Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

[umassfan49]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

What if you had someone better than Muse? That might be the case here. Then again, it might not. But the people making the decisions just might think so.

You have to admit, the goaltending saga since Schneider's junior year has been crazy as heck... potentially in order starting with offseason of 2007.

- Schneider leaves a year early.
- Accelerate Muse to come in a year early with Schneider scholarship available. Margolin also enters school with Muse
- Muse wins national title and plays every minute of the season.
- Margolin leaves school after never seeing the light of day (and he still basically hasn't seen the light of day for Conn College or wherever he went).
- Maxwell decommits
- Grab Venti as insurance
- Recruit Billet to replace Maxwell (but a year behind when Maxwell was supposed to come in)
- Muse has hip injury and gets surgery
- Grab Milner as insurance
- Recruit Barone (also as insurance?)
- Milner takes starting job from Muse?..... which is strange because this was probably the potential situation York expected if you change Milner to Maxwell anyway.

Who knows who is going to be where next year. I mean, this is crazy stuff you don't see too often in college puck with the goalie position. That's 8 different names you just saw in that timeline (Schneider, Muse, Margolin, Maxwell, Venti, Billet, Milner, Barone) and I left out Kremer since he was not really relevant to the situation.

I'd say it worked out pretty good for BC. Muse lead BC to a national title in his first year, something Schneider failed to do after reaching the finals his final two. Muse plays basically every minute his sophomore and junior year, minus a small portion of the Beanpot and you pick up a solid goaltender from the USHL in Milner to back him up. The other kids coming and going doesn't really mean much as Venti is the prep school third stringer who, let's face it, might never play again. You have two solid goalies and incase something happens you have a former prep player, or any other future recruits that might be needed. I think your good.

 

[Moose98]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Oh? And you know this how?

Well, he's got about as much credibility as you do with your statement about muse's perceived glove weakness.

Unless of course secretly the BC pep band members also moonlight as team staff members and have access to game vids.

If anything I think he's been a lot better this season with the upstairs shots. Every time someone does score that way(because all kids shoot there to begin with for the glory goals) you run here and ***** about it.

I mean, what do you expect with a butterfly goalie? There are pros and cons to each style, but I guess you already know that?

 

[TonyTheTiger20]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Well, he's got about as much credibility as you do with your statement about muse's perceived glove weakness.

Really? I've gone to all but 5 games this year. I'd say I have a better idea of Muse's vs. Milner's talents than he does.

Unless of course secretly the BC pep band members also moonlight as team staff members and have access to game vids.

Nice (though bizarre) attempt to discredit me because... I'm in the pep band?

I didn't play in the pep band for hockey games this year anyway.

If anything I think he's been a lot better this season with the upstairs shots.

Yes, he has been better. Unfortunately, I think Milner has been better than Muse's "better."

Every time someone does score that way (because all kids shoot there to begin with for the glory goals) you run here and ***** about it.

Everyone shoots there on Muse because he is not good at that particular corner of the net.

You don't think people shoot at Muse's high glove side more than they do other goalies in the league?

I mean, what do you expect with a butterfly goalie?

I would expect it to be his relative weakness, but the problem is that 1) he really, really struggles with it and 2) everyone in the country, especially coaches who have film, obviously, knows that he struggles and so every opportunity they get, they rip it glove side high.

Look, I realize it was a hyperbole. I said it in my original post. I just personally think that Milner's overall play has been better than Muse's.

Would I be upset if York played Muse? Not really. I think their talent levels are pretty close to equal. To me, the biggest problem with playing Muse isn't that his weakness is more focused in one area, it's that everyone knows it and shoots at that area.

Honestly, if York started Muse I would be all for it. I would still think that Muse is disproportionally bad at glove side high, but I would defer to Jerry's judgment.

Though, to be perfectly honest, if York wanted to start a traffic cone in net, I'd trust him. Because he's Jerry York.

 

[joegrav]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Though, to be perfectly honest, if York wanted to start a traffic cone in net, I'd trust him. Because he's Jerry York.

"You know, I thought traffic cone had a few terrific practices, and we thought we'd give him a shot. Really a terrific cone and does everything he's asked to do, great to see a kid like this get a chance, hopefully we can play well in front of him. It's like I always tell the guys, [insert humorous saying here]."

