Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

[Agganis]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I think you might be missing the larger issue here. It's difficult to hold a full practice every day without 8 D and expect those on the ice to go full speed. And if you think a "one week crash course at D" would prepare someone for even a few shifts a period in Hockey East then you're mistaken. Not when every game means so much. To say nothing of the fact that Jack P. would never stand for it!

In case you forgot there was a team less than 5 months ago that won a NC with just 7 D all year, I assume they were able to practice just fine. I think an experienced Forward with defensive abilities (Popko was one of the examples I gave before) could prepare for a game or two with limited playing time at D in about a week, I may be mistaken, I hope the remaining 7 stay healthy all year so we don't find out if I am or not.

Jack wouldn't stand for it? I suppose he also wouldn't stand for playing a third string walk on with less than 100 minutes played to start the first HE game of the year (Curry 04). What about a player who had been practicing all year as a defender play forward in a league game (Gilroy 07) or even the National Tournament (Smolinsky 09). Or how about throwing a player out onto the ice who had never played defense even strength, not to mention on a penalty kill, as a defender on a 5-3 PK during a league game (Yip 09). Parker will stand for whatever he thinks will help his team most in the moment, as would any other coach worth a dime.

I disagree. McGoff and Kielt were very capable. Gryba wasn't quite there yet, but although it didn't come close to matching the talent of this year's D, they were still D1 caliber. Of course, the schemes they were using weren't great, and the play of the goaltenders made them look even worse than they were.

The second half of your post is definitely true and made virtually every mistake hit the back of the net. As for the first half I guess we'll just agree to disagree, if half of your starting D were McGoff, Kielt and a young Gryba I wouldn't call that D Hockey East caliber (PC excluded)

Escobedo was eligible to be drafted this year. I do agree that no one would have a realistic shot of cracking the top six. Still, I believe there will be a forward who will be practicing at D quite a bit, and that player would still probably remember how to play forward. I wouldn't be surprised even if it was Popko. Yes, he's a crucial center, but he'd hopefully only need to be called on as emergency D a few times if at all, and would otherwise play his normal forward position.

Yes, I misread Escobedo's Birthday, he was eligible. I would not be opposed to that, I just can not recall a player filling that sort of role on a BU team in a while so I wasn't assuming it would happen.

Agree with the other poster on this. Parker likely would go with 5 D before thinking a one-week crash course would suffice. I remember in the QFs he benched Smolinsky after his gaffe in front of the net.

I think if he was forced to use a converted defender (whether he had been practicing at D all year or for one week) he would treat the player just like Smolinsky, used sparingly just to provide the other 5 rest if needed, if the player was forced to dress in important or close games.

 

[BUTerrierfan]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

Good news - don't forget BC won the title w/ only 6 D for all but the very first game of the season.

Not good news - don't forget Cohen had surgery.

I think that 7 true defenseman are fine to go with as many posters have noted. Barring unforseen issues like injuries, suspensions, etc., these 7 guys should be able to go all the way. But also, as you said, Cohen did have hip surgery in the summer. I don't know how extensive it was (what was done), how it went or the short/long term prognosis is, but from what I have read and heard about hockey players having hip surgery, it can take 4-6 months (or longer) to be game ready again. Does anyone know what Cohen's situation is? If he can't be ready for the beginning of the season, then BU is down to 6 d.

This is interesting because as a Avs draft pick, does he push himself to be ready for the HE season or does he take his time and be 100% for sure to insure his longer term future in the pros? Think about this...it may not be entirely Cohen's decision to make...others may be guiding him.

 

[candycanes99]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

In case you forgot there was a team less than 5 months ago that won a NC with just 7 D all year, I assume they were able to practice just fine. I think an experienced Forward with defensive abilities (Popko was one of the examples I gave before) could prepare for a game or two with limited playing time at D in about a week, I may be mistaken, I hope the remaining 7 stay healthy all year so we don't find out if I am or not.

