Benilde vs EP on Saturday

[minnscout]

Benilde continues to struggle. Team has lost confidence and dont trust their goalies. Goalies let in soft goal and the team just loses their mojo. Surprised they went into season without goalie. They can still beat anyone when they play hard and get decent goaltending. Maybe they will get hot in playoffs

[SWPrez]

Benilde continues to struggle. Team has lost confidence and dont trust their goalies. Goalies let in soft goal and the team just loses their mojo. Surprised they went into season without goalie. They can still beat anyone when they play hard and get decent goaltending. Maybe they will get hot in playoffs

Sadly, Minnscout, your post is a reflection of why goalie at BSM is the hardest position in the state.

At BSM, if the team doesn't win it is because of the goalie. Shouldn't others share in the ownership of a loss? A light goal is a mental error, no different than a first liner shooting the puck wide of the net or into the goalie's belly button, the same as a coach not calling a timeout to make adjustments or slow a game down that is tilting in the wrong direction or mismanaging the bench....how often do those players/coaches get called out by you? How often do they get immediately benched by coaching staff? How often does the coaching take responsibility for losses?

BSM does not have the first two lines like the first two lines they have had the prior four years. Only #8 measures up to the talent they have had over the last few years. Blaming goalies for lack of mojo when mojo isn't there to begin with doesn't help. With this in mind, the team needs to figure out how to win gritty low scoring games...the talent isn't there to outrun other teams as they have done in the past. All forwards putting on their hard hats, backchecking and sacrificing their bodies and blocking shots would be a great start for this team. Spending 80% of their practice time on team defense and basic defensive tactics (like how to play a 2 on 1 properly, how to clear the front so your goalie can see a puck coming in, weak side coverage, how to minimize tip-ins) also will help.

As far as goalies for this year. My understanding is the freshman is an Impact/Rogalski prodigy whom you have pumped in earlier posts and he is slated for future crease time, Thome (a junior) left to play Midget Minor in Chicago as he was a 'walk on' and saw the writing on the wall that he wasn't going to get ice time and was out of favor. Are you suggesting BSM should recruit in a junior or senior goalie each year rather than go with what they have already brought in and are developing? BSM is one of the leaders in preaching kids should stay and play high school --- why stay if someone may be brought in at the last minute in the name of “W's” on the coach's resume? The loyalty door swings both ways these days I guess.

In the end, singling out a 15 or 16 year old as the reason the team isn't doing well isn't valid and actually pretty rotten when you look at a team that has 15 skaters not getting their stuff done either. BSMs coach should nip these thoughts in the bud and also ask you to nip it. It is much deeper and includes all players and coaches. Win as a team...lose as a team.

[hshockeyfan8]

Regarding to your defensive and back-checking comments, I agree. A lot of work can be done by the players too improve in the defensive zone. I think the way Pauly coaches is high-flying, lets outscore the other team.

In regards to the goaltending, I have been to two of their games this year (7 GA to HF and 6 GA to EP) it has been very soft. Seen a lot of weak goals go in, and very hard to come out a section like 6AA which otherwise has good-great goaltending. And to bringing in a new goalie and questioning loyalty, is that not exactly what they did last year? Brought in Sprang as if he was a free agent.

[Sats81]

Benilde continues to struggle. Team has lost confidence and dont trust their goalies. Goalies let in soft goal and the team just loses their mojo. Surprised they went into season without goalie. They can still beat anyone when they play hard and get decent goaltending. Maybe they will get hot in playoffs

Sadly, Minnscout, your post is a reflection of why goalie at BSM is the hardest position in the state.

At BSM, if the team doesn't win it is because of the goalie. Shouldn't others share in the ownership of a loss? A light goal is a mental error, no different than a first liner shooting the puck wide of the net or into the goalie's belly button, the same as a coach not calling a timeout to make adjustments or slow a game down that is tilting in the wrong direction or mismanaging the bench....how often do those players/coaches get called out by you? How often do they get immediately benched by coaching staff? How often does the coaching take responsibility for losses?

