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  • Originally posted by e.cat View Post
    That NOGOAL/NOCALL was baffling!!
    Well see there was this ref on the ice who's last name begins with an S...I mean...how could you not call SOMETHING with that replay so clear?!?! Harrumph.
    Here we go 'Cats!!

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    • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

      Originally posted by wildcatfan_GoNH View Post
      Fun theoretical thoughts:

      1. The past four games UNH is 4-0-0. The first two games they beat bottom-mid feeders in Yale and Brown. Let’s say this is equivalent to UNH beating a BU or Maine in the HE first round to send them to the garden. Then, in the next two games they hypothetically beat NU and PC at the garden to win some hardware and play with the last 16 teams in the NCAAs

      2. The past two games UNH has beat two NCAA tournament teams (both ranked 11th in PW at the start of the games I believe) - this lends those teams being likely 3 seeds. Say the cats found a way to get into the tournament. I realize they can’t play back to back 3 seeds in the regionals but hypothetically they just beat two qualified teams to progress to the frozen four. I understand this is a stretch but a positive takeaway nonetheless

      I recognize these high quality wins are great momentum, I just hope this team doesn’t get complacent and continues to show up with a chip on the shoulder. Game in and game out they need to play hard and collective - especially entering a third period with a lead. Keep the foot on the gas UNH
      Don't forget the earlier W's vs. BC and UMass, who are tied for #5 in PWR, and both top 10 in the polls.

      If the point is, this UNH looks like it can be a tourney-ready team … right now, I agree with you.
      Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
      Montreal Expos Forever ...

      Comment


      • Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post
        Well see there was this ref on the ice who's last name begins with an S...I mean...how could you not call SOMETHING with that replay so clear?!?! Harrumph.
        It's a mystery fo sho
        UNH Hockey: You can check out any time you like but you can never leave!

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        • Originally posted by e.cat View Post
          It's a mystery fo sho
          Maybe they blew the play dead? It's like Stonehenge..no one knows. Or...make up call after Wyse didnt get more than a minor for that hit? I know let it go already and take the W...😉
          Here we go 'Cats!!

          Comment


          • Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post
            Maybe they blew the play dead? It's like Stonehenge..no one knows. Or...make up call after Wyse didnt get more than a minor for that hit? I know let it go already and take the W...😉
            Guess we'll have to go with blind faith Ref
            UNH Hockey: You can check out any time you like but you can never leave!

            Comment


            • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

              I'll never understand coaches or front offices (or fans) who only use/prefer analytical approaches nor, especially, those who want to eschew analytics from the process entirely. Its about gathering ALL of the information available and making the right decisions and installing the best lineups and practices.

              UNH's penalty kill has been dreadful. They currently rank THIRD WORST in the entire country. They're 7-for-20 (65%) in the second half. They've had fewer attempts on the PK than almost anyone and they've given up more PPG against than almost anyone. Would it really ruin UNH hockey for people if the staff took a deeper look into the numbers regarding who they're running out there to verify what their eyes initially tell them are their best PKers? Especially if it resulted in a stronger unit? I tend to doubt it and in reality it would be coaching malpractice not to do it...

              Would anyone enjoy the season more if all of UNH's current momentum wasted away because the coaching staff ignored statistical evidence of their PK's performance and stubbornly stuck to the same units and tactics? I wouldn't. I want to see them sure up their biggest concern and actually make something of this season. Everything is clicking except for one singular unit and people are talking Boston/NCAA Tournament - now imagine that unit getting up to par with the rest...

              The staff should absolutely be looking into the numbers offered above and re-evaluating PK line-ups and tactics. They have little to lose and much to gain. I would imagine they are doing this and would disagree that rectifying the PK through whatever means necessary would be boring or ruinous in any way.