I agree with everything said here. Really, although he was a guy who had a year of practice under his belt, Ruikka hadn't played a minute of D1 hockey and his contributions this year would likely have been minimal. I'm fine with 7 guys, as long as we don't have WJC departures and baby tiger suspensions like we had in 2007, we will hopefully be fine. My comments about the 07-08 D being D1 caliber are different than saying they are well enough to compete in Hockey East as a corps perhaps, but individually those players could start in some D1 programs.

Cohen did have hip surgery in the summer. I don't know how extensive it was (what was done), how it went or the short/long term prognosis is, but from what I have read and heard about hockey players having hip surgery, it can take 4-6 months (or longer) to be game ready again. Does anyone know what Cohen's situation is? If he can't be ready for the beginning of the season, then BU is down to 6 d.

This is interesting because as a Avs draft pick, does he push himself to be ready for the HE season or does he take his time and be 100% for sure to insure his longer term future in the pros? Think about this...it may not be entirely Cohen's decision to make...others may be guiding him.

We haven't heard too much on Colby's progress, which frankly may be a good thing or a very bad thing. I don't think his surgery was too invasive, and he shouldn't be out as long as some guys. Hopefully he won't miss time. There were rumblings he wanted to bolt for the pros and for one reason or another he's still here, so he likely has his own future in mind. If this does mean he'll miss some extra games, we'll get a good look at Rosen!

 

[slurpees]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I agree with everything said here. Really, although he was a guy who had a year of practice under his belt, Ruikka hadn't played a minute of D1 hockey and his contributions this year would likely have been minimal. I'm fine with 7 guys, as long as we don't have WJC departures and baby tiger suspensions like we had in 2007, we will hopefully be fine. My comments about the 07-08 D being D1 caliber are different than saying they are well enough to compete in Hockey East as a corps perhaps, but individually those players could start in some D1 programs.



We haven't heard too much on Colby's progress, which frankly may be a good thing or a very bad thing. I don't think his surgery was too invasive, and he shouldn't be out as long as some guys. Hopefully he won't miss time. There were rumblings he wanted to bolt for the pros and for one reason or another he's still here, so he likely has his own future in mind. If this does mean he'll miss some extra games, we'll get a good look at Rosen!

well he probably didnt bolt because someone told him he's at best an average college defender with a good slapshot.

 

[mwade]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I'm in a very good mood at the moment as I finally got everything I wanted to work in my blog sidebar to work (yes - some of it looks ugly, but I don't care! it all works finally!!!!) so I will limit myself to pointing out that you need to start choosing another player to dis. This is still pre-season so it makes sense to continue on with last year's (though I do regret reminding you of his existence), but iirc, BU fans pick someone new each year to pick on (unlike some BC fans here who fixate on certain players and insult them even a year after graduation. Grrrr - must go look at blog sidewall to cheer back up.)

 

[Beantownhitter]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

In case you forgot there was a team less than 5 months ago that won a NC with just 7 D all year, I assume they were able to practice just fine. I think an experienced Forward with defensive abilities (Popko was one of the examples I gave before) could prepare for a game or two with limited playing time at D in about a week, I may be mistaken, I hope the remaining 7 stay healthy all year so we don't find out if I am or not.

Jack wouldn't stand for it? I suppose he also wouldn't stand for playing a third string walk on with less than 100 minutes played to start the first HE game of the year (Curry 04). What about a player who had been practicing all year as a defender play forward in a league game (Gilroy 07) or even the National Tournament (Smolinsky 09). Or how about throwing a player out onto the ice who had never played defense even strength, not to mention on a penalty kill, as a defender on a 5-3 PK during a league game (Yip 09). Parker will stand for whatever he thinks will help his team most in the moment, as would any other coach worth a dime.



While the team did win the NC with just 7 D last year that was clearly not their plan at the start of the year. Smolinski was practicing on D before the start of the year and well before Ruikka got hurt. Practice runs better with 8; I didn't suggest it couldn't happen with 7.

