Disappointment in Duluth

It wasn't an ideal start to conference play for the Mavs, dropping both games to the Bulldogs this weekend. UMD's top guns Justin Fontaine, Mike Connolly and Jack Connolly proved too much to handle, the group provided every goal for Duluth on the weekend. Once again, MSU spent inordinate time in the penalty box, and was punished by UMD's potent powerplay. If the stove is hot, don't touch it! Saturday night, Joe Schiller and Nick Canzanello took two undisciplined penalties and the Mavs got burned. Maybe I foolishly thought that this team would be somehow different, having good team speed we shouldn't be taking stick-infraction penalties, and certainly not hot-headed "dumb" penalties, but like a recurring nightmare I saw the same familiar indiscipline. It's time to clean it up, actually it's long overdue, because too often penalties are directly responsible for our losses, as they were on Saturday. 

In the latest chapter of the goalie battle, Kevin Murdock continues to prove his case. I think he's the better goaltender, and I hope to see him this Friday when Bucky comes to town. Austin Lee did face a whopping 48 shots on Saturday, but also let in a few softies, and continues to look slow and/or out of position. At the very least I'd like to see Murdock on Friday, and let him earn the starting privileges for Saturday. I know I'm making this look like a no-brainer, which isn't fair to Lee, but I've talked to multiple people who are clearly seeing things in the same way.   

Look for more later in the week as the Mavericks look to get back on track in a big home series vs. Wisconsin.

Mavericks Sweep Bowling Green

Minnesota State opened up the season with a pair of wins over Bowling Green this weekend in Mankato. It wasn't the most exciting weekend of hockey, but the Mavs did what they needed to do and took both games. Bowling Green was picked to finish dead last in the CCHA this year, and didn't present much of a challenge, but nonetheless it's nice to see the Mavericks off on the right foot. Some notes from the games:

This weekend featured both goaltenders contending for the starting job. On Friday Austin Lee, and freshman Kevin Murdock got the start on Saturday. I won't beat around the bush on this one, I think Murdock is our guy. What he lacks in size, he makes up with his speed and agility. He was rarely out of position, and looked poised in his first ever college game. Nothing against the way Austin Lee played either, and I'm sure there's a role on the team for him this year. Lee did a fine job of stopping the puck on Friday, but looked a bit out of position at times. He certainly looks like a viable option as a backup or even to split time with Murdock. Overall I was more impressed with Murdock, and coupled with his solid numbers in the USHL leads me to believe that he's our starter. This could all change however, and this weekend really did very little to positively answer the question.

The forwards looked pretty good. In particular, I noticed Justin Jokinen, who looked to have improved from last year. Rylan Galiardi looked very strong, he's becoming a leader and will probably rack up some serious numbers this year. Tyler Pitlick looks physically ready for the WCHA already, but will need to learn some ins and outs, especially on the power-play. He's a big time player though, and I'm really looking forward to watching him develop. Kurt Davis didn't miss a beat this offseason, he looked good as usual, and I'm convinced he's our best player. Eriah Hayes also looks solid, I really like his size, and he's going to be a tough player to play against. Jared Stewart stood out as well. Overall lots of speed in the lineup. We'll be able to skate with anyone this year, and hopefully push the pace beyond our opponents comfort. 

Looking forward to next weekend, and the first real test in Duluth. Both games will be televised on Charter. Go Mavs!  

New Captains Announced

The new Maverick captains were announced on Friday. Wearing the "C" will be senior forward Geoff Irwin, his assistants will be junior defenseman Channing Boe, and senior forward Kael Mouillierat. The captains were chosen following a three day team-building exercise led by MSU's ROTC program. A related article is found here.

A little about the three choices:

C - Geoff Irwin - In 102 career games with the Mavs, Irwin has 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists.) Aside from the scoring, Irwin makes his mark with his high-energy and consistent style of play. From my observation Irwin works harder than just about anyone. He's gritty, but by no means one-dimensional. Geoff defines what Jutting looks for in a forward, look for him to be a dependable player in 2009-2010.

