Hi.
It's that time again.
For once, I don't know how to start this season's thread. Usually it's Angry Hammer ranting about no goal scoring, no attendance, and lots and lots of penalty minutes, followed by some aspect of special teams going straight to hell in a rocket sled. Uh-uh. Not this year. A Frozen Four kinda takes that out of you.
Last year was beyond any of our wildest dreams. I didn't think 2002-2003 could be topped, and yet somehow we managed to do just that. The question is, now what?
For the first time in forever, I think we have enough goal scoring. Sure, we lost Jordie Johnston and a few others, but Kirzinger, Ouellette and Bonis all return and I think we can put enough pucks in the net to keep us in plenty of games. For once, I'm not overly concerned about that facet of the game.
On the other hand, we've lost a hell of a lot on the blueline the past two years. Two years ago it was Redmond and Wietecha to graduation, this year it was Billins, Wysopal, Hill, Schmit, Trebish, and Graham played a bit of defense as well. It's going to take more than one year to replenish that depth and talent.
I believe we're going to be fine in net as well. CJ Motte should step in nicely, much like Nelson did upon Nagle's graduation. I don't know if we can expect the same performance, but I don't think he's going to hurt us any. There have been two positions that the coaching staff has done a very good job of keeping us in fresh supply of: defensemen and goaltenders. I have confidence that the coaching staff will continue to do so, even if it takes more than one season.
As for any predictions....not me. I'm out of that business. And for once, I'm not overly concerned about this team's record this season. I'm good for a while.
Let the season begin.
It's that time again.
For once, I don't know how to start this season's thread. Usually it's Angry Hammer ranting about no goal scoring, no attendance, and lots and lots of penalty minutes, followed by some aspect of special teams going straight to hell in a rocket sled. Uh-uh. Not this year. A Frozen Four kinda takes that out of you.
Last year was beyond any of our wildest dreams. I didn't think 2002-2003 could be topped, and yet somehow we managed to do just that. The question is, now what?
For the first time in forever, I think we have enough goal scoring. Sure, we lost Jordie Johnston and a few others, but Kirzinger, Ouellette and Bonis all return and I think we can put enough pucks in the net to keep us in plenty of games. For once, I'm not overly concerned about that facet of the game.
On the other hand, we've lost a hell of a lot on the blueline the past two years. Two years ago it was Redmond and Wietecha to graduation, this year it was Billins, Wysopal, Hill, Schmit, Trebish, and Graham played a bit of defense as well. It's going to take more than one year to replenish that depth and talent.
I believe we're going to be fine in net as well. CJ Motte should step in nicely, much like Nelson did upon Nagle's graduation. I don't know if we can expect the same performance, but I don't think he's going to hurt us any. There have been two positions that the coaching staff has done a very good job of keeping us in fresh supply of: defensemen and goaltenders. I have confidence that the coaching staff will continue to do so, even if it takes more than one season.
As for any predictions....not me. I'm out of that business. And for once, I'm not overly concerned about this team's record this season. I'm good for a while.
Let the season begin.
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