The Barr Has Been Raised at UMaine

[BlackBearFan19]

Tough end to a surprising and fun season. That one really stings but UVM played well, especially the goalie.

Looked like Ben was a bit emotional at the end of the game and I can’t blame him, this team really overachieved and had some great leadership. Let’s not let the last 3 games cloud our judgement, we should be proud of that team and I feel the rebuild
is ahead of schedule. Next years class is very good, now we play the waiting game to see if Henbrant and Poisson choose to come back and what the transfer portal may bring.

I don’t think this is a big risk but you have to figure Breen and Breazeale may be a risk to leave early. Breen does not have pro size so he might not be as big a risk and Breazeale didn’t put up a ton of points but anyone watching Maine knows just how good both guys have been.

[Drew S.]

My heart goes out to Bruneski. The most horrible luck possible for him. He was a really good performer for Maine and I hope he doesn’t beat himself up too much over what happened.

[BoSox3066]

Yeah that smarts but bring on the Nadeaus, the good time start in October

[OronoKO]

Very disappointing. Too many sub par performances tonight. I've enjoyed watching the season, but I am more excited for next season. I don't expect any of the seniors to be back, which leaves us a little short of experience. It'll be interesting to see how the coaches use the portal.

[tylerzx2002]

Tough end to a surprising and fun season. That one really stings but UVM played well, especially the goalie.

Looked like Ben was a bit emotional at the end of the game and I can’t blame him, this team really overachieved and had some great leadership. Let’s not let the last 3 games cloud our judgement, we should be proud of that team and I feel the rebuild
is ahead of schedule. Next years class is very good, now we play the waiting game to see if Henbrant and Poisson choose to come back and what the transfer portal may bring.

I don’t think this is a big risk but you have to figure Breen and Breazeale may be a risk to leave early. Breen does not have pro size so he might not be as big a risk and Breazeale didn’t put up a ton of points but anyone watching Maine knows just how good both guys have been.

I think Breazeale was a free agent camp guy for the Yotes last year. Hope he doesn’t leave but not hard to see his style of play translating well at higher levels of play.

Really hoping to see Henbrandt comes back, we could use more players like him that can play well no matter which linemates you play him with.

[NorthMike]

I dont know, since the unh and umass series then tonite they finished off the season about how they should have. Their heart and grit allowed them to overachieve up to this point, give the boys alot of credit for that.

As for the progress on a rebuild I'm still saying wait until Barr year 4 or 5 to see. We have a ways to go and are behind all of HE in trying to do this. So we shall see. Hoping for it but theres alot that needs to happen between now and then.

[amkirby10]

Defintely a thud to end the season on. Disappointing for sure, but the improvement in January and February was real and shouldn't be forgotten. I'd like to see a strong start for Maine next year, each of the first two seasons in the Barr era featured struggles in October and November, so I want to see them win some games early next year. I think next year's class is good, but top heavy with the Penticton trio of Nadeau^2 and Hopkins. Past those guys I'm a little concerned about depth, especially up front. I think it will be kind of important to get at least one of Henbrandt or Poisson to return for their 5th year, preferably both. If neither of them come back that might hurt a bit.

I dont think Breen or Breazeale are flight risks this year. Breen isn't really big enough to catch the eyes of NHL scouts without eye popping numbers, and while he is obviously a great player the stat sheet isn't unbelievable for a player like him. I think we should maybe watch Breazeale as a guy who could go next offseason, but for now just coming off his sophomore year I don't think he'd leave yet, especially not being already drafted.

[rw1733]

Penalties hurt again. Offense needs to shoot the puck more instead of passing it around the perimeter. Hopefully the Nadeaus will provide more scoring punch next season. A lot of improvement this season. Hope it continues.

[umhockey91]

0-3-2 vs. UMass/UNH/Vermont definitely took some of the luster off from this season.

[walrus]

FORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not sure what happened the last few games. Maybe that can't be favorites and beat teams they should? Very disappointing, didn't expect them to get to Boston for the finals but would have liked them to win a playoff game. Too bad they are left with the thought of the last few games for the off season, games they should have won , instead they couldn't get over the hump.

Be interesting to see reactions from Barr and also to see who comes in and who stays for next season. Can't wait to see the Nadeau brothers. Hoping some other guys coming in can help with with Offense. If Breen stays that would be great also. They finished a lot higher than most of the so called experts predicted so they have that to build on. Its going to a long time till October.

[NorthMike]

Can only imagine how hard that loss was on the team, they put 110% into the season since last summer. Easy to say but hope they feel good about bringing the program a big step up compared to last year and its previous declining trend. Also hope this helps to build on the rebuild and not hurt the culture and work ethic they built this season.

Like everyone says hope 12 and 6 return. I can see Poisson moving on though, he's been here four years.
There will be a huge hole to fill for #2, which will be Brezeale but then that big hole needs filling. Overall the D needs three or four solid recruits to fill it out better.
Barr needs recruits who can be a second goalie and more than just two who can be scoring forwards. He needs six or so forward recruits who are good no fourth line talent, we already have enough of that.

Well time to prepare for spring fishing and a busy summer, enough with hockey for a while.

[acs64]

What more can be said? They stumbled across the finish line instead of sprinting. Had they finally realized they were playing above their level of ability? In any event, it could be that this sour taste will become a motivator the next time they're in a one and done situation. Add in some new thirsty blood with talent next season and a fresh start. See what they can do. My pick...gotta go with Northeastern...goalies rule

[Runsub5]

Tremendous win for Vermont!! After being swept by Maine earlier in the season (3-1, 5-1), they come in to a nearly sold out Alfond Arena and score three unanswered goals to defeat Maine. Todd Woodcroft and Greg Carvel had their teams playing the style of play that Maine plays. Very aggressive on the puck, physical forecheck, active sticks and pinching down on the boards. Vermont had more size than Maine and was almost as quick. I believe they have a few NHL draft picks as well. As others have said, Maine needs more skilled players up front if they are going to compete against other Hockey East teams. Even with the disappointing playoff loss they have made some progress over last year.

[J.D.]

Big props for the crowd you guys had on a Wednesday night. Good to see. And that day will come where you guys are back at the Garden.

[Runsub5]

Big props for the crowd you guys had on a Wednesday night.......

Took me at least 30 minutes to get off the island. The traffic lights in downtown Orono were cycling instead of flashing yellow.:-(