bracket, so if they both lose that would be perfect for MSU. Ideally, if Cornell wins that tournament, that means that they will have gone through Harvard, and likely Princeton, which means that Maverick fans should be rooting for the Big Red.
All of this would help the Mavericks, but this is also pending that there are no major upsets an any of the tournaments, as major upsets result in fewer at-large bids and that means less spots for MSU to take in the field of 16.
To summarize, Maverick fans should root for all of the favorites to win their respective tournaments, root for Cornell, watch Harvard, Princeton and Notre Dame closely and hope they lose, and hope that Minnesota does not do well in the Final Five. If the Gophers do well, that would be a 5 seed winning these games, making them upsets, thus taking at-large bids away from the rest of the field. Bad for MSU. More updates will come as the conference tournaments wrap up.
Questions? Check out the blogs of Shane Frederick of the Mankato Free Press and Dan Myers of USCHO.com.
Shane Frederick's Blog
Dan Myers' Blog
These guys are excellent and their analysis should help any questions you may have.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Game 3: #15 Minnesota at #10 MSU IN GAME
I was surprised to see that the teams came out and for the most part didn't look mentally or physically tired, but towards the end of the period it was evident that these guys have played a lot of hockey this weekend. MSU got on the board first on the power play when Mick Berge fired a shot from the left circle that beat Alex Kangas on the far side. Kangas robbed Jon Kalinski point-blank with about two minutes to go in the period, and the Gophers proceeded to come down and tie the game on the ensuing rush. UM's Stu Bickel was called for hooking as time ran out in the period, and the Mavericks will start the second period on the power play.
1st Period Scoring Summary
8:30 - Berge (Davis, Irwin) PPG 1-0 MSU
18:12 - Barriball (Wheeler, Gordon) 1-1
The Mavericks and Gophers skated a pretty even period with the Gophers scoring to gain the lead 2-1. Jason Wiley was tabbed with a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. The Gophers were unable to score on their power play, and frankly both teams looked dreadful on the power play. Zach Harrison was robbed on a clean breakaway by Kangas, and the Mavericks are going to have to find a way to beat him if they want to have a chance.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
13:51 - White (Howe, Lucia) 2-1 UM
For the third straight night, were going to overtime. Kael Mouillierat tied the game at two when he took a feed from Trevor Bruess and tucked it between the pads of Kangas. We'll see who has the most left in the tank.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
3:20 - Mouillierat (Bruess, Youds) 2-2
The Mavericks completely dominated the first overtime session but Kangas stayed strong and even got help from the crossbar late in the period. We're headed to a second overtime for the second time this weekend, and how these two teams have anything left in the tank is beyond me.
Overtime Scoring Summary
No Scoring
Overtime 2 Scoring Summary
16:59 - Lucia (Kaufmann, Flynn) 3-2 UM
1st Period Scoring Summary
8:30 - Berge (Davis, Irwin) PPG 1-0 MSU
18:12 - Barriball (Wheeler, Gordon) 1-1
The Mavericks and Gophers skated a pretty even period with the Gophers scoring to gain the lead 2-1. Jason Wiley was tabbed with a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. The Gophers were unable to score on their power play, and frankly both teams looked dreadful on the power play. Zach Harrison was robbed on a clean breakaway by Kangas, and the Mavericks are going to have to find a way to beat him if they want to have a chance.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
13:51 - White (Howe, Lucia) 2-1 UM
For the third straight night, were going to overtime. Kael Mouillierat tied the game at two when he took a feed from Trevor Bruess and tucked it between the pads of Kangas. We'll see who has the most left in the tank.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
3:20 - Mouillierat (Bruess, Youds) 2-2
The Mavericks completely dominated the first overtime session but Kangas stayed strong and even got help from the crossbar late in the period. We're headed to a second overtime for the second time this weekend, and how these two teams have anything left in the tank is beyond me.
