Rapids at Roseau

[Northland Crackshot]

Roseau missed on a lot of good scoring chances coming close quite a few times. But in the last 2 games they have scored 4 goals with Ness getting 3 of the 4. This will not get it done against the metros. Their powerplay moves the puck really well but didn't really wow me on their final shot selection. They need some better direction in this area. They have too many good forwards that need to come up big in the tournament, to have a legit chance to repeat. If all of the top seeds survive the sectionals, Roseau is going to have their hands full down in St. Paul. But then again, thats a big if.

[GR3343]

GR3343, The Sum Of The Whole Is Greater Than The Parts? Are you a commie?

No, if you actually could read, you might understand what it means.

[GR3343]

I was at the game last night. GR played as scrappy as they could, and were in the game til the end. Roseau is the real deal, but not as deep as people would think. Ness is very, very good, but showed too much arrogance for my liking. When he scored, he put on a little show to draw attention to himself rather than celebrating with his teammates. Every time he was touched, he complained to the refs. I saw him chirping quite often at other players on his team if they didn't do what he wanted. He's definitel a top player, but at times, his individual efforts left his linemates confused about where he was going. The shots were a bit skewed I think too. The 18-4 count in the 1st didn't really tell the tale. Of those 18, half or better were from way out. Underwood and Tababka played outstanding though as they were pressed at times. Not taking anything away from Roseau, as they did carry most of the play, but the reffing was horrid. And Cooper was not the reason. He maybe made one call(hit on Ness by Skrbec). His partner was ridiculous though. Kleinendorst buried a guy with a clean, hard hit in the crease as the guy was about to shovel in a loose puck, and was given a high stick penalty. The calls definitely favored the home team. That said, Roseau still earned the W. Good luck to them if they make it to state. I'm of the opinion that they don't have enough depth to get by an Edina or Minnetonka, but we'll see. As for GR, they played tough, scrappy hockey and got great goaltending. Two key ingredients for a successful playoff run. They've just got to find a way to bury the puck.

If the calls favored the home team how come Roseau had two goals waved off? The quick whistle on the one happens but the hand pass was as phantom of a call you can get.

Last I checked, a whistle blown doesn't mean a goal waved off. Hand pass was obvious, the other quick whistle was a puck that the ref lost sight of. Happens in every game in every arena, get over it.

[GROCK878]

The outlook for Rapids is not good. Past success does not ensure present success. Rapids has not beaten a quality team this year. They also have "bad" losses to Forest Lake and Hibbing. I'm not a big fan of analyzing a game by shots on goal, but being outshot by almost 3 to 1 is not a very good sign. The only reason Rapids has a shot at state is because of their goaltending. Coach LaRoque is getting everything he can, but the talent level is not the same as it has been the last two years. Good luck to Rapids, but don't expect to get past Anoka.

ya your from greenway we have just as good of chance we just dont have an amazing leader like pat white but robb roy can lead and play just as good our odds arent much different

[ACTUALFORMERPLAYER]

I was at the game last night. GR played as scrappy as they could, and were in the game til the end. Roseau is the real deal, but not as deep as people would think. Ness is very, very good, but showed too much arrogance for my liking. When he scored, he put on a little show to draw attention to himself rather than celebrating with his teammates. Every time he was touched, he complained to the refs. I saw him chirping quite often at other players on his team if they didn't do what he wanted. He's definitel a top player, but at times, his individual efforts left his linemates confused about where he was going. The shots were a bit skewed I think too. The 18-4 count in the 1st didn't really tell the tale. Of those 18, half or better were from way out. Underwood and Tababka played outstanding though as they were pressed at times. Not taking anything away from Roseau, as they did carry most of the play, but the reffing was horrid. And Cooper was not the reason. He maybe made one call(hit on Ness by Skrbec). His partner was ridiculous though. Kleinendorst buried a guy with a clean, hard hit in the crease as the guy was about to shovel in a loose puck, and was given a high stick penalty. The calls definitely favored the home team. That said, Roseau still earned the W. Good luck to them if they make it to state. I'm of the opinion that they don't have enough depth to get by an Edina or Minnetonka, but we'll see. As for GR, they played tough, scrappy hockey and got great goaltending. Two key ingredients for a successful playoff run. They've just got to find a way to bury the puck.

If the calls favored the home team how come Roseau had two goals waved off? The quick whistle on the one happens but the hand pass was as phantom of a call you can get.

Last I checked, a whistle blown doesn't mean a goal waved off. Hand pass was obvious, the other quick whistle was a puck that the ref lost sight of. Happens in every game in every arena, get over it.

