Grant_Erickson
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A talented US National Team Development Program U-18 squad stormed into Mariucci for an exhibition on Friday, knocking off the Gophers, 5-4, in overtime. Auston Matthews tallied two goals, including the game-winner, while linemate Matthew Tkachuk scored late in the third and added two helpers.
Game Recap
The USNTDP U-18s are an impressive group. Most of these kids have a good chance at getting drafted, and a good number are likely first or second rounders in 2016. The youngsters showed their high talent level with a great jump to start the game. The Gophers were on their heels and didn’t look like they had left the Duluth series. After a few chances by Team USA, Minnesota was able to put two goals in late in the period but was still outshot, 16-10 in the first.
Team USA put together an impressive second period, outshooting Minnesota 11-7 while scoring two goals, one from Caleb Jones (brother to Nashville Predators D, Seth Jones) and one from Auston Matthews. Throughout the second, the U-18s had the better chances but Minnesota did a good job capitalizing. After the kids tied it up, Kyle Rau fed a beautiful pass to Steve Johnson who made it look easy from there. It was really good to see the Gophers respond after Team USA tied it up with two quick goals.
The Gophers were able to take the lead in the third, thanks to a goal from Kyle Rau from his spot right next to the net. It looked the Minnesota would sail to victory but Team USA scored with just 1:30 left on the clock. I didn’t think they would play the overtime in an exhibition but sure enough, free hockey. Matthews, again, was the star, ripping a shot into the top corner for the game-winner.
Matthews Dazzles
Likely 2016 NHL Draft first-rounder, Auston Matthews, is incredible to watch. The Arizona native tallied two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist. He also put 10 (no, that is not a typo) shots on net. I recently read that he is trending to be a top one or two pick in the NHL draft in ’16 and could be more sought-after than 2015 draft standout and Boston University forward, Jack Eichel. Matthews is already 6-foot-2, has an amazing stride, and is filthy with the puck on his stick. His feel for the game is unreal; creating scoring chances for himself and his linemates. On two occasions he made the Minnesota defensemen look like they were standing still. It’s really easy to see what scouts love about this kid.
If memory serves, he is considering Denver, Michigan, Boston U, BC and (gasp) North Dakota as possible college choices. There’s always a chance he plays Canadian Juniors instead but I, for one, would like to see him play in college (provided he isn’t wearing green).
Newcomers Get Playing Time
To be fair to Minnesota, the Gophers dressed 14 forwards, seven defensemen, switching up lines and pairings constantly. Minnesota also started Nick Lehr in place of Adam Wilcox. Lehr did a nice job on the night, making some huge saves, 35 in total. Don Lucia was impressed with what he saw out of the Roseville native.
“I was actually happy with how Nick played tonight,” said Lucia. “It was his first start in net and he made a lot of good saves and he did a nice job.”
Despite getting outshot 40-29 and losing in OT, Lucia didn’t seem overly concerned after the game. I certainly understand that with the lines switching and playing a ton of differnt guys it was more of an extended scrimmage for Lucia. Obviously, you still want to win but it’s certainly not the end of the season to lose to this talented team in an exhibition.
“We wanted to get guys some reps and see what they can do in certain situations,” said Lucia.
Three Stars
#3 Joseph Masonius scored a goal and added an assist.
#2 Matthew Tkachuk, the son of former NHLer Keith Tkachuk, scored the game-tying goal and had two assists.
#1 Auston Matthews dominated throughout, scoring twice, including in OT, and assisting on a goal in the third.
What’s Next
After the exhibition, the Gophers will have the rest of the weekend off. They will head to Boston next weekend to play Boston College on Friday at 5:00 CT and Northeastern on Saturday at 6:00 CT.
Game Recap
The USNTDP U-18s are an impressive group. Most of these kids have a good chance at getting drafted, and a good number are likely first or second rounders in 2016. The youngsters showed their high talent level with a great jump to start the game. The Gophers were on their heels and didn’t look like they had left the Duluth series. After a few chances by Team USA, Minnesota was able to put two goals in late in the period but was still outshot, 16-10 in the first.
Team USA put together an impressive second period, outshooting Minnesota 11-7 while scoring two goals, one from Caleb Jones (brother to Nashville Predators D, Seth Jones) and one from Auston Matthews. Throughout the second, the U-18s had the better chances but Minnesota did a good job capitalizing. After the kids tied it up, Kyle Rau fed a beautiful pass to Steve Johnson who made it look easy from there. It was really good to see the Gophers respond after Team USA tied it up with two quick goals.
The Gophers were able to take the lead in the third, thanks to a goal from Kyle Rau from his spot right next to the net. It looked the Minnesota would sail to victory but Team USA scored with just 1:30 left on the clock. I didn’t think they would play the overtime in an exhibition but sure enough, free hockey. Matthews, again, was the star, ripping a shot into the top corner for the game-winner.
Matthews Dazzles
Likely 2016 NHL Draft first-rounder, Auston Matthews, is incredible to watch. The Arizona native tallied two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist. He also put 10 (no, that is not a typo) shots on net. I recently read that he is trending to be a top one or two pick in the NHL draft in ’16 and could be more sought-after than 2015 draft standout and Boston University forward, Jack Eichel. Matthews is already 6-foot-2, has an amazing stride, and is filthy with the puck on his stick. His feel for the game is unreal; creating scoring chances for himself and his linemates. On two occasions he made the Minnesota defensemen look like they were standing still. It’s really easy to see what scouts love about this kid.
If memory serves, he is considering Denver, Michigan, Boston U, BC and (gasp) North Dakota as possible college choices. There’s always a chance he plays Canadian Juniors instead but I, for one, would like to see him play in college (provided he isn’t wearing green).
Newcomers Get Playing Time
To be fair to Minnesota, the Gophers dressed 14 forwards, seven defensemen, switching up lines and pairings constantly. Minnesota also started Nick Lehr in place of Adam Wilcox. Lehr did a nice job on the night, making some huge saves, 35 in total. Don Lucia was impressed with what he saw out of the Roseville native.
“I was actually happy with how Nick played tonight,” said Lucia. “It was his first start in net and he made a lot of good saves and he did a nice job.”
Despite getting outshot 40-29 and losing in OT, Lucia didn’t seem overly concerned after the game. I certainly understand that with the lines switching and playing a ton of differnt guys it was more of an extended scrimmage for Lucia. Obviously, you still want to win but it’s certainly not the end of the season to lose to this talented team in an exhibition.
“We wanted to get guys some reps and see what they can do in certain situations,” said Lucia.
Three Stars
#3 Joseph Masonius scored a goal and added an assist.
#2 Matthew Tkachuk, the son of former NHLer Keith Tkachuk, scored the game-tying goal and had two assists.
#1 Auston Matthews dominated throughout, scoring twice, including in OT, and assisting on a goal in the third.
What’s Next
After the exhibition, the Gophers will have the rest of the weekend off. They will head to Boston next weekend to play Boston College on Friday at 5:00 CT and Northeastern on Saturday at 6:00 CT.