Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Sometimes the better team doesn't win. That is the beauty of sports. Longer post to come, but the skill of Harvard's forwards are just so fun to watch.

So true. At times we dominated this game. But three mistakes killed us. The first goal which Michalek somehow managed to go into a trance and lost sight of the puck at his pad, the Blackwell penalty giving UNO a 5-3 and their second goal with just over one second left in the first and then the Esposito penalty.

We had so many chances to score in this game it wasn't funny. Did anyone count how many times we missed the net entirely?? Cripes, we seemed to put a dent in the glass behind each goal.

I really felt we were the better team tonight. Massa is very good but he isn't Ken Dryden or Carey Price. If we had played our game and avoided those dumb mistakes, the outcome might have been different.

But that as they say is that. It was a fun ride these past few weeks. Now the Vesey Watch begins. If McNally and Everson somehow get one more year and Vesey decides to return, we have a great shot at making the tournament next season. If this was their last game in a Harvard uniform, then we're back to being a second division team unless our current roster steps up big next year and we land some big recruits. I'd really like a few studs to decommit from other schools and come to Cambridge next year. Let's take the next step and get to a Frozen Four.

 

[Veritas]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

So true. At times we dominated this game. But three mistakes killed us. The first goal which Michalek somehow managed to go into a trance and lost sight of the puck at his pad, the Blackwell penalty giving UNO a 5-3 and their second goal with just over one second left in the first and then the Esposito penalty.

We had so many chances to score in this game it wasn't funny. Did anyone count how many times we missed the net entirely?? Cripes, we seemed to put a dent in the glass behind each goal.

I really felt we were the better team tonight. Massa is very good but he isn't Ken Dryden or Carey Price. If we had played our game and avoided those dumb mistakes, the outcome might have been different.

But that as they say is that. It was a fun ride these past few weeks. Now the Vesey Watch begins. If McNally and Everson somehow get one more year and Vesey decides to return, we have a great shot at making the tournament next season. If this was their last game in a Harvard uniform, then we're back to being a second division team unless our current roster steps up big next year and we land some big recruits. I'd really like a few studs to decommit from other schools and come to Cambridge next year. Let's take the next step and get to a Frozen Four.

I generally concur with Skate 79. I really enjoyed this season despite the parking problems I had at Bright with no ADA spaces on the end of the rink where the new elevator is located. The team has come a long way from the previous few years.

As to tonight's game, the 5 on 3 due to Blackwell's penalty was truly stupid as was Esposito's.

As to the issue of eligibility for those who took part of last year off, I have heard that Michalek might be in the same position as McNally and Everson and could regain a year of eligibility.


For those who are interested in next season, I have already created a new "Harvard Crimson 2015-2016" thread to speculate on next year I also started a 2015-2016 thread for the Harvard women as I have season tickets to both. ( I know that sounds a bit obsessive but everyone needs a hobby )

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Some leftover thoughts and musings after last night:

1. Getting to 20+ wins was an achievement all by itself. Given the 10-12 win seasons we have been experiencing lately, this was a major step up. The team utilized its speed through the neutral zone and gave other teams fits with constant pressure. We haven't seen this at Bright Landry in a long time and it was a joy to watch unfold over the course of the season.

2. Beating ranked teams. We beat BC, BU and UML in their buildings and Quinnipiac twice. We finally, FINALLY beat Yale when it mattered most, in their building with a chance to go to the ECAC semis. And of course we finished it off by denying Colgate their NCAA bid by winning the ECACs. Despite the downturn in January and February, I choose to focus on the positive and this was most definitely one of the positive takeaways of this year.

3. The first line. I don't think it is a stretch to say this line compares favorably to the MacDonald-Bourbeau-CJ Young line from the '89 championship season. Both lines were fast with complementary skill and compete levels. Both were utilized on the power play and PK. My hope is that Vesey returns next year to try and win it all so that we can see them play together for one more season. They brought fun and excitement back to B-L.

