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

[hydrant]

I agree that the defense may be our weak point and our offense does not have any players that seem to drive a line. Defense played well when Farrance was out and offense seems to have more depth next year. Just need players to start taking their game up a notch. Hoping Peterson, Mastro, and Skoog take a step forward.

 

[Lemonade]

I agree that the defense may be our weak point and our offense does not have any players that seem to drive a line. Defense played well when Farrance was out and offense seems to have more depth next year. Just need players to start taking their game up a notch. Hoping Peterson, Mastro, and Skoog take a step forward.

The addition of Matt Brown is a huge one in my opinion. Really liked how he played. I think up front they may not have one superstar but with Tuch, Peterson, O'Brien, Cockerill, Amonte, Skoog and Mastro you should have at least two really good lines up front. Defense could improve from last year. Farrance wasn't exactly a defensive defenseman so maybe going more conservative defensively is a good thing. I think they will have the best goalie situation in Hockey East (minus Umass who has Murray in portal and Lindberg potentially leaving). The real X factor is can Albie step up and deliver.....he has the talent on the ice.

 

[joen05]

I'm assuming he means the players.

That is correct!

 

[Rover]

Unless Jack Eichel is coming back I don't see how 25 wins and a FF appearance are possible. It's a decent team with a bad coach which usually translates to a .500 record. Yes the pressure is on Albie who needs to win some hardware next year or I don't see how the school can justify his continued employment. Constant flameouts in the HE tournament and first round exits in the NCAA's should not be grounds for a contract extension. Time to cut him loose.

 

[hydrant]

Unless Jack Eichel is coming back I don't see how 25 wins and a FF appearance are possible. It's a decent team with a bad coach which usually translates to a .500 record. Yes the pressure is on Albie who needs to win some hardware next year or I don't see how the school can justify his continued employment. Constant flameouts in the HE tournament and first round exits in the NCAA's should not be grounds for a contract extension. Time to cut him loose.

I agree. Can't see him getting cut loose until after this next season. Has really had only 1 full season, even though that is no excuse on his part because teams have not looked great. They've gotten better from 18-19(terrible), 19-20(bad), then 20-21(not as bad). Albie finally has his players he recruited. If he can't prove this season he's the guy then clean house on him and Pearl. Don't like him either. Not sure if they ever thought of a game plan against SCS or really any team. Didn't look like it. Just have one guy skate try to skate around everyone to the redline then dump it in then not apply pressure on the forecheck.

 

[buoldtimer]

I agree. Can't see him getting cut loose until after this next season. Has really had only 1 full season, even though that is no excuse on his part because teams have not looked great. They've gotten better from 18-19(terrible), 19-20(bad), then 20-21(not as bad). Albie finally has his players he recruited. If he can't prove this season he's the guy then clean house on him and Pearl. Don't like him either. Not sure if they ever thought of a game plan against SCS or really any team. Didn't look like it. Just have one guy skate try to skate around everyone to the redline then dump it in then not apply pressure on the forecheck.

Aside from the St Cloud State game, why do you dislike Pearl? I'm not saying you're wrong, I'd just like the know the reasons behind your opinion.

 

[Rogie21]

This is big for BU. Did not have really any good centers last year. Wouldn't be surprised if O'brien is moved to wing because they moved him there last game of tournament. Next years centers could be Brown, Skoog, Amonte, Zabaneh/Greene/ Stevens.

Don’t understand the suggestion that Brown projects as a center. He didn’t play there in two years at Lowell and only took a total of 25 draws (went 0-5 this season). And wouldn't expect Greene, a late ’03, to come next fall. He’s had a good but hardly great USHL season (32 points in 49 games) and could use another year in Green Bay. Assuming Greene comes in ’22 and that Tristan Amonte comes this fall, that’s 18 forwards, which means 5 or 6 will sit every night. How will that impact team chemistry?

O’Brien Skoog, Zabaneh, Amonte and Stevens are the most experienced centers. FWIW, Mastrosimone centered the top line against St. Cloud. A bounce-back season from Skoog would really help; he was invisible in several games this year and his face off win % dropped from .502 to .420.

Of the freshman forwards, I’d expect right-shot power forward Tyler Boucher to be most likely win a spot in top nine—provided he’s recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him most of this season. He’s B-rated by Central Scouting and projected at #40 for the draft by TSN.

 

[Rogie21]

Don’t understand the suggestion that Brown projects as a center. He didn’t play there in two years at Lowell and only took a total of 25 draws (went 0-5 this season). And wouldn't expect Greene, a late ’03, to come next fall. He’s had a good but hardly great USHL season (32 points in 49 games) and could use another year in Green Bay. Assuming Greene comes in ’22 and that Tristan Amonte comes this fall, that’s 18 forwards, which means 5 or 6 will sit every night. How will that impact team chemistry?

O’Brien Skoog, Zabaneh, Amonte and Stevens are the most experienced centers. FWIW, Mastrosimone centered the top line against St. Cloud. A bounce-back season from Skoog would really help; he was invisible in several games this year and his face off win % dropped from .502 to .420.

