Carmine Scarpaglia
My bad.
This whole thing is so priceless I don't even know where to begin.
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Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
- Thread starter BUPhD
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This whole thing is so priceless I don't even know where to begin.
BigRedTerrier
Registered User
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Only got to see parts of the second period and the last 5-6mins of the third, but somehow this loss doesn't sting as much as many of the others did in the past years. My criticism with BU...going back to 2004 when I started grad school there, was always that the talent is there, but the heart was inconsistent. The heart has definitely been there the last few weeks and so I have no trouble watching a team that gives it all lose. It's just too bad that it took Jack's retirement to bring about that kind of effort and that it wasn't there earlier in the season, or they'd still be playing. In hindsight, I can't help but wonder where this team would be had Jack announced his intentions to retire before the season started.
It's also interesting to ready others criticize the conservative style of play by BU. This also was something I noticed from the start...very talented players that seemed to be reigned in. I think the key is to teach these talents players when to reign it in and stay back on defense, and when to push it offensively. Maybe I'll be eating my words, but right now I'm be excited to see a coach who can teach talented offensive players to be smart defensively, while allowing them to have fun out there and take some chances. With this freshman class, that could be a very exciting team to watch, even if they aren't a championship team next year.
Only got to see parts of the second period and the last 5-6mins of the third, but somehow this loss doesn't sting as much as many of the others did in the past years. My criticism with BU...going back to 2004 when I started grad school there, was always that the talent is there, but the heart was inconsistent. The heart has definitely been there the last few weeks and so I have no trouble watching a team that gives it all lose. It's just too bad that it took Jack's retirement to bring about that kind of effort and that it wasn't there earlier in the season, or they'd still be playing. In hindsight, I can't help but wonder where this team would be had Jack announced his intentions to retire before the season started.
It's also interesting to ready others criticize the conservative style of play by BU. This also was something I noticed from the start...very talented players that seemed to be reigned in. I think the key is to teach these talents players when to reign it in and stay back on defense, and when to push it offensively. Maybe I'll be eating my words, but right now I'm be excited to see a coach who can teach talented offensive players to be smart defensively, while allowing them to have fun out there and take some chances. With this freshman class, that could be a very exciting team to watch, even if they aren't a championship team next year.
KnightsOfTheRound
Hockey Knight in Boston
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
I agree the fact that most of us are fat neckbeards (ha) shouldn't preclude us from discussing the athletic accomplishments of the players, but I also think sometimes people on this board go too far. The players we're discussing are amateur college kids. I would, and have, said some pretty pointed things about professional athletes in real life and on the internet, but I always at least try to restrain myself a bit here because we're talking about student athletes. I know it's what they signed up for when they committed to play at a school like BU or BC, but I personally feel bad publicly and anonymously ripping into the performance of 19 year old sophomores and questioning their heart or commitment. Maybe it's warranted sometimes, but I try to draw the line.
I agree the fact that most of us are fat neckbeards (ha) shouldn't preclude us from discussing the athletic accomplishments of the players, but I also think sometimes people on this board go too far. The players we're discussing are amateur college kids. I would, and have, said some pretty pointed things about professional athletes in real life and on the internet, but I always at least try to restrain myself a bit here because we're talking about student athletes. I know it's what they signed up for when they committed to play at a school like BU or BC, but I personally feel bad publicly and anonymously ripping into the performance of 19 year old sophomores and questioning their heart or commitment. Maybe it's warranted sometimes, but I try to draw the line.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
I think you summed up the last four years of discussion on this board! Personally, I have said several times that they seem to be too "choreographed." They're playing that Bruins puck possession style which cannot help ingrain the mindset of "don't make a mistake." In other words, it's as if they are playing scared to lose. You can't win that way. I agree, loosen the reigns! It's been particularly exasperating because the school three miles up the street plays the exact OPPOSITE way! They are one of the most exciting teams in college hockey to watch and they are always thinking "attack." As I said yesterday, I don't believe that you can be consistently successful in today's game by playing a close to the vest, conservative style (which is why, sorry, but I don't think Lowell will win), for the following reasons:
1) You tend to sit back and become tentative, which makes the defense back in and get bottled up in their own end.
