Record-At 10-5-1, only one team has a better winning % than the Tigers
at the Christmas break. Considering the youth of this team along with
the numerous injuries (Seniors Hartnell & Cheyne, juniors Gudmundson &
Tanberg, sophomores Austin & Waldo, and freshmen Peters & Karpan have
all missed at least one game due to injury), that=92s a very nice
accomplishment Prior to the most recent weekend sweep, Lucia said that
with a sweep, he and the team would be very happy with the first half of
this season. Keep in mind, too, that last year=92s amazing graduating
class left this as a rebuilding year. Grade A
Offense-A question mark going into the season, CC is second in the
league in scoring (4.44 G/Gm.), has 6 of the league=92s top 14 scorers an=
d
has 8 scorers in double figures. The power play is third in the league
(21.3%) despite a dismal 0-26 start (take away the horrible start and
the PP is at 28% which would lead the league). CC does lead the league
with 23 power play goals. In addition, the Tigers are the most accurate
shooters in the WCHA, scoring on 13.71% of their shots (the league
average is 11.21%) Grade A
Defense-This season=92s biggest disappointment. Expectations were very
high after returning virtually the entire excellent defensive corps from
last year. Currently, they are allowing the third fewest shots per game
in the WCHA (27.1), but early on, many of these shots have been of the
high quality variety (odd man rushes and defensive zone turnovers). The
result is the fourth poorest goals against average in the league (3.56)=20
Sure, as the offense struggled early, the defense took more risks,
resulting in breaks for opponents. But as the offense has begun to
click, there continue to be too many mistakes from this talented crew.=20
Look for significant improvement in the second half. Grade C
Goaltending-This aspect of the team has also been a little disappointing
and occasionally inconsistent. Many anticipated a performance from Judd
Lambert resembling last year=92s league leading 2.05 goals against averag=
e
and .923 saves percentage. Instead, Lambert is currently tied for 10th
in goals against (3.40) and 11th in saves percentage (.875). Jason
Cugnet came in highly touted and has definitely shown why at times. At
other times, however, he has missed some savable shots. With numbers
similar to Lambert=92s, CC=92s goaltending tandem has combined for 8th in
the league in overall save percentage (.872). Though it is difficult to
evaluate goaltending and defense separately, there are a decent chunk of
goals that both Lambert and Cugnet would like to take another shot at
saving. Grade C+
Recruiting-This is certainly a bright spot for the Tigers. Freshmen
have already been well integrated into this year=92s squad and have
tallied 48 points (26% of the team total). Toby Peterson is the highest
scoring freshman in the WCHA (depending on your perspective on UND=92s
Jason Blake). Dan Peters has already been named both rookie of the week
and defensive player of the week and Jason Cugnet has shown streaks of=20
very good talent in the nets. CC has garnered a league leading 3 rookie
of the week honors. Grade A+
Coaching-Perhaps one of the stronger tributes to Lucia=92s coaching is
CC=92s current streak of 54 series=92 without being swept. Sure talent h=
as
a lot to do with the streak, but keeping it alive this year has required
second game victories in three of their eight series=92. I definitely se=
e
that as a result of good coaching. The consistently even keel with
which he approaches this team of great potential despite it=92s youthful
mistakes has reaped some dividends already. Positive, realistic and
seldom critical (apart from his decisive and sharp criticism of dirty
play from his team), Lucia appears to be the type of coach that gets the
most from his players. Grade A
Outlook-The schedule makers were not kind to the Tigers this year. A
full 7 of their final 10 games this season are on the road. Consistency
and the growing maturity of this young team will determine how far they
go. CC must improve in the second half if they expect to keep the
MacNaughton Cup in the Springs. 42 points likely won=92t win the league
this year. In the past 10 seasons, a .656 winning percentage would have
won the league only once, though it would have beaten the second place
team 7 of 10 times. Who will peak and who will fade? The Tigers have
put themselves within striking distance half-way through and certainly
have nothing to complain about. Overall grade A- or B+
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