Been getting a lot of questions regarding the NCAAs, the Frozen Four, Hobey Hat Trick and recent UFA/draftee signings and I'll be answering them later this afternoon.
If you want to join the party, send your questions my way via email, Twitter, Facebook or in the comments :)
On the docket for this week:
Monday and Tuesday I'll be taking a brief break from the NCAAs and will give my thoughts on the Eastern and Western Conference playoff picture.
Wednesday, I'm heading out bright and early to the Motor City to cover the Frozen Four. I'll be going to practices and press conferences all day and had a few readers ask for some Fun Facts about this year's players and teams so I'll be posting that at some point on that day.
Thursday morning you can expect a video preview of the semifinals to air live on ESPN2 later that night.
Friday, I'll be offering video highlights and analysis of the three Hobey Baker Fianlists.
Saturday will feature a championship game preview (airing live on ESPN2) and on Sunday I'll post my thoughts on the game before gearing up for the NHL playoffs later next week....
If you're looking for anything specific, don't be shy!! Let me know! :)
Talk soon!
Julie
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Q: How impressed with RIT blueliners Dan Ringwald & Chris Haltigin were you during the East Regional? - @HoldinOut4AHero
A: I was more impressed with the Tigers attitude than I was their skills. That's not to say they're not skilled, but their success is a fantastic display of will overcoming skill. They didn't allow themselves to be intimidated by the number of draft picks, national standing and statistical rankings of their opponents and went out and played to the best of their abilities. Once it was evident that senior goaltender Jarred DeMichiel was on his game, they were able to play with a bit of a swagger. You could almost see them switch gears as the games went on, especially against New Hampshire, when they switched from survive mode as they tested the waters and got a feel for the game to attack mode where they went after the W with all they had. As a team, they play a very complete, 2-way game which has lead to their success this season, but it's their attitude that's brought them success in the post-season.
Q: Bobby Butler - Do you think he can be the real deal in the NHL? - @m_christopher
A: Yes. There are three factors that I like to consider when evaluating a player's ability to jump from one level to the next - speed, skill and strength...in that order - and Bobby's got the first two down and isn't far behind on the third. He's got fantastic wheels - a requirement in the NHL for someone a bit on the smaller side like he is - but even better than just being able to get up ice quickly, he's got great vision and thinks quickly too. He's got great hands and is a finisher by nature, but has solid playmaking skills as well. The only thing he really needs to work on is his strength down low and in the corners. One of the biggest concerns with players coming out of UNH is that they rely too much on their speed because they play on a larger ice surface at the Whittemore Center. They're just not as physical because they don't have to be. I expect him to focus on that aspect of his game over the summer so he can become a more complete player and able to better utilize his speed and skill as he goes after a full time spot in camp next September.
Q: What's your take on Blake Geoffrion and his NHL potential? - @dgutzman
A: Blake will be given every opportunity to make the Predators next year and I anticipate him taking advantage of it. He has worked so hard these past four years to be NHL ready when the opportunity presented itself and he's finally developed into a complete player. At 6'2'', 190 lbs he's got the size and the strength to make it in the NHL, he's got a nose for the net and the skills to finish the job. He might not be the fastest guy on the ice, but he certainly isn't the slowest and always keeps his feet moving. What's really going to help him get playing time, especially in key situations, is his success in the faceoff circle. He's also got a great attitude that should help him in the transition...I don't know if the Admirals are in the playoffs, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him sign an ATO for the remainder of the season with a 3-year deal starting next season.
Q: Hey Julie! What's the scouting report on recently signed Brayden Irwin? - @AlexMTweets
A: Brayden is a big body who needs to learn to use it a bit more. In general, Vermont is a very big team that uses it every opportunity they get and Brayden was no exception. I'd just like to see him use it more often and really finish his checks. Although he lead the Catamounts in points, relatively speaking, that's not his specialty. He's a work in progress, but has shown tremendous improvement thus far and still has a lot of potential that is yet untapped. For now look at him as a depth player with an upside!
Julie
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