East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

[Kdaddy1968]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

Magic Hat 9 at the current time. Won't do like I did for the USA/Canada game and charge $50 for a pint of Labatts. For anyone not going to Bridgeport, we will be running specials for the game, starting at noon. Will not be able to go to Bridgeport until Saturday due to work meeting on Friday but I will be at pub by faceoff.

And how might the bourbon selections be? If I wanted hoppy stuff i would eat cereal..

 

[johnk]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

And how might the bourbon selections be? If I wanted hoppy stuff i would eat cereal..

No where near as good as the Irish whiskey selection.

 

[Kdaddy1968]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

No where near as good as the Irish whiskey selection.

Eh ....never acquired a taste for that...I can always get by with a good dark and stormy..

 

[j24vt]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

Saw every UVM home game this year. The only game they had no chance of winning was the Northeastern game. In many of the losses it seemed like UVM would have a few minutes where they would take selfish, undisciplined penalties that would put them in a hole they couldn't climb out of. Lost count of the number of times a player would crosscheck someone from behind into the boards and then be surprised that they got called.

Hoffman seems to have responded very well to being named the starter. Early in the season it seemed like he was struggling a little bit. Santaguida has very hard pads and dispenses rebounds like a Pez dispenser

McCarthy and Puskarich are the real deal, Forgione is fast, and I'm pretty sure Turk must spend the day drinking Redbulls and coffee because it seems like his shifts are always 2 minutes of 110% effort. Fallon has had a weird year but seems to be playing much better the last few games. The team has the ability to score goals.

Paliotta, Bruneteau, and Luukko have been solid on D. Hamilton has played well (just a little consistent).

UVM's power play is inexplicably bad. All three forwards in the corner digging out the puck or the two defenseman 8 feet apart passing the puck to each other... The easiest way to defend it is to stand still and it will break itself up.

Went into the season thinking a .500 season would be great. McCarthy's and the freshman class's play this year have been the difference.

Hoffman's strong play was the main thing that kept them in the last 5 games against Lowell; hopefully that trend continues. Friday should be a fun game to watch.

 

[BigAl]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

I'm really excited for the weekend. Will be at the UVM-U game before the real guys take the ice U is a strong team that has played so consistent but I don't know how the national attention will fare with them. It's hard to not overlook UVM (no offense) just because your ECAC counterpart who knocked you out last year could be the next game. Union will have to come in entirely focused on UVM or they will lose.

Interested to see what PC team shows up as well as what Q team shows up. Both teams have been consistently inconsistent. The higher roof belongs to Q but If Gillies has a big game PC could easily win. Should be fun. See everyone there

 

[ZYanksRule]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

Sorry for the late reply. In meetings all afternoon. Heres some info on Bridgeport. Im pretty sure that folks who have come to Bridgeport regionals in the past have been pleasantly surprised. Heres some general info: http://infobridgeport.com/

@jcarter "the chip" is nothing a few beers couldn't take care of on Friday. I would suggest Tiago's.

@fireknight. Pretty cool having the W frozen four last week at the Q and this week's East Regional, probably the strongest field we have had the past four times we hosted.

@Zlax45 it will cost you $20 to park at the Arena. See the parking map at www.websterbankarena.com.

@presedejohnson. The arena is the perfect size for ahockey Regional. We sold approx 3000 tickets before the teams were announced and all the teams have requested the maximum amount of team allotment tickets, 400. All were asking for more, if available. Consult the links above for more info.

@wholin1 unfortunately the re entry policy hasn't changes. I suggest a late lunch at Ralph & Riches and a late dinner after the 2nd game on Friday.

$20 for parking? Holy schniekies. Guess I'll be coming via Metro North. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Cat lover]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

$20 for parking? Holy schniekies. Guess I'll be coming via Metro North. Thanks for the heads up!

Does that include a free car wash and wax?

 

[sshablak]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

It's a "topless" car wash, you won't be disappointed !

