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2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
- Thread starter WildShawn
- Start date
Hux
Alfond to Ridder & rinks in between
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
I'd like to see the Cat Head away jesrseys again, though not in Nike Swift form, which was apparently disliked by the players.
why mess with the best?
I'd like to see the Cat Head away jesrseys again, though not in Nike Swift form, which was apparently disliked by the players.
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
So, there has been one thing that has been bothering me over the last 4-5 games. Given the 'Cats great record so far and young squad, I hesitate to even mention it, but it is something that could be an issue in the future.
UNH has had a troubling trend lately to look for the home run pass instead of running their offense. Early on last year the 'Cats did much the same, but given the small roster, one could at least understand (if not approve) why they were resorting to such tactics.
Later in the year, once they settled down and ran the offense, they saw much better results and went on a tear to close the season.
What is the explanation this year? One only need to look at the Fenway game to see an example of this trend. Earlier in the game, especially in the 2nd period, UNH seemed to be looking for the long pass. Later in the 3rd, they focused on getting the puck in the zone and cycling, and the result was consistent puck possession, pressure, and nice scoring chances.
What's worse about this new trend towards the HR, is that the passes are often badly telegraphed and intercepted. It doesn't seem to have hurt them too badly, but come the HEA tourney and/or the NCAAs, the last thing I'd want to see is a winning goal come as a result of a turnover on such a play.
The UNH offense has done some really nice things, especially when they focus on their bread 'n butter of possession and cycling.
Thoughts?
So, there has been one thing that has been bothering me over the last 4-5 games. Given the 'Cats great record so far and young squad, I hesitate to even mention it, but it is something that could be an issue in the future.
UNH has had a troubling trend lately to look for the home run pass instead of running their offense. Early on last year the 'Cats did much the same, but given the small roster, one could at least understand (if not approve) why they were resorting to such tactics.
Later in the year, once they settled down and ran the offense, they saw much better results and went on a tear to close the season.
What is the explanation this year? One only need to look at the Fenway game to see an example of this trend. Earlier in the game, especially in the 2nd period, UNH seemed to be looking for the long pass. Later in the 3rd, they focused on getting the puck in the zone and cycling, and the result was consistent puck possession, pressure, and nice scoring chances.
What's worse about this new trend towards the HR, is that the passes are often badly telegraphed and intercepted. It doesn't seem to have hurt them too badly, but come the HEA tourney and/or the NCAAs, the last thing I'd want to see is a winning goal come as a result of a turnover on such a play.
The UNH offense has done some really nice things, especially when they focus on their bread 'n butter of possession and cycling.
Thoughts?
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
Keep in mind that during any game, the coach will try different lines incorporating different breakouts and forechecks. We used to have the first and third lines do a center-right wing forecheck, while the second line ran the sinker....most games you have a game plan and try to see if it works, as the game progresses you might end up dumping the puck and forechecking but if we studied film 30 years ago, I can imagine the game plans developped now. Once when we played Wisconsin, we knew their All-American defensemen had certain tendencies and we played him specifically......also, I wouldn't use the Fenway game as any kind of a barometer for a style of play for UNH, seeing as how snow and a scraped surface really won't be the norm from now on....
Keep in mind that during any game, the coach will try different lines incorporating different breakouts and forechecks. We used to have the first and third lines do a center-right wing forecheck, while the second line ran the sinker....most games you have a game plan and try to see if it works, as the game progresses you might end up dumping the puck and forechecking but if we studied film 30 years ago, I can imagine the game plans developped now. Once when we played Wisconsin, we knew their All-American defensemen had certain tendencies and we played him specifically......also, I wouldn't use the Fenway game as any kind of a barometer for a style of play for UNH, seeing as how snow and a scraped surface really won't be the norm from now on....
