Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
Merrimack's strength of schedule is currently 38th while Lowell's is now 15th.
Merrimack's strength of schedule is currently 38th while Lowell's is now 15th.
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Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
- Thread starter Gainzo
- Start date
FiveHole12
Registered User
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
You might want to put a man on the upperclassmen though.
No kidding. No need for UML to even cover the frosh, DaCosta and Brodhag.
You might want to put a man on the upperclassmen though.
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
Regardless of whom they've played, to see "Merrimack" listed among the top scoring teams in the nation is sort of an alternate universe situation. In recent years (okay, even going back further) the Mack has not exactly been an offensive juggernaught. Usually it was one or two players (Stringer, Porter) who could score. This year's team seems to have a lot more offensive balance.
as opposed to that powerhouse, Alabama-Huntsville?
Regardless of whom they've played, to see "Merrimack" listed among the top scoring teams in the nation is sort of an alternate universe situation. In recent years (okay, even going back further) the Mack has not exactly been an offensive juggernaught. Usually it was one or two players (Stringer, Porter) who could score. This year's team seems to have a lot more offensive balance.
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
DaCosta is tied for 3rd in league scoring with a 3-5--8 mark. This does not (obviously) include his five-goal game against Army (or any other nonleague play, for that matter).
Brodhag is tied for 6th in league scoring with UML's Schaus (5-2--7 and 3-4--7 marks respectively).
Barton and Cucci are tied with Vallorani, Worthington, and Holmstrom. Those players' six points in 5 games tie them for 14th in league scoring.
In the next slot, freshman Elliott Sheen has five points in five games.
With four points in four games, Merrimack's Bowen, Bigos, and Velleca are tied with UML's Scheau, Edwards, Auger and Felite.
So, yes, the advantage in scoring is not as pronounced in league-only play as it is in all play-- but as others have pointed out, Lowell did have two games against UAH.
In league play, both teams have an identical +5 mark, although Merrimack has scored (and allowed) more goals: 23-18 vs 19-14.
Merrimack's special teams have a slight edge in PP percentage (27-22) and UML's has a slight edge in PK percentage (88-86). Something has to give there.
The first period may be telling; Merrimack has struggled in the first stanza, while Lowell has been strong in the first and last. UML is 4-1 when leading after one, where MC is 2-0 (which just says they haven't had a first period lead very often, but when they have, it has held up-- but only at home.)
I'd expect a close game, but so far it seems that home ice advantage in HE this year has been pretty strong. It's great to see both of these teams in the thick of things this year, and I hope it continues.
DaCosta is tied for 3rd in league scoring with a 3-5--8 mark. This does not (obviously) include his five-goal game against Army (or any other nonleague play, for that matter).
Brodhag is tied for 6th in league scoring with UML's Schaus (5-2--7 and 3-4--7 marks respectively).
Barton and Cucci are tied with Vallorani, Worthington, and Holmstrom. Those players' six points in 5 games tie them for 14th in league scoring.
In the next slot, freshman Elliott Sheen has five points in five games.
With four points in four games, Merrimack's Bowen, Bigos, and Velleca are tied with UML's Scheau, Edwards, Auger and Felite.
So, yes, the advantage in scoring is not as pronounced in league-only play as it is in all play-- but as others have pointed out, Lowell did have two games against UAH.
In league play, both teams have an identical +5 mark, although Merrimack has scored (and allowed) more goals: 23-18 vs 19-14.
Merrimack's special teams have a slight edge in PP percentage (27-22) and UML's has a slight edge in PK percentage (88-86). Something has to give there.
The first period may be telling; Merrimack has struggled in the first stanza, while Lowell has been strong in the first and last. UML is 4-1 when leading after one, where MC is 2-0 (which just says they haven't had a first period lead very often, but when they have, it has held up-- but only at home.)
I'd expect a close game, but so far it seems that home ice advantage in HE this year has been pretty strong. It's great to see both of these teams in the thick of things this year, and I hope it continues.
FiveHole12
Registered User
HawksSk860
Registered User
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
How can we let this thread go dead during what is one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory for both these teams?!?!
Honestly, as much as I think Lowell is a terrific team, I'm a little afraid of this game, for the following reasons:
1. They have a goaltender who can steal a game
2. But they also have guys who can score
3. Perhaps most importantly, MC has a ton of heart.
This game will be close either way, here's hoping Lowell can pull it out!
How can we let this thread go dead during what is one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory for both these teams?!?!
Honestly, as much as I think Lowell is a terrific team, I'm a little afraid of this game, for the following reasons:
1. They have a goaltender who can steal a game
2. But they also have guys who can score
3. Perhaps most importantly, MC has a ton of heart.
This game will be close either way, here's hoping Lowell can pull it out!
warriors16
Registered User
HawksSk860
Registered User
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
That is, at best, debatable. And probably not even that (but I think this thread will probably give you the benefit of the doubt and debate it)
.
It seems, though, that they have terrific recruiting abilities, as a program with few wins, no history to speak of, a crappy rink and a s&*%tty campus was able to attract the likes of Joe Cannatta, Karl Stollery and Stephane Da Costa.