You were the one whining about the reffing. Rapids lost, get over it.

[ColdasIce]

wow... I was there...great game...rams are awesome...good luck to both teams...rams are in the driver seat and thuderhawks got a great draw...good luck to the true northern teams...out

great draw? what playing Anoka? are you kidding

[GR3343]

If the calls favored the home team how come Roseau had two goals waved off? The quick whistle on the one happens but the hand pass was as phantom of a call you can get.

Last I checked, a whistle blown doesn't mean a goal waved off. Hand pass was obvious, the other quick whistle was a puck that the ref lost sight of. Happens in every game in every arena, get over it.

You were the one whining about the reffing. Rapids lost, get over it.

Maybe read the entire post dumb*** Wasn't whining about anything. Stated an opinion. Said Roseau carried the play and deserved the win as they were the better team. Tired of the non intelligent comments meant only to attack posters people don't agree with. Get over yourself, and before you make stupid remarks, maybe actually read the entire comment. For the record, the calls did favor the home team because there were more penalties against the visitors.

[pucknstick10]

For the record, the calls did favor the home team because there were more penalties against the visitors.[/quote]


I wasn't at the game but just because Grand Rapids had more penalties called against them doesn't mean the ref favored Roseau. Roseau being the more talented team (which I don't think anyone can argue) sets the tone sometimes it forces the less talented team to take more penalties. Again I wasn't there just because one team had more calls against them doesn't mean the refs favored the other team.

[GR3343]

For the record, the calls did favor the home team because there were more penalties against the visitors.

I wasn't at the game but just because Grand Rapids had more penalties called against them doesn't mean the ref favored Roseau. Roseau being the more talented team (which I don't think anyone can argue) sets the tone sometimes it forces the less talented team to take more penalties. Again I wasn't there just because one team had more calls against them doesn't mean the refs favored the other team.[/quote]

You missed a good game. The calls did favor the home team, not only in number. Apparantly you're not allowed to put a body on the king without him asking the ref to call something. One call in particular wasn't made until superstar layed on the ice with his hands in the air saying "come on, ref, you've got to call that". Only then did the arm even come up. Once again, reffing did not determine the outcome of the game. Never said that. Merely stated that the calls were a little one sided, and many others that actually watched the game would agree.

[dammer]

wow... I was there...great game...rams are awesome...good luck to both teams...rams are in the driver seat and thuderhawks got a great draw...good luck to the true northern teams...out

great draw? what playing Anoka? are you kidding

I wasn't able to make it to the Anoka game, but the folks I talked to said Rapids clearly outplayed them. Shots were something like 14-1 in the second period and 2-1 for the game. Norcon, I would be interested in your analysis... So no, Anoka would certainly not be an easy draw, but there is no reason to think Rapids should not be very competitive with them.

[ACTUALFORMERPLAYER]

For the record, the calls did favor the home team because there were more penalties against the visitors.

I wasn't at the game but just because Grand Rapids had more penalties called against them doesn't mean the ref favored Roseau. Roseau being the more talented team (which I don't think anyone can argue) sets the tone sometimes it forces the less talented team to take more penalties. Again I wasn't there just because one team had more calls against them doesn't mean the refs favored the other team.

You missed a good game. The calls did favor the home team, not only in number. Apparantly you're not allowed to put a body on the king without him asking the ref to call something. One call in particular wasn't made until superstar layed on the ice with his hands in the air saying "come on, ref, you've got to call that". Only then did the arm even come up. Once again, reffing did not determine the outcome of the game. Never said that. Merely stated that the calls were a little one sided, and many others that actually watched the game would agree.[/quote]
The amount of penalties called on one team versus the other does not mean the calls favor one team over the other. It is whether there was bias towards one team over the other. My opinion was the bad calls were more in GR's favor. Obviously the outcome was not affected by the bad calls since they were in GR's favor and Roseau still won.

[norcon]

wow... I was there...great game...rams are awesome...good luck to both teams...rams are in the driver seat and thuderhawks got a great draw...good luck to the true northern teams...out

great draw? what playing Anoka? are you kidding

I wasn't able to make it to the Anoka game, but the folks I talked to said Rapids clearly outplayed them. Shots were something like 14-1 in the second period and 2-1 for the game. Norcon, I would be interested in your analysis... So no, Anoka would certainly not be an easy draw, but there is no reason to think Rapids should not be very competitive with them.