Of the freshman forwards, I’d expect right-shot power forward Tyler Boucher to be most likely win a spot in top nine—provided he’s recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him most of this season. He’s B-rated by Central Scouting and projected at #40 for the draft by TSN.

 

[Scarlet]

Don’t understand the suggestion that Brown projects as a center. He didn’t play there in two years at Lowell and only took a total of 25 draws (went 0-5 this season). And wouldn't expect Greene, a late ’03, to come next fall. He’s had a good but hardly great USHL season (32 points in 49 games) and could use another year in Green Bay. Assuming Greene comes in ’22 and that Tristan Amonte comes this fall, that’s 18 forwards, which means 5 or 6 will sit every night. How will that impact team chemistry?

O’Brien Skoog, Zabaneh, Amonte and Stevens are the most experienced centers. FWIW, Mastrosimone centered the top line against St. Cloud. A bounce-back season from Skoog would really help; he was invisible in several games this year and his face off win % dropped from .502 to .420.

Of the freshman forwards, I’d expect right-shot power forward Tyler Boucher to be most likely win a spot in top nine—provided he’s recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him most of this season. He’s B-rated by Central Scouting and projected at #40 for the draft by TSN.

Sounds like he'll fit right in here!!!

 

[Lemonade]

That faceoff win percentage had to be some sort of anomaly. That cant keep up being that low. 50/50 chance you would think for an average center right?

 

[hydrant]

Don’t understand the suggestion that Brown projects as a center. He didn’t play there in two years at Lowell and only took a total of 25 draws (went 0-5 this season). And wouldn't expect Greene, a late ’03, to come next fall. He’s had a good but hardly great USHL season (32 points in 49 games) and could use another year in Green Bay. Assuming Greene comes in ’22 and that Tristan Amonte comes this fall, that’s 18 forwards, which means 5 or 6 will sit every night. How will that impact team chemistry?

O’Brien Skoog, Zabaneh, Amonte and Stevens are the most experienced centers. FWIW, Mastrosimone centered the top line against St. Cloud. A bounce-back season from Skoog would really help; he was invisible in several games this year and his face off win % dropped from .502 to .420.

Of the freshman forwards, I’d expect right-shot power forward Tyler Boucher to be most likely win a spot in top nine—provided he’s recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him most of this season. He’s B-rated by Central Scouting and projected at #40 for the draft by TSN.

Apologize about the Brown mistake. Saw last night I messed that up. Thought he did his freshman year but obviously not. As for Greene, thought he was a 22-23 recruit until he signed his NLI. Also, read an article that said he could be here 21-22 (will include link)
.
https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundla...es-the-most-of-his-second-ushl-season-544014/

 

[hydrant]

Aside from the St Cloud State game, why do you dislike Pearl? I'm not saying you're wrong, I'd just like the know the reasons behind your opinion.

Just don't see him as a good coach personally. Haven't like much he's done for the offense as in powerplay or just in general. Little bias but sometimes hate our overall offensive gameplan.

 

[J.D.]

Since you guys mentioned Pearl, the CHN podcast guys heard that Pearl might be interested in returning to Holy Cross and that there are new people in charge from when he first left. They indicated he left because he was frustrated by lack of institutional support.

 

[buoldtimer]

Don’t understand the suggestion that Brown projects as a center. He didn’t play there in two years at Lowell and only took a total of 25 draws (went 0-5 this season). And wouldn't expect Greene, a late ’03, to come next fall. He’s had a good but hardly great USHL season (32 points in 49 games) and could use another year in Green Bay. Assuming Greene comes in ’22 and that Tristan Amonte comes this fall, that’s 18 forwards, which means 5 or 6 will sit every night. How will that impact team chemistry?

O’Brien Skoog, Zabaneh, Amonte and Stevens are the most experienced centers. FWIW, Mastrosimone centered the top line against St. Cloud. A bounce-back season from Skoog would really help; he was invisible in several games this year and his face off win % dropped from .502 to .420.

Of the freshman forwards, I’d expect right-shot power forward Tyler Boucher to be most likely win a spot in top nine—provided he’s recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him most of this season. He’s B-rated by Central Scouting and projected at #40 for the draft by TSN.

I don't see this as an imposing group. Certainly, I hope I'm wrong.

 

[mookie1995]

......first round exits in the NCAA's should not be grounds for a contract extension..

Strategy works for Mike Tomlin :-(

 

[Mike799]

Aside from the St Cloud State game, why do you dislike Pearl? I'm not saying you're wrong, I'd just like the know the reasons behind your opinion.

