ASU is ranked for a reason, Michigan just played that suffocating 1-2-2 defense and the team chemistry was evident. Their rotations in all zones was impressive, forwards and d rotating and switching positions in the cycle game was textbook. The team created energy even without the raucous that is usually there at Yost. The most impressive bit was how quickly the defense backchecked and were able to suffocate the Sun Devils breakout and neutral zone playbook. Our team speed is top notch, which need every weekend since the B1G is one of the best conferences. Mann was also very impressive. I played goalie as a kid and the last thing you want is to have games where you are not involved. Mann had two, and yet he never had a mental break, even never allowing a bad rebound nor letting his guard down and allowing a bad goal.
The Power Play is looking fantastic, even though they did not get a goal last night, they pepper ASU with grade-A chances, and were potent the night before. Their puck movement from high to low, and vice versa, and their lateral passes caused creation of shooting lanes and for amazing second chance opportunities. I only expect more of this, because of how quick they move and pass. The coaching staff deserves a lot of praise for instituting a game plan and playbook that utilizes the skill set of this special class and makes it look like they have been playing for years.
Owen Power is imposing. not only that, but his speed for his size is something else too. This freshmen class, coupled with the likes of: Beecher, York, Becker, Blackenburg, Pastujov, Lambert, and Moyle makes this one of the best teams in recent memory.
We need to see if they can do it again against Wisconsin, who just swept #20 Notre Dame in South Bend and will most likely either be receiving a lot of votes or will be ranked. If this is a truly special team, they cannot let a bad series happen. Plus, their series with PSU and Minnesota will be key. John Buccigross has us at #5 in his top sixteen he tweeted out last night, and he has been high on this team.
Onward and Go Blue!
The Power Play is looking fantastic, even though they did not get a goal last night, they pepper ASU with grade-A chances, and were potent the night before. Their puck movement from high to low, and vice versa, and their lateral passes caused creation of shooting lanes and for amazing second chance opportunities. I only expect more of this, because of how quick they move and pass. The coaching staff deserves a lot of praise for instituting a game plan and playbook that utilizes the skill set of this special class and makes it look like they have been playing for years.
Owen Power is imposing. not only that, but his speed for his size is something else too. This freshmen class, coupled with the likes of: Beecher, York, Becker, Blackenburg, Pastujov, Lambert, and Moyle makes this one of the best teams in recent memory.
We need to see if they can do it again against Wisconsin, who just swept #20 Notre Dame in South Bend and will most likely either be receiving a lot of votes or will be ranked. If this is a truly special team, they cannot let a bad series happen. Plus, their series with PSU and Minnesota will be key. John Buccigross has us at #5 in his top sixteen he tweeted out last night, and he has been high on this team.
Onward and Go Blue!