That is, at best, debatable. And probably not even that (but I think this thread will probably give you the benefit of the doubt and debate it)
.It seems, though, that they have terrific recruiting abilities, as a program with few wins, no history to speak of, a crappy rink and a s&*%tty campus was able to attract the likes of Joe Cannatta, Karl Stollery and Stephane Da Costa.
ChiefWahoo
New member
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
I don't think he is that far off base. It has taken Blaise allot longer to get his program to this point than it took Dennehy. Blaise inherited a pretty decent program from Whitehead. Chris Serino left MC in shambles. Dennehy had to start from scratch when he came to MC. There weren't any recruits. The whole coaching staff was gone. The roster was all Seniors. He had to deal with a complete tool running the athletic department that all the alumni hated. How many years has Blaise been at UML and he still doesn't have his classes balanced? I still remember the interview he did with NESN five years ago when his team was supposed to compete for home ice and totally collapsed. Eric Freid asked him how he was going to motivate his players and restore their confidence. He stared like a deer in the headlights and admitted that he had no clue how to do that. Fortunately he recognized this shortcoming and brought in guys like Fitzy and later Sean Mceachern to motivate the players.
I don't think he is that far off base. It has taken Blaise allot longer to get his program to this point than it took Dennehy. Blaise inherited a pretty decent program from Whitehead. Chris Serino left MC in shambles. Dennehy had to start from scratch when he came to MC. There weren't any recruits. The whole coaching staff was gone. The roster was all Seniors. He had to deal with a complete tool running the athletic department that all the alumni hated. How many years has Blaise been at UML and he still doesn't have his classes balanced? I still remember the interview he did with NESN five years ago when his team was supposed to compete for home ice and totally collapsed. Eric Freid asked him how he was going to motivate his players and restore their confidence. He stared like a deer in the headlights and admitted that he had no clue how to do that. Fortunately he recognized this shortcoming and brought in guys like Fitzy and later Sean Mceachern to motivate the players.
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
Caught some of the radio show on WUML last night driving home, and Coach MacDonald was talking about how he and Coach Dennehy are trying to get this rivalry going once again. I don't think it'll be in time for this game (at least they didn't specify such), but they did note that they're trying to do contests for Merrimack students when they come to Lowell (free tuition, books, whatever), and the same for Lowell students to go to Merrimack. Getting more students to participate, getting the atmosphere better, etc.
Caught some of the radio show on WUML last night driving home, and Coach MacDonald was talking about how he and Coach Dennehy are trying to get this rivalry going once again. I don't think it'll be in time for this game (at least they didn't specify such), but they did note that they're trying to do contests for Merrimack students when they come to Lowell (free tuition, books, whatever), and the same for Lowell students to go to Merrimack. Getting more students to participate, getting the atmosphere better, etc.
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
MC wasnt in shambles. Shambles is what dennehy did to Fairfield when he took over as head coach, went 1-30 and had the program disolved. Not saying it was his fault but that is shambles, MC was not. Any problems they had were because the school is disfunctional/ They had Ricci, Scmitdt, Healey, Lalonde and others. They were on a huge spiral down winning wise but Serino had success there. More then Dennehy ever has. Serino left with a bad taste but all coaches are hired to be fired. He had great rep at UNH, and is doing very well now and has built nice program at Malden catholic and has tremendous alum support. In fact, he was the only one who ever had success raising cash at MC. Dennehy rode ricci and other serino recruits first couple years. The guy running the athletic dept was a great guy and brought the only energy to it. Amazing how he was part of an admin that won a natl championship, was coveted at Clarkson and left MC to run the Wisconsin hockey program. Has a tremendous reputation and was added recently to the Mens NCAA ice hockey advisory board. Also is part of the ncaa selection committee. He had problems at MC, like every other ad did because the alumni are fractured and toxic to the hockey program. Same reason why Donovan and others resigned and left when Serino did, thus taking huge resources and cash with them. Amazing how as soon as serino left, Malden catholic had a few million dollar plus donations and built turf lacrosse fields, football fields etc, all with money and donors who used to support MC.
frazier didnt have the succes he wanted because MC's alum are non supportive and the board is toxic and like a bunch of school girls. more interested in back stabbing and fighting then pushing agendas. frazier had a huge deal in place, was going to build a new facility with a double rink, add a girls program etc but was back doored by some dope in finance dept who has since moved on, and rightly so. Frazier left because he knew MC was a joke and couldnt get away fast enough.
had a great carear before MC and has had a great carear after. 4/5 great results and the only bad one beinga place witha history of bs says it all.
MC was so disfunctional that they even hired their coach before the AD and split the alumni base by taking Dennehy over Kiene. Half wanted him and refused to support the new coach, who is doing a great job by focussing only on what he can control and tuning out the foolishness at MC.
MC has screwed Stu, Anderson and just about every other person who walked through the doors. just ask Joe Exter how glad he is to be out of there. The alum didnt like Frazier because he called them on their toxic behavior. Has a tremendous rep and you can google about 50 great articles on him.
Being considered a tool by that alum base is a compliment. Single most disfunctional alum/board in college sports. Couldnt come together to raise 75 cents to save the whales if they had to.
