First and foremost, I'm just going to come out and say it. I have my foot in my mouth right now. Cornell completely shocked me and I'm still in disbelief that Michigan was sent packing by the Big Red. I'll break down each regional, starting with the unfortunate loss that ended our season.
Cornell 3-Michigan 2 (OT)- Where do I even begin on this game? It seemed as if it was going to be a blow out within the first 95 seconds of the game, only to have a goal disallowed on a very questionable call. Now I'm not saying that's what threw us under the bus, but there's no question that it deflated our tires a little bit. There's so much to say about the departing seniors on this team (which will be said in a different post), but it was a heck of a career for most of them. This game keeps eating away at me because this was absolutely one of the easiest regions, and the trip to another national title seemed so...apparent, for the lack of a better word. It just seemed like Michigan was destined to go back to the FF, and redeem last year's 3-2 overtime loss to UMD. Another year in the books, another championship avoids our grasp. Good season, boys.
(Side Note)- I do find it very strange that the last three games of the year ended with a final score of 3-2, and what's even more strange is the fact that Michigan's season has ended with a 3-2 overtime loss for three consecutive years. First losing to Miami in 2010, then Duluth in the NC game in 2011, and now Cornell in 2012. I love dramatic games, but not when your team comes out on the losing end year in, and year out. Oh, well, gotta stay positive for next year.
Ferris State 2-Denver 1- Ferris narrowly squeaked by Denver, in what I thought was going to be a good game. It certainly turned out that way. It was good to see Ferris get the win, being the only CCHA team to win their game. Collectively the CCHA went 1-4 in their first round games. Not a good showing this year.
Ferris State 2-Cornell 1- All I'm saying is that I'm somewhat glad Cornell didn't make it to the FF. I knew they didn't belong, and even though I was (am) bitter about them beating Michigan, I felt Ferris deserved the chance to go to Tampa. Taylor Nelson played huge in nets for Ferris and was named the regional MVP. He'll need to play even better next weekend in Tampa if he wants to bring a National Championship back to Big Rapids.
West Regional
North Dakota 3- Western Michigan 1- I will admit, I didn't get to see any of this game, which is unfortunate because it sounded like a pretty decent game for the most part. It must have been tough for Western to walk into Englestad East (I swear UND draws more fans than Minnesota at Xcel), and play a surging Sioux team. One thing I will comment on is the new UND jersey, which removed the classic Indian head logo. All I have to say on that issue is that the NCAA is so ridiculously over the line here, I'm honestly becoming more of a Sioux fan just becasue of this ruling. From what I've heard, the Sioux tribe members feel honored to have it be the schools mascot, but lawmakers and other people (fuzzy on this part) are all about removing the logo. Ok ok, you caught me. I'm not an expert on the situation, but I do know that the Indian head logo is a part of the UND tradition, and it would be a shame to see them lose it forever.
Minnesota 7- Boston U 3-This sure was an interesting game to watch. It seemed as if BU had Minnesota against the ropes early, but Minnesota was clearly determined to redeem their monumental collapse against UND in the WCHA final 5. They left no doubt, dropping 7 goals on the Terriers.
Minnesota 5- North Dakota 2- This game was not as exciting as I thought it was going to be. NoDak came out with little to no energy, and the Gophers left no doubts this time. It was a solid win for the Gophers, but something tells me the Sioux weren't up to the challenge on this particular day. I'm pretty sure that if this was a best of 3 game series, it would have gone into overtime in the third game to crown a winner. But that's the beauty and ugliness of college hockey playoffs...one and done. See you in Tampa, Minnesota.
More to come later....
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Best of the Rest...2012 NCAA Tournament Preview
What's going to happen this weekend?! I'm getting a little nervous thinking about how things might unfold (I know, I have a serious problem). In my head I'm imagining all the scenarios that would benefit Michigan, but all wishing aside, here's how I figure the brackets would turn out.
East Regional
Union vs. Michigan State- This is a tough game for me to break down, mainly because it contains two things that I despise. Sparty, and the ECAC. Dry heaves. Fingernails on a chalkboard. Any movie with Reese Witherspoon. That's the feeling I get when I think about these two teams. Normally I would want any team to beat the ECAC team...but now that it's State...I hope they tie. Oh wait, you can't tie in a NCAA tournament game? Well I hope they both concede to Miami and call it a day.