4. Paul Pearl. We really didn't know what to expect from this hire but it was clear early on that he had an effect on the team. The power play was much better and we utilized a system that played to our strengths. Instead of dump and chase, we used our speed in transition and I'm sure we caught some teams by surprise. Including UNO last night. I don't think they thought we were that quick but as the game wore on, you could see UNO become a bit more cautious and less aggressive. That won't be the case next year but we have something to build on thanks to Pearl.

5. It's painful to watch Fortunato and Plant play for other teams knowing they could be wearing Crimson. I just hope that admissions starts to realize that in order for us to compete in the NCAAs, we need better players. I'm not advocating that we 'admit to win' but if we can do it for men's hoops, we can surely do it for hockey. If they want to make money at Bright-Landry or at least break even, it would behoove the administration to help out. I'm sure the Landry family would feel better about their $22M gift if more people starting coming to games and they will do that once the team is consistently a threat to make it to the Frozen Four.

Thanks to all the players for their hard work and dedication. Especially to Kerfoot, McNally, and Blackwell who battled through injury to make it back for the playoffs. You gave us some great moments at Bright-Landry and hopefully we can keep it going next season.

 

[critsports]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

But that as they say is that. It was a fun ride these past few weeks. Now the Vesey Watch begins. If McNally and Everson somehow get one more year and Vesey decides to return, we have a great shot at making the tournament next season. If this was their last game in a Harvard uniform, then we're back to being a second division team unless our current roster steps up big next year and we land some big recruits. I'd really like a few studs to decommit from other schools and come to Cambridge next year. Let's take the next step and get to a Frozen Four.

The next step???? This WAS your best step. If ever there was a set of circumstances that played out to give you a clear shot to the Frozen Four in your own backyard this year...this was it. Arguably a talented team in a Regional that was tailor made to get to the Frozen Four....beat NO and RIT and you were there. I highly doubt there will be an easier path in the years to come. As an ECAC fan.....was very disappointed as I thought you guys were were a lock to get to Boston.
As to the exemptions and getting players to return; I have to confess ignorance as to the rules. I can only remember a few years back some SLU players who BARELY played could not get an exemption for an extra year and it seems playing in the Tournament and ECAC's and a few games in the regular season would negate any chance of an exemption. Does anyone know the rules that they can share????

21 years since the last win in the NCAA tourney, why be surprised, though. A team coached by a coach with an under .500 record over 11 years, and the play of the team reflected it tonight. They are a bunch of guys who usually play hard, but killed themselves tonight with a goalie who let in another bad goal in a playoff game and two undisciplined penalties that killed them. Esposito's was mind-boggling.

It was fun, especially the last two weeks, but they dug themselves a hole with some bad league losses, as it is evident from the seeding that if you finish first or second in the conference, it really doesn't matter how you do in the league tournament. Good year, with some great moments, but under-achievers, as all Harvard hockey teams of recent memory have been.

Might be time for a change at the top!!!
And therein lies the rub.......the most talent in the ECAC on the Roster. Between the Beanpot, schedule, the ECAC tournament; I really thought your team was battle tested enough to win it all. I hope that opportunity comes again and this missed golden one does not come back to haunt you.

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

We made it to the NCAAs! Let's fire the coach!

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

The next step???? This WAS your best step. If ever there was a set of circumstances that played out to give you a clear shot to the Frozen Four in your own backyard this year...this was it. Arguably a talented team in a Regional that was tailor made to get to the Frozen Four....beat NO and RIT and you were there. I highly doubt there will be an easier path in the years to come. As an ECAC fan.....was very disappointed as I thought you guys were were a lock to get to Boston.
As to the exemptions and getting players to return; I have to confess ignorance as to the rules. I can only remember a few years back some SLU players who BARELY played could not get an exemption for an extra year and it seems playing in the Tournament and ECAC's and a few games in the regular season would negate any chance of an exemption. Does anyone know the rules that they can share????

