Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

Tonight was worse. Shameful and indifferent performance. Is it April yet?

Not yet but I agree with you. Could not believe they failed to deliver two points last night. The sloppiness, indecision, pass when they should shoot, shoot when they should pass, it goes on and on. By this time, the team should have ironed out these problems. Clearly something is not getting through. No accountability as there are too many passengers and not enough drivers. Drury and Abruzzese seem to be the only ones displaying any sort of urgency.

 

[HUJFKLINE]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

Not yet but I agree with you. Could not believe they failed to deliver two points last night. The sloppiness, indecision, pass when they should shoot, shoot when they should pass, it goes on and on. By this time, the team should have ironed out these problems. Clearly something is not getting through. No accountability as there are too many passengers and not enough drivers. Drury and Abruzzese seem to be the only ones displaying any sort of urgency.

Seems to me several players brought a sense of urgency just not coordinated or even mature urgency. Too many “urgent” penalties and poorly executed plays. Drury misfired on 2 or 3 open net opportunities. His timing along with Wong and Walsh was way off.

I’m impressed with the first line including Dornbach. Interesting also to see Kerfoot and Shore on the 2nd line up from 13th skater and 3rd line respectively. Teddy is jugging lines looking for improved chemistry. When the season got off to a great start with 6 wins the expected season of rebuilding seemed misplaced. Turned out this is absolutely a year to rebuild and gain experience. Ever wonder what a difference it would have made if either Fox or Marino or both played one more season? A better mix of senior veterans I am sure would have added ballast to keep the ship upright.


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[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

Okay, I didn't see tonight coming at all. Clarkson looked ordinary until midway through the third period and by then it was too late. The Crimson's structure and forecheck in the first two periods kept the Knights bottled up. Wish Harvard would play this way more often. Two great games at Cornell and Clarkson yet we coughed up points last weekend against Yale and Brown. Frustrating.

And what was the over/under for mentioning the Teddy Toss for Clarkson's Senior Night? Geez, give it a rest. I'm sure the town of Potsdam will buy out the local CVS just to make sure. Beyond irritating.

 

[bothman]

Okay, I didn't see tonight coming at all. Clarkson looked ordinary until midway through the third period and by then it was too late. The Crimson's structure and forecheck in the first two periods kept the Knights bottled up. Wish Harvard would play this way more often. Two great games at Cornell and Clarkson yet we coughed up points last weekend against Yale and Brown. Frustrating.

And what was the over/under for mentioning the Teddy Toss for Clarkson's Senior Night? Geez, give it a rest. I'm sure the town of Potsdam will buy out the local CVS just to make sure. Beyond irritating.

What a jekkel and Hyde team.

Will say that Badini has found his game and Harvard becomes much more dangerous with that line clicking.

4 pts in the North Country would be something...

 

[CLKHockey]

What a jekkel and Hyde team.

Will say that Badini has found his game and Harvard becomes much more dangerous with that line clicking.

4 pts in the North Country would be something...

Idk what the heck is going on at Appleton, but it must not be the team that I watched dismantle Clarkson last night.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

Idk what the heck is going on at Appleton, but it must not be the team that I watched dismantle Clarkson last night.

As Bothman correctly pointed out, a Jekyll and Hyde team. But losing 5-1 to SLU is unacceptable. I can't watch the rest of this game. Team just doesn't seem to want to put it into the necessary gear to win the games they should win. And really, I think they're going to lose their quarterfinal series assuming they get a bye. I have zero faith this team can string together any consistent efforts going forward. In fact I think they could lose both games next weekend at Bright. Teddy needs to really give it to them this week but good. Hard practices and a lot of film work.

 

[CLKHockey]

As Bothman correctly pointed out, a Jekyll and Hyde team. But losing 5-1 to SLU is unacceptable. I can't watch the rest of this game. Team just doesn't seem to want to put it into the necessary gear to win the games they should win. And really, I think they're going to lose their quarterfinal series assuming they get a bye. I have zero faith this team can string together any consistent efforts going forward. In fact I think they could lose both games next weekend at Bright. Teddy needs to really give it to them this week but good. Hard practices and a lot of film work.

Jekyll and Hyde indeed. it’s 5-3 now and Crimson are knocking on the door for their 4th. I desperately want them to come back and take this win from SLU. When you hate em, you hate em lol.

 

[LynahFan]

Idk what the heck is going on at Appleton, but it must not be the team that I watched dismantle Clarkson last night.

