This team is getting more frustrating to watch. So much inconsistency. I get there's a lot of parity in the B1G, but sweeping a weekend would be nice for once.
Agree that you need to be able to pick up the Kyle Connors and the Dylan Larkins of the world, but I think the Michigan hockey name will always be able to factor in with those types of kids, regardless of who's the coach. Maybe the direction that they need to take the team is with an older base of recruits. The run and gun style of play hasn't panned out for them the last 4 years.
I doubt it's more of Mel not wanting to come than it is Red not wanting to leave. As mentioned above, you can't force him out. Mel needs the door to open for him before he can walk through it.
I don't think next year's team is destined to win a championship, but I think the Freshmen will contribute. The last 2 Freshmen classes been impressive to say the least. Obviously there's no Larkin or Connor, but I'm sure they'll be ready to contribute.
I'm okay with this. Actually, selfishly I'm really happy. He's a legend and I'm not ready for someone else to take the reigns. Let's hope he can go out on top next year.
Does anyone feel neutral about Downing leaving? As mentioned above, his recklessness and turnovers make him a defensive liability. He's definitely a physical defenseman, which fits well at the next level, and the B1G has already been quick to suspend him. I can argue it's addition by subtraction, but if he could clean up the defensive zone play I wouldn't mind having him on the PP next year. Blue liners are going to have to step up big time next year, especially on the PP.
As for Red, it's hard to argue against a legend. I'm very biased, and I believe he's ran this program the way it should be ran for the last 32 years. I put as much blame on Wiseman and Powers as I do Red for the last couple of years. I personally would like to see him come back for one more year, but wouldn't be opposed to seeing Mel come in. I have a lot of respect for him, and know he'll continue taking us in the right direction.
I think inviting North Dakota makes the most sense. The NCHC can pick up ASU as a replacement and the league will still be one of the best leagues. Having NoDak at Yost every year would be awesome. I imagine it'd be packed for those games. On the contrary, UM going to Engelstad would certainly draw a buzz. Those series would be phenomenal to watch.
On the other foot, Minnesota gets their biggest rival back, and still plays in the North Start cup, so that could possibly stop the bickering by gopher fans. It would make perfect sense.
From a hockey perspective, I'm going to say John Gibson. I was so hyped when he committed, only to have him bolt for the OHL. I always think about what we could have been with him (even if it was just for a year).
I'm staying optimistic here...while a single loss in our six remaining games hurts us, it still might be enough to sqeak in. Granted, it'd be VERY close, but it's still possible. A couple scenarios I've worked out with one more loss got us to #15 in the pairwise (granted, there are a lot of other variables here, #15 just might cut it). Unlikely, but still a possibility. Best bet is to win out, which could put us as high as #9/10 in Pairwise.
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This team is getting more frustrating to watch. So much inconsistency. I get there's a lot of parity in the B1G, but sweeping a weekend would be nice for once.
Agree that you need to be able to pick up the Kyle Connors and the Dylan Larkins of the world, but I think the Michigan hockey name will always be able to factor in with those types of kids, regardless of who's the coach. Maybe the direction that they need to take the team is with an older base of recruits. The run and gun style of play hasn't panned out for them the last 4 years.
31-14 Michigan
I doubt it's more of Mel not wanting to come than it is Red not wanting to leave. As mentioned above, you can't force him out. Mel needs the door to open for him before he can walk through it.
I don't think next year's team is destined to win a championship, but I think the Freshmen will contribute. The last 2 Freshmen classes been impressive to say the least. Obviously there's no Larkin or Connor, but I'm sure they'll be ready to contribute.
Well, dang. Best of luck Tyler! You earned this.
I'm okay with this. Actually, selfishly I'm really happy. He's a legend and I'm not ready for someone else to take the reigns. Let's hope he can go out on top next year.
Does anyone feel neutral about Downing leaving? As mentioned above, his recklessness and turnovers make him a defensive liability. He's definitely a physical defenseman, which fits well at the next level, and the B1G has already been quick to suspend him. I can argue it's addition by subtraction, but if he could clean up the defensive zone play I wouldn't mind having him on the PP next year. Blue liners are going to have to step up big time next year, especially on the PP.
As for Red, it's hard to argue against a legend. I'm very biased, and I believe he's ran this program the way it should be ran for the last 32 years. I put as much blame on Wiseman and Powers as I do Red for the last couple of years. I personally would like to see him come back for one more year, but wouldn't be opposed to seeing Mel come in. I have a lot of respect for him, and know he'll continue taking us in the right direction.
I think inviting North Dakota makes the most sense. The NCHC can pick up ASU as a replacement and the league will still be one of the best leagues. Having NoDak at Yost every year would be awesome. I imagine it'd be packed for those games. On the contrary, UM going to Engelstad would certainly draw a buzz. Those series would be phenomenal to watch.
On the other foot, Minnesota gets their biggest rival back, and still plays in the North Start cup, so that could possibly stop the bickering by gopher fans. It would make perfect sense.
From a hockey perspective, I'm going to say John Gibson. I was so hyped when he committed, only to have him bolt for the OHL. I always think about what we could have been with him (even if it was just for a year).
I'm staying optimistic here...while a single loss in our six remaining games hurts us, it still might be enough to sqeak in. Granted, it'd be VERY close, but it's still possible. A couple scenarios I've worked out with one more loss got us to #15 in the pairwise (granted, there are a lot of other variables here, #15 just might cut it). Unlikely, but still a possibility. Best bet is to win out, which could put us as high as #9/10 in Pairwise.