For a team that has averaged between 10 and 12 wins and has had losing records for 7 out of the last 9 years, I'd say that getting to the NCAAs was a major step forward this year. We were picked to finish in the lower rung of the conference. Are we disappointed by last night? Of course. We didn't lack for chances that's for sure. How do you think Minnesota State fans feel right about now? Look, I was hoping that we could get to Boston. We would have faced Providence and had a shot at the national title game. It wasn't to be. That doesn't mean that we can't get back to the NCAAs and a shot at another Frozen Four. I don't know why you would say this was our best shot. It took Yale three chances to finally win it.

Might be time for a change at the top!!!
And therein lies the rub.......the most talent in the ECAC on the Roster. Between the Beanpot, schedule, the ECAC tournament; I really thought your team was battle tested enough to win it all. I hope that opportunity comes again and this missed golden one does not come back to haunt you.

That isn't going to happen based on what happened this year. We were battle tested and faced down a Yale squad that we hadn't beaten in ten games. We beat them in 2OTs in their building. Then beat Quinny and Colgate to win the ECACs. The fact that we lost to UNO hurts no doubt but I don't think you can question the team or coaches. We made some mistakes against UNO and it killed us. We aren't the only team having regrets this weekend.

Regarding the possibility of Everson, McNally and maybe Michalek returning, it has to do with their sitting out a year due to the academic cheating scandal that hit the school two years ago. Everson and McNally never played that season and were not in school. Michalek registered for classes but didn't play or suit up, then I believe he left school. So his availability for next year is highly questionable. I think that McNally and Everson will get the opportunity to play next year but it is up to the NCAA obviously.

The big question revolves around whether or not Vesey decides to return to Harvard. The program will take a big hit if he chooses the pros. That's also obvious.

 

[bothman]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

A couple of thoughts from the game:
1) Harvard played really well. Harvard wins 9 out of 10 times when they play like that
2) Amazing how a team that takes few penalties, took some really bad ones that were really out of character.
3) Harvard wasn't going to win the NCAAs when they give up a goal like that first one. Say what you want, but that goal was a joke.

A couple of thoughts on the year:
1) That first line is so special. Not Lane, CJ, Bourbeau special. But not too far off. Such a treat to watch. If they all return, they could be one of the best lines in the history of Harvard hockey.
2) Some real step change improvements - Moy, Criscuolo, and even Sherman. The Sophomore to Junior jump is usualy the biggest and I would expect Moy and Kerfoot to have break out years next year.
3) Harvard does not have a great defense. It is what it is. McNally masked so much and this is the big concern for next year and when he got injured, that exposed so much.
4) I hate to say this, but whatever happened to Brian Hart? The brutal penalty against SLU, his brother goes to Yale, and just a guy who has seemingly lost his way on the ice.

Next Year:
1) The team will be solid. I don't see how Vesey stays. If he does, this team will be the a top #5 team preseason and the ECAC favorite by a lot. They have the USNDT goalie coming in (Michael Lackey) which should mitigate the loss of Michalek
2) Eligibility is huge. If McNally, Michalek, and Everson are back, I think this team will be a top 3 team in the ECAC, even if Vesey leaves.
3) Regardless, the team has finally found an edge and a style of play. And they have the talent to play the system - a possession game, with lots of skill and speed through the neutral zone. It's a heck of a fun style to watch!

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

3) Harvard does not have a great defense. It is what it is. McNally masked so much and this is the big concern for next year and when he got injured, that exposed so much.

So true. Harvard's biggest flaw has always been the lack of puck-moving defensemen. It causes them to get pinned in their own zone and forces Harvard away from the transition game.

