Snuggerud, Moore, Brodzinski, Nelson, Nevers, Kurth, Huglen, Pitlick, Lamb. Did I miss anyone? I don’t think Clark gets there this year. Or any D. Will have plenty of scoring depth?
Your list is what I was thinking, and as someone else mentioned Koster/Mittelstadt could be another. I think a couple of keys for me is-- Snuggy and Brodzinski need to get 20+. Also, we need a couple of 15+ to make up for the loss of Knies and Cooley with the rest being around 10+. It will be interesting to see what Rinzel and Chesley do offensively this year. Chesley had about the same number of points as LaCombe did as a freshman.
If LaCombe couldn’t get to 10 I don’t see Koster or Mittelstadt getting there. As far as Chesley, I don’t count anyone out after watching Nate Schmidt’s sophomore year explosion lol
There's still a chunk of the core that was here when this team had literally no one else past Sam Rossini rejoining the team to call upon.
If we find ourselves in that type of situation then there may be trouble sure. But I don't foresee such an event.
Snuggerud, Moore, Brodzinski, Nelson, Nevers, Kurth, Huglen, Pitlick, Lamb. Did I miss anyone? I don’t think Clark gets there this year. Or any D. Will have plenty of scoring depth?
Your list is what I was thinking, and as someone else mentioned Koster/Mittelstadt could be another. I think a couple of keys for me is-- Snuggy and Brodzinski need to get 20+. Also, we need a couple of 15+ to make up for the loss of Knies and Cooley with the rest being around 10+. It will be interesting to see what Rinzel and Chesley do offensively this year. Chesley had about the same number of points as LaCombe did as a freshman.
If LaCombe couldn’t get to 10 I don’t see Koster or Mittelstadt getting there. As far as Chesley, I don’t count anyone out after watching Nate Schmidt’s sophomore year explosion lol
I'm just trying to be overly optimistic ?
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I'm just trying to be overly optimistic ?
I didn't know that was allowed for MN Sports fans?
How many guys on the roster would you consider 1st line caliber players?Having a bunch of 2nd/3rd liners doesn't make you a deep team.
Yeah this is nuts man I'm not gonna change your mind on this but this team has scoring depth up and down the forward group and has a number of guys that can AND HAVE stepped up when needed. Hell, the production for this team in the playoffs came from your "2nd/3rd liners" you'd probably rattle off if I asked you to list them.
How many guys on the roster would you consider 1st line caliber players?Having a bunch of 2nd/3rd liners doesn't make you a deep team.
Yeah this is nuts man I'm not gonna change your mind on this but this team has scoring depth up and down the forward group and has a number of guys that can AND HAVE stepped up when needed. Hell, the production for this team in the playoffs came from your "2nd/3rd liners" you'd probably rattle off if I asked you to list them.
I doubt most people would answer that in the context of using it to define depth. 99% of the country doesn't have several first line players and relying on 1 line has never been the definition of depth.
I think L. Mittelstadt could put up 10+ goals, especially with Koster out for a while. He scored 19 in the USHL, which was 3rd for defensemen and the same as Lamb in a couple less games.
How many guys on the roster would you consider 1st line caliber players?Having a bunch of 2nd/3rd liners doesn't make you a deep team.
Yeah this is nuts man I'm not gonna change your mind on this but this team has scoring depth up and down the forward group and has a number of guys that can AND HAVE stepped up when needed. Hell, the production for this team in the playoffs came from your "2nd/3rd liners" you'd probably rattle off if I asked you to list them.
I doubt most people would answer that in the context of using it to define depth. 99% of the country doesn't have several first line players and relying on 1 line has never been the definition of depth.
I guess I sort of look at depth 2 ways;
Scoring Depth (mostly forwards); How much does each line produce? Do you rely on four first line for a big part of your scoring? I think Gophers are pretty good here, with 3 lines that should be able to contribute fairly regularly.
Overall depth for injuries; There is a clear drop off after line 3 for forwards and could really be an issue if 2 or 3 forwards to go down at same time given how few they have.
Defense also has noticeably less depth than last year, when they had probably one of the most talented and deepest D corps to have played college hockey. Koster, as the 4th best D, would probably have been on the top D pairing for most teams last year.