2) There aren't a lot of great puck-moving defenseman, even at this level
3) Players are bigger and faster so there is less time and space to react
4) Applying constant pressure puts the opponent back on their heels and creates more scoring opportunities and odd-man rushes, which is important because of "5)" below
5) Goalie equipment is insane and it's tougher to score today with all the shot-blocking and clogging of the middle
The biggest irony that I saw this year is that BU played a defensive-minded style, yet gave up 40 shots per game and was outshot in almost every game. Not a good combination! How does that even happen? It happens when you put pressure on a defense that doesn't have the ability to play that style. The whole point of playing that style is to LIMIT the opponent's scoring opportunities, but all it actually did was to put the BU sub-par defense under MORE pressure, so to me it totally backfired. The two games at the Garden were a microcosm of the last 10 years of the Parker era. The only time they were successful was when they opened it up and attacked (see the 2nd half of the game against BC) - and that was only when they were forced to. Think about it...even in 2009 they were down 1-0 to BC for almost the ENTIRE game before they exploded for 3 goals in 46 seconds. We don't even have to talk about the Miami game. That team should have blown everybody away - the fact that there were so many close games at the end of the year should have been cause for consternation. And on the other side of the ledger, this year, look what happened when we played with the lead and backed up. See the Northeastern and especially that dreadful Harvard game in January, where we just stopped skating - probably the worst loss I can remember in BU history. This has been a recurring pattern for years with this program. They play well when their backs are against the wall and they retreat into a shell with the lead. Yeah, I get it. SOMETIMES you will lose when you continually press forward and maybe give up a couple of odd-man rushes. But the problem is, you can't just turn it on and off and keep changing styles. You have to dance with the girl you brought. You don't see BC going into a shell. Even Friday night, they kept it full throttle. Did it cost them? Yes. But has that style been overwhelmingly successful? YES!!! You can't win 0-0. It would be different if we were Merrimack or Providence, but this team has tremendous offensive talent if they would only be "unleashed." You can't hold back players like that, and in fact, I believe that is why we have had the number of defections that have occured. Players don't like the system. It's like a football coach insisting that he is going to run the wishbone even though he has a quarterback who can't move and can't handle the ball. You wouldn't tell Merrimack to open up the game and try to win 6-5 every night with the players they have. When you don't adapt your style to the talent you have, it shows a lack of flexibility (should I say "stubborness") that hinders your success. And THAT is the complaint we have had with Coach Parker. Nobody is trying to rip him now that his career is over. We just want to see a style of play that is going to help our team to be as successful as possible and also create a style of play that is exciting to watch. I wonder if the BU administration has gone to any games and seen the attendance and/or lack of enthusiasm the last few years (another thing I've been ranting about). Most of these games would put one to sleep. This program, given the talent they are lucky enough to be able to bring in here, should be doing a little better than they have been. I don't think we're unrealistic (as I mentioned yesterday) and expect to go to the Frozen Four every year and win the championship eight out of every ten years (as apparently Jofa thinks we should), but if we're going to call ourselves an "elite" program we have to step it up a notch.
I think you summed up the last four years of discussion on this board! Personally, I have said several times that they seem to be too "choreographed." They're playing that Bruins puck possession style which cannot help ingrain the mindset of "don't make a mistake." In other words, it's as if they are playing scared to lose. You can't win that way. I agree, loosen the reigns! It's been particularly exasperating because the school three miles up the street plays the exact OPPOSITE way! They are one of the most exciting teams in college hockey to watch and they are always thinking "attack." As I said yesterday, I don't believe that you can be consistently successful in today's game by playing a close to the vest, conservative style (which is why, sorry, but I don't think Lowell will win), for the following reasons:
1) You tend to sit back and become tentative, which makes the defense back in and get bottled up in their own end.
