Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season
Im not one not complain about coaching on these boards as I generally think Umile and Co. do a good job. But after watching that game last night I get the sense that UNH still feels they have more skill than the majority of the teams they play- they play and up tempo run and gun style, which is great, but I dont see it working this year. Wisco had D to shut it down, BU will have the D to shut it down, and BC will too once Cross, Dumoulin, Wey, and Shea get games under their belts. UNH needs to be better defensively. Im a big fan of Kessel, but the kid needs to get meaner and better defensively. I do not doubt he will get an NHL contract, but hes not good enough to be a PP quarterback in the NHL, maybe not even at the AHL, if he doesnt sharpen up he will get his one contract and than be done. I dont really care how "physical" the UNH D are, as I know its tough to finish all hits at the Whit and not be taken out of position- but their one on one play has been awful. Getting beat 1 on 1 is just not OK, and its happening alot this year. I think both Umile and York will watch that video with disgust to be perfectly honest. One Dman I like for UNH is hardowa, big kid and pretty mobile. Hes a meat and potatoes guy and I think he will be what this group needs. Kostolansky looked good too.
As for the lines, I liked the switch up a bit. Bottom line is Butler and Leblanc can only do so much, so I think its good that they split them up. Sislo looked good last night- but here are my thoughts on his season so far--- he got way to comfortable last year playing with JVR and pollestrone, two highly skilled players. He got it in his mind that he was a "finisher" and a skill guy. Well hes not, he has some talent for sure, but if he thinks hes going to be a player that gets to sit back and let others do the dirty work he will not get very far. Hes got a ton of speed and grit and some finishing ability, but without JVR he will have to create alot more by himself. Ive watched him early and he thinks hes Brett Hull, coasting around waiting for one timers. Last night was good for thim though, Leblanc's pace elevated his pace to where it needs to be. And those who thought JVR was just ok, man oh man have you been watching him lately? Will be a great thing for UNH if he wins the calder.
Moving on to Desimone-Can umile put this guy in the stands? I just read the intro to BU's book that came out, and parker was not shy to sit Bonnino and Lawrence last year, why is desimone exempt? I understand they need him to be a top player- but right now the kid is not getting it done and needs a serious wakeup call. I have never seen a player with a lower battle level than him. Yes he has alot of skill, but the only time he has any jump is on the PP when he knows its less likely he will get hit. As a 3rd round pick and USHL POTY, he needs to be ALOT better. I dont understand how he remains on a top line and gets PP time with the performance hes given thus far. Give guys like Borisok, thompson, henrion, moses, mccarey, and block his ice. Desimone has done NOTHING at UNH to be given the oppurtunity he has- kid really needs to get it together and evolve or UNH will not go too far. With that being said, I know he has alot of talent and potential, I just think he needs a wakeup call, something he has not had since hes been here...hes still getting by on his junior numbers.
And my final comment is in agreement with a pervious poster. Against Maine the line of Borisniuk-Thompson-Moses dominated. What was the result? They were split up the following game against Wisconsin. I get the sense that this happened because of desimone and sislo not playing well- Umile juggled the line to cater to them. I dont understand that.