              Most notably I often find their PK to be especially passive. I assume they do not wish to be caught out of position for easy back door goals, etc. That makes perfect sense, except it isn't working and too often they're giving opponents far too much time and space. When I watch the UNH PP (ranked 12th best in the country) they seem to have the worst go of it when opponents are aggressive in pressuring Gildon and other playmakers at the top of the zone. This can lead to getting beat for bad/easy/ugly goals against but it also leads to more rushed passes, turnovers and clears. The goals against might be unattractive, but does it really matter if you're giving up fewer?

              The staff also need to take a look at shaking up the PK units - even if the only number theyre looking at is 30% goals against. The status quo isn't working. And finding out which players are excelling on the PK, or those who are struggling and making the right adjustments isn't ruinous. Its the coaches' job. I think anyone would have pegged Maass, Wyse, Blackburn, etc as their best PKers prior to the season. It SEEMS obvious, right? But the results are clear and using whatever they have at their disposal (video, eye tests, even numbers) to get to the bottom of things (potentially leading to something so terrible as math driven adjustments) is absolutely necessary if they want to maximize their potential success in 2020...
              Last edited by Dan; 01-18-2020, 12:47 PM.
              Live Free or Die!!
              Miami University '03

              Comment


              • Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post
                Well see there was this ref on the ice who's last name begins with an S...I mean...how could you not call SOMETHING with that replay so clear?!?! Harrumph.
                Only can review goal/no goal or severity of penalty (ex., increasing minor to major and/or misconduct), I think. If penalty simply missed, cannot be reviewed, but maybe a make-up call can be made later.

                Comment


                • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

                  Originally posted by Dan View Post
                  I'll never understand coaches or front offices (or fans) who only use/prefer analytical approaches nor, especially, those who want to eschew analytics from the process entirely. Its about gathering ALL of the information available and making the right decisions and installing the best lineups and practices.

                  UNH's penalty kill has been dreadful. They currently rank THIRD WORST in the entire country. They're 7-for-20 (65%) in the second half. They've had fewer attempts on the PK than almost anyone and they've given up more PPG against than almost anyone. Would it really ruin UNH hockey for people if the staff took a deeper look into the numbers regarding who they're running out there to verify what their eyes initially tell them are their best PKers? Especially if it resulted in a stronger unit? I tend to doubt it and in reality it would be coaching malpractice not to do it...

                  Would anyone enjoy the season more if all of UNH's current momentum wasted away because the coaching staff ignored statistical evidence of their PK's performance and stubbornly stuck to the same units and tactics? I wouldn't. I want to see them sure up their biggest concern and actually make something of this season. Everything is clicking except for one singular unit and people are talking Boston/NCAA Tournament - now imagine that unit getting up to par with the rest...

                  The staff should absolutely be looking into the numbers offered above and re-evaluating PK line-ups and tactics. They have little to lose and much to gain. I would imagine they are doing this and would disagree that rectifying the PK through whatever means necessary would be boring or ruinous in any way.

                  Most notably I often find their PK to be especially passive. I assume they do not wish to be caught out of position for easy back door goals, etc. That makes perfect sense, except it isn't working and too often they're giving opponents far too much time and space. When I watch the UNH PP (ranked 12th best in the country) they seem to have the worst go of it when opponents are aggressive in pressuring Gildon and other playmakers at the top of the zone. This can lead to getting beat for bad/easy/ugly goals against but it also leads to more rushed passes, turnovers and clears. The goals against might be unattractive, but does it really matter if you're giving up fewer?

                  The staff also need to take a look at shaking up the PK units - even if the only number their looking at is 30% goals against. The status quo isn't working. And finding out which players are excelling on the PK, or those who are struggling and making the right adjustments isn't ruinous. Its the coaches' job. I think anyone would have pegged Maass, Wyse, Blackburn, etc as their best PKers prior to the season. It SEEMS obvious, right? But the results are clear and using whatever they have at their disposal (video, eye tests, even numbers) to get to the bottom of things (potentially leading to something so terrible as math driven adjustments) is absolutely necessary if they want to maximize their potential success in 2020...
                  Dan it is hard to disagree and I am assuming that everyone is considering that who goes out first is often dependent on who is on the ice and for how long. when the infraction occurs. Last night they actually looked better for the first 1/2 or more of each PK. They were effective stopping the shot and clearing the zone. But they start to break down and that diamond 4 thing can do 2 thinks to them. Get them ever closer together and totally blocking the goalies vision or deflecting it (as in the 3rd goal) or just losing focus and starting to skatter with no plan. And yes the aggressive defense bothers them greatly on their PP.
                  However, it was a great game where we looked very skilled and they looked like the tide coming in at us again and again. Will the clock be our friend before that tide takes our sand castle? Yup plus we got that great effort goal from AC! And by the way their goalie clearly carried the puck into the goal area. But it could have been a quick whistle and probably not conclusive as to timing in the replay.
                  Go Cats!

