Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

And the differences between Minny and us start behind the bench.

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

As I've stated before - only because it's obviously true - Minnesota's frosh usually contribute right away.

Very true, the same is true for BC's frosh, Nodak's frosh (generally) and Michigan and on down the line with the great programs.

I mean I think we're belaboring points we've made ad nauseum over the past several seasons but I just wonder what the hell is going on in Madison. I want to see a team that strikes fear into their opponents. Skates like the wind and can score 4-5 goals a game or play rough and tumble and win depending on the situation...In other words pretty much like the teams from Badger Bob through Sauer until about 94.

The feast or famine of the past 20 years has been a huge detriment to this team.

[Stauber1]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

yep...They may still hit .500 for the season (which really shouldn't be a goal ever)... but there's something else I'm wondering...Why is it that Minnesota, BC, Nodak, Michigan etc never have these "rebuilding" years? How come they never complain "we've got too many frosh etc"?

To be fair, MN had 3 years of mediocrity not too long ago. Michigan has been struggling the last couple years. WI seems to struggle just a little bit more, a little bit more often, but other "top" programs are not immune from this kind of thing either. And often the excuse is exactly being "too young."

And the differences between Minny and us start behind the bench.

I can't argue with that. And I don't intend that to be snarky.

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

And the differences between Minny and us start behind the bench.

I've always said Lucia is a great coach. The guy took a moribund Colorado College team and turned them into winners. With an ounce of luck they defeat Michigan and become NCAA title winners in 96. But even without that he turned a **** program into a perennial contender while he was there. AND he stole players who would have gone to Wisconsin generally (as was Gwozdecky at that time in Denver) and contributed to the downfall of Sauer...At U MN he's been what I thought he'd be, a winner through and through.

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

To be fair, MN had 3 years of mediocrity not too long ago. Michigan has been struggling the last couple years. WI seems to struggle just a little bit more, a little bit more often, but other "top" programs are not immune from this kind of thing either. And often the excuse is exactly being "too young."


I can't argue with that. And I don't intend that to be snarky.

Michigan struggling still made the NCAA tourney's w/the exception of just ONE year in the past what? 20 years? 22-23 years?

Minnesota mediocre is a world away from Wisconsin's mediocre. At Minnesota they'd still make the NCAA's generally.

[Stauber1]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

Michigan struggling still made the NCAA tourney's w/the exception of just ONE year in the past what? 20 years? 22-23 years?

Minnesota mediocre is a world away from Wisconsin's mediocre. At Minnesota they'd still make the NCAA's generally.

Michigan has missed the past 2 haven't they? And they aren't looking very good to start this year either.
MN missed the tournament 3 years in a row and just eked in the year preceding that stretch.
I'm not arguing WI hasn't had a little bit steeper of a downswing a little more often, but not by an overwhelming amount.

[Go4PuckFan2.0]

Michigan struggling still made the NCAA tourney's w/the exception of just ONE year in the past what? 20 years? 22-23 years?

Minnesota mediocre is a world away from Wisconsin's mediocre. At Minnesota they'd still make the NCAA's generally.

Michigan benefitted, in no small measure, by punching below its weight in the CCHA.

Yeah, Sconnie looks to be settling into a dry spell but this, too, shall pass.

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

During that downswing, more than a few were calling for Lucia's head too, iirc.

In that case, cooler heads prevailed and the right choice was obviously made.

In our case, the heads aren't cooler, they just don't seem to care or notice.

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

I think the most disappointing thing from watching tonight's game was that there never seemed to be any urgency until maybe the final 30 seconds. They were down two goals in the third period and only managed five shots on net. Are the coaches not motivating the players enough to get them going? Do they players not care enough? Are they scared?

Northern Michigan's players are on average like 20 months older than the average Wisconsin player. Even still, there was no jump whatsoever. You'd think coming off losing back-to-back games against inferior opponents last weekend you'd have a little pride and play with some fire. Apparently not.

[Go4PuckFan2.0]

During that downswing, more than a few were calling for Lucia's head too, iirc.

In that case, cooler heads prevailed and the right choice was obviously made.

In our case, the heads aren't cooler, they just don't seem to care or notice.

True, concerning Lucia.

Regarding Eaves, they care enough to get whipped up, which is a good sign.

[Driftryder]

During that downswing, more than a few were calling for Lucia's head too, iirc.

In that case, cooler heads prevailed and the right choice was obviously made.

In our case, the heads aren't cooler, they just don't seem to care or notice.

Correct Gurt, many were calling for tDons head. During part of that time though coach Lucia was battling some pretty bad health issues, which didn't help matters.

With Bucky though I'm sure this down turn will pass, I mean you guys are still landing players from MN, so how bad can it be. 😄

[Bonin21]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

Northern Michigan's players are on average like 20 months older than the average Wisconsin player.

Gophers, BC, and BU all have lower average ages this year, so I don't think too much emphasis can be placed on that. I guess what I think would be more indicative is some type of average class standing for the lineup on the ice. That's where you'd see uw at the top (or bottom) of the chart.

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

To turn up the optimism for a second: If there's one part of this season that we would expect the Badgers to struggle, it would be this part. But man, is this disappointing so far.

[Hammy]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

Correct Gurt, many were calling for tDons head. During part of that time though coach Lucia was battling some pretty bad health issues, which didn't help matters.

People do tend to forget Lucia had a pretty serious health issue for a decent chunk of that down time.

Not to mention, they had to remove a tumor named John Hill.

[NEWI Badger Fan]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXIX: Yes, this is the Rumpel Rink!

People do tend to forget Lucia has a pretty serious health issue for a decent chunk of that down time.

Not to mention, they had to remove a tumor named John Hill.

....and rehire Mike Guentzel.