I will say - I loved seeing how Sherman moved in the 1st period. For a 6'7" d-man he is agile.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

A couple of thoughts on the year:
1) That first line is so special. Not Lane, CJ, Bourbeau special. But not too far off. Such a treat to watch. If they all return, they could be one of the best lines in the history of Harvard hockey.
2) Some real step change improvements - Moy, Criscuolo, and even Sherman. The Sophomore to Junior jump is usualy the biggest and I would expect Moy and Kerfoot to have break out years next year.
3) Harvard does not have a great defense. It is what it is. McNally masked so much and this is the big concern for next year and when he got injured, that exposed so much.
4) I hate to say this, but whatever happened to Brian Hart? The brutal penalty against SLU, his brother goes to Yale, and just a guy who has seemingly lost his way on the ice.

I think Tyler and Kyle actually improved quite a bit this year and took the next step up. Tyler had to step in when Kerfoot was injured and he did quite well IMHO. I want to see more from Esposito and a healthy Blackwell for an entire season. And no more **** boarding penalties please!

Agree on Brian Hart. Kid has done very little and should have really stepped up this year. Didn't see it. I don't expect we'll see it next year either. Wouldn't surprise me if he is playing fourth line next year given that Ryan Donato is coming in.

I'm still holding out hope that Vesey comes back next year. A lot may hinge on whether or not McNally and Everson return. If they do, he may decide to return. If they can't get the eligibility, then he may decide to bolt.

Want to see more from Clay Anderson and Sherman next year. And less of Brayden Jaw. Much less. He just doesn't have the on ice vision or awareness to be a first or second pairing D. You can't trust him. I can't believe there isn't someone else who can take his minutes.

 

[Dutchman]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Next Year:
1) The team will be solid.

That is good and a strong Harvard team is good for the ECAC as well as Harvard University. Living "smack-dab" in the middle of the Den of Lions (HE) and playing in the Beanpot each year, you folks are the ECAC to the Boston area college hockey and the media darlings (BC, BU, UML, etc.). This year you started eating the Lions for a change. IMO when next year rolls around you will be bigger and stronger from weight lifting, better at getting bodies in front of the net, better at screening shots and better at redirecting shots and better at picking up the trash/garbage and potting in the back of the net. You will lead the NCAA in scoring. Just my opinion.

 

[critsports]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

For a team that has averaged between 10 and 12 wins and has had losing records for 7 out of the last 9 years, I'd say that getting to the NCAAs was a major step forward this year. We were picked to finish in the lower rung of the conference. Are we disappointed by last night? Of course. We didn't lack for chances that's for sure. How do you think Minnesota State fans feel right about now? Look, I was hoping that we could get to Boston. We would have faced Providence and had a shot at the national title game. It wasn't to be. That doesn't mean that we can't get back to the NCAAs and a shot at another Frozen Four. I don't know why you would say this was our best shot. It took Yale three chances to finally win it.

Let me explain about the "best shot" comment. Having watched the league and the NCAA's for a good number of years I think it is fair to say that an awful lot of things have to go "right"....to not only qualify for the tournament, but once in, to advance. Certainly during the season you overcame horrendous injuries, persevered, got intact during the playoffs and advanced.

For an ECAC team to win it all....the sun, the moon and the stars have to align. It did for Ylae and it did for Union. In my opinion, this was your sun, moon and stars, year. Doesn't mean you won't get in numerous times in the future....or, next year; but, your bracket played out to be the easiest path to get to the Frozen Four. You may get in next year and face an overwhelming favorite in the first round. I just felt that THIS YEAR....the parity was so even, and your talent so strong...that this was your best shot at a Frozen Four and National title.

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Let me explain about the "best shot" comment. Having watched the league and the NCAA's for a good number of years I think it is fair to say that an awful lot of things have to go "right"....to not only qualify for the tournament, but once in, to advance. Certainly during the season you overcame horrendous injuries, persevered, got intact during the playoffs and advanced.