2) There aren't a lot of great puck-moving defenseman, even at this level
3) Players are bigger and faster so there is less time and space to react
4) Applying constant pressure puts the opponent back on their heels and creates more scoring opportunities and odd-man rushes, which is important because of "5)" below
5) Goalie equipment is insane and it's tougher to score today with all the shot-blocking and clogging of the middle
The biggest irony that I saw this year is that BU played a defensive-minded style, yet gave up 40 shots per game and was outshot in almost every game. Not a good combination! How does that even happen? It happens when you put pressure on a defense that doesn't have the ability to play that style. The whole point of playing that style is to LIMIT the opponent's scoring opportunities, but all it actually did was to put the BU sub-par defense under MORE pressure, so to me it totally backfired. The two games at the Garden were a microcosm of the last 10 years of the Parker era. The only time they were successful was when they opened it up and attacked (see the 2nd half of the game against BC) - and that was only when they were forced to. Think about it...even in 2009 they were down 1-0 to BC for almost the ENTIRE game before they exploded for 3 goals in 46 seconds. We don't even have to talk about the Miami game. That team should have blown everybody away - the fact that there were so many close games at the end of the year should have been cause for consternation. And on the other side of the ledger, this year, look what happened when we played with the lead and backed up. See the Northeastern and especially that dreadful Harvard game in January, where we just stopped skating - probably the worst loss I can remember in BU history. This has been a recurring pattern for years with this program. They play well when their backs are against the wall and they retreat into a shell with the lead. Yeah, I get it. SOMETIMES you will lose when you continually press forward and maybe give up a couple of odd-man rushes. But the problem is, you can't just turn it on and off and keep changing styles. You have to dance with the girl you brought. You don't see BC going into a shell. Even Friday night, they kept it full throttle. Did it cost them? Yes. But has that style been overwhelmingly successful? YES!!! You can't win 0-0. It would be different if we were Merrimack or Providence, but this team has tremendous offensive talent if they would only be "unleashed." You can't hold back players like that, and in fact, I believe that is why we have had the number of defections that have occured. Players don't like the system. It's like a football coach insisting that he is going to run the wishbone even though he has a quarterback who can't move and can't handle the ball. You wouldn't tell Merrimack to open up the game and try to win 6-5 every night with the players they have. When you don't adapt your style to the talent you have, it shows a lack of flexibility (should I say "stubborness") that hinders your success. And THAT is the complaint we have had with Coach Parker. Nobody is trying to rip him now that his career is over. We just want to see a style of play that is going to help our team to be as successful as possible and also create a style of play that is exciting to watch. I wonder if the BU administration has gone to any games and seen the attendance and/or lack of enthusiasm the last few years (another thing I've been ranting about). Most of these games would put one to sleep. This program, given the talent they are lucky enough to be able to bring in here, should be doing a little better than they have been. I don't think we're unrealistic (as I mentioned yesterday) and expect to go to the Frozen Four every year and win the championship eight out of every ten years (as apparently Jofa thinks we should), but if we're going to call ourselves an "elite" program we have to step it up a notch.
Harry Cleverly
New member
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Whitehead couldn't come to an agreement with Lowell, who did try to resign him, but didn't offer him what he wanted, so he took his chances and left.
He went to Maine to fill in as interim head coach until Shawn Walsh got healthy. He was a volunteer interim head coach, and wasn't being paid a salary initially, and then Walsh died.
For many years, Grant Standbrook was paid a higher salary as an assistant coach at Maine than many head coaches. That is why he never left the Black Bears.
And while I appreciate what Bazin has accomplished in such a short amount of time - deservedly the Hockey East coach of the year two years in a row, if he believes that Lowell is "the summit," then he isn't looking very high, far or wide.
Whitehead couldn't come to an agreement with Lowell, who did try to resign him, but didn't offer him what he wanted, so he took his chances and left.
He went to Maine to fill in as interim head coach until Shawn Walsh got healthy. He was a volunteer interim head coach, and wasn't being paid a salary initially, and then Walsh died.
For many years, Grant Standbrook was paid a higher salary as an assistant coach at Maine than many head coaches. That is why he never left the Black Bears.
And while I appreciate what Bazin has accomplished in such a short amount of time - deservedly the Hockey East coach of the year two years in a row, if he believes that Lowell is "the summit," then he isn't looking very high, far or wide.
Harry Cleverly
New member
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Milner has two rings, one for backstopping the Igles to a national championship, the other for opening the gate while John Muse played.