As for Curry 04, Gilroy 07 and Smolinski 09, I'm not sure those examples prove your point. Curry was a recruited player who didn't get money. He got the start because the two scholarship goalies got shelled in the season opening tournament. It's not like he hadn't been practicing at the position every day. When both Gilroy and Smolinski took turns at forward in the years you mentioned they were returning to positions they played most of their hockey careers; I think both would acknowledge that as a much easier transition than playing back on D with limited practice time (and yes I know Gilroy made an unbelievably smooth transition to the D position, but he's clearly the exception that proves the rule).

I can't recall the exact circumstances of Yipper getting those shifts you mentioned. Was that the game Strait was sick, Gilroy benched for a period, one of the other D in the box? In any case, you're right, Parker would do what he had to at the time to give his team the best chance to win. That's why I suspect he'll have someone skating as the 8th D early on in practice.

 

[Federal League]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I'm in a very good mood at the moment as I finally got everything I wanted to work in my blog sidebar to work (yes - some of it looks ugly, but I don't care! it all works finally!!!!) so I will limit myself to pointing out that you need to start choosing another player to dis. This is still pre-season so it makes sense to continue on with last year's (though I do regret reminding you of his existence), but iirc, BU fans pick someone new each year to pick on (unlike some BC fans here who fixate on certain players and insult them even a year after graduation. Grrrr - must go look at blog sidewall to cheer back up.)

My money's on Trivino.

 

[BUTerrierfan]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

well he probably didnt bolt because someone told him he's at best an average college defender with a good slapshot.

That may well be... but many a college hockey player has bolted with less than Cohen.. also I wonder if he didn't have his surgery if he would have... never know, eh?

 

[candycanes99]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

well he probably didnt bolt because someone told him he's at best an average college defender with a good slapshot.

To channel Tony the Tiger here: His slapshot is more than good; it's great!

I'm very interested to see if that injury held him back at all. Pain can make people cheat in their positioning to try and be as effective as they think they need to be with less mobility. I never saw him look like he was in great pain out there, but I'll be interested to hear if that factors into his play this year.

I'm in a very good mood at the moment as I finally got everything I wanted to work in my blog sidebar to work (yes - some of it looks ugly, but I don't care! it all works finally!!!!) so I will limit myself to pointing out that you need to start choosing another player to dis. This is still pre-season so it makes sense to continue on with last year's (though I do regret reminding you of his existence), but iirc, BU fans pick someone new each year to pick on (unlike some BC fans here who fixate on certain players and insult them even a year after graduation. Grrrr - must go look at blog sidewall to cheer back up.)

You're right about this. Of course, we had to pick new players because of the awesome years that Lawrence, Gryba, and Yip put up. I thought before the year that Yip was going to have a better year and that Gryba might improve slightly, but the improvements we got were unexpected. I hope we get that kind of defensive improvement from Colby, we'll need the unit to be solid with only Gryba as an established defensive D-man.

My money's on Trivino.

I'll go ahead and take the other side. Trivino will be impressive this year. I'm not going to curse anyone by making a selection.

 

[Rover]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

well he probably didnt bolt because someone told him he's at best an average college defender with a good slapshot.

I'm glad somebody said it! Look, they guy gets a career free pass for scoring the game winning goal, but he's at best an weak defender with a good slapshot.

 

[bostonewe]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I'm in a very good mood at the moment as I finally got everything I wanted to work in my blog sidebar to work (yes - some of it looks ugly, but I don't care! it all works finally!!!!) so I will limit myself to pointing out that you need to start choosing another player to dis. This is still pre-season so it makes sense to continue on with last year's (though I do regret reminding you of his existence), but iirc, BU fans pick someone new each year to pick on (unlike some BC fans here who fixate on certain players and insult them even a year after graduation. Grrrr - must go look at blog sidewall to cheer back up.)