The Gophers will have a strong team this year. But based on top end talent & veteran defenseman…last year was the most talented & experienced team they’ve put on the ice since 02-03…last year WAS the year to win an NCAA title, which they nearly did. This year, when you lose 3 players (early) who will be playing a regular shift in the NHL this season, that’s a blow. Fortunately they have Nelson, Brodz & Close coming back as 5th year seniors. Snuggy is clearly a 1st line player. After him, lots on 2nd line caliber players…
The Gophers will have a strong team this year. But based on top end talent & veteran defenseman…last year was the most talented & experienced team they’ve put on the ice since 02-03…last year WAS the year to win an NCAA title, which they nearly did. This year, when you lose 3 players (early) who will be playing a regular shift in the NHL this season, that’s a blow. Fortunately they have Nelson, Brodz & Close coming back as 5th year seniors. Snuggy is clearly a 1st line player. After him, lots on 2nd line caliber players…
Agree with this. I think people here are overrating this team a little bit.
Last year I believe they were the best team in the country, this year they're probably a top 5/top 10 team. The beauty of single elimination is the best team doesn't always win so there's a chance, but I don't have nearly the same expectations as last year.
The Gophers will have a strong team this year. But based on top end talent & veteran defenseman…last year was the most talented & experienced team they’ve put on the ice since 02-03…last year WAS the year to win an NCAA title, which they nearly did. This year, when you lose 3 players (early) who will be playing a regular shift in the NHL this season, that’s a blow. Fortunately they have Nelson, Brodz & Close coming back as 5th year seniors. Snuggy is clearly a 1st line player. After him, lots on 2nd line caliber players…
Agree with this. I think people here are overrating this team a little bit.
Last year I believe they were the best team in the country, this year they're probably a top 5/top 10 team. The beauty of single elimination is the best team doesn't always win so there's a chance, but I don't have nearly the same expectations as last year.
You might be underrating this team a bit. There’s a chance they don’t skip a beat on offense (early on might make that take look bad but I think it’ll even out by the end of the year). And I believe they’re the only top 10 team from last year to return their goalie which is a huge deal.
The Gophers will have a strong team this year. But based on top end talent & veteran defenseman…last year was the most talented & experienced team they’ve put on the ice since 02-03…last year WAS the year to win an NCAA title, which they nearly did. This year, when you lose 3 players (early) who will be playing a regular shift in the NHL this season, that’s a blow. Fortunately they have Nelson, Brodz & Close coming back as 5th year seniors. Snuggy is clearly a 1st line player. After him, lots on 2nd line caliber players…
Agree with this. I think people here are overrating this team a little bit.
Last year I believe they were the best team in the country, this year they're probably a top 5/top 10 team. The beauty of single elimination is the best team doesn't always win so there's a chance, but I don't have nearly the same expectations as last year.
You might be underrating this team a bit. There’s a chance they don’t skip a beat on offense (early on might make that take look bad but I think it’ll even out by the end of the year). And I believe they’re the only top 10 team from last year to return their goalie which is a huge deal.
I think the biggest loss from last year is the defense. That was a phenomenal D corp. This year's should be good to very good, depending on how the 1st and 2nd year guys progress and adapt (once Koster returns). On offense, I feel there is a lot of scoring depth, but probably not the one line that was often unstoppable and could single-handedly turn a game. (That was probably the 2nd best line I can ever remember for the Gophs and maybe 2nd or 3rd best I can recall in college hockey - given I mostly recall Gophs and WCHA teams.) We'll have to see if Snuggy can take another step without Cooley and Knies setting him up and if Moore can jump right in). So I would have to agree that last year they were the most talented team in the country and this year they can be one of a top few teams, which always means you have a shot, but I don't see them as THE favorite. (That is what made the end of last year so tough. Those teams don't come along very often. And with Cooley leaving late, then Eiserman decommit and so far no huge splash in this year's recruiting, the loss last year seems like an even bigger missed opportunity now and makes me want it all the more this year.)
I look at Pitlick and Huglen as two forwards that are key this season. Especially, Huglen who last year generated so many offensive chances, but he and his linemates never seemed to be able to fully capitalize on them. Perhaps put Huglen between Snuggy and Moore. I am not really in the business of trying to figure out if this years team is underrated or overrated going into the season. I just hope the boys have a good strong first period against Bemidji. Then build from there.
Agreed. I’ve cut Huglen some slack as an underclassmen cause he was so nasty and it felt like he just wasn’t getting the bounces. Pucks have to go in this year.
Days
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Technically next year, but will put here.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
T-Mobile would have been great, but I assume there’s attendance concerns.