Of BC's starting goalies of recent vintage, I'd put Milner at the bottom of the pile.
You can argue that the bottom of that pile is higher than the tops of some others, but I believe that Milner is an average goalie for a good D1 team, and no more.
And I think that you are underrating how good the Igles defensive corps was last season.
And why are we discussing BC goalies in the BU forum?
Oh, yeh, it is where Igles need to come for intelligent hockey talk.
The big difference between Maguire and O'Connor is that O'Connor gives up too many rebounds.
Milner has two rings, one for backstopping the Igles to a national championship, the other for opening the gate while John Muse played.
Of BC's starting goalies of recent vintage, I'd put Milner at the bottom of the pile.
You can argue that the bottom of that pile is higher than the tops of some others, but I believe that Milner is an average goalie for a good D1 team, and no more.
And I think that you are underrating how good the Igles defensive corps was last season.
And why are we discussing BC goalies in the BU forum?
Oh, yeh, it is where Igles need to come for intelligent hockey talk.
The big difference between Maguire and O'Connor is that O'Connor gives up too many rebounds.
claver2010
*****
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Another reason to get rid of the full cages, these guys are armored up head to toe
Another reason to get rid of the full cages, these guys are armored up head to toe
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
We agree, he backstopped them to a national title. As for the other year, maybe they don't win it if he doesn't push Muse like he did. At least you've gone from calling him average at best to now "average". Still wrong, but at least you're coming around. If you actually watched the games, he was outstanding and was great for the first half of this season.
Why are we discussing it here? You brought it up! I don't consider this "argument" to be intelligent hockey talk either.
We agree, he backstopped them to a national title. As for the other year, maybe they don't win it if he doesn't push Muse like he did. At least you've gone from calling him average at best to now "average". Still wrong, but at least you're coming around. If you actually watched the games, he was outstanding and was great for the first half of this season.
Why are we discussing it here? You brought it up! I don't consider this "argument" to be intelligent hockey talk either.
Harry Cleverly
New member
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
QUESTION: You are on the BU Search Committee for a new head men's hockey coach. Who is your choice, and why?
1.) John Hynes
2.) David Quinn
3.) Mike Sullivan
4.) Someone else
QUESTION: You are on the BU Search Committee for a new head men's hockey coach. Who is your choice, and why?
1.) John Hynes
2.) David Quinn
3.) Mike Sullivan
4.) Someone else
mookie1995
there's a good buck in that racket.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
.
since we're done....
mookie DOES NOT want a coach here looking to spend 40yrs on comm ave. i would prefer a guy to come in and try to make a name for himself, then take the bruins job in 10 yrs when harry sinden calls (). i want someone who has hunger and that hunger stays strong to prove himself at the highest level.
.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
You are a dimwit chickie if nothing else which I think is most likely the case. One FF in 16 years thats what we are talking about here and that was achieved due to an "own goal", the exaggerations to make a point just shows that you dont have one.
You are a dimwit chickie if nothing else which I think is most likely the case. One FF in 16 years thats what we are talking about here and that was achieved due to an "own goal", the exaggerations to make a point just shows that you dont have one.
claver2010
*****
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
My list:
1) Toot Cahoon
2) TIMMAY
3) Frank Spaziani
My list:
1) Toot Cahoon
2) TIMMAY
3) Frank Spaziani
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Is that so? Of course since you don't know a **** thing about me that's a pretty idiotic statement - but then again, you seem to be angry at everyone so as my Dad said, "Consider the source..."
Is that so? Of course since you don't know a **** thing about me that's a pretty idiotic statement - but then again, you seem to be angry at everyone so as my Dad said, "Consider the source..."
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
According to Milner's bio, he was Hockey East Goaltender of the month in February 2010. He was 4-0-0, with a 0.93 GAA and a .963 save percentage. His record for the year was 10-2-1. I'd say he did his part for that 2010 National Championship team.
Milner has two rings, one for backstopping the Igles to a national championship, the other for opening the gate while John Muse played.
Of BC's starting goalies of recent vintage, I'd put Milner at the bottom of the pile.
You can argue that the bottom of that pile is higher than the tops of some others, but I believe that Milner is an average goalie for a good D1 team, and no more.
