Lakeville North - Team Summary
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:39 am
The Stats
- Record – 13-5-1
- Stats below do not include the Apple Valley game. No stats posted on the Hub yet. They won 13-0.
- Goals Scored per Game – 5.11 (average 37 shots/game)
- Goals Allowed per Game – 2.28 (average 18 shots/game)
- Power Play – 23 goals on 67 chances (34.3%)
- Penalty Kill – 8 goals allowed on 49 chances (83.7%)
- Games I’ve Attended – 11 (Stillwater, at Shakopee, at Farmington, Grand Rapids, Lakeville South, Elk River, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Eagan, at Eastview, Farmington)
The Quick Summary
- Loaded with D1 talent this team is explosive offensively and better defensively than they are given credit for.
- Offensively the breakout is a well-oiled machine. The forwards create space allowing another forward to get the puck with momentum through the neutral zone. It allows them to gain the zone or create a rush instantly. If that pass is taken away they use the boards with a forward stationed at about the red line.
- They create shots and scoring chances with relative ease. There’s usually movement in the offensive zone and lots of passing. Cross ice passing is effective and they use the area behind the goal line well and more often than most teams. Lots of pucks are funneled to the slot creating high probability scoring chances. It’s fun to watch.
- The top 9 forwards have been swapped around a lot throughout the season, so it’s difficult to get a solid count on contributions per line. However, the top 2 lines account for roughly 70% of the 5 on 5 goals, the 3rd line has 20% and the defense has 10%.
- Defensively things have improved as the season has progressed. Early in the season, as soon as it looked like a North guy was going to take possession of the puck they were on their way out of the zone, ready to create offense. This created some problems if they didn’t win the puck battle and led to some easy goals. This no longer happens. They also limit chances, as evidenced by the 18 shots allowed per game. Pucks are usually cleared out after a rebound quickly, limiting 2nd chance opportunities.
- The power play is top notch. The first unit is loaded with Poehling, Johnson, Enebak, T.Schneider, and Pehrson. They move the puck extremely well and create grade A chances regularly.
- The penalty kill is effective as well. They’ve allowed 8 goals but scored 6 short handed goals (4 for Poehling and 2 for Johnson). They limit chances and do a nice job of springing their forwards for opportunities the other way.
The Details
Offense
Top 2 Forwards
Ryan Poehling –His stats might not be as eye popping as some of the other top guys with 14 goals and 24 assists, but he’s elite. This kid is a treat to watch with and without the puck. Whenever he gets the puck and there’s some sort of solid chances it’s fun to watch everybody lean forward, get quiet, and wait to see what happens. He has explosive speed (seems to be way faster than last year) and uses it well. So, he’s scary with open ice but also uses his size well to work the corners. He comes out with the puck most of the time and finds the open man. One of the 3 players (along with Mittelstadt and Tufte) that are worth going to watch just to see them (there may be more but those are the ones I’ve seen).
Max Johnson – He may be one of the most underrated players in the state. He does everything. Offensively he has 21 goals and 11 assists (9 PPG’s). He’s effective in front of the net and has a quick release. He plays with a physical presence, always looking to put the body on somebody and finishing his checks. His energy level is off the charts and works harder than most players.
The Next 2 Forwards
Henry Enebak – Another kid who excels in multiple facets of the game. He has some size, more speed, and a monster shot with a quick release. Defenders struggle to contain him as he rushes the net from the wing. He works well with Max Johnson as they’ve been on the same line for at least 2 years, maybe more.
Taylor Schneider – He’s a puck handling extraordinaire, creating chances and space with nifty moves and can toe drag with the best of them. The offensive totals are 11 goals and 16 assists. Exciting player to watch.
The 3rd Line – Reed Smith, Max McGlade, and Logan Kappes – These guys form a strong and skilled third line. Smith is a big kid, can score (8 goals), and provides a physical edge as well. Kappes scores as well (9 goals, 7 assists). McGlade is the enforcer of the line. He hits and is good at it.