A - Channing Boe - Is a consummate defensive defenseman. At 6'3" 210, he provides some much-needed size and physicality to the blueline corps, and he uses that size well. He can clear out the front of the net, and compliments some of the smaller, more offensive defenseman on the team. Channing suffered a broken leg last year and has done well in the offseason to get himself back in game shape. Boe will need to be a leader on the blue line this year, an area where some are skeptical. Barring injuries, however, I see no reason why this unit can't excel. 

A - Kael Mouillierat - Is probably the most potent offensive player on the team. He's got a knack for scoring goals and is an asset on the power-play. Last year he put up 30 points in 30 games. Of returning players, he leads the Mavericks in both career goals (36) and points (67.)  Last year down the stretch Mouillierat was lighting the lamp on a nightly basis, a true joy to watch. If Kael can stay healthy, look for him near the top of the league in the point department.

Overall, these are good selections. While I can't attest to the character of these guys off the ice, I know that each of them need to play up to their potential, and as leaders on the ice this year. More to come. 

Zacharias Helps Mavs Take Three Points This Weekend

“We did a good job killing; they were 0-for-5 with a five-minute power play as well,” said Mavericks’ coach Troy Jutting. “But you spend nine out of the first 13 minutes in the box you really put yourself behind the eight ball a little bit. We got to do a better job.”

Yes Troy, we do have to do a better job. The penalties need to be stopped or your season will be finished in two games. The effort this team has been putting out this last month or so has been very enjoyable to watch. The one thing that is killing us is getting down a man or two. Bruess needs to figured out how to hit with his hip or shoulder rather than his knee. All in all, great weekend.

The Mavs, who are 4-2-3 in their last nine seem to be playing fairly well heading into the playoffs, and Zach has been very good in net. A disappointing eighth place finish(26 points) seems much less disappointing considering the last month the play of MSUM has been rather good. I really think Kael Mouillerat is the best Maverick on the ice game in and game out. He's quick, protects the puck well, stands up for his teammates, and the kid can flat out score. We're seeing this now that he's healthy, as he's on the scoresheet everynight. I really love watching our powerplay as well, as it is obviously clicking right now. Keep up the good work there.

Off to Wisconsin the Mavericks go this weekend, the same team the Mavericks took three points from two weeks ago. This time, a trip to the WCHA Final Five in Saint Paul is on the line, and it should be a hell of a series. Hopefully the Mavericks get pay back from last season when Wisconsin made the NCAA Tournament over the Mavericks, with a record of under .500. I'll post a series preview Tuesday before I leave for the Xcel Energy Center.

BEAT BUCKY!

Sweeping out the TRASH!

Alright, so first off, i want to say, I am thrilled that i was able to be at both of these games, and I loved yelling SSSWEEEEEPPPP!!! all the way to my car. When Harrison sealed the deal I felt a feeling of one of the greatest joys. I know to you rodent fans it may seem like a small deal, but for our young program, this is an unbelieveably huge sweep for us. I know JBFC can say he felt the same way I did as well. Nice work Shilly, you and your cowbell got on tv as well I saw watching the replay on FCS.

THANK YOU MAVERICKS FOR BEATING THE TEAM I HATE THE MOST! USE THE MOMENTUM AND WIN, WIN, WIN!

FRIDAY: This is going to be very interesting, but on Friday night I felt that Jutts and his staff actually outcoached Lucia and his staff. They obviously knew how to throw Minnesota off of their game, and being physical all night long was a key part in the success of the Mavs on friday night. I also want to say I have waited my entire life for the Mavericks to fistpump those rodents in maroon and gold. It felt soooooo good to finally see it happen. I was most impressed with Rylan Galiardi. He brought a game that I have yet to see from him in his career, and that was great to see. Kael was also impressive, and I'm glad he's back scoring goals for us, and his second goal was beautiful. This was the best Mavs team I have seen in a while. They were flying all over the ice, and they really executed the little things very well. I will touch on this once, as I know both sides were very guilty of cheap shots, but schack needs to figure it out. that was way too dangerous and must never be displayed in hockey, ANYWHERE. It could have caused serious, serious problems for Boe. WCHA,NCAA,UMN: Please suspend him for atleast the rest of the regular season.