For an ECAC team to win it all....the sun, the moon and the stars have to align. It did for Ylae and it did for Union. In my opinion, this was your sun, moon and stars, year. Doesn't mean you won't get in numerous times in the future....or, next year; but, your bracket played out to be the easiest path to get to the Frozen Four. You may get in next year and face an overwhelming favorite in the first round. I just felt that THIS YEAR....the parity was so even, and your talent so strong...that this was your best shot at a Frozen Four and National title.

I think the 8 goals scored and only 1 goal allowed means the stars did not align nearly as much as you think. Or they were aligned but like everything else were blocked by Massa.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Let me explain about the "best shot" comment. Having watched the league and the NCAA's for a good number of years I think it is fair to say that an awful lot of things have to go "right"....to not only qualify for the tournament, but once in, to advance. Certainly during the season you overcame horrendous injuries, persevered, got intact during the playoffs and advanced.

For an ECAC team to win it all....the sun, the moon and the stars have to align. It did for Ylae and it did for Union. In my opinion, this was your sun, moon and stars, year. Doesn't mean you won't get in numerous times in the future....or, next year; but, your bracket played out to be the easiest path to get to the Frozen Four. You may get in next year and face an overwhelming favorite in the first round. I just felt that THIS YEAR....the parity was so even, and your talent so strong...that this was your best shot at a Frozen Four and National title.

I would agree with your comment with one exception. In '89 when we won it, we played a Michigan State team that was loaded with future NHLers out in Minnesota. We beat them handily and then beat Minnesota in their building for the title. That was not an easy path starting with Lake Superior State in the quarters (albeit at Bright-Landry). But we did it nonetheless.

The sun, moon and the stars can still align next season if McNally and Everson return and Vesey does not decide to turn pro. Teddy's kid is coming in and we have a few more good recruits lined up. Should those players return, we'll have depth and experience in pressure situations inside a tournament. That should help us but as you say, it depends on the matchups. I don't think anyone saw Providence as a threat to get to Boston but placed in their home city had to help as did Miami being a bit shorthanded. Still they had to go through Denver and LaLeggio did them a huge favor with his ridiculous hit on McPartland. Every year is different and maybe next season will provide us with said alignment.

 

[TimU]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

I would agree with your comment with one exception. In '89 when we won it, we played a Michigan State team that was loaded with future NHLers out in Minnesota. We beat them handily and then beat Minnesota in their building for the title. That was not an easy path starting with Lake Superior State in the quarters (albeit at Bright-Landry). But we did it nonetheless.

All true. Then again, in 1989 the college hockey world was a very different place. ECAC teams didn't have to rely on the stars aligning once every 10 years. They had the horses to compete with anyone. Nowadays, I agree with Mike: to compete for a national title, an ECAC team probably has to have a long list of things go just right in just the right way at just the right time. It can happen (obviously - see Ylae and Union), but in general we are all outgunned by BU, BC, ND, DU, UM, MN, etc. in any given year. Harvard attracts better talent than most of us, and this year it certainly looked like the seas were parting for you in the regionals.

 

[bothman]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

All true. Then again, in 1989 the college hockey world was a very different place. ECAC teams didn't have to rely on the stars aligning once every 10 years. They had the horses to compete with anyone. Nowadays, I agree with Mike: to compete for a national title, an ECAC team probably has to have a long list of things go just right in just the right way at just the right time. It can happen (obviously - see Ylae and Union), but in general we are all outgunned by BU, BC, ND, DU, UM, MN, etc. in any given year. Harvard attracts better talent than most of us, and this year it certainly looked like the seas were parting for you in the regionals.

I agree with 100% of this. In my mind, Harvard should absolutely be in the Frozen Four in 2 weeks and I should be looking at flights into Boston and hotel accommodations. Again, I loved the way Harvard played in the UNO game. UNO was on its heels for much of the game and it makes me sick to my stomach how Harvard gave up such a fluke first goal and how they took multiple out of character penalties.