The Rotation – Blake Brandt, Tommy Klans, and Spencer Schneider – 2 of these 3 usually fill out the remaining spots on the top 2 lines. Schneider is a 9th grader and played a lot of top 6 minutes early but has played less of late. Brandt jumped up to the 2nd line in the Grand Rapids game when Enebak was hurt and scored the game winner in OT. Since then he’s played pretty regular top 6 minutes and plays a nice complimentary role with Poehling. Klans is a little guy (5’4”) but creates offense. He gets pushed around pretty easily, but has excellent puck skills and sets guys up with ease.
Defense
1st Pair – Keaton Pehrson and Brock Draeger – Pehrson is committed to Michigan Tech and seems to be growing as the year goes on. Defensively he’s strong in the corners and in front of the net. He’s been more noticeable lately on the offensive end, rushing the puck when/if needed and sneaking in a few chances in the offensive zone. His outlet passes are excellent. He has 2 goals and 14 assists.
2nd Pair – Adam Duchon and Logan Severson – Duchon is an unheralded gem on this team. He moves the puck extremely well and is just a solid player. He has 9 assists and can be relied upon. Severson has size and plays the defensive role.
3rd Pair – Robert Gale and Garrett Daly – Both do a solid job as the 3rd pair of defensemen. They can hold their own against other teams top lines when needed.
Goaltending
Buzz Eigner – After the Matt Foss experience ended, Eigner has taken over between the pipes. He has a 2.10 GAA, 89% save percentage and 2 shutouts. Eigner is strong on the initial attempt. He’s made numerous big saves on breakaways and 2 on 1 attempts. After that, it’s a little interesting. He gets out of position easily and doesn’t get back in his spot quickly. His clearing attempts and directional saves are sometimes careless. Overall, he’s not even as unreliable as he’s made out to be.
A Look Forward
- It’s a mixed bag for the rest of the season. They should roll through Eastview, have an always interesting battle at Lakeville South, and a few challenges in Rosemount, St. Thomas, and Prior Lake. They’ll also be featured against Duluth East for Hockey Day next weekend.
- Based on the two losses to Farmington earning the top seed is going to be difficult as Karl described this week. They’ll probably have the #2 and battle Lakeville South and maybe Farmington down in Rochester for a return trip to the X.
- This would be an interesting team to see at the X. They can score in bunches which puts them in most games, but struggled against the top teams over Christmas.
Fire away Sats.
- Record – 13-5-1
- Stats below do not include the Apple Valley game. No stats posted on the Hub yet. They won 13-0.
- Goals Scored per Game – 5.11 (average 37 shots/game)
- Goals Allowed per Game – 2.28 (average 18 shots/game)
- Power Play – 23 goals on 67 chances (34.3%)
- Penalty Kill – 8 goals allowed on 49 chances (83.7%)
- Games I’ve Attended – 11 (Stillwater, at Shakopee, at Farmington, Grand Rapids, Lakeville South, Elk River, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Eagan, at Eastview, Farmington)
The Quick Summary
- Loaded with D1 talent this team is explosive offensively and better defensively than they are given credit for.
- Offensively the breakout is a well-oiled machine. The forwards create space allowing another forward to get the puck with momentum through the neutral zone. It allows them to gain the zone or create a rush instantly. If that pass is taken away they use the boards with a forward stationed at about the red line.
- They create shots and scoring chances with relative ease. There’s usually movement in the offensive zone and lots of passing. Cross ice passing is effective and they use the area behind the goal line well and more often than most teams. Lots of pucks are funneled to the slot creating high probability scoring chances. It’s fun to watch.
- The top 9 forwards have been swapped around a lot throughout the season, so it’s difficult to get a solid count on contributions per line. However, the top 2 lines account for roughly 70% of the 5 on 5 goals, the 3rd line has 20% and the defense has 10%.
- Defensively things have improved as the season has progressed. Early in the season, as soon as it looked like a North guy was going to take possession of the puck they were on their way out of the zone, ready to create offense. This created some problems if they didn’t win the puck battle and led to some easy goals. This no longer happens. They also limit chances, as evidenced by the 18 shots allowed per game. Pucks are usually cleared out after a rebound quickly, limiting 2nd chance opportunities.
- The power play is top notch. The first unit is loaded with Poehling, Johnson, Enebak, T.Schneider, and Pehrson. They move the puck extremely well and create grade A chances regularly.