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
As I said, it isn't just the Fenway game where I and others have noticed this trend. It almost seems as if they get stifled a few times trying to break into the offensive zone they start looking for the HR. It's one thing if you have a clear opportunity to send someone in alone or an odd rush, such as hitting Allen out of the box at Fenway, but when it becomes a consistent habit that it is troubling. It seems unlikely to me, having watched UNH and Coach Mac for years, that looking for the HR pass is a deliberate offensive strategy. Jmo.
As I said, it isn't just the Fenway game where I and others have noticed this trend. It almost seems as if they get stifled a few times trying to break into the offensive zone they start looking for the HR. It's one thing if you have a clear opportunity to send someone in alone or an odd rush, such as hitting Allen out of the box at Fenway, but when it becomes a consistent habit that it is troubling. It seems unlikely to me, having watched UNH and Coach Mac for years, that looking for the HR pass is a deliberate offensive strategy. Jmo.
Hux
Alfond to Ridder & rinks in between
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
I dunno. Went by the office a few weeks ago and Coach McCloskey was kickin' it with his staff on the couch, watching Brady to Moss highlights on the Plasmah!
I dunno. Went by the office a few weeks ago and Coach McCloskey was kickin' it with his staff on the couch, watching Brady to Moss highlights on the Plasmah!
unhpuckfan2001
Local Fire Extinguisher
Gibber
Little Boxes
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
Photos from NU and UNH Practices at Fenway last Thursday
I'll be putting gameday pictures up in the next day or two. Enjoy!
Photos from NU and UNH Practices at Fenway last Thursday
I'll be putting gameday pictures up in the next day or two. Enjoy!
Gibber
Little Boxes
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
We knew going into this season that there would be too much parity to expect perfection. We didn't win a game against BU last year, but still managed to get it done.
Hockey East Overall
GP W L T SOW Pts GF GA W L T GF GA
Northeastern 14 8 4 2 1 19 35 24 14 5 2 55 29
Providence 13 6 3 4 2 18 35 26 10 7 8 66 56
Boston College 13 4 5 4 4 16 25 32 5 9 9 43 63
New Hampshire 11 7 3 1 0 15 35 23 13 4 4 68 42
Boston University 11 4 4 3 2 13 31 26 8 6 8 65 60
Connecticut 11 4 3 4 1 13 25 20 13 6 5 66 44
Maine 12 3 6 3 1 10 15 31 6 11 5 54 58
Vermont 11 1 9 1 0 3 11 30 6 16 1 37 65
We are still looking good in HE - three games in hand with NU, and two each with BC and PC, and 4 points separating us from NU, the current leader. If the season ended today, we are ranked fourth nationally - good enough for home ice in the NCAA quarters.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, as they say. It will be interesting to see how the 'Cats respond against Northeastern on Wednesday. They are far better off with the games they've had thus far in 2010 than in years past, when they could slide into cruise control to finish up the conference schedule. What they face, and how they respond over the next month will be good preparation for any post season aspirations.
Personally, I think wins are great, but when you lose, you have the opportunity to grow stronger.
PC becomes the first HE team to sweep UNH in quite a while...should we be concerned? Or is this merely an aberration, somehow PC just happens to have UNH's number this year?
We knew going into this season that there would be too much parity to expect perfection. We didn't win a game against BU last year, but still managed to get it done.
Hockey East Overall
GP W L T SOW Pts GF GA W L T GF GA
Northeastern 14 8 4 2 1 19 35 24 14 5 2 55 29
Providence 13 6 3 4 2 18 35 26 10 7 8 66 56
Boston College 13 4 5 4 4 16 25 32 5 9 9 43 63
New Hampshire 11 7 3 1 0 15 35 23 13 4 4 68 42
Boston University 11 4 4 3 2 13 31 26 8 6 8 65 60
Connecticut 11 4 3 4 1 13 25 20 13 6 5 66 44
Maine 12 3 6 3 1 10 15 31 6 11 5 54 58
Vermont 11 1 9 1 0 3 11 30 6 16 1 37 65
We are still looking good in HE - three games in hand with NU, and two each with BC and PC, and 4 points separating us from NU, the current leader. If the season ended today, we are ranked fourth nationally - good enough for home ice in the NCAA quarters.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, as they say. It will be interesting to see how the 'Cats respond against Northeastern on Wednesday. They are far better off with the games they've had thus far in 2010 than in years past, when they could slide into cruise control to finish up the conference schedule. What they face, and how they respond over the next month will be good preparation for any post season aspirations.