That 5 minute major powerplay vs SCSU down 3-2 was one of the most despicable powerplays I've ever seen. They could not gain possession in SCSU zone. (literally) I hold staff responsible for that

 

[hydrant]

That 5 minute major powerplay vs SCSU down 3-2 was one of the most despicable powerplays I've ever seen. They could not gain possession in SCSU zone. (literally) I hold staff responsible for that

Our powerplay was 15.6%.We had 5 powerplay goals through our first four games and a total of 2 powerplay goals in our last 8 games (Wise's goal was one of them but that was still a disaster of a powerplay). Our powerplay was ran through Farrance who would just take a slapshot from the blueline. Wouldn't do anything down low. Need to do something different because in the last three years our powerplay hasn't looked good at all. At least in 19-20 they could play through Curry as well in the middle, but this year Skoog and Cockerill just were down low while O'brien, Fensore, and Farrance waited for a shot up top.

20-21: 15.6%
19-20: 23.1%
18-19: 19%

 

[OldAlum]

[TABLE="width: 317"]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl74"]W[/TD]
[TD="class: xl75"]C[/TD]
[TD="class: xl76"]C/W[/TD]
[TD="class: xl77"]D[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Cocker[/TD]
[TD="class: xl72"]Brown[/TD]
[TD="class: xl65"]O'brien[/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Vlasic (L)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Phillips[/TD]
[TD="class: xl72"]Skoog[/TD]
[TD="class: xl65"]Zabaneh[/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Fensore(L)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Peterson[/TD]
[TD="class: xl72"]Amonte[/TD]
[TD="class: xl65"]Bogusl[/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]McCarthy (R)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Tuch[/TD]
[TD="class: xl72"]Stevens[/TD]
[TD="class: xl65"]Greene[/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Webber (L)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Boucher[/TD]
[TD="class: xl72"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl69"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Jarman (R)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Mastro[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl69"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Driscoll (L)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Wilmer[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl69"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Doyle (L)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Armstro[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl69"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Schmidt (R)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl68"]Kaufman[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl69"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl66"]Legault (R)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl73"]Carrabes[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl69"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl67"]Copeland (R)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: xl73"]Amonte 2.0[/TD]
[TD="class: xl71"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl70"] [/TD]
[TD="class: xl67"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
I understand, it's only April, but I had some time on my hand to do get a look at next year. I just hope this team can be better than the last. I bet we'll see O'brien on wing this year after he played wing in the final game for some reason. Don't expect Jarman or stevens to really play this upcoming year. Albie has no excuse if this team cannot make a run.

I think our defense corps is our soft spot. I'm not a big fan of Vlasic. He plays like thinks he's a super star, but it doesn't translate into actual performance or results. Too much float and glide. He's certainly not NHL-ready despite what he may think. And too many of our defenders want to play offense, carry the puck in deep, and then get lost in transition.

Almost across the whole team, we don't play hard on the puck, pressure/contest an opponent who has the puck, and win very few puck battles. While this hurts our offensive production, it is a fatal flaw when we're in our defensive zone. Defensively, we box out and defend 5v5 like we're short-handed and killing a penalty. If you let an opponent pass the puck around at will, or take innumerable shots from the point, sooner or later even a bad pass or shot will hit two players and end up in the net. Being badly out shot each game, just through the law of averages, will result in goals that could/should have been avoided.

If we get anyone through the portal, it should seasoned and proven defender.

 

[Mike799]

I think our defense corps is our soft spot. I'm not a big fan of Vlasic. He plays like thinks he's a super star, but it doesn't translate into actual performance or results. Too much float and glide. He's certainly not NHL-ready despite what he may think. And too many of our defenders want to play offense, carry the puck in deep, and then get lost in transition.

Almost across the whole team, we don't play hard on the puck, pressure/contest an opponent who has the puck, and win very few puck battles. While this hurts our offensive production, it is a fatal flaw when we're in our defensive zone. Defensively, we box out and defend 5v5 like we're short-handed and killing a penalty. If you let an opponent pass the puck around at will, or take innumerable shots from the point, sooner or later even a bad pass or shot will hit two players and end up in the net. Being badly out shot each game, just through the law of averages, will result in goals that could/should have been avoided.

If we get anyone through the portal, it should seasoned and proven defender.

Very good points

 

[hydrant]

I think our defense corps is our soft spot. I'm not a big fan of Vlasic. He plays like thinks he's a super star, but it doesn't translate into actual performance or results. Too much float and glide. He's certainly not NHL-ready despite what he may think. And too many of our defenders want to play offense, carry the puck in deep, and then get lost in transition.

Almost across the whole team, we don't play hard on the puck, pressure/contest an opponent who has the puck, and win very few puck battles. While this hurts our offensive production, it is a fatal flaw when we're in our defensive zone. Defensively, we box out and defend 5v5 like we're short-handed and killing a penalty. If you let an opponent pass the puck around at will, or take innumerable shots from the point, sooner or later even a bad pass or shot will hit two players and end up in the net. Being badly out shot each game, just through the law of averages, will result in goals that could/should have been avoided.

If we get anyone through the portal, it should seasoned and proven defender.

I agree. Our defense may potentially be poor. Hopefully our rising juniors and Webber improve. I don't think Jarman should/will play too much. He gradually went downhill as the season went on IMO. Schmidt should step in and play a big role and I'm assuming Doyle will as well since they begged for him to come this season. We'll see how the defense looks though.