#9 Duluth East vs. #12 Grand Rapids 1/9/14

[Slammer]

This Thursday the 9th ranked hounds take on the 12th ranked thunder hawks in GR.

Thought I would start the thread now, because this game is huge. You won't find a better game across the whole state in my opinion.

If GR wins, they take almost full control of the #1 seed.

If DE wins, all top three teams in the section will be deemed equal and the strength of each teams wins will determine the seeds.

I would obviously love for East to win, but I have a feeling GR is going to come out on top. Sections will be a whole different story.

Who ya got?

[alcloseshaver]

Can only look at comparative scores and it sure seems like East would be the favorite on paper. But they don't play on paper and Rapids seems to get it done even if they appear to get outplayed or give up an inordinate amount of shots. I will go with Rapids on the strength of Peterson and home ice.

[kniven]

This Thursday the 9th ranked hounds take on the 12th ranked thunder hawks in GR.

Thought I would start the thread now, because this game is huge. You won't find a better game across the whole state in my opinion.

If GR wins, they take almost full control of the #1 seed.

If DE wins, all top three teams in the section will be deemed equal and the strength of each teams wins will determine the seeds.

I would obviously love for East to win, but I have a feeling GR is going to come out on top.

Who ya got?

Got a lot of respect for both programs. I'm going to go with goaltending, which means Grand Rapids. Sheaperd against Cloquet last week looked amazing. Stood on his head more than a handful of times.

[karl(east)]

First, some thoughts on the DE season to date: http://apatientcycle.com/2014/01/05/the ... midseason/

Now, for this game...I do think Rapids matches up pretty well. Yes, East will probably have the edge in shots, perhaps even a large one. But if they aren't great chances it'll be tough for them to beat Shepard, and Rapids' good transition game could spell trouble, since they have the snipers to score if they get some good breaks.

Early momentum will be key, I think. If Rapids jumps up early, East may have to press forward to respond, and that could leave them vulnerable in back. If East takes command the way they did in last year's section final, they should be able to impose their style.

The biggest issue for Rapids may be their mental approach to the game. If they come in loose and confident, they'll be fine; if that long history of one-goal losses is weighing on them, it'll be more of the same.

We'll see if the coaches have any wrinkles for us, too. But in a rivalry game like this one, emotion is a big factor, and a coach can only control so much. That could be trouble for both teams, since each relies on defensive discipline (albeit using different styles), but it also opens up chances for new heroes to step up. Maintaining discipline will be key. A lot comes down to Rapids' breakouts: can their remade defensive corps unlock the East forecheck, or do the Hounds just bottle them up all night?

I'm assuming there will be a radio broadcast out of Rapids? I'm tempted to make the road trip, but I'm not sure that's going to happen...

[Traxler]

I'm assuming there will be a radio broadcast out of Rapids? I'm tempted to make the road trip, but I'm not sure that's going to happen...

According to this page I would say there's a radio broadcast on KOZY.

http://www.grhshockey.com/teams/default ... p=schedule

[gitter]

First, some thoughts on the DE season to date: http://apatientcycle.com/2014/01/05/the ... midseason/

Now, for this game...I do think Rapids matches up pretty well. Yes, East will probably have the edge in shots, perhaps even a large one. But if they aren't great chances it'll be tough for them to beat Shepard, and Rapids' good transition game could spell trouble, since they have the snipers to score if they get some good breaks.

Early momentum will be key, I think. If Rapids jumps up early, East may have to press forward to respond, and that could leave them vulnerable in back. If East takes command the way they did in last year's section final, they should be able to impose their style.

The biggest issue for Rapids may be their mental approach to the game. If they come in loose and confident, they'll be fine; if that long history of one-goal losses is weighing on them, it'll be more of the same.

We'll see if the coaches have any wrinkles for us, too. But in a rivalry game like this one, emotion is a big factor, and a coach can only control so much. That could be trouble for both teams, since each relies on defensive discipline (albeit using different styles), but it also opens up chances for new heroes to step up. Maintaining discipline will be key. A lot comes down to Rapids' breakouts: can their remade defensive corps unlock the East forecheck, or do the Hounds just bottle them up all night?

I'm assuming there will be a radio broadcast out of Rapids? I'm tempted to make the road trip, but I'm not sure that's going to happen...

When is the last time GR beat East?

[Sats81]

Should be a great game. Ill take Rapids 4-2 with ENG.