 

[joegrav]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

In all honesty though, I think Grant's been a little over the top and hostile here in support of the decision to play Milner, haha.

I am on the fence on this one, to be honest. Milner in big games still makes me nervous, because imo, the two biggest games he's played this year have been unsuccessful: home vs. BU and away @ UNH.

Meanwhile, Muse has won a few big games for us this year, including the Beanpot and the season finale against two teams that shoot glove high as well as anyone. Plus he was VERY good against Denver and kept BC in it while Rakshani went off in the third period.

I think Milner is by far the more athletic goalie, and doesn't have a particular weakness that I can see; Muse seems to make some more spectacular saves and has a big-game track record.

I do think Moose is under-rating Muse's glove high problems. Grant is right that the top teams seem to gun for the top shelf disproportionately against Muse. UNH and BU especially just shoot there all day. I've never noticed this from UMass - maybe the state budget cut out the line-item for game film.

If BC wins tonight, I'd still like to see Muse get a crack at game 2, then make the final call going into Hockey East semifinals. If anything, it makes BU (our likely opponent should we advance) have to worry about preparing for each goalie during practice next week.

At that point, you have to ride your horse; I gravitate toward Muse, but it seems like York is leaning toward Milner right now - and I don't have a problem with that.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

If that was the case, being a UMass fan I would want Muse in net. And sorry BC fans, play Muse because in reality, hes the better goalie.

In reality, Jerry York forgot more about hockey in the time it takes me to type this than you'll ever know. So let's end the charade that you're Barry Melrose or John Buccigross, ok?

 

[J.D.]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

I think BC's a little sharper than the last meeting regardless of who is in net.

BC 4 - UMass 2

 

[jjmc85]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Though, to be perfectly honest, if York wanted to start a traffic cone in net, I'd trust him. Because he's Jerry York.

I vote for the traffic cone. Hasn't lost a game so far this season. I'm going to seriously question York if it's not in net.

 

[Moose98]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

In all honesty though, I think Grant's been a little over the top and hostile here in support of the decision to play Milner, haha.

I am on the fence on this one, to be honest. Milner in big games still makes me nervous, because imo, the two biggest games he's played this year have been unsuccessful: home vs. BU and away @ UNH.

Meanwhile, Muse has won a few big games for us this year, including the Beanpot and the season finale against two teams that shoot glove high as well as anyone. Plus he was VERY good against Denver and kept BC in it while Rakshani went off in the third period.

I think Milner is by far the more athletic goalie, and doesn't have a particular weakness that I can see; Muse seems to make some more spectacular saves and has a big-game track record.

I do think Moose is under-rating Muse's glove high problems. Grant is right that the top teams seem to gun for the top shelf disproportionately against Muse. UNH and BU especially just shoot there all day. I've never noticed this from UMass - maybe the state budget cut out the line-item for game film.

If BC wins tonight, I'd still like to see Muse get a crack at game 2, then make the final call going into Hockey East semifinals. If anything, it makes BU (our likely opponent should we advance) have to worry about preparing for each goalie during practice next week.

At that point, you have to ride your horse; I gravitate toward Muse, but it seems like York is leaning toward Milner right now - and I don't have a problem with that.

Joe, I have no problem with folks expressing their opinions. It's a public message board. However, likening Muse's 'weakness' to having his arm chopped off is a little extreme.

As I've said, the butterfly position leaves you open up high. However, low shots and rebound control are it's strong points. If Muse gives up 2 goals a game does it really matter where the shots that hit the net go in?

Fact of the matter is that both goalies have been steady this season. My only question would be that if it is Milner as your #1, how will he handle the pressure games? Muse has played almost all of them this season. I guess we'll find out. Either way if the team lays an egg like they did in the 3rd period at the Whitt (and @NU, UML, to name some recent others) it wont matter who plays goal and they will not go far in either the HE tourney or the NCAAs. If they play like the motivated bunch we've seen with the recent home 7 goal smokeshows, they really could have that traffic cone in net.

 

[J.D.]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

As I've said, the butterfly position leaves you open up high. However, low shots and rebound control are it's strong points. If Muse gives up 2 goals a game does it really matter where the shots that hit the net go in?