It just goes to show you how fine the line between winning and losing can be.

Should be a lot of news over the coming weeks (Vesey) and months (eligibility).

 

[Crimson Faced]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

It was really a golden opportunity to increase the fan base, once the number one team in the bracket was eliminated. Beat a team full of freshmen and sophomores, then a team with scoring problems, to get to a Final Four in Boston. Can you imagine the publicity if Harvard made the Frozen Four in Boston? Instead they played with a lack of composure: not only the fluke goal and bad penalties, but shooting and not getting the puck on net. They had at least twice as many shots as shots on goal, and if you shoot the puck wide the defense usually clears it off the boards. No sustained flurries. So it's back to the half empty rinks, except when Cornell visits.

Vesey would be crazy to come back, there is no upside for him doing so, and he looks ready for a pro career. He has the size, speed, and shot. He certainly looks more pro-ready than Louis LeBlanc did his one year at Harvard.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

It was really a golden opportunity to increase the fan base, once the number one team in the bracket was eliminated. Beat a team full of freshmen and sophomores, then a team with scoring problems, to get to a Final Four in Boston. Can you imagine the publicity if Harvard made the Frozen Four in Boston? Instead they played with a lack of composure: not only the fluke goal and bad penalties, but shooting and not getting the puck on net. They had at least twice as many shots as shots on goal, and if you shoot the puck wide the defense usually clears it off the boards. No sustained flurries. So it's back to the half empty rinks, except when Cornell visits.

Vesey would be crazy to come back, there is no upside for him doing so, and he looks ready for a pro career. He has the size, speed, and shot. He certainly looks more pro-ready than Louis LeBlanc did his one year at Harvard.

Actually I think the publicity would have focused more on BU and Providence. The Boston Globe has a major distaste for all things Harvard and it showed during our run to the ECAC tournament title and then the NCAAs. Maybe the Herald would have given us some coverage but face it, Boston is a pro sports town and colleges, with the exception of BC and BU, take a back seat.

I won't disagree that we played with a lack of composure and certainly the first goal hurt. We missed on a lot of shots and the penalties definitely hurt. All water under the bridge at this point.

It's true that Vesey is ready and it wouldn't surprise me if he jumped ship and left for Nashville. But it also wouldn't surprise me if he came back. Especially if McNally and Everson are granted another year of eligibility. His father mentioned the importance of a Harvard degree and I get the feeling Jimmy takes it seriously as well. Yes he could make it up over summer break but he wouldn't have the camaraderie of his classmates and graduating with them. I do think that a shot at a national title is something that would motivate him. If Eichel wins the Hobey and national championship and leaves BU, Vesey would be the front runner next year. Just sayin'.

 

[Thisisahockeywebsite]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Just a general question, how do you guys get so much information on recruiting? I would imagine that all of this information isn't made readily available?

 

[QUAlum2004]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

Just a general question, how do you guys get so much information on recruiting? I would imagine that all of this information isn't made readily available?

Chris Heisenberg
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...MmtsYU5lMlEtVFlwRU5XRTNqcFE&usp=sharing#gid=0

Over the boards is another good recruiting site.

 

[Harvardalum]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2014-2015: Restoring the Karma

It was an exciting end to the season, at least. A lot of fun to watch Harvard at Yale and then follow as they rolled through the ECAC championship. This team was a blast to watch when playing at the top of their game, even if I don't see a return to the 80's. The third period against UNO was disappointing in the end, but a thrill to watch. Harvard was the better team and would beat UNO more often than not. I agree that a couple dumb penalties killed them. I would only say that the Blackwell penalty ended up being so bad, because of the Jaw penalty before it. The Jaw penalty, in my view, shouldn't have been called. And Blake Geoffrion said just as much on the broadcast. Very, very weak at best. Regardless, Harvard had plenty of chances to tie and they deserved the Blackwell and Esposito penalties and the weak first goal.