Funny to hear you mention Shields, there was a play right out to the piece of real estate (right side back door) that Shields owned so well and it was a missed oppurtunity.  I said to my son, "if only Shields were there that would be the game winner".

I am hopeful that the leadership roles are addressed, (I liked Ronin), the defense, (I like Tyler) and of course the sniper role is filled.  Even if Jimmy moves on (I hope not), if these issues are addressed this team has a much better chance of success.

We will never all be satisfied with what we see or don't see, but there have been a few too many
unresolved issues the last couple of years that really need to be ironed out for a better outcome.  Don't get me wrong, I know they made it to the tourny, but, too many almosts this year.  Have a great summer.




>From: james acheson <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Mon Mar 28 09:26:00 CST 2005
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Minnesota Game

>my comment on the  goal is the same comment I often have... Jimmy goes down too early...   of course if he did not go down so early... into that butterfly, Minnesota would have scored a few other goals earlier in the game.  (so Jimmy cannot read minds... I guess that is his weakness!) the upsides that I noticed are: that Billy Ryan is really passing well.  There were quite a few behind the back and between the legs passes.  for the first time EVER, Greg Moore let go a one timer/cannon from in close.  The shot was saved, but I have honestly never seen him set up like Colin Shields used to.and Derek was hitting like Hamilton! (not like Prestin or Bellamy, but like a real hitter none the less) my prediction... Hamilton will either not be back, or he will improve greatly If Jimmy leaves...   were any of you at Senior night when one of the seniors said that one of the things he was most thankful for was having the opportunity to play with Jimmy?  I really think that that spoke volumes about how these guys play in front of him.  Last year I liked how the boys played in front to Frank, and this year as far as wins and losses go, this team will be just as strong without Jimmy, I am sure, but there will not be the 1-0 and 0-1 games so often... that is my guess. and although it is bizzarre to see Jon ask "is it October yet?"  I kind of chuckled because right when the puck went in behind Jimmy on Saturday, I told my son not to worry, October comes soon and we will go see our Black Bears win again!
>
>Jon Eggert <[log in to unmask]> wrote:First, I'm not sure it was his defenseman, me thinks its was Jankus who
>left the front of the net to chase the puck?
>But it doesn't really matter who, it was a breakdown that left a guy wide
>open in front, the same way Alberts won the HE semi game and Harrold tied
>the final reg season game.
>
>Maine had their chances and like the rest of the season couldn't capitalize
>on them. I don't know about the rest of you but it sure would be nice to
>get a bonafide sniper.
>
>Like many other games in the second half, Jimmy was unreal. Minnie players
>were talking to themselves but he can't do it alone. Not sure he can get
>any better playing at UMAine which leads me to think he has to move on.
>Maybe the NHL strike keeps that from happening but either way it sure has
>been great having Jimmy at UMaine.
>
>The graduating class probably isn't the stro! ngest talent wise but they
>are great bunch of guys and I'm glad they came to UMaine. Murphy and Ronan
>were great examples to the younger kids and 4 NCAA appearances is a pretty
>good legacy. From the press conference Ronan was pretty down but he should
>hold his head high, I think he did great job as captain this year..
>
>The young guys looked a little over whelmed at Mariucci but this looks
>like the best recruiting class in a long time and it sounds like there is
>another lined up for next year. If Jimmy leaves , I believe we'll be ok in
>goal as Matt Lundin will be another good goalie and I'm pretty excited
>about Ben Bishop. When I saw him on his recruiting visit I thought he was a
>Dman, not too many 6' 5" goalies(and he is all of that, trust me :) ).
>
>Overall this was good season although frustrating at times. Because of last
>years success, my expectations were high and that caused me to be pretty
>disappointed early in the year. But the ! guys hung tough and finally put it
>all together. They should be proud of that as I know we (the fans) are.
>
>I don't know about the rest of you but its time for spring and summer. Is
>it October yet :-) :-)
>
>Jon
>
>One more thing, go Fighting Sioux :-)
>
>
>At 10:57 PM 3/26/2005, you wrote:
>>Well, another season ends with a 1-0 loss to a WCHA team.
>>
>>I didn't really think Maine played that great, except for another
>>sensational performance by Jimmy Howard. He had no shot on the winning
>>goal since his defenseman totally hung him out to dry, sadly.
>>
>>I'm glad that we were able to make the tournament after an inconsistent
>>year. A few months ago it didn't look so good for playing in an NCAA
>>Tournament, but they were able to pull it together and get in the
>>dance. They got a tough draw, but that's what they deserved.
>>
>>It looked like Maine struggled some (especially early) with the big
>>ice, and I didn't think they ever really developed a flow (probably due
>>in part to the penalties). But much like their entire season, they
>>hung tough.
>>
>>I'm really looking forward to watching this freshman class develop and
>>I hope we bring in some top-rate offensive talent next year.
>>
>>GO BIG RED BEAT MINNESOTA!
>>GO DU, BEAT UNH!
>>
>>-Deron
>
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