Overtime Scoring Summary
No Scoring
Overtime 2 Scoring Summary
16:59 - Lucia (Kaufmann, Flynn) 3-2 UM
Game 3: #15 Minnesota at #10 MSU PRE GAME
Here we are, a decisive game three will determine who will be going to the WCHA Final Five, and quite possibly the NCAA tournament, tonight here in Mankato. The Gophers won the game 1-0 in overtime last night as they dominated the first two periods but saw the Mavericks have the better chances for the rest of the game. Nothing else can be said, these two teams in a setting like this is all a college hockey fan can ask for.
Here are the line-ups for both teams, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Galiardi-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Davis-Kilburg
Youds-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Gordon-Wheeler-Howe
Hoeffel-Carman-Barriball
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Bostrom
Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson
Kangas
Frazee
Here are the line-ups for both teams, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Galiardi-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Harrison-Stewart
Davis-Kilburg
Youds-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Gordon-Wheeler-Howe
Hoeffel-Carman-Barriball
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Bostrom
Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson
Kangas
Frazee
Sunday Update...
The Minnesota Gophers tied the best of three WCHA first round playoff series 1-1 last night with an overtime win over the Mavericks. On Friday, it was the Mavericks who dominated most of the game and had to weather the late storm from the Gophers, eventually giving MSU the double overtime victory. On Saturday it was an exact opposite of Friday's game. Minnesota dominated most of the game and weathered a late storm from MSU, with UM winning the game in the first overtime. UM's Alex Kangas and MSU's Mike Zacharias have been brilliant the entire series, shutting down the opposition on nearly every scoring chance. They have become the focus of this series, and tonight should be no different as each team should be playing with great desperation to save their respective seasons.
Here is what we do know:
With the loss last night, the Mavericks slipped into a tie for 11th place in the PairWise rankings with the Gophers. With the top 16 teams going to the NCAA tournament, it is realistically the top 12 that can actually plan one going to the NCAA tournament. With upsets in other conferences and automatic bids from teams nowhere on the PairWise map considered, it is the top 12 that everyone is shooting for.
That said, the winner of tonight's game will essentially punch their ticket to the tournament, and the loser will have to sit and wait to get a final spot. That is not a good feeling, and you can bet that each team is going to give it everything they've got so they can control their own destiny. Minnesota probably needs it a little more than the Mavericks because MSU has a better record and a better resume, so the Gophers are essentially in a do-or-die situation. They knew that coming into the series, and they certainly played that way last night. Aside from this being a wonderful intra-state rivalry, Minnesota is fighting for its season, and the Mavericks do not want to leave anything to chance, so we should be in for an incredibly entertaining and intense hockey game tonight. I expect this game to be no different than the first two.
We also know this:
Michigan Tech used a late goal to send the game into overtime with North Dakota, where the Huskies then capitalized on a power-play opportunity to force a third game in Grand Forks. Colorado College, Denver and St. Cloud State each swept their respective home series and are awaiting the final two members to join them in the WCHA Final Five.
Here is what we do know:
With the loss last night, the Mavericks slipped into a tie for 11th place in the PairWise rankings with the Gophers. With the top 16 teams going to the NCAA tournament, it is realistically the top 12 that can actually plan one going to the NCAA tournament. With upsets in other conferences and automatic bids from teams nowhere on the PairWise map considered, it is the top 12 that everyone is shooting for.
That said, the winner of tonight's game will essentially punch their ticket to the tournament, and the loser will have to sit and wait to get a final spot. That is not a good feeling, and you can bet that each team is going to give it everything they've got so they can control their own destiny. Minnesota probably needs it a little more than the Mavericks because MSU has a better record and a better resume, so the Gophers are essentially in a do-or-die situation. They knew that coming into the series, and they certainly played that way last night. Aside from this being a wonderful intra-state rivalry, Minnesota is fighting for its season, and the Mavericks do not want to leave anything to chance, so we should be in for an incredibly entertaining and intense hockey game tonight. I expect this game to be no different than the first two.