Does this mean that the Gophers get an extra 2 games on the schedule or isn't that rule in affect anymore?
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Not an ideal selection of teams, but it is Vegas.
Does this mean that the Gophers get an extra 2 games on the schedule or isn't that rule in affect anymore?
I could be wrong, but I thought this was only the Hockey Hall of Fame game or games played in Alaska.
Does this mean that the Gophers get an extra 2 games on the schedule or isn't that rule in affect anymore?
I could be wrong, but I thought this was only the Hockey Hall of Fame game or games played in Alaska.
Unless it's recently changed it includes the ice breaker as well. Guessing Minnesota wouldn't have agreed to do this unless it allowed them to get an extra home series in there somewhere.
Does this mean that the Gophers get an extra 2 games on the schedule or isn't that rule in affect anymore?
I could be wrong, but I thought this was only the Hockey Hall of Fame game or games played in Alaska.
Unless it's recently changed it includes the ice breaker as well. Guessing Minnesota wouldn't have agreed to do this unless it allowed them to get an extra home series in there somewhere.
That is awesome then. No brainer to do it.
That is awesome then. No brainer to do it.
Yep... Called my wife her told her we are doing this. She's never been to Vegas, it'll be our fall get away weekend instead of Duluth and a Gopher Hockey road trip. Got to keep the streak going, I've been on at least one road trip every years since 1999.
Keep your stick on the ice...
Where will the two extra games fit in and against which team?
Not knowing what to do, they do what they know . . .
Knowing what to do, they sometime don't do it . . .
The 26th year of the Gopher Men's Hockey Profile got to be too much for this ol' codger to handle . . . what with all of the possible activity on the transfer portal . . . . So, I'm closing it down at the 25th year . . .
Vegas thing is cool for sure. Back to actual hockey talk.... Any thoughts on whether Bob would actually break up a hugely impactful line of Nevers, Brodzi, and Nelson? Info indicates 22 has taken big strides in the speed category but realistically that gets him to EVEN with most players not ahead. Nevers is quick and feisty and IMHO Nelson is WAY underrated in the speed and offensive upside category. Ask his teammates. He is deceptively fast and has great hands. He has always played the role of defensive offense partly due to his size and the crazy talent on the team. Doesn't mean he can't produce. Point a game in the playoffs. So much talent, just sort of feel like he has been very undervalued for what he brings to the table. Things that are tough to find. I think the team is stacked again as much or more than others and can't wait!!!
Any thoughts on whether Bob would actually break up a hugely impactful line of Nevers, Brodzi, and Nelson?
It is easy to just line them up again - and I am sure it is an option - but chemistry can be fickle. The Flynn/Carman/Lucia line never quite clicked again like they did as freshmen. Would not be surprised if we saw different variations, especially if Brodzinski is moving better than he has before.
Fair point. 22 has an awesome shot and nose for the net, but he is not the guy to carry or go get the puck ( at least in the past). It is beautiful that we have so many potential combinations. With the team we have 22 has his role but will never in my opinion be the 'get the puck guy'. He is the SHOOT the puck guy which every team needs. I just remain a fan of the line from last year where they all seemed to play to their strength. Although both Nelson and Nevers could probably score more if they aren't digging and always rolling back to cover D. We shall see! Can't lose Nelly on the dot though
That’s why I feel like 22 with Snuggerud is a bit of an odd move by Bob. Two players with probably the biggest appetite for shooting pucks on the team. Doesn’t seem like there’s enough rubber to go around if they were on the same line. Time will tell. Maybe they both score 25 and make me look stupid.
As long as the other lines don't lack for shooters I don't have a problem with it. If anything it keeps the opposing D and G on their heels not being able to guess where a shot is more likely to come from in certain situations, and I've rarely seen a line be criticized for shooting too much.
I have a hard time believing that Brodzinski got that much faster in his fifth season.
Wasn't certain where to put this . . . ?
Happened to see it while searching for surreptitious video / audio capture devices ( due to some strange fixtures on the ceiling in my room here and a sign near one of the offices which announced "video and audio devices are recording throughout the building for your protection" ).
At any rate, what if the "software" behind this ad is not so overburdensome ( size and cost, etc. ) that some 10,000 fans ( or 19,000 fans in the big games ) could be zeroing in "surreptitiously" with their iPhone or Androids ( or what have you ) and reporting on a sub-reddit somewhere in the black hole of the internet ( similar to the "dark pools" that the large banks utilize in their financial games ) every "heat map", "tick," etc., for every player that hits the ice?