Personally, I think wins are great, but when you lose, you have the opportunity to grow stronger.
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Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
I'm in agreement with DC....the Friars had a good weekend against us, give them credit...you don't have to fault us for them to play well.....often there are teams that somehow give you a hard time...back 30 years ago, we had the same problem with Vermont, and they were D II back then.....if the Cats can come out hard and mean, and take the third game from the Huskies, how will you feel then? Whom would you rather sweep or have sweep you? As DC says, as of now we'd be hosting a NCAA game. Same as the men's situation, even though we have only 1 out of conference win, because Hockey East is so strong with parity, we're still in the PWR top 16....as they say, take the season each weekend, each game as they come...and the end will take care of itself....
I'm in agreement with DC....the Friars had a good weekend against us, give them credit...you don't have to fault us for them to play well.....often there are teams that somehow give you a hard time...back 30 years ago, we had the same problem with Vermont, and they were D II back then.....if the Cats can come out hard and mean, and take the third game from the Huskies, how will you feel then? Whom would you rather sweep or have sweep you? As DC says, as of now we'd be hosting a NCAA game. Same as the men's situation, even though we have only 1 out of conference win, because Hockey East is so strong with parity, we're still in the PWR top 16....as they say, take the season each weekend, each game as they come...and the end will take care of itself....
Mosrite
Vintage
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
I wasn't "faulting" anyone...I was merely making an observation and wondering if there should be some concern. DC answered my question, thank you.
What do mean, "how will I feel then"?
I think that you're taking what I wrote a bit to personally. I wasn't criticizing the team or anyone in particular; if you are a member of the team (and I suspect that you are, or closely associated with the team), then I'm sorry if you feel that I am being overly critical. For the record, I am not. Unfortunately, due to conflicts, I've only been able to make it to a few home games this season and therefore have to rely on the observations of people like DC to provide common-sense analysis and observations of the games
I've been watching UNH hockey (mens and womens) since the '80's; I may not be a hard-core fan who posts regularily on these boards, but I am well-aware of how successful the program has been at UNH over the last 20+ years. Year in and year out the women's team in particular continues to impress me. As mentioned, since I have not been able to get to the games, I was only expressing a concern, and not handing down an indictment of the team's overall play.
I wasn't "faulting" anyone...I was merely making an observation and wondering if there should be some concern. DC answered my question, thank you.
What do mean, "how will I feel then"?
I think that you're taking what I wrote a bit to personally. I wasn't criticizing the team or anyone in particular; if you are a member of the team (and I suspect that you are, or closely associated with the team), then I'm sorry if you feel that I am being overly critical. For the record, I am not. Unfortunately, due to conflicts, I've only been able to make it to a few home games this season and therefore have to rely on the observations of people like DC to provide common-sense analysis and observations of the gamesI've been watching UNH hockey (mens and womens) since the '80's; I may not be a hard-core fan who posts regularily on these boards, but I am well-aware of how successful the program has been at UNH over the last 20+ years. Year in and year out the women's team in particular continues to impress me. As mentioned, since I have not been able to get to the games, I was only expressing a concern, and not handing down an indictment of the team's overall play.
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
If I were to write in french and use the plural vous instead of the familiar tu, would I be more explicit? I wasn't aiming the comments at you Mosrite...sorry for the misunderstanding. I was probably still stinging from the double loss! But seeing as how our rankings really didn't take a big hit, and the losses might be good for us at this time of year, I'll chill....we wildcat fans should always stick close!
