BU 2021-22: Albie's Great Adventure

[RoughEmUp]

What was the sense of the delayed penalty at the end of the 3 on 3? I would have shot someone to stop them from scoring. So nothing at all happens? Why wouldnt a penalty in the last two minutes of 3 on 3 mean that you get an extra shooter if it comes to a shootout?

Right. Last few seconds of overtime, anything goes. The only penalization now is that the guy in the box can't participate in the shootout, which nobody knows how to do anyways.

 

[DNAEagle]

Seemed goofy to send him to the box, but that is the rule. Great crowd, great energy in the building. It was clear at the end which team felt they won. Not the best hockey but it was fun. The shoot out showed how critical puck possession is in the OT. Prefer 5 minute 5X5, but it allows for some exciting moments.

 

[J.D.]

Right. Last few seconds of overtime, anything goes. The only penalization now is that the guy in the box can't participate in the shootout, which nobody knows how to do anyways.

I still will never understand the problem with ties. Who was pining for 3 on 3 where a W/L is weighted in PWR?

If i had my way, counts as a tie in PWR after 60 minutes. 5 minute 3 on 3 where you are only playing for an extra league point and then no shootout at all. I don't even watch the shootouts. After OT I turn game off and move on to something else.

 

[Split-N]

I still will never understand the problem with ties...

This! All of it.

Hockey is not baseball, nor is it football or hoops. The original point-based hockey standings system (two for a win/one for a tie) recognized that, because of the nature of the game, one team genuinely might not be better than its opponent in a given game. So, both got treated equally in the standings. When you get to a point where a game is decided in the umpteenth round of a shootout, does that really mean the shootout winner was so much better than its opponent that it truly deserves an extra standings point that can have post-season implications? Personally, I think not.

However, I do concede the entertainment value of 3x3 and shootouts to those who are easily entertained.

 

[BCeagle]

Seemed goofy to send him to the box, but that is the rule. Great crowd, great energy in the building. It was clear at the end which team felt they won. Not the best hockey but it was fun. The shoot out showed how critical puck possession is in the OT. Prefer 5 minute 5X5, but it allows for some exciting moments.

After most of the first two periods BC only had 10 SOG

They really deserved to lose and played like it

But like I said, I will take the win and BC's luck @ HAA continues

Sitting near me were BC and BU students going back and forth which included BU's unimaginable chant of F- BC but glad after the game they shook hands and like after the game players get in line and shake hands )

My friend and I met with his BU friends before the game and had a nice meal at the Asian Mall down the street

See you guys for the rematch in Feb ???? 2 games I think

 

[Lemonade]

Last nights game was certainly entertaining…fans got their money’s worth for sure. BU came out flying and played 2 good periods. 3rd period they stopped skating and started watching. I will never understand their dzone coverage strategy. It’s abysmal and absolutely leave the goalies hung out to dry. You have 4 BU players back with 1 BC player and all 4 BU guys watch as BC scores. That’s the reason why they lose these closer games. I loved the jobs the refs did - they let them play and both teams played a clean game. Way too much watching and lack of aggressiveness in the dzone cost them again. Stop retreating like the other team is on the power play!

 

[Friend_of_BU_Hockey]

Last nights game was certainly entertaining…fans got their money’s worth for sure. BU came out flying and played 2 good periods. 3rd period they stopped skating and started watching. I will never understand their dzone coverage strategy. It’s abysmal and absolutely leave the goalies hung out to dry. You have 4 BU players back with 1 BC player and all 4 BU guys watch as BC scores. That’s the reason why they lose these closer games. I loved the jobs the refs did - they let them play and both teams played a clean game. Way too much watching and lack of aggressiveness in the dzone cost them again. Stop retreating like the other team is on the power play!

Agreed. Entertaining game and lively atmosphere. Given what I had posted prior to the game, I admit I was a bit surprised by just how lively the atmosphere was in/around the arena. I also admit I have a love-hate relationship with BU-BC games b/c I feel like the arena gets overrun by casual fans with minimal courtesy and regard for arena policies (i.e. security, masks, alcohol).

At times I've wondered whether the way BU plays comes across as them trying "not to lose" more so than trying to win. In close games, sometimes I question whether Albie is content to settle for taking a game into OT just so he can ensure 1 point in the HE standing, take his chances at winning in OT b/c of the team's appetite for playing 3-on-3 hockey. Also, this BU team is a puzzling mix of trying to play fast, wide-open hockey with the puck, and absurdly passive play in the D-zone. They can't execute either style consistently nor successfully.

1 regulation win in its past 12 regular-season games...

 

[Jofa]

They couldn’t even end the semester by finishing off the teenagers. The last 24 hours are an appropriate way for hopefully ending Albie’s failed coaching stint. Let’s get a proven successful name in here that isn’t a BU grad.

Who’s on the list for possible leaving the program during the break: Tuch, O’Brien, Boucher for sure.

 

[J.D.]

Not surprised by the result. The development team is usually pretty competitive and you played them the afternoon after playing BC. I see Boucher didn't dress. I don't think this relationship is lasting beyond this season.

