BU 2020-21 Season: The Road to … Nowhere?

[defkit]

At forward, it could be a blessing that we don't have any superstars. However, if we hope to take more of a depth approach, we do need guys to improve more than has been the case for the past few years. I consider Cockerill and Mastro as being the two guys I really thought would have become bigger threats than they have. Cockerill did look phenomenal last season until his injury, so maybe he still could have a great season next year. But Mastro hasn't been able to consistently show the flash that we see at times in games. Someone mentioned that Skoog was very inconsistent. I think Tuch and Peterson will improve, just given the type of players they are. Brown is a very big addition for sure. I think Zabaneh looked a lot like he could turn into a very good player, but until it happens, we can't count on it. Ethan Phillips is the biggest unknown - could be a top-6 guy, or could struggle and not even dress. Hopefully Boucher and Jeremy Wilmer have the skill to make an impact.

 

[defkit]

On d, I was impressed with Jarman most of the season. I think he struggled a little as the competition improved. But remember he came in earlier than initially planned. Vlasic and McCarthy will improve, they are big and still adjusting to the speed of the college game, but I think they will be reliable - I agree that Vlasic needs to not try to do too much offensively. Webber should also improve with experience. With Farrance gone, Fensore will be the key offensive d-man. He just needs to cut down on his turnovers. I swear Doyle seems like he committed seven years ago, so it will be good to see what he brings. Schmidt should be in the line-up regularly.

I generally feel better about d-men improving, because a good d-man requires smarts more than skills, and smarts can be taught.

 

[buoldtimer]

On d, I was impressed with Jarman most of the season. I think he struggled a little as the competition improved. But remember he came in earlier than initially planned. Vlasic and McCarthy will improve, they are big and still adjusting to the speed of the college game, but I think they will be reliable - I agree that Vlasic needs to not try to do too much offensively. Webber should also improve with experience. With Farrance gone, Fensore will be the key offensive d-man. He just needs to cut down on his turnovers. I swear Doyle seems like he committed seven years ago, so it will be good to see what he brings. Schmidt should be in the line-up regularly.

I generally feel better about d-men improving, because a good d-man requires smarts more than skills, and smarts can be taught.

To me, the disappointing aspect of their performance is that it deteriorated as the season wore on. One man's opinion; I know that Albie was sweet on Vlasic's season.

 

[buoldtimer]

A horse named Albie finished 3rd in the 7th race at Belmont Park this afternoon.

 

[hydrant]

In the newsletter Albie said there are four players scheduled to get surgery this offseason... who could it be (besides Amonte).Phillips was back by the end of the season so cannot be him. Also, Albie said he expects to be atop Hockey East next year....... we'll see.

 

[Bomber]

AJ Greer is a Devil? Who knew. (He just laid a dirty hit on a Bruin and got in a fight.)

 

[buoldtimer]

Rangers fire John Davidson (Pres) and Jeff Gorton (GM). Chris Drury assumes both roles.

 

[J.D.]

Wow that is very strange coming right after they released that statement about Tom Wilson

 

[Rogie21]

Rangers fire John Davidson (Pres) and Jeff Gorton (GM). Chris Drury assumes both roles.

Drury joins Jack Kelley (Pittsburgh '93-'01) as the only Terriers to be president of an NHL team. Thought Jack Ferreira was, too, but he was exec VP of the North Stars and the Ducks. Is Drury the only Hobey Baker winner to be a president?

 

[Friend_of_BU_Hockey]

AJ Greer is a Devil? Who knew. (He just laid a dirty hit on a Bruin and got in a fight.)

Unfortunate that DQ squandered a scholarship on Greer only for him to bail halfway thru his Sophomore year. Also have to wonder what Colorado saw that warranted drafting Greer in the 2nd round in 2015. Certainly hasn't lived up to potential at the NCAAs nor NHL, with some decent #s in the Q and AHL. And made more noise for being arrested along w/ Sonny Milano.

 

[defkit]

So will BU's first Hobey winner be firing BU's most recently departed head coach?? And if he does, do we expect DQ to make his way back to Comm Ave? Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[defkit]

Lane Hutson turned some heads at the U-18 Worlds. Given that he was a U17 player this year and has another year in the USNTDP, he could turn into a very good recruit. His size might keep him out of the NHL first round talk, but that would be more than fine with me.

Edit: should have put this in the recruit thread, where Rogie has posted some related quotes.

 

[defkit]

I just read AOC's Spring Letter - Frantisek Skladany is still getting paid to play hockey???? (granted, in Slovakia). That is a blast from the past...

 

[buoldtimer]

I just read AOC's Spring Letter - Frantisek Skladany is still getting paid to play hockey???? (granted, in Slovakia). That is a blast from the past...

He must be close to 40. Does this make him the oldest BU player to compete professionally?

 

[Bomber]

Reporting out that the Rangers just fired Quinn.

 

[Scarlet]

Do you honestly think he'd come back if offered the job?

 

[Friend_of_BU_Hockey]

Do you honestly think he'd come back if offered the job?

Whatever pressure Albie might have been under has now been amplified. With DQ now available, what will "success" be measured by for Albie next season?

If DQ lands another NHL head coach job next season, I think the door for DQ to return to BU will be shut. However, if DQ either takes next season off from coaching or accepts a NHL Assistant Coach position, it will continue to fuel speculation of the door being kept open for DQ to potentially return.

 

[Bomber]

Do you honestly think he'd come back if offered the job?

I do not. I think he'll land another NHL job.

Adding to the "Terriers in Turmoil" blotter: The Sabres GM is reporting that Jack Eichel wants surgery that's never been performed on an NHL player before. (Herniated disk). Yikes.

 

[buoldtimer]

Whatever pressure Albie might have been under has now been amplified. With DQ now available, what will "success" be measured by for Albie next season?

If DQ lands another NHL head coach job next season, I think the door for DQ to return to BU will be shut. However, if DQ either takes next season off from coaching or accepts a NHL Assistant Coach position, it will continue to fuel speculation of the door being kept open for DQ to potentially return.

1. How appealing is DQ to another NHL team? I'm not saying he should or shouldn't be appealing; just looking for your opinion.

2. Aside from "speculation", would BU decision makers accept his return?

 

[hydrant]

1. How appealing is DQ to another NHL team? I'm not saying he should or shouldn't be appealing; just looking for your opinion.

2. Aside from "speculation", would BU decision makers accept his return?

I think another team will easily offer him a job as an assistant. Possibly head-coach, for yotes or ducks maybe, but highly doubtful. I do not think BU will be begging him to come back. He left once, what will make them think he wouldn't again? Unless Quinn blows the decision makers away, I don't think they will put be invested in him too much for the long run.