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

It seems that the ECAC scores A LOT more goals then some of the other leagues... do ECAC folk think this is because the defense is weaker? There are more PP's? Or do you think the teams are just better offensively (I'd caution against this argument)? Or is it something else?

 

[sk8tronthepond]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

It seems that the ECAC scores A LOT more goals then some of the other leagues... do ECAC folk think this is because the defense is weaker? There are more PP's? Or do you think the teams are just better offensively (I'd caution against this argument)? Or is it something else?

Based on the semantics of your question, you're looking to stir it up. Since you researched how many goals scored by each league, why don't you look at the team defense of each league. That way, you will have answered your own question.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

Based on the semantics of your question, you're looking to stir it up. Since you researched how many goals scored by each league, why don't you look at the team defense of each league. That way, you will have answered your own question.

I don't find the statistics to be telling of what is actually going on... that's why I asked the questioned. I cautioned against simply saying the offense is better because, well mainly looking at Colgate. Colgate being the one team that had a decent SOS. Colgate scored a full goal more in league play then in OOC play. That would suggest that it isn't solely a "better offense" issue, but rather something else. I'm not really sure, there appears to be a few more PIM's but not hugely so. But that doesn't tell the story either because that only offers PP time, but doesn't actually give info on the flow of the game and whats called and whats not. I'm just trying to get a real world sense of what exactly Union and Quinny have to offer. Union scores a lot of goals, but frankly they haven't played a lot of top quality teams. Their 140+ goals is hugely impressive, but is it really? That's my basic question. Defensively, their goalie has a good GAA and a good Sv%, but again are those stats really reflective of anything? Giving up 4 goals to PSU isn't exactly impressive ... and Unions GAA average goes from 1.81 in conference to 2.4+ out of conference, in what is a pretty weak OOC schedule...

Is this indicative of the league? Or is the style that these teams play? The only actual comparison we have is the one game Union and Vermont have played last year. How is this Union team compared to last year? Seems to have a few good freshman, did they replaced good Seniors for a net zero, or are they an upgrade? It looks like more goals were scored this year then last year, but defensively it appears to be the same? Would that be a true statment? Certainly Vermont is hugely different then last year with 1/3 of the line up being freshman, much improved nearly doubling their wins...

PC and QU at least have some direct comparison and know where the other team truly stands... can't say the same for Union and UVM...

 

[Kdaddy1968]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

It seems that the ECAC scores A LOT more goals then some of the other leagues... do ECAC folk think this is because the defense is weaker? There are more PP's? Or do you think the teams are just better offensively (I'd caution against this argument)? Or is it something else?

Semi rhetorical questions like that would be you lying down in front of the bus and telling the driver to put it in reverse after he has gone over you once to make sure you got run over.

 

[aweise]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

I'm really excited for the weekend. Will be at the UVM-U game before the real guys take the ice U is a strong team that has played so consistent but I don't know how the national attention will fare with them. It's hard to not overlook UVM (no offense) just because your ECAC counterpart who knocked you out last year could be the next game. Union will have to come in entirely focused on UVM or they will lose.

Interested to see what PC team shows up as well as what Q team shows up. Both teams have been consistently inconsistent. The higher roof belongs to Q but If Gillies has a big game PC could easily win. Should be fun. See everyone there

I really don't see the national attention fazing this Union team at all. It's hard to say what the players will really think of being ranked #1, but most of these guys were on the Frozen Four team two years ago and the seniors on this team will be going to their 4th consecutive tourney appearance. I'm confident that they and the coaches will not let this go to everyone's head. They have had daunting tasks in front of them all season long and have passed with flying colors in almost every instance.

They also know that any team they play must not be overlooked. I will always maintain that the ECAC is one of (if not THE) most competitive conferences in the country. Any team in that league was capable of beating any other, so they have had this mentality since November. I think it's safe to say that they will not overlook Vermont.

 

[Chefvad]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

What does ticket availability look like for Saturday? Any chance for walkup sales?