BSM does not have the first two lines like the first two lines they have had the prior four years. Only #8 measures up to the talent they have had over the last few years. Blaming goalies for lack of mojo when mojo isn't there to begin with doesn't help. With this in mind, the team needs to figure out how to win gritty low scoring games...the talent isn't there to outrun other teams as they have done in the past. All forwards putting on their hard hats, backchecking and sacrificing their bodies and blocking shots would be a great start for this team. Spending 80% of their practice time on team defense and basic defensive tactics (like how to play a 2 on 1 properly, how to clear the front so your goalie can see a puck coming in, weak side coverage, how to minimize tip-ins) also will help.

As far as goalies for this year. My understanding is the freshman is an Impact/Rogalski prodigy whom you have pumped in earlier posts and he is slated for future crease time, Thome (a junior) left to play Midget Minor in Chicago as he was a 'walk on' and saw the writing on the wall that he wasn't going to get ice time and was out of favor. Are you suggesting BSM should recruit in a junior or senior goalie each year rather than go with what they have already brought in and are developing? BSM is one of the leaders in preaching kids should stay and play high school --- why stay if someone may be brought in at the last minute in the name of “W's” on the coach's resume? The loyalty door swings both ways these days I guess.

In the end, singling out a 15 or 16 year old as the reason the team isn't doing well isn't valid and actually pretty rotten when you look at a team that has 15 skaters not getting their stuff done either. BSMs coach should nip these thoughts in the bud and also ask you to nip it. It is much deeper and includes all players and coaches. Win as a team...lose as a team.

You bring up some very valid points. Great post.

[Bluewhitefan]

And to bringing in a new goalie and questioning loyalty, is that not exactly what they did last year? Brought in Sprang as if he was a free agent.

Loyalty and the BSM staff are completely mutually exclusive. If they cut a deal with another family, and they need your kid's spot, sorry. Have fun playing Junior Gold. The recruiting is run behind the scenes with zero regard for loyalty.

[minnscout]

Just let me know of any hockey team that won a championship without a solid goalie. Hopefully one of the BSM's goalies gets hot in the playoffs becasue they have the skating talent to make a deep run. BSM plays to win and if you do not like that go play junior gold or another program that just wants to make parents happy because their kid is playing. The true elite players want to play at the so called "toughtest position in HS hockey". Lets be honest when you watch the BSM games they have dominated just about every game as far as shots on goal and carrying the play but yet they have lost 8 games.

[nahc]

Minnscout have not seen Benilde play this year. One would assume that most teams are playing at their peak right now. The results of the EP game would suggest that Benilde was totally dominated by a pretty good EP team. Not good with Sections right around the corner!!! Just sayin!!

[SidneysDogHouse]

Minnscout has a tweaked opinion for a number of reasons for which I won't go into on this forum.

Dominated every game...I guess dominating in shots = domination in a game? And to think you know hockey...do you really think they put up 45 shots on EP, yet got totally dominated? Odd man rushes...how many does BSM get and score on? How many do they give up? I watch a lot of hockey and don't see the backside left so wide open, it seems even mediocre teams get numerous odd man rushes. It looks on paper that BSM horribly out shoots everyone, but where are the goals? Certainly other goalies aren't that good! Maybe shooting "smarter" would help?

You're right, the goalie needs to be hot this time of year, but watch hockey at any level and if you don't play good team defense, you will go nowhere! Good players will score goals if given time and space...period! Watch NHL Tonight...every game, every night has a goalie getting beat when a man is left free. How many shots are blocked, passes tipped, shots deflected and great slot coverage all need to be spot on right now! Wayzata has this mastered, as does Edina, EP, etc. In games I've watched, there have been weak goals, no doubt, but a good team recovers, your goalie should be able to trust what's in front of him, and vice versa. No goalie plays perfectly every game! You commented on how you didn't understand why BSM didn't come in with a goalie...one would assume they have plenty, but this year none with varsity experience, don't you think it would've been smart to start with rock solid defense until they adjusted? Just an observation, I think this is why it's the "toughest position in HS hockey". Expectations too high, support too low. Kinda like racing a Corvette with a Prius!