[pipersniper12]

First, some thoughts on the DE season to date: http://apatientcycle.com/2014/01/05/the ... midseason/

Now, for this game...I do think Rapids matches up pretty well. Yes, East will probably have the edge in shots, perhaps even a large one. But if they aren't great chances it'll be tough for them to beat Shepard, and Rapids' good transition game could spell trouble, since they have the snipers to score if they get some good breaks.

Early momentum will be key, I think. If Rapids jumps up early, East may have to press forward to respond, and that could leave them vulnerable in back. If East takes command the way they did in last year's section final, they should be able to impose their style.

The biggest issue for Rapids may be their mental approach to the game. If they come in loose and confident, they'll be fine; if that long history of one-goal losses is weighing on them, it'll be more of the same.

We'll see if the coaches have any wrinkles for us, too. But in a rivalry game like this one, emotion is a big factor, and a coach can only control so much. That could be trouble for both teams, since each relies on defensive discipline (albeit using different styles), but it also opens up chances for new heroes to step up. Maintaining discipline will be key. A lot comes down to Rapids' breakouts: can their remade defensive corps unlock the East forecheck, or do the Hounds just bottle them up all night?

I'm assuming there will be a radio broadcast out of Rapids? I'm tempted to make the road trip, but I'm not sure that's going to happen...

When is the last time GR beat East?

2007

Duluth East is 17-2-1 in the last 20 match-ups vs. Grand Rapids.

[pipersniper12]

2001-2002 2-2 TIE
2002-2003 5-1 DE, 2-1 GR, 2-1 DE
2003-2004 6-2 DE, 2-1 DE, 5-2 DE
2004-2005 5-2 DE, 4-3 DE
2005-2006 5-2 DE
2006-2007 5-1 DE, 5-4 GR
2007-2008 4-2 DE
2008-2009 6-2 DE
2009-2010 5-4 DE
2010-2011 2-1 DE, 2-1 DE
2011-2012 4-3 DE
2012-2013 2-1 DE, 4-3 DE

I think it is safe to say Duluth East has dominated this rivalry the last 10+ years.

[bemused]

2001-2002 2-2 TIE
2002-2003 5-1 DE, 2-1 GR, 2-1 DE
2003-2004 6-2 DE, 2-1 DE, 5-2 DE
2004-2005 5-2 DE, 4-3 DE
2005-2006 5-2 DE
2006-2007 5-1 DE, 5-4 GR
2007-2008 4-2 DE
2008-2009 6-2 DE
2009-2010 5-4 DE
2010-2011 2-1 DE, 2-1 DE
2011-2012 4-3 DE
2012-2013 2-1 DE, 4-3 DE

I think it is safe to say Duluth East has dominated this rivalry the last 10+ years.

With the scarcity of quality opponents within easy driving distance this should be a home and home series every year, with the potential tie-breaker in the sections.

[karl(east)]

2001-2002 2-2 TIE
2002-2003 5-1 DE, 2-1 GR, 2-1 DE
2003-2004 6-2 DE, 2-1 DE, 5-2 DE
2004-2005 5-2 DE, 4-3 DE
2005-2006 5-2 DE
2006-2007 5-1 DE, 5-4 GR
2007-2008 4-2 DE
2008-2009 6-2 DE
2009-2010 5-4 DE
2010-2011 2-1 DE, 2-1 DE
2011-2012 4-3 DE
2012-2013 2-1 DE, 4-3 DE

I think it is safe to say Duluth East has dominated this rivalry the last 10+ years.

As long as we're talking history, the all-time record (with a few possible missing games in the very early years) is 35-8-1 in East's favor. They didn't schedule each other regularly until the early 90s, though...they were in different sections from 75-91. Rapids did destroy East in both of their meetings in the mid-70s.

I was a bit surprised to see that East went 4-1 against Rapids in the 50s. I suppose Rapids didn't really emerge as a powerhouse until the 70s, though.

The all-time playoff record is 7-1 East, but it's had plenty of thrillers:

1995: DE 3, GR 2 (Dave Spehar GWG in the 3rd period)
1998: DE 2, GR 0 (GR only team to beat East that season)
2003: DE 2, GR 1 (Tom Knutson OT GWG)
2004: DE 5, GR 2 (was 2-2 at some point in the 3rd)
2007: GR 5, DE 4 (Patrick White OT GWG)
2011: DE 2, GR 1 (East ties it with 1:30 to go, Trevor Olson GWG in OT)
2013: DE 4, GR 3

[Slammer]

It's going to be interesting to see how well Howg plays in net. He's played alright in some big games this year, but this will be his first game in a very hostile and playoff like environment. Will be interesting to see how he handles it mentally.