Regardless of what the Anoka faithful think took place in the first meeting, I thought Rapids did carry the play. Not only did Rapids outshoot them by a good margin, they also had the territorial advantage. Anoka does have some nice players, but I don't believe they have as much depth as Rapids. If the orange can shut down the Tornadoes first line, things should bode well for the defending 7AA champs. Can't look passed Forest Lake, as they have surprised some teams this year. Would be a great rematch though!

[hockey59]

great draw? what playing Anoka? are you kidding

I wasn't able to make it to the Anoka game, but the folks I talked to said Rapids clearly outplayed them. Shots were something like 14-1 in the second period and 2-1 for the game. Norcon, I would be interested in your analysis... So no, Anoka would certainly not be an easy draw, but there is no reason to think Rapids should not be very competitive with them.

Regardless of what the Anoka faithful think took place in the first meeting, I thought Rapids did carry the play. Not only did Rapids outshoot them by a good margin, they also had the territorial advantage. Anoka does have some nice players, but I don't believe they have as much depth as Rapids. If the orange can shut down the Tornadoes first line, things should bode well for the defending 7AA champs. Can't look passed Forest Lake, as they have surprised some teams this year. Would be a great rematch though!

GR only had territorial advantage after the 1st period because (after Anoka scored on they're first two power-play chances) the refs refused to make another call against GR until late in the game...but called about 8 penalties on Anoka...which largely explains the 14-1 2nd period shot edge...the key is that GR was unable to capitalize.

Then in the 3rd period and protecting a 2 goal lead..Anoka was content to dump the puck in deep. Anoka also had several quality chances they missed in the 2nd & 3rd period...including a SH break-away by Belisle...GR also had several good chances to score (hitting a cross-bar early in the game being a big one)...and they are definitely a good team...whether they have more depth than Anoka is hard to say...but one thing is a fact...Anoka has more high end firepower...O'Neill & Scott have tallied 47 points to date, Belisle 44 points...they are the top 3 scorers in Section 7AA ...while the leading GR scorer is Roy with 32 points.

Also, (and it was this way when they played GR) O'Neill centers Belisle and (Svedin or Derks) and Scott centers Olson & Olstad...this change occurred in game 14 of 25...so shutting down Anoka's top line is not enough...you'll have to shut-down two lines to beat them.

Hopefully both teams win they're Quarter-Final games and they will meet in the Semi-Finals...GR fans seem to like they're chances in a re-match...as I'd expect...but I think Anoka has proved they're are a very good team (going 19-6)...so I think comment by COLDASICE above was warranted.

BTW...I do love the passion of the GR fans...they are as vocal a group on this board as any teams...and really support the T-Hawks.

[GR3343]

I wasn't able to make it to the Anoka game, but the folks I talked to said Rapids clearly outplayed them. Shots were something like 14-1 in the second period and 2-1 for the game. Norcon, I would be interested in your analysis... So no, Anoka would certainly not be an easy draw, but there is no reason to think Rapids should not be very competitive with them.

Regardless of what the Anoka faithful think took place in the first meeting, I thought Rapids did carry the play. Not only did Rapids outshoot them by a good margin, they also had the territorial advantage. Anoka does have some nice players, but I don't believe they have as much depth as Rapids. If the orange can shut down the Tornadoes first line, things should bode well for the defending 7AA champs. Can't look passed Forest Lake, as they have surprised some teams this year. Would be a great rematch though!

GR only had territorial advantage after the 1st period because (after Anoka scored on they're first two power-play chances) the refs refused to make another call against GR until late in the game...but called about 8 penalties on Anoka...which largely explains the 14-1 2nd period shot edge...the key is that GR was unable to capitalize.

Then in the 3rd period and protecting a 2 goal lead..Anoka was content to dump the puck in deep. Anoka also had several quality chances they missed in the 2nd & 3rd period...including a SH break-away by Belisle...GR also had several good chances to score (hitting a cross-bar early in the game being a big one)...and they are definitely a good team...whether they have more depth than Anoka is hard to say...but one thing is a fact...Anoka has more high end firepower...O'Neill & Scott have tallied 47 points to date, Belisle 44 points...they are the top 3 scorers in Section 7AA ...while the leading GR scorer is Roy with 32 points.

Also, (and it was this way when they played GR) O'Neill centers Belisle and (Svedin or Derks) and Scott centers Olson & Olstad...this change occurred in game 14 of 25...so shutting down Anoka's top line is not enough...you'll have to shut-down two lines to beat them.