Let's face it, the West Coast Offense days are over, other teams aren't gaining ground anymore, they've blown by! They're built on great defenses, if you don't allow scoring opportunities, then you probably won't give up goals. It's a team game, and those that have that figured out, are successful...case in point Lakeville North! Not very talented, not great goaltending, but as a team, there pretty damn good. Add in their physical play, which BSM also lacks being small, and great thing can happen!

Maybe the BSM goalie/s will get hot, but let's be honest, if you continue to give up 6-8 odd man rushes every game...you won't win! No goalie is that good, not even you! Any connections in Russia?

[minnscout]

You guys are funny!!!

[Sats81]

Minnscout has a tweaked opinion for a number of reasons for which I won't go into on this forum.

Dominated every game...I guess dominating in shots = domination in a game? And to think you know hockey...do you really think they put up 45 shots on EP, yet got totally dominated? Odd man rushes...how many does BSM get and score on? How many do they give up? I watch a lot of hockey and don't see the backside left so wide open, it seems even mediocre teams get numerous odd man rushes. It looks on paper that BSM horribly out shoots everyone, but where are the goals? Certainly other goalies aren't that good! Maybe shooting "smarter" would help?

You're right, the goalie needs to be hot this time of year, but watch hockey at any level and if you don't play good team defense, you will go nowhere! Good players will score goals if given time and space...period! Watch NHL Tonight...every game, every night has a goalie getting beat when a man is left free. How many shots are blocked, passes tipped, shots deflected and great slot coverage all need to be spot on right now! Wayzata has this mastered, as does Edina, EP, etc. In games I've watched, there have been weak goals, no doubt, but a good team recovers, your goalie should be able to trust what's in front of him, and vice versa. No goalie plays perfectly every game! You commented on how you didn't understand why BSM didn't come in with a goalie...one would assume they have plenty, but this year none with varsity experience, don't you think it would've been smart to start with rock solid defense until they adjusted? Just an observation, I think this is why it's the "toughest position in HS hockey". Expectations too high, support too low. Kinda like racing a Corvette with a Prius!

Let's face it, the West Coast Offense days are over, other teams aren't gaining ground anymore, they've blown by! They're built on great defenses, if you don't allow scoring opportunities, then you probably won't give up goals. It's a team game, and those that have that figured out, are successful...case in point Lakeville North! Not very talented, not great goaltending, but as a team, there pretty damn good. Add in their physical play, which BSM also lacks being small, and great thing can happen!

Maybe the BSM goalie/s will get hot, but let's be honest, if you continue to give up 6-8 odd man rushes every game...you won't win! No goalie is that good, not even you! Any connections in Russia?

Definitely disagree with you on this. Goaltending has been excellent and they have plenty of talented players.

Also, EP has "mastered" blocking and deflecting shots, tipping passes and slot coverage? Hmmmmmm....not sure what you are watching

[SidneysDogHouse]

Minnscout has a tweaked opinion for a number of reasons for which I won't go into on this forum.

Dominated every game...I guess dominating in shots = domination in a game? And to think you know hockey...do you really think they put up 45 shots on EP, yet got totally dominated? Odd man rushes...how many does BSM get and score on? How many do they give up? I watch a lot of hockey and don't see the backside left so wide open, it seems even mediocre teams get numerous odd man rushes. It looks on paper that BSM horribly out shoots everyone, but where are the goals? Certainly other goalies aren't that good! Maybe shooting "smarter" would help?

