Thought he looked much better today. Looked much more comfortable. Not surprising it’s taken him a few games to settle in. He and Keebler only D who weren’t on NDP.Ralph has been worse than Fischer. Don’t get what they like so much about Ralph.
Don't know who told you that.I heard he’s been really good. Big, strong, physical defender
USA Hockey has become more skills oriented. I think it's also true the blue collar nature of the game has become less prominent.Minnetian has been a disappointment for me thus far but the notion of having any combo of a Ralph/Fischer/Kleber pairing out there in an important game doesn't fill me with confidence. It's strange to see the shuffling with the new roster rules, and part of me would just prefer that they leave Ralph/Minnetian together to build up some chemistry and hopefully be solid by the medal rounds, but I guess we'll see if this approach pays off in some way.
Eiserman was playing with quite a chip on his shoulder yesterday. I haven't seen him at BU this year but is that just part of his game now? I'm not sure if his approach will help or hurt if he keeps that up over the coming games though, as he seemed as likely to take a bad penalty as he was to draw one.
It is a good story to see how Burnevik has developed over the past few years. It's rare for a player to get back in the picture for the junior team after being cut from the U18s. That said, I do hope he can show more as part of that 1st PP unit. I could be wrong but it felt like some plays died with him there at times. Perhaps his strong game is fresh in mind mind but would be interesting to see what Nelson could offer there if the PP continues to struggle.
Is it just me or has it seemed that over the past few years the traditional US team identify of being very strong on the forecheck and cycling the puck has pretty much disappeared? I've always wanted US players and teams to be more skill-oriented and appreciate them being creative but I don't love the notion of that original identity falling by the wayside completely. Maybe it's just a change with hockey in general, though I don't watch as much of various leagues as I did years ago.
I think he's leaning into the identity of this team, which is more skills/skating oriented. A little freewheeling but a peacock has to fly.In Carle We Trust.
Wonder if he has an NHL head coaching spot in his future. Wonder if he's interested.
I've been impressed with the way they use the high ice in the offensive zone to set up, shake defenders, and find passing seams. It's a sound strategy to exploit the elusiveness of Buium and Hutson, one of whom is on the ice for most of the game.I think he's leaning into the identity of thus team, which is more skills/skating oriented. A little freewheeling but a peacock has to fly.
Good game against a tough opponent.
Fully agree. And the PP hasn’t been very successful. Seems like axing him for someone else is the easy fix that should be made.It is a good story to see how Burnevik has developed over the past few years. It's rare for a player to get back in the picture for the junior team after being cut from the U18s. That said, I do hope he can show more as part of that 1st PP unit. I could be wrong but it felt like some plays died with him there at times. Perhaps his strong game is fresh in mind mind but would be interesting to see what Nelson could offer there if the PP continues to struggle.
I like Burnevik but I think this is 100% correctFully agree. And the PP hasn’t been very successful. Seems like axing him for someone else is the easy fix that should be made.
Putting arguably the weakest forward in the lineup on PP1 is one thing if he’s like 6’12 and is tasked with only standing in front of the net. Burnevik isn’t that and he’s not even standing in front of the net. They probably should honestly have Moore in that bumper role. It would also give them someone additional to retrieve pucks. Burnevik can’t keep up with those other guys. He tries to make skill plays and you can see he doesn’t have it.