- The penalty kill is effective as well. They’ve allowed 8 goals but scored 6 short handed goals (4 for Poehling and 2 for Johnson). They limit chances and do a nice job of springing their forwards for opportunities the other way.
The Details
Offense
Top 2 Forwards
Ryan Poehling –His stats might not be as eye popping as some of the other top guys with 14 goals and 24 assists, but he’s elite. This kid is a treat to watch with and without the puck. Whenever he gets the puck and there’s some sort of solid chances it’s fun to watch everybody lean forward, get quiet, and wait to see what happens. He has explosive speed (seems to be way faster than last year) and uses it well. So, he’s scary with open ice but also uses his size well to work the corners. He comes out with the puck most of the time and finds the open man. One of the 3 players (along with Mittelstadt and Tufte) that are worth going to watch just to see them (there may be more but those are the ones I’ve seen).
Max Johnson – He may be one of the most underrated players in the state. He does everything. Offensively he has 21 goals and 11 assists (9 PPG’s). He’s effective in front of the net and has a quick release. He plays with a physical presence, always looking to put the body on somebody and finishing his checks. His energy level is off the charts and works harder than most players.
The Next 2 Forwards
Henry Enebak – Another kid who excels in multiple facets of the game. He has some size, more speed, and a monster shot with a quick release. Defenders struggle to contain him as he rushes the net from the wing. He works well with Max Johnson as they’ve been on the same line for at least 2 years, maybe more.
Taylor Schneider – He’s a puck handling extraordinaire, creating chances and space with nifty moves and can toe drag with the best of them. The offensive totals are 11 goals and 16 assists. Exciting player to watch.
The 3rd Line – Reed Smith, Max McGlade, and Logan Kappes – These guys form a strong and skilled third line. Smith is a big kid, can score (8 goals), and provides a physical edge as well. Kappes scores as well (9 goals, 7 assists). McGlade is the enforcer of the line. He hits and is good at it.
The Rotation – Blake Brandt, Tommy Klans, and Spencer Schneider – 2 of these 3 usually fill out the remaining spots on the top 2 lines. Schneider is a 9th grader and played a lot of top 6 minutes early but has played less of late. Brandt jumped up to the 2nd line in the Grand Rapids game when Enebak was hurt and scored the game winner in OT. Since then he’s played pretty regular top 6 minutes and plays a nice complimentary role with Poehling. Klans is a little guy (5’4”) but creates offense. He gets pushed around pretty easily, but has excellent puck skills and sets guys up with ease.
Defense
1st Pair – Keaton Pehrson and Brock Draeger – Pehrson is committed to Michigan Tech and seems to be growing as the year goes on. Defensively he’s strong in the corners and in front of the net. He’s been more noticeable lately on the offensive end, rushing the puck when/if needed and sneaking in a few chances in the offensive zone. His outlet passes are excellent. He has 2 goals and 14 assists.
2nd Pair – Adam Duchon and Logan Severson – Duchon is an unheralded gem on this team. He moves the puck extremely well and is just a solid player. He has 9 assists and can be relied upon. Severson has size and plays the defensive role.
3rd Pair – Robert Gale and Garrett Daly – Both do a solid job as the 3rd pair of defensemen. They can hold their own against other teams top lines when needed.
Goaltending
Buzz Eigner – After the Matt Foss experience ended, Eigner has taken over between the pipes. He has a 2.10 GAA, 89% save percentage and 2 shutouts. Eigner is strong on the initial attempt. He’s made numerous big saves on breakaways and 2 on 1 attempts. After that, it’s a little interesting. He gets out of position easily and doesn’t get back in his spot quickly. His clearing attempts and directional saves are sometimes careless. Overall, he’s not even as unreliable as he’s made out to be.
A Look Forward
- It’s a mixed bag for the rest of the season. They should roll through Eastview, have an always interesting battle at Lakeville South, and a few challenges in Rosemount, St. Thomas, and Prior Lake. They’ll also be featured against Duluth East for Hockey Day next weekend.
- Based on the two losses to Farmington earning the top seed is going to be difficult as Karl described this week. They’ll probably have the #2 and battle Lakeville South and maybe Farmington down in Rochester for a return trip to the X.
- This would be an interesting team to see at the X. They can score in bunches which puts them in most games, but struggled against the top teams over Christmas.
Fire away Sats.