And I think that you are underrating how good the Igles defensive corps was last season.
And why are we discussing BC goalies in the BU forum?
Oh, yeh, it is where Igles need to come for intelligent hockey talk.
The big difference between Maguire and O'Connor is that O'Connor gives up too many rebounds.
According to Milner's bio, he was Hockey East Goaltender of the month in February 2010. He was 4-0-0, with a 0.93 GAA and a .963 save percentage. His record for the year was 10-2-1. I'd say he did his part for that 2010 National Championship team.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
I think this is why some people (BU fans and non-BU fans) have a problem with some of Jack Parker's quotes, about his own players, after losses.
I think this is why some people (BU fans and non-BU fans) have a problem with some of Jack Parker's quotes, about his own players, after losses.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Do you think they played a certain style, back when Agganis first opened, because they had John Curry in net? Perhaps they were playing to his strengths. And playing the way they thought would win them the most games.
Do you think they played a certain style, back when Agganis first opened, because they had John Curry in net? Perhaps they were playing to his strengths. And playing the way they thought would win them the most games.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Please relax, I understand you are a fan of BU's, as am I; but to insult others because they disagree with your statements isn't going to get your point(s) across. I'm with you when you say Jack needs to go, he had not adapted to the "new" game that is being played today. His current roster should not of been "held back" since they are very creative, offensive players which need to be given the opportunity to show their skills on ever shift. I'm with you 100%, but Parker is a legend. He has been the Head Coach of BU for longer the 99% of the players in the NHL, have been ALIVE. Give him respect when respect is due. He knows more about the game then all of the people on the forum combined.
We are getting a new coach next year and it will be one for three guys. (2 are currently Assistant Coaches in the NHL and 1 is the Head Coach in the AHL) all of which have a completely different outlook on the game, so be happy.
There also was a reason why the BU players didn't really come together until the end of the season and it wasn't because Parker was leaving. it was because they knew he WAS LEAVING. Meaning they could play their free style of creative hockey and Parker was not going to hold any grudges; how could he even every game was their last?
BU has great players, and some great ones coming in. I have no problems in saying the Terriers will win Hockey East next Year, and at least getting to the elite 8. A new era is coming to BU and it should be a fun ride.
Please relax, I understand you are a fan of BU's, as am I; but to insult others because they disagree with your statements isn't going to get your point(s) across. I'm with you when you say Jack needs to go, he had not adapted to the "new" game that is being played today. His current roster should not of been "held back" since they are very creative, offensive players which need to be given the opportunity to show their skills on ever shift. I'm with you 100%, but Parker is a legend. He has been the Head Coach of BU for longer the 99% of the players in the NHL, have been ALIVE. Give him respect when respect is due. He knows more about the game then all of the people on the forum combined.
We are getting a new coach next year and it will be one for three guys. (2 are currently Assistant Coaches in the NHL and 1 is the Head Coach in the AHL) all of which have a completely different outlook on the game, so be happy.
There also was a reason why the BU players didn't really come together until the end of the season and it wasn't because Parker was leaving. it was because they knew he WAS LEAVING. Meaning they could play their free style of creative hockey and Parker was not going to hold any grudges; how could he even every game was their last?
BU has great players, and some great ones coming in. I have no problems in saying the Terriers will win Hockey East next Year, and at least getting to the elite 8. A new era is coming to BU and it should be a fun ride.
Carmine Scarpaglia
My bad.
Re: Boston University season thread 4: Where BC comes to talk hockey
Whoa whoa whoa whoa... what are you thinking bringing facts around here?
Whoa whoa whoa whoa... what are you thinking bringing facts around here?
hawkeytown
"I mean, that thing is good"
If my memory serves me right, Lowell offered 2 years and whitehead wanted three. Had nothing to do with $$, and all to do with security. Lowell said no, and let whitehead walk.
As for Bazin, that's what he wants... To stay at Lowell. It's his dream job to coach for his alma mater and make it a
Powerhouse.
Look I am not trying to fight you on this, just want to set an expectation that Bazin is really not looking to move. Plus he just signed an extension before the season started.
Good luck in the off season and really looking forward to see who comes on board for BU.
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