 

[hydrant]

Not surprised by the result. BU dressed 2 defenseman as forwards and just seemed as if they'd rather finish up the semester. NTDP seemed to play it like a game 7 which can't blame them, they circle these games on their calendar. At least the incoming BU guys seemed alright!

 

[Friend_of_BU_Hockey]

Not surprised by the result. In Albie's post-game presser last night, he indicated that several players were playing thru the flu, others remained out with injuries, and today's exhibition would provide opportunities for players who have played sparingly to get some ice time. Given the intensity of last night's game, the short turnaround to a 3pm puck drop, and this was an exhibition game, the team absolutely performed like they were trying to kill 2+ hours on a Saturday afternoon.

Even the enticement of the annual Friends of Hockey Holiday Skate with the team following the game could draw much of a crowd there. Although in all fairness, even if the team was performing well and had a winning record, a Saturday afternoon exhibition game during the holiday season is a recipe for a sparse turnout.

 

[defkit]

How the eff does Albie send 22, 32, and 4 out for the shootout? Were Tuch, Mastro, and Fensore asleep?

Also how the eff does Albie take his timeout in the second period up two goals on a run of the mill icing? Sure, it was a long shift but it's the SECOND PERIOD UP TWO GOALS

I had no issue with the timeout. Hindsight is 20-20. The guys out there were gassed. How often do timeouts not even get used? How would you have felt if BC scored right after that icing, making it 2-1? I think many would be saying - "why didn't he call a timeout? His team clearly needed it!". I'm as ready for a new coach as anyone, but I don't think this is something you can fault Albie for.

On the shootout selection, I completely agree with you I'm sure there is an element of seeing what these guys doing in practice shootouts. But Carrabes over Cockerill or Mastro? Really??

 

[BU93]

So let’s recap this disaster of a semester.

- 18 games played
- 4 regulation wins against UConn, Sacred Heart, Merrimack and UNH
- 2 OT wins in 3 x 3 that only count for 55% of a win (really ties)
- 0 for 3 in shootouts (really ties)
- A home loss to Sacred Heart
- A non competitive effort at Northern Michigan and against Cornell at Red Hot Hockey which are some of this year’s marquee games

One of the most unsuccessful 1st semesters I can recall. This is with a good goaltender and the most veteran roster in recent times.

Hey, but Albie says he really likes this team and efforts like those against BC will win hockey games. The only problem is we are not winning hockey games.

 

[Sean Pickett]

Solid coaching doesn't blow a 2-0 3rd period lead.

Would you say Providence has solid coaching? During the 2018-19 season PC led Miami at home 2-0 after 2 periods but ended in a 3-3 tie. Not say say it happens often, but it can happen. In 2019-20 83 games were 2-0 after 2 periods and the team leading lost 3 times and tied 5 times. I'm still working on adding the data for leading after a period for other seasons.

Sean

 

[brassbonanza]

Would you say Providence has solid coaching? During the 2018-19 season PC led Miami at home 2-0 after 2 periods but ended in a 3-3 tie. Not say say it happens often, but it can happen. In 2019-20 83 games were 2-0 after 2 periods and the team leading lost 3 times and tied 5 times. I'm still working on adding the data for leading after a period for other seasons.

Sean

How many 3-goal leads did Albie's team blow in 19-20? Off the top of my head, at least 3. The point made by the quoted poster, but not explicitly stated, is this happens repeatedly. Too many games where the team folds at the first sign of adversity.

Not to mention, Albie takes his timeout up 2 goals in the second period on a mundane icing and can't take it in the 3rd period when he absolutely needed it. Not the first time he did that, but the first time it really bit him in the ass.

 

[Sean Pickett]

How many 3-goal leads did Albie's team blow in 19-20? Off the top of my head, at least 3. The point made by the quoted poster, but not explicitly stated, is this happens repeatedly. Too many games where the team folds at the first sign of adversity.

In 2019-20 BU took the lead at some point in 25 games, going 13-5-6. Of the 13 wins they never lost the lead in 9 games, so BU blew the lead in 16 games, going 4-5-7 in them. Of those 15 games BU blew a 1-goal lead 11 times, going 3-4-4; a 2-goal lead twice, going 1-0-1; and a 3-goal lead 3 times, going 0-1-2.

Your claim that the comment really meant something else is a stretch. However, accepting your statement lets again look at Providence. In 2019-20 PC took the lead at some point in 28 games, going 16-6-6. Of the 16 wins they never lost the lead in 10 games, so PC blew the lead in 18 games, going 6-6-6 in them. Of those PC blew a 1-goal lead 14 times, going 5-5-4; and a 2-goal lead 4 times, going 1-1-2.

Sean

 

[bu98]

Would you say Providence has solid coaching? During the 2018-19 season PC led Miami at home 2-0 after 2 periods but ended in a 3-3 tie. Not say say it happens often, but it can happen. In 2019-20 83 games were 2-0 after 2 periods and the team leading lost 3 times and tied 5 times. I'm still working on adding the data for leading after a period for other seasons.