We also know this:
Michigan Tech used a late goal to send the game into overtime with North Dakota, where the Huskies then capitalized on a power-play opportunity to force a third game in Grand Forks. Colorado College, Denver and St. Cloud State each swept their respective home series and are awaiting the final two members to join them in the WCHA Final Five.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Game 2: #15 Minnesota at #10 MSU IN GAME
One period in the books here at the Alltel Center and the Gophers lead 1-0 on a goal that came off a scrum in front of the net. UM's Alex Kangas looks to be sharp again tonight as he robbed several quality chances for the Mavericks early. Mike Zacharias also made a few very nice saves, but MSU looked a little flat and hopefully will come out with more jump in the following periods.
1st Period Scoring Summary
6:07 - Bostrom (Pohl, Wehrs) 1-0 UM
The second period, like most this weekend, was scoreless. The Gophers seemed to control the play and are out-shooting the Mavericks 25-12. MSU opens the third period with 1:24 of power-play time and they will need to do something with it if they want to get back in this game.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
Were going to overtime yet again tonight as MSU tied the game on an Andrew Sackrison power-play goal. He took a nice feed from Geoff Irwin and beat Kangas glove side with the one-timer. MSU proceeded to come to life for the first time all night after that and a big penalty kill a few minutes later. Buckle your seat belts, here we go again.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
11:09 - Sackrison (Irwin, Hanson) PPG 1-1
Mike Carman ended the game at 7:33 of overtime when his wrist shot hit the cross bar and bounced passed Zacharias. This sets up a third game tomorrow night here at the Alltel Center with the winner advancing to the WCHA Final Five.
Overtime Scoring Summary
7:33 - Carman (Peltier) 2-1 UM
1st Period Scoring Summary
6:07 - Bostrom (Pohl, Wehrs) 1-0 UM
The second period, like most this weekend, was scoreless. The Gophers seemed to control the play and are out-shooting the Mavericks 25-12. MSU opens the third period with 1:24 of power-play time and they will need to do something with it if they want to get back in this game.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
Were going to overtime yet again tonight as MSU tied the game on an Andrew Sackrison power-play goal. He took a nice feed from Geoff Irwin and beat Kangas glove side with the one-timer. MSU proceeded to come to life for the first time all night after that and a big penalty kill a few minutes later. Buckle your seat belts, here we go again.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
11:09 - Sackrison (Irwin, Hanson) PPG 1-1
Mike Carman ended the game at 7:33 of overtime when his wrist shot hit the cross bar and bounced passed Zacharias. This sets up a third game tomorrow night here at the Alltel Center with the winner advancing to the WCHA Final Five.
Overtime Scoring Summary
7:33 - Carman (Peltier) 2-1 UM
Game 2: #15 Minnesota at #10 MSU PRE GAME
About 30 minutes to start time here on a beautiful Saturday night in Mankato. The Mavericks outlasted the Gophers last night in double overtime gaining the lead in this best of three series 1-0. This series is far from over, as I expect to see the same intensity and sharp play that we saw last night from both teams. The atmosphere in the building should be hair-raising again as the two teams look to give it everything they've got tonight.
Here are the line-ups, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Galiardi-Gunderson-Stewart
Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Gordon-Wheeler-Howe
Hoeffel-Carman-Barriball
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Bostrom
Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson
Kangas
Frazee
Here are the line-ups, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Galiardi-Gunderson-Stewart
Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Gordon-Wheeler-Howe
Hoeffel-Carman-Barriball
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Bostrom
Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson
Kangas
Frazee
Friday, March 14, 2008
#15 Minnesota at #10 MSU IN GAME
The first period was scoreless with each team getting some good chances. The Gophers had four power plays but the Mavericks did an excellent job killing them off and even had probably the best scoring chance of the period on a shorthanded chance in front for Zach Harrison. The energy was sustained in the building and on the ice throughout the period, and we should be in for a wild ride the rest of the game.
1st Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
No scoring again in the second, as Alex Kangas is single-handedly keeping his team in this game. MSU is out-shooting Minnesota 21-9, and it sets us up for a very exciting third period.
