I am not. I think its way to early to tell if any of the three are going to be good coaches over the long haul. I go back to the last time both PC and NU changed coaches, both at the same time when Cronin and Army were hired. PC got off to a wicked hot start the first half of that season, and then bottomed out for the next few years. NU had a three win season that first year and got better and better year in and year out.
I said at the beginning of this year, NU was going to be good. They lost the three key seniors, yes, but they returned a bunch of guys who had scored before, and whose minutes were now going to go up. Rawlings is a + goalie, who has only gotten better year over year, and if they could get anything out of the freshmen defense they would be probably in the hunt for the 4th seed. Losing some of the freshmen class was not a big deal, as some guys stayed on, and they replaced the ones that chose to go elsewhere. I think people also underestimated what bringing in Saponari was going to do up front, and he has been the most consistent forward this year, no goals which is weird, but whoever he plays with, scores.
Problem this year was they got off to a cold start due to a brand new coaching staff and a head guy who had not coached in 18 years. They made some mistakes, juggled their lineup, learned who could and could not play, made some tough decisions on fan favorites, but now that they have gotten their feet wet, they are off and running. Even more unfortunate was the fact that every game up until two weeks ago was conference games so no chance to tool around with stuff in games that would not matter as much. (basically saying an at large bid is not going to happen going in, but after the last two weeks, who knows). Anyway, Weigart was an idiot to say they were a 10th place team.
I think what the coach at your school and at PC has done is more amazing. Both of your schools have basically brought back the same teams that stunk last year, and have managed to get some wins. Very little roster turnover for either of your schools. You guys have gotten MUCH better goal tending which has done wonders, and PC found a bit more scoring. I do wonder though if UNH and Maine being down has helped your school out a bit. 4 out of 6 wins from the two normal powerhouses who have struggled to date. PC has been helped by a suck UVM squad, and the sweep against a Mack team, that NU had dead to rights in two games, but could not get it done. (would love for NU to get them now, we would wipe the floor with them)
I think talent will rise though, and not sure if UML and PC have the depth or know how to win over the long haul like NU does. This NU squad has made the Garden two out of the last three years, won a playoff series at bu last year, and honestly, has I feel has more talent then both PC and UML. Plus the majority of NU's players going through the suspension of their coaches last year, and winning during that period of time, shows they can deal with outside interference and still get the job done on the ice. It will be interesting to see how UML and PC respond when things do not start going their way.
But hey, great start for all three teams.