Shouldn’t-a eaten at the Canton Pizza Hut last night....

 

[CLKHockey]

Shouldn’t-a eaten at the Canton Pizza Hut last night....

Haha! There’s only one place to get your pizza or a fat bag if you do a north country trip, and that’s POTSDAM Sergi’s..

It took Harvard forever to get going, but if they had 10 more minutes the outcome would have been different. Despite this blip, I think they are still poised to do some damage. Not looking forward to seeing them in Placid for a possible 3rd year in a row. That Freshman class is good.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

A few random thoughts after last night's train wreck.

1. The SLU announcer incorrectly stated that the Crimson have three seniors on their roster. Counting Cam Gornet and Justin Szeto, it is actually five but his point about the youth of the team is well taken. The Crimson are absent on-ice leadership as the four forwards (Krushko, Gregoire, Szeto and Kerfoot) are role players and are not counted on for heavy minutes. That is why it is puzzling that Teddy doesn't turn to more of his juniors. They can't be any worse than the players who are lacing them up at the moment. At least that is what I want to believe.

2. Too many passengers, not enough drivers. Beyond the first line, here are the numbers for the remaining forwards:

Colton Kerfoot: 3G, 5A, 27G
RJ Murphy: 6G, 5A, 19G
Jack Donato: 4G, 0A 27G
Nathan Krushko: 3G, 3A 27G
John Farinacci: 8G, 12A, 27G
Justin Szeto: 0G, 1A, 11G
Baker Shore: 2G, 3A, 27G
Jack Badini: 6G, 8A, 27G
Henry Bowlby: 6G, 7A, 27G
Austin Wong: 2G, 0A, 17G

This isn't getting it done IMHO. The Crimson need more from their second and third lines. Farinacci and Murphy have been good players and I'd like to see them on a line with Badini and leave them there.

3. Lack of on-ice chemistry. The constant shuffling of lines has no doubt contributed to the poor totals from above. Having said that, it doesn't explain the lack of production completely. There is something missing from this team - maybe it is the youth and experience or lack of leadership. But this is where the coaches have to step in. We are celebrating the 40th anniversary this weekend of the Miracle on Ice and while that was a once in a lifetime achievement, the point is that coaching matters where you have young talent and no veteran leadership. They should be getting more from this team.

RPI is breathing down our necks and if we want the week off, we'll need a win over the Engineers on Friday.

 

[Crimson Faced]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

Hard to believe Krushko was MVP of the Beanpot his freshman year.

Good line by the SL announcer at the end of the game: "Do you believe in Senior night? Yes!!!"

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

Okay, so that's a wrap. We play next weekend and we deserve to finish out of the top four. In our last 21 games, we finished 7-10-4. Subtracting the Beanpot, 7-8-4 which still is mediocre. Yes, we're young and inexperienced but that does not account for losing games to SLU and RPI. Especially when they knew what was at stake.

I guess the only siliver lining in this cloud is the fact that we get some measure of payback having to play SLU at Bright-Landry next weekend. If the team doesn't come out and blow the Saints out in two straight, then shame on them.

 

[SheLovesCollegeHockey]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

The season does feel like a disappointment. As a long-time season ticket holder, I am struck by the year in, year out reality that many players don't develop during their time here at Harvard. The Harvard players clearly take their studies seriously, and that is a good thing. There is more to life on campus than playing hockey. I think it is great they are such an academically strong team. I wish the students supported them more. I like how Szeto's housemates showed up last night.

I realize after 30 years in the stands that they are only likely to be a dominate team every now and then. But it disappoints me when they don't fulfill their potential, after flashing it early in the year.

I took pictures last night (amateur) and they are posted here
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLHPdEZ

 

[LongTimeCrimsonFan]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

The photos just posted of the Union game were great. You might think of sharing them with the team

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

The season does feel like a disappointment. As a long-time season ticket holder, I am struck by the year in, year out reality that many players don't develop during their time here at Harvard. The Harvard players clearly take their studies seriously, and that is a good thing. There is more to life on campus than playing hockey. I think it is great they are such an academically strong team. I wish the students supported them more. I like how Szeto's housemates showed up last night.

I realize after 30 years in the stands that they are only likely to be a dominate team every now and then. But it disappoints me when they don't fulfill their potential, after flashing it early in the year.

I took pictures last night (amateur) and they are posted here
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLHPdEZ

Agree, great photos. And you should share them with Hockey Operations so that they can use them on the GoCrimson website.