2nt Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
Were going to overtime here in Mankato. Both teams have had plenty of chances to win it but Mike Zacharias and Alex Kangas have both played very well. The Mavericks have probably been the better team tonight, but the team to make the first mistake will be the ones on the losing end of this one.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
These teams are giving it everything they've got in what has to be one of the best games of the year in college hockey. We will play another overtime and see which team can outlast the other. Jared Stewart appeared to score the winning goal but the referee ruled that he kicked the puck in the net causing the goal to be disallowed.
Overtime 1 Scoring Summary
No Scoring
The Mavericks were called for too many men on the ice late in the second overtime to put them on the penalty kill yet again. It turned out to be just what MSU needed, as Jon Kalinski and Trevor Bruess broke a 2-on-1. Kalinski walked around the sliding defender and slid it across to Bruess who finished this marathon game. It was a pretty goal to finish a well-played game, and tomorrow night should be another great one.
Overtime 2 Scoring Summary
17:23 - Bruess (Kalinski) SHG 1-0 MSU
1st Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
No scoring again in the second, as Alex Kangas is single-handedly keeping his team in this game. MSU is out-shooting Minnesota 21-9, and it sets us up for a very exciting third period.
2nt Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
Were going to overtime here in Mankato. Both teams have had plenty of chances to win it but Mike Zacharias and Alex Kangas have both played very well. The Mavericks have probably been the better team tonight, but the team to make the first mistake will be the ones on the losing end of this one.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
No Scoring
These teams are giving it everything they've got in what has to be one of the best games of the year in college hockey. We will play another overtime and see which team can outlast the other. Jared Stewart appeared to score the winning goal but the referee ruled that he kicked the puck in the net causing the goal to be disallowed.
Overtime 1 Scoring Summary
No Scoring
The Mavericks were called for too many men on the ice late in the second overtime to put them on the penalty kill yet again. It turned out to be just what MSU needed, as Jon Kalinski and Trevor Bruess broke a 2-on-1. Kalinski walked around the sliding defender and slid it across to Bruess who finished this marathon game. It was a pretty goal to finish a well-played game, and tomorrow night should be another great one.
Overtime 2 Scoring Summary
17:23 - Bruess (Kalinski) SHG 1-0 MSU
#15 Minnesota at #10 MSU PRE GAME
About 30 minutes to face off here at Alltel Center, and this first round playoff match up between these intra-state rivals is what college hockey is all about. The Mavericks haven't had much success against the Gophers, which includes being swept by the Maroon and Gold earlier this season. Not much needs to be said as this promises to be an electrifying atmosphere here tonight.
Here are the line-ups, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Stewart
Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Gordon-Wheeler-Howe
Hoeffel-Carman-Barriball
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Bostrom
Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson
Kangas
Frezee
Here are the line-ups, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Stewart
Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MINNESOTA
Gordon-Wheeler-Howe
Hoeffel-Carman-Barriball
Lucia-Kaufmann-Flynn
Pohl-White-Bostrom
Peltier-Fischer
Fairchild-Bickel
Wehrs-Anderson
Kangas
Frezee
Monday, March 10, 2008
Down a Spot...
The Mavericks dropped a spot to #10 in thie week's USCHO/CSTV top-20 rankings after their split with Michigan Tech last weekend in Mankato. The Mavericks earned the #4 seed for the WCHA playoffs and will host Minnesota, who got the 7th seed, this weekend at the Alltel Center. MSU has had virtually no success all-time against the Gophers, including suffering a sweep earlier this season in a home-and-home series. They will look to turn things around and end their winless streak against Minnesota this weekend and return to the WCHA Final Five for the first time since 2002-03.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
First Round...
The Mavericks will host the Minnesota Gophers next weekend in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.