First year varsity goalies always scare me because they've never played in very high pressure games before. I mean sure they've played in playoffs for bantams and other tournaments, but being a former high school varsity goalie myself, playing in front of all these people in a packed arena can really change your mindset. Especially with those crazy Rapids fans.

Thursday is his time to try to fully secure the starting job, and to show his team that he can be trusted.

Can't wait for Thursday!

[MTStringer]

I'm just hoping that everyone plays the best of their ability and comes off the ice healthy.

GR has a tough game against Hermantown tomorrow as well.

Interesting article on some of the rationale why Avery Peterson decided to stay for his senior year- http://mnhockeycoach.sportngin.com/news ... how/325108

One more example of of the fact that hockey is just a game that hopefully passes on some good life skills as these young men start off on their paths into adulthood.

[Slammer]

I'm just hoping that everyone plays the best of their ability and comes off the ice healthy.

GR has a tough game against Hermantown tomorrow as well.

Interesting article on some of the rationale why Avery Peterson decided to stay for his senior year- http://mnhockeycoach.sportngin.com/news ... how/325108

One more example of of the fact that hockey is just a game that hopefully passes on some good life skills as these young men start off on their paths into adulthood.

Yeah.... It's "just a game."


.....

[SPUDNUT]

If everyone is anxiously awaiting a game on 11/9/14 , you might as well all relax for about 10 months !

I thought they couldn't even hold practice 'til November 15 . . . . .

[Slammer]

If everyone is anxiously awaiting a game on 11/9/14 , you might as well all relax for about 10 months !

I thought they couldn't even hold practice 'til November 15 . . . . .

I chuckled at this... I'll fix the typo!

[grandindian]

As much as I want to see a Rapids win, they are still too loose in their own end. If this young defense can learn to not turn over pucks and get it up ice better, Rapids can become a real contender against teams like Duluth, who can make them pay.

Based on that, and I hope I am wrong, I say East 4 to 2. Gonna be a fun atmosphere!!

[Slammer]

As much as I want to see a Rapids win, they are still too loose in their own end. If this young defense can learn to not turn over pucks and get it up ice better, Rapids can become a real contender against teams like Duluth, who can make them pay.

Based on that, and I hope I am wrong, I say East 4 to 2. Gonna be a fun atmosphere!!

I don't think DE can get four goals past Shepard.... If DE does win I'm assuming the score will be around 2-1 or 1-0. But it is a rival game so anything can happen obviously.

[grandindian]

As much as I want to see a Rapids win, they are still too loose in their own end. If this young defense can learn to not turn over pucks and get it up ice better, Rapids can become a real contender against teams like Duluth, who can make them pay.

Based on that, and I hope I am wrong, I say East 4 to 2. Gonna be a fun atmosphere!!

I don't think DE can get four goals past Shepard.... If DE does win I'm assuming the score will be around 2-1 or 1-0. But it is a rival game so anything can happen obviously.

You may well be right on that Slammer. No disrespect toward Shepard, he has been strong for sure. I am just a little worried about the quality chances the better teams seem to get in the Rapids end of the ice. I have no doubt he will be tough to score on though.

[greenway1969]

What time do you have to get to the arena to make sure you get a ticket?

[Mnsportsguy1976]

What time do you have to get to the arena to make sure you get a ticket?

I have no doubt it will be a big crowd but it's been a long time since I've seen the IRA sell out so if your there by 7 you will be fine.

[northwoods oldtimer]

What time do you have to get to the arena to make sure you get a ticket?

greenway1969 if you want a decent parking spot get their for the 3rd period of the JV game. Place was packed two years ago for this game.

[old goalie85]

Our Bantam is in Hibbing this weekend. I'm trying to get my wife to go a day early. I don't think I can miss this one.

[Slammer]

Who's gonna be the hero that live video streams the game tomorrow?

[SPUDNUT]

If everyone is anxiously awaiting a game on 11/9/14 , you might as well all relax for about 10 months !

I thought they couldn't even hold practice 'til November 15 . . . . .

I chuckled at this... I'll fix the typo!

Sorry 'bout that - just couldn't resist the temptation.