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by Snively65 View Post
                    Only can review goal/no goal or severity of penalty (ex., increasing minor to major and/or misconduct), I think. If penalty simply missed, cannot be reviewed, but maybe a make-up call can be made later.
                    Shea wasn’t the ref on the goal line for that call. The other guy pointed right to center ice when blowing the whistle and a UNH player signaled to the bench that a penalty shot was called.
                    Yes I am the former member known as Zlax45

                    Comment


                    • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

                      Originally posted by e.cat View Post
                      Guess we'll have to go with blind faith Ref
                      Well alright

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj5u3Yf28LE
                      Here we go 'Cats!!

                      Comment


                      • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

                        Originally posted by The Zlax45 View Post
                        Shea wasn’t the ref on the goal line for that call. The other guy pointed right to center ice when blowing the whistle and a UNH player signaled to the bench that a penalty shot was called.
                        Thanks...prob not a good post (on my part) to make... We don't usually harp on officials over here. And...HR knows better.
                        Last edited by HockeyRef; 01-18-2020, 12:22 PM.
                        Here we go 'Cats!!

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by Snively65 View Post
                          Only can review goal/no goal or severity of penalty (ex., increasing minor to major and/or misconduct), I think. If penalty simply missed, cannot be reviewed, but maybe a make-up call can be made later.
                          It may have changed but in the 2006 women's Frozen four in Minnesota, Minnesota was awarded a penalty shot when replay showed a UNH defenseman (woman?) covered the puck in the crease.... it was pretty **** clear on TV last night

                          Comment


                          • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

                            Dan,

                            Your post today is very well written and to the point!


                            Snively65,

                            I agree that analytics can ruin a sport. Coaches start coaching toward what is currently the trendy stat. The players play with the thought of the stats being tracked. The Corsi and Fenwick statistics are very trendy today. I predict in a decade people will look back at them and laugh at how off they were.


                            Another statistic that stood out to me last night were face-offs. UNH won the vast majority of face-offs in the first period (3 goals for and 0 against). Providence won the vast majority of face-offs in the second period ( Providence 2 goals and UNH 0). The face-offs were pretty equal in the third ( UNH 1 and Providence 1).

                            Were the face-off results and goals for/against per period a coincidence or is there a correlation between the two???


                            I am sure Dan can dig up more specifics on this!
                            Last edited by Ray Dorn; 01-18-2020, 12:36 PM.

                            Comment


                            • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

                              Originally posted by Dan View Post
                              I'll never understand coaches or front offices (or fans) who only use/prefer analytical approaches nor, especially, those who want to eschew analytics from the process entirely. Its about gathering ALL of the information available and making the right decisions and installing the best lineups and practices.

                              UNH's penalty kill has been dreadful. They currently rank THIRD WORST in the entire country. They're 7-for-20 (65%) in the second half. They've had fewer attempts on the PK than almost anyone and they've given up more PPG against than almost anyone. Would it really ruin UNH hockey for people if the staff took a deeper look into the numbers regarding who they're running out there to verify what their eyes initially tell them are their best PKers? Especially if it resulted in a stronger unit? I tend to doubt it and in reality it would be coaching malpractice not to do it...