If I were to write in french and use the plural vous instead of the familiar tu, would I be more explicit? I wasn't aiming the comments at you Mosrite...sorry for the misunderstanding. I was probably still stinging from the double loss! But seeing as how our rankings really didn't take a big hit, and the losses might be good for us at this time of year, I'll chill....we wildcat fans should always stick close!
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
So, although I was hesitant to mention the trend towards the "homerun" pass, I have no qualms mentioning what is another disturbing trend.
Birchard, at times, seems very lazy on the ice. Despite an obvious speed advantage over most players, she often has to turn on the jets late to break up a play that never should have developed to begin with. And worse, she makes some dangerous decisions with the puck, and it killed 'em today.
Birchard, for some reason, came around from behind the net and tried to cross in front of the net, lost the puck, and it resulted in a gift goal for NU. UNH had just taken a hit with the loss of Paton but had regained momentum (in a game they were controlling to that point) with the pp goal, but that turnover seemed to utterly deflate the team. It began several minutes where UNH was completely out of synch, leading to the 2nd goal. Coach Mac's timeout clearly settled the team, and they battled hard the rest of the way, but that couple minute span completely changed the game.
Birchard is one of the best D's in the NCAA, but at times she doesn't show it, and UNH needs her to be as good as she can be.
One other thing...as much as I detest the skills competition that HEA has adopted, it is obviously here to stay. I have heard that Coach Mac thinks it is a joke, and the team certainly doesn't seem to get fired up for it in the way that BU, NU, or BC do. Individual skills competitions are certainly an absurd way to break ties in the standings, but the reality is that those points are important.
Lastly, the Eskimo is building up quite a collection of signs.
So, although I was hesitant to mention the trend towards the "homerun" pass, I have no qualms mentioning what is another disturbing trend.
Birchard, at times, seems very lazy on the ice. Despite an obvious speed advantage over most players, she often has to turn on the jets late to break up a play that never should have developed to begin with. And worse, she makes some dangerous decisions with the puck, and it killed 'em today.
Birchard, for some reason, came around from behind the net and tried to cross in front of the net, lost the puck, and it resulted in a gift goal for NU. UNH had just taken a hit with the loss of Paton but had regained momentum (in a game they were controlling to that point) with the pp goal, but that turnover seemed to utterly deflate the team. It began several minutes where UNH was completely out of synch, leading to the 2nd goal. Coach Mac's timeout clearly settled the team, and they battled hard the rest of the way, but that couple minute span completely changed the game.
Birchard is one of the best D's in the NCAA, but at times she doesn't show it, and UNH needs her to be as good as she can be.
One other thing...as much as I detest the skills competition that HEA has adopted, it is obviously here to stay. I have heard that Coach Mac thinks it is a joke, and the team certainly doesn't seem to get fired up for it in the way that BU, NU, or BC do. Individual skills competitions are certainly an absurd way to break ties in the standings, but the reality is that those points are important.
Lastly, the Eskimo is building up quite a collection of signs.
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
And that's why, despite what people think about our "Litter Box", most goalies get a kick out of them. I think HUX has a photo or two with the signs in the background. Perhaps he will share
Freak, I just heard about one of those signs on DHD. You guys are pretty creative
And that's why, despite what people think about our "Litter Box", most goalies get a kick out of them. I think HUX has a photo or two with the signs in the background. Perhaps he will share
ARM
Fan of chipmunk-like mascots.
Re: 2009-2010 New Hampshire Wildcats Season
Isn't she a converted F? It isn't uncommon for such players to add a great deal offensively to their team, but be a liability at times in their own zone. I suppose the difference is that things that are old hat to D who have been playing the position for years require more thought than pure reaction for a former forward.
While I agree with you and think that at a minimum the point system should be adjusted so that winning a SO isn't worth as much as a regular win, I have come to have some appreciation for the drama involved. Watching Tomcikova and Räty put on a display is pretty good entertainment.