tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572254720762157836.post5037862936046979797..comments2021-07-04T12:18:15.515-05:00Comments on The Boards Room: It's a 400?Patrick C. Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13896632306391347372noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572254720762157836.post-11709178317513304402009-06-30T22:11:57.188-05:002009-06-30T22:11:57.188-05:00I agree that Dave Hakstol recruits and develops co...I agree that Dave Hakstol recruits and develops complete players in an NHL-ready mode. When asked why UND didn't have Olympic ice, Dean Blais once replied that UND develops players for the NHL, not the Olympics. Hakstol continues in that tradition and takes great pride in it. <br /><br />I also agree that Derrick LaPoint's recovery (both physically and mentally) might be the difference between a pretty good defensive corps and an excellent one.Patrick C. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13896632306391347372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572254720762157836.post-76414776374283246892009-06-30T09:32:17.934-05:002009-06-30T09:32:17.934-05:00If you think my comparison is based on one year, y...If you think my comparison is based on one year, you may be missing the "four of the last five years" statement. The 2009-2010 defense, as in 2008-2009, will have a "mover" named Genoway. But it will also have a group of steady defenders who are, based on draft status, fairly well regarded by the NHL (which can be translated to "the potential is there"). <br /><br />Arguably, UND's two best defensemen heading into 2009 are the only two who are undrafted (Genoway, Marto). That too should be viewed as a positive.<br /><br />But allow me to state also: The defense this year will hinge on Derrick LaPoint's recovery. If healthy, LaPoint will eat up key minutes in the defensive end as he was doing last season before the leg injury. LaPoint's return to health is my greatest concern for the team going into 2009. <br /><br />As to blue chippers, name the NCAA team that wouldn't take Chris Vande Velde in a second. Or Brad Malone. Or Jason Gregoire. But did you think of them immediately as the best players in the NCAA? That's my point: They are top tier players, but they aren't the "name" guys (ala Ovchekin or Crosby) that guys with bad toupees or receding hair lines rave about continually on regional sports networks. <br /><br />Then again, in June "Mule" Franzen was playing and Ovchekin was working on his pitching and putting. <br /><br />That's where UND's lesser name but still top tier talent guys should be taking note.The Sicatokahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03779914535847438197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572254720762157836.post-38773858564268040472009-06-30T00:19:18.846-05:002009-06-30T00:19:18.846-05:00It's novel thought to try and compare NCAA and...It's novel thought to try and compare NCAA and the Stanley Cup playoffs, but I think one that is skewed. Also, everyone seems to be worrying more about the offense than the defense for this, and future, seasons. Defensively, there is no one completely reliable to shut down opposing teams top lines. Very arguably, our best returning defenseman plays like a forward. Detroit has an awesome defense. Last year, the team had a much better defense than they will this year, and last year that was their ultimate weakness against UNH.<br /><br />You need the blue chippers to put you over the top in the post-season. You can get away with having average players and role players for a game, or two, or MAYBE even three....but to win. You need blue-chippers and role-players. Having a team full of blue-chippers isn't a guarantee that you will win, but without them, your chances decrease.Anoreply@blogger.com