Game 2: Michigan Tech at #9 MSU IN GAME
The first period wasn't the best period of hockey the Mavericks have played all year, and they are lucky they are only down by two goals. MTU scored twice in just over a minute on a pair of rebound goals. MSU cannot afford to continue its sloppy play because a loss here would hurt them in the PairWise rankings, in which they are tied for eighth, and every game is important if they want to make the NCAA Tournament. A loss here could come back to haunt them.
1st Period Scoring Summary
14:24 - Kattelus (Foote, Kinrade) 1-0 MTU
15:35 - Gagne (Shelast, Vlaisavljevich) 2-0 MTU
More of the same for the Mavericks in the second, with Matt Tyree getting nailed with a 5 minute major penalty and a game misconduct for checking from behind. The Huskies wasted little time taking advantage of the power play and made it 3-0. That was the only goal of the major penalty, and MSU looks very flat and needs a few bounces to get back in this game.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
13:22 - Kinrade (Dobson, Rouleau) PPG 3-0 MTU
The Mavericks managed to get two goals to make it a game, but it was too little too late as MTU was able to hold on for the win. This is a tough loss for MSU in terms of their national tournament hopes, but they will still host a playoff game here next weekend. Who is will be against will be determined when all the games have been completed later tonight.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
5:23 - Wiley (Berge, Kalinski) PPG 3-1 MTU
14:12 - Mouillierat (Bruess, Davis) 3-2 MTU
1st Period Scoring Summary
14:24 - Kattelus (Foote, Kinrade) 1-0 MTU
15:35 - Gagne (Shelast, Vlaisavljevich) 2-0 MTU
More of the same for the Mavericks in the second, with Matt Tyree getting nailed with a 5 minute major penalty and a game misconduct for checking from behind. The Huskies wasted little time taking advantage of the power play and made it 3-0. That was the only goal of the major penalty, and MSU looks very flat and needs a few bounces to get back in this game.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
13:22 - Kinrade (Dobson, Rouleau) PPG 3-0 MTU
The Mavericks managed to get two goals to make it a game, but it was too little too late as MTU was able to hold on for the win. This is a tough loss for MSU in terms of their national tournament hopes, but they will still host a playoff game here next weekend. Who is will be against will be determined when all the games have been completed later tonight.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
5:23 - Wiley (Berge, Kalinski) PPG 3-1 MTU
14:12 - Mouillierat (Bruess, Davis) 3-2 MTU
Game 2: Michigan Tech at #9 MSU PRE GAME
Last night the Mavericks clinched home ice advantage in the first round of playoffs and a win tonight can get them the #4 seed. MSU dominated the opener from start to finish, and on senior night here at the Alltel Center the Mavericks will look to close out the regular season on a positive note.
Here are the line-ups for tonight, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Tyree-Gunderson-Stewart
Davis-Kilburg
Youds-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MICHIGAN TECH
Foote-Kattelus-Gwilliam
Gagne-Rouleau-Shelast
Lord-Angelow-Bunger
Kitti-Royer-Baker
Kinrade-Kivisto
Malekoff-Dobson
Vlaisavljevich-Vanwagner
Teslak
Nolan
Here are the line-ups for tonight, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Tyree-Gunderson-Stewart
Davis-Kilburg
Youds-Friesen
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MICHIGAN TECH
Foote-Kattelus-Gwilliam
Gagne-Rouleau-Shelast
Lord-Angelow-Bunger
Kitti-Royer-Baker
Kinrade-Kivisto
Malekoff-Dobson
Vlaisavljevich-Vanwagner
Teslak
Nolan
Friday, March 7, 2008
Michigan Tech at #9 MSU IN GAME
The Mavericks looked good in the first period as they were hungry and got many scoring chances from their first three lines. It is almost a playoff-like atmosphere here at Alltel Center and if they play with the same intensity they had in the first, a playoff game is exactly what were going to see here in the near future. Trevor Bruess scored a pretty goal in which in used his speed to go around the MTU defender and then tucked the puck underneath Teslak for the goal.