 

[Wholin1]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

I don't see the equipment manager ordering bigger helmets for the Dutchmen. I also don't see Union looking past UVM. It's trite but this team buys into the one game at a time approach. If they need any reminders, I'm sure the coaches will be happy to replay the December 2012 loss to UVM at their holiday tournament.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

I will always maintain that the ECAC is one of (if not THE) most competitive conferences in the country.

That's an interesting statement. We should explore that more and put it to bed once and for all. How about an average ranking for all teams in a league to allow for comparison? Do you think that would be a fair assessment of a league's competitiveness?

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

Semi rhetorical questions like that would be you lying down in front of the bus and telling the driver to put it in reverse after he has gone over you once to make sure you got run over.

Actually that was a legitimate question. It doesn't appear to me from the statistics that in general Offense is that much better then other leagues, however the top half of ECAC teams scored a lot of goals, and the GPG's are pretty high. As a fan of the opposing team I am genuinely curious as to why that may be.

For example, HE teams have generally fewer GPG (outside of BC), I would make the argument that much of that is due to goaltending in the league, which is outstanding for most every team. Demko, Hellebuyck, Gilles, Witt, Hoffman, Oulette, Summerhays, etc. Nearly every team has an elite goal tender, and many have two... That IMO would be a major reason why teams from HE score less in general then other leagues.

So, does the ECAC simply have far more offensive skill then HE, do they just play a more offensive and less defensive style? Do some teams just have average goaltending? Do the refs call a more wide open game? Do teams just play wide open and not a shut down style of play (in general, obviously Cornell has always been a great defensive team)?

I'm genuinely curious as to what ECAC fans believe are valid reasons??

 

[LTsatch]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

That's an interesting statement. We should explore that more and put it to bed once and for all. How about an average ranking for all teams in a league to allow for comparison? Do you think that would be a fair assessment of a league's competitiveness?

I am sure you have already done the analysis so you can rebut some poor ECAC supporters reply. Although you keep looking for debate, your questions are just chit stirring in disguise. As of today, I only need to know that the national finalists from last season were from one of the most competitive college hockey leagues in the nation. The league as a whole is just as strong this year as last. Union and QPAC are the real deal and will compete well with any team in the country. Please leave the league vs. League B.S for the off season.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

As of today, I only need to know that the national finalists from last season were from one of the most competitive college hockey leagues in the nation.

Living in the past... that's typical for a fanboy. Hey remember that time there was a is Ylae the best team in the country thread? Seems they what just became ranked #1 and then lost the next game... am I remembering that right. Oh, Union just got ranked #1 too... funny the coincidence.

And I have not done the analysis, I didn't put forth the statement. Had I made the statement I would have had some statistics to back it up. But at this point, I don't feel like doing everyone's work for them.

Finally, I'm not trying to engage in league v. league BS, but I'm also not going to let ridiculous unfounded statements get thrown out there with calling them on it. I'd much rather discuss Union and Vermont... as opposed to the ECAC and HE. It's the EZAC pansies with insecurities that keep trying to make this a league v. league thing.

In fact I even posited this question earlier

The only actual comparison we have is the one game Union and Vermont have played last year. How is this Union team compared to last year? Seems to have a few good freshman, did they replaced good Seniors for a net zero, or are they an upgrade? It looks like more goals were scored this year then last year, but defensively it appears to be the same? Would that be a true statment?

Why don't you tell me about Union, let's here an Eli's point of view. Yale has at times in the past had a pretty potent offense, and yet they were shut out by Union. Was that steller goaltending by COllins? Did Yale just come out flat? Injuries? or are they just lacking offensive firepower on this years team?

 

[johnk]

Re: East Regional- Union vs Vermont & Quinnipiac vs Providence

ECAC in league play: 132 games - 726 goals = 5.5 goals/game.
HE in league play: 110 game - 563 goals = 5.12 goals/game.

7% difference is not worth discussing.