Has had huge success at Wisconsin and is a rising star in admin world. Barry alverezs right hand man.
MC wasnt in shambles. Shambles is what dennehy did to Fairfield when he took over as head coach, went 1-30 and had the program disolved. Not saying it was his fault but that is shambles, MC was not. Any problems they had were because the school is disfunctional/ They had Ricci, Scmitdt, Healey, Lalonde and others. They were on a huge spiral down winning wise but Serino had success there. More then Dennehy ever has. Serino left with a bad taste but all coaches are hired to be fired. He had great rep at UNH, and is doing very well now and has built nice program at Malden catholic and has tremendous alum support. In fact, he was the only one who ever had success raising cash at MC. Dennehy rode ricci and other serino recruits first couple years. The guy running the athletic dept was a great guy and brought the only energy to it. Amazing how he was part of an admin that won a natl championship, was coveted at Clarkson and left MC to run the Wisconsin hockey program. Has a tremendous reputation and was added recently to the Mens NCAA ice hockey advisory board. Also is part of the ncaa selection committee. He had problems at MC, like every other ad did because the alumni are fractured and toxic to the hockey program. Same reason why Donovan and others resigned and left when Serino did, thus taking huge resources and cash with them. Amazing how as soon as serino left, Malden catholic had a few million dollar plus donations and built turf lacrosse fields, football fields etc, all with money and donors who used to support MC.
frazier didnt have the succes he wanted because MC's alum are non supportive and the board is toxic and like a bunch of school girls. more interested in back stabbing and fighting then pushing agendas. frazier had a huge deal in place, was going to build a new facility with a double rink, add a girls program etc but was back doored by some dope in finance dept who has since moved on, and rightly so. Frazier left because he knew MC was a joke and couldnt get away fast enough.
had a great carear before MC and has had a great carear after. 4/5 great results and the only bad one beinga place witha history of bs says it all.
MC was so disfunctional that they even hired their coach before the AD and split the alumni base by taking Dennehy over Kiene. Half wanted him and refused to support the new coach, who is doing a great job by focussing only on what he can control and tuning out the foolishness at MC.
MC has screwed Stu, Anderson and just about every other person who walked through the doors. just ask Joe Exter how glad he is to be out of there. The alum didnt like Frazier because he called them on their toxic behavior. Has a tremendous rep and you can google about 50 great articles on him.
Being considered a tool by that alum base is a compliment. Single most disfunctional alum/board in college sports. Couldnt come together to raise 75 cents to save the whales if they had to.
Has had huge success at Wisconsin and is a rising star in admin world. Barry alverezs right hand man.
Last edited:
warriors16
Registered User
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
I'll stop you there because Chief wasn't talking about Frazier so the rest of your argument is a moot point
Intelligent statement.
Clearly it's a debatable point but I just think given what Dennehy has had to work with at this point he's done a commendable job and you're starting to see some results. What's the first thing UML talks about with recruits...playing in an arena like Tsongas. Clearly Merrimack does not have that opportunity yet Dennehy has gotten some great recruits. Other than last year's HE playoff run what has Coach MacDonald done of significance? (DUI excluded)
I'll stop you there because Chief wasn't talking about Frazier so the rest of your argument is a moot point
Intelligent statement.
Clearly it's a debatable point but I just think given what Dennehy has had to work with at this point he's done a commendable job and you're starting to see some results. What's the first thing UML talks about with recruits...playing in an arena like Tsongas. Clearly Merrimack does not have that opportunity yet Dennehy has gotten some great recruits. Other than last year's HE playoff run what has Coach MacDonald done of significance? (DUI excluded)
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
Intelligent statement.
Clearly it's a debatable point but I just think given what Dennehy has had to work with at this point he's done a commendable job and you're starting to see some results. What's the first thing UML talks about with recruits...playing in an arena like Tsongas. Clearly Merrimack does not have that opportunity yet Dennehy has gotten some great recruits. Other than last year's HE playoff run what has Coach MacDonald done of significance? (DUI excluded)[/QUOTE]
What has he done? More then Dennehy ever has as a head coach to say the least. Losing in OT in championship game at a dance MC coach has never coached in...
Intelligent statement.
Clearly it's a debatable point but I just think given what Dennehy has had to work with at this point he's done a commendable job and you're starting to see some results. What's the first thing UML talks about with recruits...playing in an arena like Tsongas. Clearly Merrimack does not have that opportunity yet Dennehy has gotten some great recruits. Other than last year's HE playoff run what has Coach MacDonald done of significance? (DUI excluded)[/QUOTE]
What has he done? More then Dennehy ever has as a head coach to say the least. Losing in OT in championship game at a dance MC coach has never coached in...
Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21
as to dennehy's success: yes he has some this year (and i do think he's a good coach), but if you're going to make a comparison between him and blaise, how about we wait until he gets a team into the playoffs before we start?
he very obviously was not.
as to dennehy's success: yes he has some this year (and i do think he's a good coach), but if you're going to make a comparison between him and blaise, how about we wait until he gets a team into the playoffs before we start?