You're right, the goalie needs to be hot this time of year, but watch hockey at any level and if you don't play good team defense, you will go nowhere! Good players will score goals if given time and space...period! Watch NHL Tonight...every game, every night has a goalie getting beat when a man is left free. How many shots are blocked, passes tipped, shots deflected and great slot coverage all need to be spot on right now! Wayzata has this mastered, as does Edina, EP, etc. In games I've watched, there have been weak goals, no doubt, but a good team recovers, your goalie should be able to trust what's in front of him, and vice versa. No goalie plays perfectly every game! You commented on how you didn't understand why BSM didn't come in with a goalie...one would assume they have plenty, but this year none with varsity experience, don't you think it would've been smart to start with rock solid defense until they adjusted? Just an observation, I think this is why it's the "toughest position in HS hockey". Expectations too high, support too low. Kinda like racing a Corvette with a Prius!

Let's face it, the West Coast Offense days are over, other teams aren't gaining ground anymore, they've blown by! They're built on great defenses, if you don't allow scoring opportunities, then you probably won't give up goals. It's a team game, and those that have that figured out, are successful...case in point Lakeville North! Not very talented, not great goaltending, but as a team, there pretty damn good. Add in their physical play, which BSM also lacks being small, and great thing can happen!

Maybe the BSM goalie/s will get hot, but let's be honest, if you continue to give up 6-8 odd man rushes every game...you won't win! No goalie is that good, not even you! Any connections in Russia?

Definitely disagree with you on this. Goaltending has been excellent and they have plenty of talented players.

Also, EP has "mastered" blocking and deflecting shots, tipping passes and slot coverage? Hmmmmmm....not sure what you are watching

Okay, I'll give you a little of that, but my point is LVN is playing good team hockey, others aren't. They've had good goaltending during certain games, but they don't have the toughest schedule, I think we can agree on that.

EP may not have "mastered" the mentioned items, but again, my point is that they're playing well as a team.

[OTB987]

Minnscout has a tweaked opinion for a number of reasons for which I won't go into on this forum.

Dominated every game...I guess dominating in shots = domination in a game? And to think you know hockey...do you really think they put up 45 shots on EP, yet got totally dominated? Odd man rushes...how many does BSM get and score on? How many do they give up? I watch a lot of hockey and don't see the backside left so wide open, it seems even mediocre teams get numerous odd man rushes. It looks on paper that BSM horribly out shoots everyone, but where are the goals? Certainly other goalies aren't that good! Maybe shooting "smarter" would help?

You're right, the goalie needs to be hot this time of year, but watch hockey at any level and if you don't play good team defense, you will go nowhere! Good players will score goals if given time and space...period! Watch NHL Tonight...every game, every night has a goalie getting beat when a man is left free. How many shots are blocked, passes tipped, shots deflected and great slot coverage all need to be spot on right now! Wayzata has this mastered, as does Edina, EP, etc. In games I've watched, there have been weak goals, no doubt, but a good team recovers, your goalie should be able to trust what's in front of him, and vice versa. No goalie plays perfectly every game! You commented on how you didn't understand why BSM didn't come in with a goalie...one would assume they have plenty, but this year none with varsity experience, don't you think it would've been smart to start with rock solid defense until they adjusted? Just an observation, I think this is why it's the "toughest position in HS hockey". Expectations too high, support too low. Kinda like racing a Corvette with a Prius!

Let's face it, the West Coast Offense days are over, other teams aren't gaining ground anymore, they've blown by! They're built on great defenses, if you don't allow scoring opportunities, then you probably won't give up goals. It's a team game, and those that have that figured out, are successful...case in point Lakeville North! Not very talented, not great goaltending, but as a team, there pretty damn good. Add in their physical play, which BSM also lacks being small, and great thing can happen!

Maybe the BSM goalie/s will get hot, but let's be honest, if you continue to give up 6-8 odd man rushes every game...you won't win! No goalie is that good, not even you! Any connections in Russia?