Prediction: 5-3 Union- Only because I've heard from people that they have some talented forwards. Like I said, I could care less. Picking the lesser of two evils.
UMASS-Lowell vs. Miami (OH)-Well looky here! This should actually be a pretty decent game! In a region where I wish Michigan would have ended up (Midwest isn't that bad FTR), I'm really liking Miami's chances to stumble into the NCAA tournament. Granted I don't honestly believe that they belong here, but they are just the most logical team to survive this (weak) bracket.
Prediction: 4-0 Miami-Look for Conner Knapp to play stellar, and for the rest of the Miami forwards to play inspired hockey this weekend. They haven't been stellar all year, but once you get to this point, it doesn't really matter anymore. Win and move on...that's enough motivation for the Redhawks.
Championship game: Miami 6-Union 1-I hope this game isn't close...no matter who is in it. This region isn't very interesting to me, and I don't want to do the whole "foot in mouth" routine, but I'm fairly confident you won't find a national champion in the East.
Lets Go West!
Minnesota vs. Boston University-I probably should have started in this region because this is where I'll be paying most of my attention (apart from UM, of course). Heavyweight programs squaring off in the first round. It doesn't get any better than this. BU-Minnesota...the 70's rivalry revisited. It seems like these two teams are always in the hunt for a national championship, and even when they're having down years, teams still circle them on their schedule. That's the cost of being a national powerhouse. The fact that this game is taking place in Minnesota makes me want to lean a little towards the maroon and gold, but after seeing the IMPLOSION last weekend, I have to take BU in this one. I have a feeling that more Sioux fans are going to these games anyway...after seeing the XCel energy center lit up with black and green last year for the Frozen Four, I know that that place will have at least 15,000 Sioux fans ready to cheer on BU (well, maybe they want to beat the Gophers to go to the Frozen Four, but whatever). Either way, UND fans will be out in full force to cheer on their beloved Sioux. BU had a strong regular season, much like Minnesota, but I have a feeling they might be able to eek out a win on the road. I'll say...
4-3 (OT)-BU
North Dakota vs. Western Michigan-Does it get any better than this!? Two teams peaking at the right time squaring off in the first round. Because I don't have much time to write as much as I'd like...I'll come straight out and say it...North Dakota wins this game. It may not be pretty, and it certainly won't be a clean game, but North Dakota will end up grinding down the Broncos. Aaron Dell can be an elite level goaltender if he has a focused team in front of him (as apparent in the 2nd and 3rd periods of the Minnesota Final Five game).
5-2-Sioux
Championship: North Dakota 4-BU 2
Ahhh NORDEAST
BC vs. Air Force-Look, I like this bracket a lot! It's obvious BC is the fan favorite, and a lot of people will be hopping on the BC bandwagon. But as Lee Corso always says..."NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!!!!". As much as it still burns me to think about...Air Force pulled off a huge upset in 2009 against the boys in Blue, and anything can happen around this time of the year. Air Force has definitely been streaky all year, but they can play up to other team's levels.
Prediction: 3-2 BC-It'll be close, but you can't fight that #1 ranking. There's a reason why the Eagles come in as the top ranked team in the land.
Duluth vs. Maine-To me, this is going to be an AWESOME game. Both teams are playing great hockey, and both are hungry for a chance to get back to the Frozen Four. I'd really like it if Maine took this region, but sometimes you gotta bet with your brain, and not your heart.
Prediction: 5-3 Duluth-Gotta go with the defending national champions here.
Championship Game: 2-1 (OT) Duluth-After last year's overtime loss to Duluth...I want nothing more than to beat them in the 2012 Championship. Better believe I'm advancing them to the FF based solely on that reason.
So there we have it...if my predictions turn out correctly, we'll see...
Michigan
Miami
North Dakota
Minn-Duluth
...in the frozen four. Another All-WCHA/CCHA Frozen Four for the second year in a row. I'll check back early next week to review my picks, reflect on the tournament, and discuss the Frozen Four.
Happy hockey readers...