                              Would anyone enjoy the season more if all of UNH's current momentum wasted away because the coaching staff ignored statistical evidence of their PK's performance and stubbornly stuck to the same units and tactics? I wouldn't. I want to see them sure up their biggest concern and actually make something of this season. Everything is clicking except for one singular unit and people are talking Boston/NCAA Tournament - now imagine that unit getting up to par with the rest...

                              The staff should absolutely be looking into the numbers offered above and re-evaluating PK line-ups and tactics. They have little to lose and much to gain. I would imagine they are doing this and would disagree that rectifying the PK through whatever means necessary would be boring or ruinous in any way.

                              Most notably I often find their PK to be especially passive. I assume they do not wish to be caught out of position for easy back door goals, etc. That makes perfect sense, except it isn't working and too often they're giving opponents far too much time and space. When I watch the UNH PP (ranked 12th best in the country) they seem to have the worst go of it when opponents are aggressive in pressuring Gildon and other playmakers at the top of the zone. This can lead to getting beat for bad/easy/ugly goals against but it also leads to more rushed passes, turnovers and clears. The goals against might be unattractive, but does it really matter if you're giving up fewer?

                              The staff also need to take a look at shaking up the PK units - even if the only number their looking at is 30% goals against. The status quo isn't working. And finding out which players are excelling on the PK, or those who are struggling and making the right adjustments isn't ruinous. Its the coaches' job. I think anyone would have pegged Maass, Wyse, Blackburn, etc as their best PKers prior to the season. It SEEMS obvious, right? But the results are clear and using whatever they have at their disposal (video, eye tests, even numbers) to get to the bottom of things (potentially leading to something so terrible as math driven adjustments) is absolutely necessary if they want to maximize their potential success in 2020...
                              One would certainly hope this issue, notably, the PK...is big on their radar for improvement. Everyone knows that a decent PK is absolutely necessary; good thing we are scoring goals as of late. They can definitely do a better job here. Agree with the time and space thing; and, can see your point when we are on the PP. PC was aggressive last night on all fronts; it hurried us as you said. That's what great teams do and I felt we have been rising to that occasion throughout the past 4/5 games which is fantastic to see!!

                              Tonight's game will show if any adjustments were made, and, or....just stay out of the box!!! Go 'Cats!!
                              Here we go 'Cats!!

                              Comment


                              • Re: UNH Hockey: Treading Water or Trending Upward

                                Originally posted by After the Whistle View Post
                                Dan it is hard to disagree and I am assuming that everyone is considering that who goes out first is often dependent on who is on the ice and for how long. when the infraction occurs.
                                Absolutely, that is critically important. And I'm glad to hear they looked more effective, even just in spurts...

                                In taking a brief look at the numbers indicating who has been on the ice for PK goals against, it does become clear that the PK has relied heavily on four specific defensemen and five key forwards. And they're mostly the players you'd expect. At first glance there are some that would cause you to raise an eyebrow when the numbers tell you they aren't performing on the PK - eye test and skill sets indicating they should be good killers - while for a couple others, the high PK goals against aren't necessarily a surprise and you might see opportunities for changes in roles. Now, again, in both cases this is just one piece of a large puzzle of information that coaches need to piece together...

                                Considering each of the skill set evaluations, video review (etc) and the numbers is the only way to figure out where the disconnect is and what you can do to get better. Anyone ignores one piece to the puzzle at their own peril, IMO...

                                With the team playing so well on the whole - and, yes Snively, finally getting great depth of scoring - the bar of what is possible raises greatly if they can continue to play well and figure out this last area of concern. I have faith in them doing ALL they can to do so, which is all you can ask for...

                                ---

                                One thing that jumps out to me at the forward position on the PK is the guys they're relying on are the same guys they rely on to play big minutes 5x5 and play the PP. That adds up to a lot of ice time. I think they have capable PK type talents among their third and fourth line forwards and it would be interesting to me to see them experiment with more situational ice time for guys like MacAdams, Esposito, Engaras and Herrmann...
                                Last edited by Dan; 01-18-2020, 12:50 PM.
                                Live Free or Die!!
                                Miami University '03

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