Two weeks ago against Ohio State, the University of Denver hockey team blew a two-goal lead and absorbed its first loss, preventing the Pioneers from obtaining the country's No. 1 ranking.
And last week, then-No. 4 DU tied and lost to top-ranked Colorado College, slipping to No. 6.
The 0-2-1 skid and fall in the rankings are tied to DU's downward spiral in special teams. The Pioneers have dropped to 31st out of 57 teams in the country in power play (9-of-59, 15.3 percent) and are tied for 34th in penalty killing (43-of-52, 82.7 percent).
Pound for pound, DU might be considered one of the nation's top teams. But the Pioneers are underachieving when someone is in the penalty box. (read rest of article)
And last week, then-No. 4 DU tied and lost to top-ranked Colorado College, slipping to No. 6.
The 0-2-1 skid and fall in the rankings are tied to DU's downward spiral in special teams. The Pioneers have dropped to 31st out of 57 teams in the country in power play (9-of-59, 15.3 percent) and are tied for 34th in penalty killing (43-of-52, 82.7 percent).
Pound for pound, DU might be considered one of the nation's top teams. But the Pioneers are underachieving when someone is in the penalty box. (read rest of article)
4 comments:
What's the best way to beat an elite goaltender? What does almost every NHL coach and player stress? Traffic in front of the net. Whether it's Bachman, Roy or Brodeur in net, traffic is a must. To me, that has been DU's problem the last couple years when it comes to the PP--a lot of perimeter play, fancy passing, back door plays, but not many screens.
There's not doubt they have some stellar offensive talent, but beating elite goaltenders takes more. DU needs to find some guys who can camp out in front of the net, take the abuse that comes with close-in play, but create some havoc.
Agreed traffic and skating hard to the net.
It seems like trying to make the "pretty play" has been a problem for DU for a number of years now. Some years have been better than others of course; but I know I've been yelling about that off and on for a decade.
As nice as it is to have that fancy pass and one-time combo. I will take a dirty, traffic assisted goal over that any day of the week.
twister et al......completely agree. DU needs some ugly goals to spark the power play. The personnel is there...stick Jackson or Colborne in front of the net. Hell, even put might mite Luke Salazar there. He'd take one for the team.
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