East Regional
Union vs. Michigan State- This is a tough game for me to break down, mainly because it contains two things that I despise. Sparty, and the ECAC. Dry heaves. Fingernails on a chalkboard. Any movie with Reese Witherspoon. That's the feeling I get when I think about these two teams. Normally I would want any team to beat the ECAC team...but now that it's State...I hope they tie. Oh wait, you can't tie in a NCAA tournament game? Well I hope they both concede to Miami and call it a day.
Prediction: 5-3 Union- Only because I've heard from people that they have some talented forwards. Like I said, I could care less. Picking the lesser of two evils.
UMASS-Lowell vs. Miami (OH)-Well looky here! This should actually be a pretty decent game! In a region where I wish Michigan would have ended up (Midwest isn't that bad FTR), I'm really liking Miami's chances to stumble into the NCAA tournament. Granted I don't honestly believe that they belong here, but they are just the most logical team to survive this (weak) bracket.
Prediction: 4-0 Miami-Look for Conner Knapp to play stellar, and for the rest of the Miami forwards to play inspired hockey this weekend. They haven't been stellar all year, but once you get to this point, it doesn't really matter anymore. Win and move on...that's enough motivation for the Redhawks.
Championship game: Miami 6-Union 1-I hope this game isn't close...no matter who is in it. This region isn't very interesting to me, and I don't want to do the whole "foot in mouth" routine, but I'm fairly confident you won't find a national champion in the East.
Lets Go West!
Minnesota vs. Boston University-I probably should have started in this region because this is where I'll be paying most of my attention (apart from UM, of course). Heavyweight programs squaring off in the first round. It doesn't get any better than this. BU-Minnesota...the 70's rivalry revisited. It seems like these two teams are always in the hunt for a national championship, and even when they're having down years, teams still circle them on their schedule. That's the cost of being a national powerhouse. The fact that this game is taking place in Minnesota makes me want to lean a little towards the maroon and gold, but after seeing the IMPLOSION last weekend, I have to take BU in this one. I have a feeling that more Sioux fans are going to these games anyway...after seeing the XCel energy center lit up with black and green last year for the Frozen Four, I know that that place will have at least 15,000 Sioux fans ready to cheer on BU (well, maybe they want to beat the Gophers to go to the Frozen Four, but whatever). Either way, UND fans will be out in full force to cheer on their beloved Sioux. BU had a strong regular season, much like Minnesota, but I have a feeling they might be able to eek out a win on the road. I'll say...
4-3 (OT)-BU
North Dakota vs. Western Michigan-Does it get any better than this!? Two teams peaking at the right time squaring off in the first round. Because I don't have much time to write as much as I'd like...I'll come straight out and say it...North Dakota wins this game. It may not be pretty, and it certainly won't be a clean game, but North Dakota will end up grinding down the Broncos. Aaron Dell can be an elite level goaltender if he has a focused team in front of him (as apparent in the 2nd and 3rd periods of the Minnesota Final Five game).
5-2-Sioux
Championship: North Dakota 4-BU 2
Ahhh NORDEAST
BC vs. Air Force-Look, I like this bracket a lot! It's obvious BC is the fan favorite, and a lot of people will be hopping on the BC bandwagon. But as Lee Corso always says..."NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!!!!". As much as it still burns me to think about...Air Force pulled off a huge upset in 2009 against the boys in Blue, and anything can happen around this time of the year. Air Force has definitely been streaky all year, but they can play up to other team's levels.
Prediction: 3-2 BC-It'll be close, but you can't fight that #1 ranking. There's a reason why the Eagles come in as the top ranked team in the land.
Duluth vs. Maine-To me, this is going to be an AWESOME game. Both teams are playing great hockey, and both are hungry for a chance to get back to the Frozen Four. I'd really like it if Maine took this region, but sometimes you gotta bet with your brain, and not your heart.
Prediction: 5-3 Duluth-Gotta go with the defending national champions here.
Championship Game: 2-1 (OT) Duluth-After last year's overtime loss to Duluth...I want nothing more than to beat them in the 2012 Championship. Better believe I'm advancing them to the FF based solely on that reason.
So there we have it...if my predictions turn out correctly, we'll see...
Michigan
Miami
North Dakota
Minn-Duluth
...in the frozen four. Another All-WCHA/CCHA Frozen Four for the second year in a row. I'll check back early next week to review my picks, reflect on the tournament, and discuss the Frozen Four.
Happy hockey readers...