Saturday: The Mavs looked very good in the first period especially, and defensively they played well. I thought that davis was very good tonight, as was Gaulrapp. It was a game I haven't seen from him in awhile. Zach was very solid again tonight, and I hope he's back on his game. I do want to say i thought Lucia's adjustments defensively tonight, along with the more physical play were very good coaching. We couldn't seem to get a good clean breakout on the Power Play, and the way it was being defended was because of Lucia's adjustment..and obviously the killers executing it. I also thought that tonight, Tyler Thompson played the best game of his college career. He won lots of races to pucks, threw his body around, and gave a hundred and ten percent the entire time he was out there.. Gaulrapp's goal tonight was a great sign of a great effort to fight through the UMN player and finish the play. I loved seeing that. The Mavs showed a sense of urgency, and a work ethic that I have yet to see this season in this series. I'm hoping that this continues throughout the season, and that this team can win its last seven, which if they play as they're capable of, and as they did this weekend, they can do.

My Series Three Stars:

#3 STAR: Minnesota State forward #12 Rylan Galiardi: He had three key points in Friday's win, and he worked hard Saturday night to help create small plays, that often go unnoticed to many. He did the little things right and worked his *** off the entire weekend.

#2 STAR: Minnesota State forward #11 Mike Louwerse: He had three key points Friday as well, and he made some great plays in creating scoring chances on Saturday as well. He utilized his speed on the Power play breakout, and he helped the Mavs a lot by back checking hard, and getting back into a position that takes away passing lanes, as did the entire team.

#1STAR: Minnesota State goaltender #1 Mike Zacharias: Mike showed how good he was capable of playing, and hopefully got back on track making 28 saves on Friday, and 29 on Saturday. For the series he stopped 57 of 60 shots, and had a save percentage of .950. He made some key saves especially on Saturday night, and he took control of the game when he needed to.

All in all, GREAT weekend for the Mavericks, and it couldn't have come at a better time, against a better team than the team that i hate the most, the University of Minnesota Golden Shitheads.

All in all, great series, good luck the rest of the way rodents. It was fun..

And one last time, with chants of OLE in the background, SWEEEEEEEEEEEP!!

Bowling Green? Who the Hell is that?

They have won one National Championship, in 1984, and they appeared in the Frozen Four in 1978 as well. They have won the CCHA Regular Season titles in 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, and the CCHA Tournament Championships in 1973, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1988. The Falcons are led by a pair of Sophomores in Dan Sexton(5-10-15)and David Solway(7-7-14). In net all fourteen games that the Falcons have played has been Jimmy Spratt(.876, 3.19,) and has led his team to a 5-7-2 start, as well as 4-5-1 in the CCHA. Four of the five Falcon wins have been at BGSU Ice Arena, and they have only lost twice there.

It looks like a very managable pair of games for the Mavericks, who if they want to be National Title contenders, these are the types of games that must be won. Go get a sweep Mavericks, and continue this season on a roll.

Here Come The Tigers...

Well, CC is coming to town after suffering their first loss this season at home against the University of North Dakota. The Tigers are lead in scoring by assistant captain Chad Rau who has scored five goals and tallied eight assists for 13 points. CC's second leading scorer, senior Eric Walsky has seven goals and five assists, for 12 points. The Tigers also bring to town argueably the best goaltender in the WCHA in Richard Bachman, who in nine games has a 5-1-3 record, as well as a .946 save percentage and a 1.73 goals against average. CC always plays the Mavs well, and hopefully the Mavs can snag a victory or two at home against the 3rd ranked Tigers.

Keys to Maverick Victory:

1. STAY OUT OF THE BOX! PLEASE!!

2. MAKE THE MOST OF POWER PLAY CHANCES!

3. CLEAR OUT PEOPLE IN FRONT OF THE NET SO MIKE CAN SEE!

4. BE PHYSICAL AND FAST!!!

5. SCORE MORE GOALS THAN THEM!!!!!!:)