Hopefully both teams win they're Quarter-Final games and they will meet in the Semi-Finals...GR fans seem to like they're chances in a re-match...as I'd expect...but I think Anoka has proved they're are a very good team (going 19-6)...so I think comment by COLDASICE above was warranted.

BTW...I do love the passion of the GR fans...they are as vocal a group on this board as any teams...and really support the T-Hawks.

In support of fellow GR fan norcon, I'd have to agree with his assesments. Anoka did have a fine season, and do have a few top end players. However, they didn't handle Rapids in the first meeting. If the two meet, I think the edge would have to go to the orange and black for a few reasons. Anoka is new to the pressure cooker which is the 7AA playoffs coming from a not so strong section, and they haven't played in many big games as of late. I'm sure the Anoka faithful will differ with me on this. They, like Rapids have been a bit of a Jekyl & Hyde team this season as some of their late season losses show. Dropping a 3-0 game to Osseo is not exactly a confidence builder. Also, Anoka's strength of schedule is not on par with that of GR. Of the quarter final games, they probably have the tougher of the two(GR should not take FL for granted)as Andover gave Anoka a stern test earlier this season. Not convinced that the Tornados have enough wind in their sails to take them past GR at the DECC. Should be a great matchup should both teams hold up their end in the quarters. A long way to go before that happens though. Looking forward to the drama that is the playoffs.

[61ache]

what where the shots rapids needs to put the puck in the net

Roseau 41
GR 15

Final shots

I am now fully convinced that Roseau does not have the firepower of last year...they continue to make good goalies look great.

Two and out at the big show...if they make it.

Using your logic HM must really suck considering Roseau's had such an easy schedule all year . That has to be the only conclusion as to my the Spuds gave 'em a run, huh?

Before everyone gets their panties twisted--I'm being sarcastic. HM has a really good program.

[hockey59]

I love your logic...GR3343

1) Anoka beat Andover twice this season (most recently 5-2 just 11 days ago) and GR lost to FL earlier this year...and we have the sterner test...how is that a logical statement?

2) We have an excellent record going 19-6 and beat top teams Centennial and Blaine along the way...did lose to Osseo...but bounced back to beat CP...(who was 5-0-1 in they're past 6 games prior to playing Anoka including a win over Blaine on Tuesday night)..and still beat them to clinch a share of the NWSC title (without Belisle) and you think GR has more momentum entering the sections than Anoka..again not logical...you might want to check your season record before making such illogical comments....because the only top team you've beat was Cloquet.

3) you finished the season with two losses....and several other losses which you seem to consider "Moral victorys" which only count in horeshoes and hand grenades ...and finally you didn't play a tougher schedule than Anoka...as you play some soft IRC teams...whew...I'm just hoping the boys get to decide it once and for all on the ice...cause you GR guys are relentless to battle on the keyboard

[norcon]

I love your logic...GR3343

1) Anoka beat Andover twice this season (most recently 5-2 just 11 days ago) and GR lost to FL earlier this year...and we have the sterner test...how is that a logical statement?

2) We have an excellent record going 19-6 and beat top teams Centennial and Blaine along the way...did lose to Osseo...but bounced back to beat CP...(who was 5-0-1 in they're past 6 games prior to playing Anoka including a win over Blaine on Tuesday night)..and still beat them to clinch a share of the NWSC title (without Belisle) and you think GR has more momentum entering the sections than Anoka..again not logical...you might want to check your season record before making such illogical comments....because the only top team you've beat was Cloquet.

3) you finished the season with two losses....and several other losses which you seem to consider "Moral victorys" which only count in horeshoes and hand grenades ...and finally you didn't play a tougher schedule than Anoka...as you play some soft IRC teams...whew...I'm just hoping the boys get to decide it once and for all on the ice...cause you GR guys are relentless to battle on the keyboard

GR did not bring up the fact that the shot differential in the Forest Lake game was thirty-some in favor of Rapids. You do run into hot goaltenders occassionally as all teams do, but the score was no indication of who carried the play that dat. Also, the FLake contest was one of the rare times this season when one of the orange netminders struggled a bit.

[archway Sign]

From the net out the section has some pretty good goalies which could provide for some potential upsets. Goalies are the most important part of the team and play a position which is the most unique in sports. A hot goalie can launch an average team into championship statis.

Lastly, there are no moral victories in the play offs. Out shooting a team 31-14 in the early season and losing might give the coach a focus on what to work on,,,and fans may consider it a morel victory,,,in the play offs your season is still over.

Section this year is as open as its ever y been, look for the hot goalie to make the difference.