Seems like it could be the "Money Ball" of the entire hockey world . . . .
Food for thought and discussion ( que "somewhere, over the rainbow" )?
Over and out for now . . .
And, Go Gophers!
Not knowing what to do, they do what they know . . .
Knowing what to do, they sometime don't do it . . .
The 26th year of the Gopher Men's Hockey Profile got to be too much for this ol' codger to handle . . . what with all of the possible activity on the transfer portal . . . . So, I'm closing it down at the 25th year . . .
The home ice surface getting smaller will help Brodz, evidently he’s cut some weight & is moving better. No reason not to tinker with the lines in the early going (considering Snuggy lost both of his line mates).I have a hard time believing that Brodzinski got that much faster in his fifth season.
That’s why I feel like 22 with Snuggerud is a bit of an odd move by Bob. Two players with probably the biggest appetite for shooting pucks on the team. Doesn’t seem like there’s enough rubber to go around if they were on the same line. Time will tell. Maybe they both score 25 and make me look stupid.
During his Media Day interview, Brodz said that he wants to start dishing pucks to his linemates. I would agree a smaller sheet will help his game.
Wondering what others think of our D situation this season? Clicking on all cylinders by March? Or are we going to struggle a bit this season on the backend?
Vegas thing is cool for sure. Back to actual hockey talk.... Any thoughts on whether Bob would actually break up a hugely impactful line of Nevers, Brodzi, and Nelson? Info indicates 22 has taken big strides in the speed category but realistically that gets him to EVEN with most players not ahead. Nevers is quick and feisty and IMHO Nelson is WAY underrated in the speed and offensive upside category. Ask his teammates. He is deceptively fast and has great hands. He has always played the role of defensive offense partly due to his size and the crazy talent on the team. Doesn't mean he can't produce. Point a game in the playoffs. So much talent, just sort of feel like he has been very undervalued for what he brings to the table. Things that are tough to find. I think the team is stacked again as much or more than others and can't wait!!!
I've seen them skate four times the past couple weeks I haven't seen 18-24-22 together at any of the practices. They could always go back to it, but it certainly feels like Motzko wants to try out some combinations.
Motzko always talks about having pairs of guys who stick together.
I've seen Moore and Snuggerud together a couple times, Nelson and Nevers together couple times, Lamb and Pitlick together.
PP groups I saw this week... Moore/Snuggerud/Kurth/Lamb/Rinzel and Pitlick/Nelson/Brodzinksi/Nevers/Mittelstadt -- this group also had Clark and Strobel work in for part of the practice.
If memory serves Bob can be a bit of a mad scientist early in the season.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Wondering what others think of our D situation this season?
Early on I think there will be some struggles there with Koster out. But once he's back I think you have good enough "vets" to keep things from getting too out of hand while the younger guys figure things out.
You're gonna put some young guys in elevated roles I think pretty quickly. That'll lead to hiccups. But I think they'll figure it out.
Can a guy get some predicted line combos?
Super appreciated....let's go! Excited to get the puck dropped.
Based on what’s being reported:
Brodzinski-Moore-Snuggerud
Pitlick-Huglen-Lamb
Nevers-Nelson-Kurth
Pinoniemi-Clark-Mittelstadt
All 7 D not named Mike Koster in any combination
Close
Wiese
(Airey hurt)
Yikes. Not what I would have predicted but whatever works I guess. Third line seems a little heavy on the playmakers and light on the shooters but I am not there for what the guys have been showing so far. Could be a great formula
Based on what’s being reported:
Brodzinski-Moore-Snuggerud
Pitlick-Huglen-Lamb
Nevers-Nelson-Kurth
Pinoniemi-Clark-Mittelstadt
All 7 D not named Mike Koster in any combination
Close
Wiese
(Airey hurt)
Hopefully Strobel gets more ice time this year as well.
Excited to see what this years team will bring. Last season was really fun to watch with all that talent and how they got better as the season went along. It felt like "Gopher Hockey" again to me. Wasn't the ending we all had hoped for but I did personally enjoy the ride...
apologize if posting in the wrong thread......looking to buy 2 tickets for the 10/27 game v. Badgers....pls reply here, send PM or text to 317-698-5689
thanks!
Are they teasing something?
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
100%Are they teasing something?
IALTO
100%Are they teasing something?
They are adding a second deck to Mariucci??? 😉