Definitely disagree with you on this. Goaltending has been excellent and they have plenty of talented players.

Also, EP has "mastered" blocking and deflecting shots, tipping passes and slot coverage? Hmmmmmm....not sure what you are watching

Okay, I'll give you a little of that, but my point is LVN is playing good team hockey, others aren't. They've had good goaltending during certain games, but they don't have the toughest schedule, I think we can agree on that.

EP may not have "mastered" the mentioned items, but again, my point is that they're playing well as a team.

We have had a chance to watch Benilde a few times this season. Watched them early, middle and recently and they a confusing team to understand. It is simple math to see that they were scoring 5.4 goals/gm in the first half and the second half they are scoring 3.3 goals/gm. So a big drop in productivity up front assuming the competition level is balanced and for the most part the first half opponents look similar to the second half except for SSM.

On the backend the scores show a similar trend by giving up 3.1 goals/gm in the first half of season and jumping up to 4.1 goals/gm the second half.

Taking a simplistic approach to analyzing the problem with BSM it would indicate that the offense is struggling just as much as the defense/goaltending so probably not fair to single one area out more than the other.

Individually, the BSM roster is very talented with some real top end seniors and juniors and very good sophomore group but for whatever the reason the team has not been able to leverage the individual skills into a dominant team.

Not uncommon or a negative but this team relies heavily on their top 7 or 8 players and the balance of the roster plays a limited role. If the top players get it going they will do fine but if they struggle the limited role players are going to have to find a way pick up the slack.

Time is running out but if Pauly and company can figure out the pieces to this puzzle, including how to get his goalie in a better position to succeed, this team can go on a run.

[twolinepass]

Definitely disagree with you on this. Goaltending has been excellent and they have plenty of talented players.

Also, EP has "mastered" blocking and deflecting shots, tipping passes and slot coverage? Hmmmmmm....not sure what you are watching

Okay, I'll give you a little of that, but my point is LVN is playing good team hockey, others aren't. They've had good goaltending during certain games, but they don't have the toughest schedule, I think we can agree on that.

EP may not have "mastered" the mentioned items, but again, my point is that they're playing well as a team.

We have had a chance to watch Benilde a few times this season. Watched them early, middle and recently and they a confusing team to understand. It is simple math to see that they were scoring 5.4 goals/gm in the first half and the second half they are scoring 3.3 goals/gm. So a big drop in productivity up front assuming the competition level is balanced and for the most part the first half opponents look similar to the second half except for SSM.

On the backend the scores show a similar trend by giving up 3.1 goals/gm in the first half of season and jumping up to 4.1 goals/gm the second half.

Taking a simplistic approach to analyzing the problem with BSM it would indicate that the offense is struggling just as much as the defense/goaltending so probably not fair to single one area out more than the other.

Individually, the BSM roster is very talented with some real top end seniors and juniors and very good sophomore group but for whatever the reason the team has not been able to leverage the individual skills into a dominant team.

Not uncommon or a negative but this team relies heavily on their top 7 or 8 players and the balance of the roster plays a limited role. If the top players get it going they will do fine but if they struggle the limited role players are going to have to find a way pick up the slack.

Time is running out but if Pauly and company can figure out the pieces to this puzzle, including how to get his goalie in a better position to succeed, this team can go on a run.

[twolinepass]

Definitely disagree with you on this. Goaltending has been excellent and they have plenty of talented players.

Also, EP has "mastered" blocking and deflecting shots, tipping passes and slot coverage? Hmmmmmm....not sure what you are watching

Okay, I'll give you a little of that, but my point is LVN is playing good team hockey, others aren't. They've had good goaltending during certain games, but they don't have the toughest schedule, I think we can agree on that.

EP may not have "mastered" the mentioned items, but again, my point is that they're playing well as a team.