1st Period Scoring Summary
8:30 - Bruess (Kilburg, Davis) SHG 1-0 MSU
MSU pounded out four goals in the period to extend its lead to 5-1. Mick Berge added a pair of his own and Trevor Bruess had another brilliant play where he faked the shot and hit Joel Hanson on the doorstep for the goal. The Mavericks also had 18 shots in the period.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
3:58 - Hanson (Bruess, Davis) 2-0 MSU
10:23 - Gwilliam (Kinrade, Rouleau) PPG 2-1 MSU
12:44 - Berge (Kalinski, Harrison) 3-1 MSU
15:07 - Berge (Youds, Kalinski) PPG 4-1 MSU
15:45- Sackrison (Wiley, Irwin) 5-1 MSU
The Huskies added a meaningless goal in the period and the Mavericks cruised to a 5-2 victory. Minnesota State had control of the entire game, and with the win, MSU has secured a spot in the top five and will host the first round of the WCHA playoffs here next weekend. Who they play will be determined after the game tomorrow.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
14:59 - Malekoff (unassisted) 5-2 MSU
1st Period Scoring Summary
8:30 - Bruess (Kilburg, Davis) SHG 1-0 MSU
MSU pounded out four goals in the period to extend its lead to 5-1. Mick Berge added a pair of his own and Trevor Bruess had another brilliant play where he faked the shot and hit Joel Hanson on the doorstep for the goal. The Mavericks also had 18 shots in the period.
2nd Period Scoring Summary
3:58 - Hanson (Bruess, Davis) 2-0 MSU
10:23 - Gwilliam (Kinrade, Rouleau) PPG 2-1 MSU
12:44 - Berge (Kalinski, Harrison) 3-1 MSU
15:07 - Berge (Youds, Kalinski) PPG 4-1 MSU
15:45- Sackrison (Wiley, Irwin) 5-1 MSU
The Huskies added a meaningless goal in the period and the Mavericks cruised to a 5-2 victory. Minnesota State had control of the entire game, and with the win, MSU has secured a spot in the top five and will host the first round of the WCHA playoffs here next weekend. Who they play will be determined after the game tomorrow.
3rd Period Scoring Summary
14:59 - Malekoff (unassisted) 5-2 MSU
Michigan Tech at #9 MSU PRE GAME
About 15 minutes to face off here at Alltel Center, and the Mavericks have a chance to solidify one of the final two spots this weekend for home ice advantage in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Wisconsin is idle this weekend, and only sits one point ahead of MSU in the standings. The other team in the running, St. Cloud, is tied for fifth in the WCHA with the Mavericks and play at #1 North Dakota this weekend. MSU holds the tie-breaker with both teams and looks to capitalize on this golden opportunity at home against the Huskies of Michigan Tech.
Here are the starting line-ups, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Stewart
Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MICHIGAN TECH
Rouleau-Gagne-Shelast
Foote-kattellus-Gwilliam
Kitti-Angelow-Bunger
Lord-Royer-Kivisto
Kinrade-Dobson
Malekoff-Cousens
Vlaisavljevich-Vanwagner
Lee-Teslak
Nolan
Here are the starting line-ups, with starters in italics.
MINNESOTA STATE
Kalinski-Harrison-Berge
Hanson-Bruess-Mouillierat
Irwin-Sackrison-Wiley
Gaulrapp-Gunderson-Stewart
Youds-Friesen
Davis-Kilburg
Boe-Canzanello
Zacharias
Tormey
Lee
MICHIGAN TECH
Rouleau-Gagne-Shelast
Foote-kattellus-Gwilliam
Kitti-Angelow-Bunger
Lord-Royer-Kivisto
Kinrade-Dobson
Malekoff-Cousens
Vlaisavljevich-Vanwagner
Lee-Teslak
Nolan
Monday, March 3, 2008
NEW BLOG!
Looking to get your WCHA fix? I have started a new blog and am inviting anybody that wants to partake to come on over to my new blog. Join in, post on the forum and have some fun! Keep reading Pat's work too!
http://wchahockey.blogspot.com
http://wchahockey.blogspot.com
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