Sean

My issue is that when we do build a nice lead (2+), which doesn't seem to happen often, the team often sits back hoping not to lose rather than keeping the pressure on and trying to extend the lead. Playing not to lose is a great way to not win a hockey game. Hell, we're only 3-2-3 this season when leading after 2 periods. We're 28-12-7 leading after 2 since Albie got here, and that includes 6-0-1 last season. That means we're only winning 60% of the time when we have the lead with 20 minutes to go. How about BC? 42-10-2 when leading after 2 the last 4 years. (EDIT to add: PC, the team used in the blown leads example? 42-9-5 in the last 4 years when leading after 2.)

Also, I know the data exists, but it feels like we've surrendered a goal in the next 1-2 minutes after scoring at least 5 times this season alone. (EDIT: I checked, BU gave up a goal 7 times within 2min of scoring. So 7 of their 45 goals immediately got equalized.). These things feel like a coach saying 'alright, let's try not to do anything stupid' after getting a lead vs one that says 'alright boys keep the skates to their throats and let's run them out of the building'. I'm not expecting 90's style 5+ goals a game but we're scoring 2.5 gpg and allowing 3 gpg en route to a 0.417 winning percentage. We've put up 4+ goals in 4 of 18 games, winning 3 of them. We've had 2 or less *11* times, with this roster of draft picks, losing 9 of those 11. It's not rocket science to show that scoring 2 or less doesn't give you much chance to win, but the majority of the last 20 seasons we've been over 3.00 gpg.

Since the turn of the century, the team has won 18+ games most seasons. It's only missed that mark 6 times. 3 of those have been the entirety of Albie's tenure, 1 in DQ's first season and 2 under Parker in the early 2000s. How long to we have to wait to return to relevance in the realm of college athletics where the best prospects end up at the best schools? Or are we going to turn into Maine or UNH and just have to remember those times when we used to be great?

 

[mookie1995]

being up 2 has never been a nice lead.
everyone knows the most dangerous lead in hockey is a 2 goal lead!!

 

[Sean Pickett]

being up 2 has never been a nice lead.
everyone knows the most dangerous lead in hockey is a 2 goal lead!!

A great quip, but not true. Here are the results when a team had various 2-goals leads in 2019-20:
2-0: 437-48-44, 0.868
3-1: 305-18-18, 0.921
4-2: 134-2-5, 0.968
5-3: 54-0-1, 0.991
For comparison here are the results when a team had various 1-goal leads in 2019-20:
1-0: 674-250-121, 0.703
2-1: 342-81-52, 0.775
3-2: 187-21-26, 0.855
4-3: 80-7-8, 0.884
5-4: 19-1-2, 0.909

Furthermore, teams blew a 2-goal lead 146 times in 2019-20, going 48-55-43 in those games. For comparison teams blew 1-goal lead 604 times, going 262-233-109. And since it will like be asked, teams blew a three goal lead 26 times, going 8-5-13, while teams blew a 4 goal lead 1 once, going 0-0-1. Teams that had a 4 or 3 or 2 goal leads aren’t included in lesser blown lead results and a team might have blown a lead multiple times in the same game, but only the largest lead the team had is counted once.

Sean

 

[Sean Pickett]

My issue is that when we do build a nice lead (2+), which doesn't seem to happen often, the team often sits back hoping not to lose rather than keeping the pressure on and trying to extend the lead. Playing not to lose is a great way to not win a hockey game. Hell, we're only 3-2-3 this season when leading after 2 periods. We're 28-12-7 leading after 2 since Albie got here, and that includes 6-0-1 last season. That means we're only winning 60% of the time when we have the lead with 20 minutes to go. How about BC? 42-10-2 when leading after 2 the last 4 years. (EDIT to add: PC, the team used in the blown leads example? 42-9-5 in the last 4 years when leading after 2.)

Also, I know the data exists, but it feels like we've surrendered a goal in the next 1-2 minutes after scoring at least 5 times this season alone. (EDIT: I checked, BU gave up a goal 7 times within 2min of scoring. So 7 of their 45 goals immediately got equalized.). These things feel like a coach saying 'alright, let's try not to do anything stupid' after getting a lead vs one that says 'alright boys keep the skates to their throats and let's run them out of the building'. I'm not expecting 90's style 5+ goals a game but we're scoring 2.5 gpg and allowing 3 gpg en route to a 0.417 winning percentage. We've put up 4+ goals in 4 of 18 games, winning 3 of them. We've had 2 or less *11* times, with this roster of draft picks, losing 9 of those 11. It's not rocket science to show that scoring 2 or less doesn't give you much chance to win, but the majority of the last 20 seasons we've been over 3.00 gpg.

Since the turn of the century, the team has won 18+ games most seasons. It's only missed that mark 6 times. 3 of those have been the entirety of Albie's tenure, 1 in DQ's first season and 2 under Parker in the early 2000s. How long to we have to wait to return to relevance in the realm of college athletics where the best prospects end up at the best schools? Or are we going to turn into Maine or UNH and just have to remember those times when we used to be great?

Thank you for the your detailed post about what you see as Coach O'Connell's coaching deficiencies.

Regarding the number of games won in a season, it's disingenuous to count last season as not reaching 18 wins since BU only played 16 games.

Sean