Fact of the matter is that both goalies have been steady this season. My only question would be that if it is Milner as your #1, how will he handle the pressure games? Muse has played almost all of them this season. I guess we'll find out. Either way if the team lays an egg like they did in the 3rd period at the Whitt (and @NU, UML, to name some recent others) it wont matter who plays goal and they will not go far in either the HE tourney or the NCAAs. If they play like the motivated bunch we've seen with the recent home 7 goal smokeshows, they really could have that traffic cone in net.

I agree with most of this. The focus shouldn't be on Muse giving up goals high glove, but rather how he's played recently. The GAA and save percentage numbers for him have been very good since the Fenway game. Milner has come on really strong and I certainly understand that he doesn't have an apparent weakness right now, but I still go back to the experience factor and what Muse has accomplished. On the biggest stage this year he was the Beanpot MVP. As a junior who's accomplished everything, I just don't understand this move.

 

[Eaglefan06]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

I think Muse is the better goalie too. Maybe not next year, but I personally would ride Muse in the playoffs.

 

[TonyTheTiger20]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

likening Muse's 'weakness' to having his arm chopped off is a little extreme.

Ya think?

Fact of the matter is that both goalies have been steady this season.

I think we can both agree here.

 

[sterlippo1]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Let's Roll!!!!!!!!!! Go Eagles!!

 

[Onion Man]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Milner tonight

 

[Eaglefan06]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

I said it after the first UNH game Milner shouldn't get anymore games this year unless Muse gets hurt.

I will say it again after tonights showing by Milner. Muse has proven he can bear down and carry this team when times are tough and BC needs a solid backstop. Muse should be this teams goalie from here on out.

 

[Eaglefan06]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

And what the heck was up with the dump and trap in the third period? Did the coaching staff really think it was a good idea to ask a team full of underclassmen to chance the way they play completely in a playoff game?

It was definitely strange.

 

[Onion Man]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Tough to blame Milner. Those defensive breakdowns on the 5 x 3's led to two of the goals. He was clutch in the third. This would have (and should have) been easier if they didnt back off the offense in the third and kept gunning. I expect a much better effort tomorrow to hopefully finish off the series.

 

[Eaglefan06]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Tough to blame Milner. Those defensive breakdowns on the 5 x 3's led to two of the goals. He was clutch in the third. This would have (and should have) been easier if they didnt back off the offense in the third and kept gunning. I expect a much better effort tomorrow to hopefully finish off the series.

Milner was bad all night. That doesn't excuse the team. They were bad too. But the 3 goals that weren't to 5 on 3 goals, we just bad goals, at least in my opinion.

 

[Onion Man]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

Milner was bad all night. That doesn't excuse the team. They were bad too. But the 3 goals that weren't to 5 on 3 goals, we just bad goals, at least in my opinion.

You cant blame Milner for those. Likewise you can't assume Muse would have stopped them. At the end of the day, BC won a game and Jerry gets something to coach to them for tomorrow. Gotta play the full 60 minutes regardless of who is in goal.

I blame Gibbons for his boneheaded penalties just as much as anyone on that team. They'll win tomorrow in what I expect will be a very well played game.

I do agree with you that Muse should be in net in any single game elimination situation because of his history.

 

[Eaglefan06]

Re: Hockey East Quarterfinals - #7 UMass @ #2 Boston College

You cant blame Milner for those. Likewise you can't assume Muse would have stopped them. At the end of the day, BC won a game and Jerry gets something to coach to them for tomorrow. Gotta play the full 60 minutes regardless of who is in goal.

I blame Gibbons for his boneheaded penalties just as much as anyone on that team. They'll win tomorrow in what I expect will be a very well played game.

I do agree with you that Muse should be in net in any single game elimination situation because of his history.

Why is Milner devoid of blame? That 4th goal he was out of position, so he slid accross the crease to try to make up for it and then got turned around and was in the net, facing the back of the net while the shot was being taken. Then the 5th goal was just awful. Just a goal that never should of happened.

That said Gibbons was bad too. I am pretty sure he passed the pick directly to one of the UMass players stick on the 3rd goal.

The team didn't play well tonight, and part of that was Milner. Hopefully they play the was they did in the 2nd for 3 periods tomorrow.