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Blah Blah skip a season...Blah Blah
Whew! Well that was a crazy season...let's see what did I miss?
-Some goals were scored...
-Some saves were made...
-Won some...
-Lost some....
Annnnnd voila! #1 Seed in the Midwest region, playing Cornell. Sound good?
Ok ok, in all honesty I got really bad with visiting my blog...and I forgot my username/password, but that's a whole different story. Enough excuses though, I was terrible writing on here. Or not writing (I guess). My deepest apologies if anyone was really hell-bent over my 4 month hiatus. But there's something special about playoff time. Snow is melting, playoff intensity, national champions to be crowned. Yup, Michigan is at it again, looking to make their second consecutive Frozen Four appearance. Let's take a look at the region, and how I see it unfolding...
#1 Seed-Michigan Wolverines (24-12-4)
Well, tbh, you're reading a Michigan hockey blog, so you should probably know how we stack up, and what we need to do to get to Tampa. (<--------too many "to"s? Ok, just checking)
#2 Seed- Ferris State Bulldogs (23-11-5)
The #1 team in the CCHA regular season had quite the disappointing ending to their playoff run, losing to Bowling Green in the best of three series. Their top dog, IMO, is Sr. Goaltender Taylor Nelson, who had a .920SV% and a 2.18GAA throughout the regular season. He NEEDS to be the best player on the ice in Green Bay in order for the Bulldogs to win. I think Ferris has a solid 1st and 2nd line, and each player is capable of scoring when needed. They don't have any real offensive stand outs, but what they do have is a set of consistent 2 lines that can go toe-to-toe with any 2 lines in the country. There...I said it. Ferris is a good team. BUT, they're playing a pretty well rounded Denver team who got smacked in the mouth by NoDak in the WCHA championship game. Ferris needs/wants to prove that the BG series was a fluke, and that they belong in the contention for a National Championship.
#3 Seed- Denver Pioneers (25-13-4)
To me, Denver is a sleeping giant. They can play with the big dogs, and if they get some confidence, they can be a very scary team. Let's start in goal with Sam Brittian (who should get the start against FSU, but ya never know). 67 saves against UMD in the WCHA semi-final. Granted they played roughly 88 minutes of hockey, but still...to fend off the defending national champions for 88 minutes is quite impressive to say the least. If Gwozdecky can't figure out that he's got a good goaltender right there, maybe he should be re-evaluated as Head Hockey Coach at DU. Just saying. But nevertheless, I think he'll make the right decision and throw Brittian between the pipes, which means we should have a great goaltending match up in the DU/FSU game.
Next up, the DU forwards...holy buckets they've got a few studs on this team, and if they get rolling, there might not be any stopping them. Jr. Drew Shore with 52 points (21g, 31a) on the year, Jason Zucker with 46 (22g, 24a), and little brother Nick Shore with 41points (13g, 28a). These are some pretty serious numbers, and like I feel like I've said 3299 times in this post, Denver is not to be messed with. They are for real, mark my words. And, on top of the three forwards with 40+ points, add Freshman Defenseman Joey LaLeggia contributing 38 (11g, 27a) points from the blue line, and Denver seems primed to make another post-season push.
#4 Seed-Cornell Big Red (18-8-7)
Anyone that knows me, knows that if there's three things I hate about college hockey, it's that there's no NCAA hockey video game, the Michigan State Spartans, and the fact that the ECAC gets too much attention in the NCAA tournament. Prime example, look at Yale last year. Ranked #1 in the nation for how long? Bounced in the first round? C'mon this is getting ridiculous. When was the last time a ECAC team made a serious run in the national tournament? I honestly can't remember (maybe because I don't choose to remember, but whatever). To me, the ECAC is a joke of a conference, and...........I just happened to ponder what would happen if the Big Red upset Michigan. Let's just say I'll stop here, and say good luck to the Big Red.
How I see it unfolding...
Michigan beats Cornell 5-2
Denver beats Ferris 4-3 in OT (I'm hoping this game goes into OT, 2OT, heck maybe even 3OT just so the winner is gassed for the next game).
Michigan beats DU 3-2
That's how I see it happening. Expert prediction if I may say so. I'll be in Rochester MN for an adult hockey tournament, but will be extremely focused on the games this weekend. Good luck to all teams (except for those playing UM). Hopefully we see some exciting games.