Initially, the early favorite is Colby Cohen. I spent most of last season riding him about his play (of course, scoring the goal at the FF was certainly great). We'll see though, usually takes a game or two.

 

[Scarlet]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I'm in a very good mood at the moment as I finally got everything I wanted to work in my blog sidebar to work (yes - some of it looks ugly, but I don't care! it all works finally!!!!) so I will limit myself to pointing out that you need to start choosing another player to dis. This is still pre-season so it makes sense to continue on with last year's (though I do regret reminding you of his existence), but iirc, BU fans pick someone new each year to pick on (unlike some BC fans here who fixate on certain players and insult them even a year after graduation. Grrrr - must go look at blog sidewall to cheer back up.)

Thanks for the reminder! OK guys, I'll send out a meeting maker to all of you so we can have this decision made prior to the first exhibition. Hopefully you can all make it. I want all of you to bring your top three players on whom you feel we need to focus our disdain and disgust. Like last season, each of you will get three minutes, one for each player, for you to present your reasons for inclusion. The incoming freshmen are not necessarily exempt from this. At the end of the meeting, there will be a vote. We'll set the top three, so if our first choice actually improves and plays well, we move to number two on the list.

Who wants to bring the snacks? I'll see about getting some space at the arena. Will there be a need for A/V equipment? You're all responsibile for your own handouts, if necessary.

 

[slurpees]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

Initially, the early favorite is Colby Cohen. I spent most of last season riding him about his play (of course, scoring the goal at the FF was certainly great). We'll see though, usually takes a game or two.

its going to take a LOT for colby to be on anyones permanent crap list.

 

[defkit]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

its going to take a LOT for colby to be on anyones permanent crap list.

Colby took the shot, but if Vinny isn't dragging the d-man right across the goalies line of vision, no goal. Cohen's performance in that game was not good. The untouchable is Nick Bonino, I don't care what he does this season - he goes down as having one of the best post seasons in a long time, especially in the title game.

 

[defkit]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

Random question - am I the only one that thinks that the brother of the kid in the back seat of the car getting berated by his mom for leaving his unused AT&T minutes at the restaurant is a splitting image of a young Chris Drury?

Should I seek help?

 

[JHG722]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I'm not going to curse anyone by making a selection.

Kraus!

 

[Gryba Dekes]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

I'm in a very good mood at the moment as I finally got everything I wanted to work in my blog sidebar to work (yes - some of it looks ugly, but I don't care! it all works finally!!!!) so I will limit myself to pointing out that you need to start choosing another player to dis. This is still pre-season so it makes sense to continue on with last year's (though I do regret reminding you of his existence), but iirc, BU fans pick someone new each year to pick on (unlike some BC fans here who fixate on certain players and insult them even a year after graduation. Grrrr - must go look at blog sidewall to cheer back up.)

I'm more concerned about who on BC I can hate. Gerbe and Boyle are long gone, Bradford as well, Petrecki's done--who is the villain this year??

 

[Scarlet]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

NESN is running a special on Travis Roy on their Celebrity Series, featuring the wiffle ball tournament. I think they will be rerunning it again in the next day or so if you want to catch it.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

Both goalies will have sophomore slumps.
There's 2 of 3 to pick on.
Number 3 goalie isn't gonna cut it.
There... you're done. Your welcome.

 

[candycanes99]

Re: Official Boston University 2009-2010 Pre-season thread - Let the banners rise!

Colby took the shot, but if Vinny isn't dragging the d-man right across the goalies line of vision, no goal. Cohen's performance in that game was not good. The untouchable is Nick Bonino, I don't care what he does this season - he goes down as having one of the best post seasons in a long time, especially in the title game.

Shattenkirk and Gilroy had awful moments in the game, too, but they made up for it. Colby made up for a season in my mind. Sure, if the goalie sees it, different story. But he got the goal, it means something. Bonino was incredible, though.