---Kevin Tompkins <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The recent posts concerning the Maine Defensive Ratings indicate to
> this follower that the team relied on the leadership of Jeff Libby
and > Jason Mansoff more than they realized (not to mention the key
losses  > of Dan Shermerhorn and Trevor Roenick just as a presence on
the ice). > I'm not saying that the current Maine defensemen are not
working hard > out there.
> I think they just need more playing time and "game" experience.  They
> certainly are playing hard, otherwise I'm sure Coach Walsh wouldn't
> have them out there.  It certainly is clear that they are a young
 > bunch, with the exception of Brian White.  But, is youth and >
inexperience the only factor here??
 
Remember, defense was a big question mark last year (along with
goaltending) after losing Clark, Tory, Allison, etc.  Also remember
Maine was what, 9-7-1 at Christmas break.  Maine is 7-5-1 right now.
What has changed?  Defense and goaltending are still question marks
and right now team is playing around .500 hockey.  Are we poised to go
on another great second half run?  I hope so!!
 
Last year guys like Cullen, Libby and White stepped it up.  What is
missing right now is the younger guys being confident enough to
elevate their play.  Guys like Price and Shawn Mansoff really have a
great opportunity, and Nate Ponitz has looked pretty good to me since
he's been playing.  Adam Tate is real good offensively, but like
Ponitz is only a freshman and will make "freshman mistakes."
 
The defense may need some help, may need a couple guys to elevate
their play, but I'd like to see a goaltender step up.  Right now both
Michaud and Masotta haven't proven that they are "the man".  Michuad
has had some good games, but can't seem to build off that and get
something going.  Masotta hasn't impressed at all, but maybe he needs
to be given more chances to start too?
 
The question is, how much of that is the goaltenders and how much of
it is the defense?
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