 

[bothman]

The season does feel like a disappointment. As a long-time season ticket holder, I am struck by the year in, year out reality that many players don't develop during their time here at Harvard. The Harvard players clearly take their studies seriously, and that is a good thing. There is more to life on campus than playing hockey. I think it is great they are such an academically strong team. I wish the students supported them more. I like how Szeto's housemates showed up last night.

I realize after 30 years in the stands that they are only likely to be a dominate team every now and then. But it disappoints me when they don't fulfill their potential, after flashing it early in the year.

I took pictures last night (amateur) and they are posted here
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLHPdEZ

The regular season certainly was a disappointment - partially due to the surprisingly strong start and coupled with the lack of improvement in key areas (offensive zone penalties, challenged to create opportunities in 5v5, giving opponents way to much space to operate in our zone, and not enough guys willing to pay the price between the dots). Nothing could have illuminated this team’s season more than these last two weekends of hockey.

But alas, there is a post season and there is maybe a glimmer of hope that perhaps Harvard, with its back against the wall, might be able to bring a consistency, persistence, and cohesion that has not delivered from night to night.

With all due respect to SLU, Harvard should be win these games going away. Harvard has a huge talent disparity advantage and is playing at home.

So let’s see what this weekend brings.....

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

The regular season certainly was a disappointment - partially due to the surprisingly strong start and coupled with the lack of improvement in key areas (offensive zone penalties, challenged to create opportunities in 5v5, giving opponents way to much space to operate in our zone, and not enough guys willing to pay the price between the dots). Nothing could have illuminated this team’s season more than these last two weekends of hockey.

But alas, there is a post season and there is maybe a glimmer of hope that perhaps Harvard, with its back against the wall, might be able to bring a consistency, persistence, and cohesion that has not delivered from night to night.

With all due respect to SLU, Harvard should be win these games going away. Harvard has a huge talent disparity advantage and is playing at home.

So let’s see what this weekend brings.....

Your wrap was better than mine. The 5 on 5 bugs me too. We have the talent to do better - something is missing. Accountability, persistence, lack of discipline, all of the above. I'm not sure but I know this; they are going to have to find a better formula and more consistency from the get-go starting Friday night. SLU has nothing to lose so they can play it loose and easy. No one expects them to do anything.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

I don't know if it was the sparse crowd (and who can blame anyone these days for avoiding public gatherings?) but last night felt like it was a sleepwalk. Harvard seemed bored to tears with little or no energy. Again, maybe it was the crowd or lack thereof and the growing unease regarding Covid19. Hard to say. I just feel like the team is going through the motions instead of taking charge and steamrolling the Saints. This game should not have been that close.

 

[Veritas]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

I don't know if it was the sparse crowd (and who can blame anyone these days for avoiding public gatherings?) but last night felt like it was a sleepwalk. Harvard seemed bored to tears with little or no energy. Again, maybe it was the crowd or lack thereof and the growing unease regarding Covid19. Hard to say. I just feel like the team is going through the motions instead of taking charge and steamrolling the Saints. This game should not have been that close.

For those who were not there, when he says sparse, he means very very sparse. The total crowd in an arena holding 3000 was between 200 and 250. Tops!!

I was at the women's 1st round games last week and the crowds at each game were much larger for the women.

Sports marketing seems to ignore men's hockey and constantly pushes basketball to the front. The band used to be a help building enthusiasm at the hockey games but are very rarely seen in Bright-Landry as they are needed at basketball games.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2019-2020 All Things Bright and Beautiful

For those who were not there, when he says sparse, he means very very sparse. The total crowd in an arena holding 3000 was between 200 and 250. Tops!!

I was at the women's 1st round games last week and the crowds at each game were much larger for the women.

Sports marketing seems to ignore men's hockey and constantly pushes basketball to the front. The band used to be a help building enthusiasm at the hockey games but are very rarely seen in Bright-Landry as they are needed at basketball games.

All true. Whenever the puck hit the boards you could hear the echo. It has to be dispiriting for the players to see almost no one in the stands. I was trying to be kind about it.

We finally got untracked last night and hopefully this carries over to next weekend in Troy. We actually seem to play better on the road at least this season so maybe it's not such a bad thing that we have to go to their barn. We'll see...

In other news, Alex Killorn '12 reached a milestone last week in his career. First time he has scored 20 or more goals professionally. I remember speaking to the Tampa scouts who were in attendance during his senior season and they felt confident that he would make the big club as a third liner. He's come a long way in eight years.