We have had a chance to watch Benilde a few times this season. Watched them early, middle and recently and they a confusing team to understand. It is simple math to see that they were scoring 5.4 goals/gm in the first half and the second half they are scoring 3.3 goals/gm. So a big drop in productivity up front assuming the competition level is balanced and for the most part the first half opponents look similar to the second half except for SSM.

On the backend the scores show a similar trend by giving up 3.1 goals/gm in the first half of season and jumping up to 4.1 goals/gm the second half.

Taking a simplistic approach to analyzing the problem with BSM it would indicate that the offense is struggling just as much as the defense/goaltending so probably not fair to single one area out more than the other.

Individually, the BSM roster is very talented with some real top end seniors and juniors and very good sophomore group but for whatever the reason the team has not been able to leverage the individual skills into a dominant team.

Not uncommon or a negative but this team relies heavily on their top 7 or 8 players and the balance of the roster plays a limited role. If the top players get it going they will do fine but if they struggle the limited role players are going to have to find a way pick up the slack.

Time is running out but if Pauly and company can figure out the pieces to this puzzle, including how to get his goalie in a better position to succeed, this team can go on a run.

EP's getting hot at the right time if they can get a big win Saturday against the Bee's then I think they can make a good run down the stretch and make some noise.

[Sats81]

Minnscout has a tweaked opinion for a number of reasons for which I won't go into on this forum.

Dominated every game...I guess dominating in shots = domination in a game? And to think you know hockey...do you really think they put up 45 shots on EP, yet got totally dominated? Odd man rushes...how many does BSM get and score on? How many do they give up? I watch a lot of hockey and don't see the backside left so wide open, it seems even mediocre teams get numerous odd man rushes. It looks on paper that BSM horribly out shoots everyone, but where are the goals? Certainly other goalies aren't that good! Maybe shooting "smarter" would help?

You're right, the goalie needs to be hot this time of year, but watch hockey at any level and if you don't play good team defense, you will go nowhere! Good players will score goals if given time and space...period! Watch NHL Tonight...every game, every night has a goalie getting beat when a man is left free. How many shots are blocked, passes tipped, shots deflected and great slot coverage all need to be spot on right now! Wayzata has this mastered, as does Edina, EP, etc. In games I've watched, there have been weak goals, no doubt, but a good team recovers, your goalie should be able to trust what's in front of him, and vice versa. No goalie plays perfectly every game! You commented on how you didn't understand why BSM didn't come in with a goalie...one would assume they have plenty, but this year none with varsity experience, don't you think it would've been smart to start with rock solid defense until they adjusted? Just an observation, I think this is why it's the "toughest position in HS hockey". Expectations too high, support too low. Kinda like racing a Corvette with a Prius!

Let's face it, the West Coast Offense days are over, other teams aren't gaining ground anymore, they've blown by! They're built on great defenses, if you don't allow scoring opportunities, then you probably won't give up goals. It's a team game, and those that have that figured out, are successful...case in point Lakeville North! Not very talented, not great goaltending, but as a team, there pretty damn good. Add in their physical play, which BSM also lacks being small, and great thing can happen!

Maybe the BSM goalie/s will get hot, but let's be honest, if you continue to give up 6-8 odd man rushes every game...you won't win! No goalie is that good, not even you! Any connections in Russia?

Definitely disagree with you on this. Goaltending has been excellent and they have plenty of talented players.

Also, EP has "mastered" blocking and deflecting shots, tipping passes and slot coverage? Hmmmmmm....not sure what you are watching

Okay, I'll give you a little of that, but my point is LVN is playing good team hockey, others aren't. They've had good goaltending during certain games, but they don't have the toughest schedule, I think we can agree on that.

EP may not have "mastered" the mentioned items, but again, my point is that they're playing well as a team.

LN is very balanced with 3 lines that all contribute and 6 d-men that are good. (probably 4 you could throw out against any line combo). Think their Goaltending has been a lot better than "good during certain games".

EP will have their work cut out for them with Wayzata.