-Some goals were scored...
-Some saves were made...
-Won some...
-Lost some....
Annnnnd voila! #1 Seed in the Midwest region, playing Cornell. Sound good?
Ok ok, in all honesty I got really bad with visiting my blog...and I forgot my username/password, but that's a whole different story. Enough excuses though, I was terrible writing on here. Or not writing (I guess). My deepest apologies if anyone was really hell-bent over my 4 month hiatus. But there's something special about playoff time. Snow is melting, playoff intensity, national champions to be crowned. Yup, Michigan is at it again, looking to make their second consecutive Frozen Four appearance. Let's take a look at the region, and how I see it unfolding...
#1 Seed-Michigan Wolverines (24-12-4)
Well, tbh, you're reading a Michigan hockey blog, so you should probably know how we stack up, and what we need to do to get to Tampa. (<--------too many "to"s? Ok, just checking)
#2 Seed- Ferris State Bulldogs (23-11-5)
The #1 team in the CCHA regular season had quite the disappointing ending to their playoff run, losing to Bowling Green in the best of three series. Their top dog, IMO, is Sr. Goaltender Taylor Nelson, who had a .920SV% and a 2.18GAA throughout the regular season. He NEEDS to be the best player on the ice in Green Bay in order for the Bulldogs to win. I think Ferris has a solid 1st and 2nd line, and each player is capable of scoring when needed. They don't have any real offensive stand outs, but what they do have is a set of consistent 2 lines that can go toe-to-toe with any 2 lines in the country. There...I said it. Ferris is a good team. BUT, they're playing a pretty well rounded Denver team who got smacked in the mouth by NoDak in the WCHA championship game. Ferris needs/wants to prove that the BG series was a fluke, and that they belong in the contention for a National Championship.
#3 Seed- Denver Pioneers (25-13-4)
To me, Denver is a sleeping giant. They can play with the big dogs, and if they get some confidence, they can be a very scary team. Let's start in goal with Sam Brittian (who should get the start against FSU, but ya never know). 67 saves against UMD in the WCHA semi-final. Granted they played roughly 88 minutes of hockey, but still...to fend off the defending national champions for 88 minutes is quite impressive to say the least. If Gwozdecky can't figure out that he's got a good goaltender right there, maybe he should be re-evaluated as Head Hockey Coach at DU. Just saying. But nevertheless, I think he'll make the right decision and throw Brittian between the pipes, which means we should have a great goaltending match up in the DU/FSU game.
Next up, the DU forwards...holy buckets they've got a few studs on this team, and if they get rolling, there might not be any stopping them. Jr. Drew Shore with 52 points (21g, 31a) on the year, Jason Zucker with 46 (22g, 24a), and little brother Nick Shore with 41points (13g, 28a). These are some pretty serious numbers, and like I feel like I've said 3299 times in this post, Denver is not to be messed with. They are for real, mark my words. And, on top of the three forwards with 40+ points, add Freshman Defenseman Joey LaLeggia contributing 38 (11g, 27a) points from the blue line, and Denver seems primed to make another post-season push.
#4 Seed-Cornell Big Red (18-8-7)
Anyone that knows me, knows that if there's three things I hate about college hockey, it's that there's no NCAA hockey video game, the Michigan State Spartans, and the fact that the ECAC gets too much attention in the NCAA tournament. Prime example, look at Yale last year. Ranked #1 in the nation for how long? Bounced in the first round? C'mon this is getting ridiculous. When was the last time a ECAC team made a serious run in the national tournament? I honestly can't remember (maybe because I don't choose to remember, but whatever). To me, the ECAC is a joke of a conference, and...........I just happened to ponder what would happen if the Big Red upset Michigan. Let's just say I'll stop here, and say good luck to the Big Red.
How I see it unfolding...
Michigan beats Cornell 5-2
Denver beats Ferris 4-3 in OT (I'm hoping this game goes into OT, 2OT, heck maybe even 3OT just so the winner is gassed for the next game).
Michigan beats DU 3-2
That's how I see it happening. Expert prediction if I may say so. I'll be in Rochester MN for an adult hockey tournament, but will be extremely focused on the games this weekend. Good luck to all teams (except for those playing UM). Hopefully we see some exciting games.
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