TheHockeyDJ wrote:sanryam wrote:TheHockeyDJ wrote:greenway, you are like one of those people at the mentally handicapped tables in the cafeteria compared to a well respected journalist like Waggoner. And Lee, comparing him to Howie Hanson is like comparing a 4th liner on the Cambridge JV to Sidney Crosby.
Well, that was a very immature thing to say. Anyway, as far as Andover goes, I'll believe it when I see it. No doubt Tomberlin is talented, but as a team, Andover's best wins are against only Centennial and MG (both one goal wins). I guess they've put up a lot of points against poor NWSC opponents...(besides a baffling loss to Robb. Armstrong). They may be the third or fourth best team in 7AA, but I think East and ER beat them 9 times out of 10.
Think about this though, Elk River only beat Andover 7-6. Yes, they had the Armstrong game, just the same Rapids had the East game, and East had their games vs. Cambridge and Apple Valley. Another thing, "only" Maple Grove. MG did just tie East recently. This idea that East and Elk River are miles ahead of a team like Andover just doesn't have any basis. Slightly ahead, yeah, I think that's accurate. I know East and ER are battling for the 1 seed and a possible semi meeting with Andover. I'll quote the bartender guy on the movie "Out Cold", "Be careful what you wish for!!!"
Yes, ER and East have had their down games against mediocre teams, but even those were still wins between both squads. These games were why I said they win "9 times out of 10".
I think Andover is talented and has the framework to be a contender. Problem is, they haven't proven it by beating a top 10 team yet and they've had quite a few chances (Du East, Blaine, ER, Eastview). Their offense put up most of their points against weak teams like NWSC bottom feeders (Coon Rapids, Osseo, Robbinsdale) and other weak opponents like Hopkins, Lakeville South, Mounds View.
Until Andover can knock out a contender, I can't see any sign of them getting to state. Yes, Andover came within 1 during their first matchup with Elk River, but they also got 6 power plays in that game.
If they can sweep Cent and MG and/or beat Blaine or ER in the next few weeks, opinions may change.
, though I'm not down on Andover at all. I'd put them somewhere in a zone between "serious contender" and "just an upset threat." We'll learn a lot about them very soon. I am holding the line on my list of likely Mr. Hockey finalists, though.
