Wasn't watching, but saw in the boxscore both Houle and Hebert have 15 min in penalties? Did we somehow manage to take two majors in one period? What the heck happened to this tean?
Houle and Hebert each got 5 minute majors for hits to the head. The Maine players just never learn. Always taking needless penalties and then giving up goals.
Clearly, this team is a disaster, and that's no fault of Barr's.
I have spent thousands of bucks and have driven thousands of miles to see Walsh and (yes) Whitehead teams rack-up wins, but Red buried the program, perhaps beyond redemption.
I don't even watch anymore, but I'm very interested in seeing the overhaul happen.
If Maine can play to .500 next season, we can talk.
My fingers are crossed... My toes, too.
But this version of Maine hockey..? Forget about it.
I dont think they will be .500 next year, and on top of that the bottom slot in HE will be the reality. I say that because every other team that typically occupy the bottom third in HE are a couple years ahead of Maine in a rebuild and playing much better hockey than orono.
We should have done a rebuild 3 or 4 years ago at the latest, but that prior AD wasnt capable of it or had enough cahoonas to do it. Getting back into a competitive position in HE, hopefully, is going to take 3 to 5 years. Maine needs a major roster change with good recruits feeding in every year and then some time for the culture shift, and for Barr to maintain resolve.
Agree that this season is not a bad reflection on Barr at all, he deserves the time to implement his plan, which Im very positive about. If successful then I hope he sticks around for more than five years. If he fails after five years then time to move on.
I do agree they won't quite crack .500 next year in all likelihood, but last place in Hockey East would be a disappointing surprise. They'll be better than at least Vermont, and I would guess they improve past New Hampshire too. I think their floor is 9th place for next season.
From what I saw of both vt and unh they are both playing a better style of hockey than maine and have some skilled players, better than their records reflect. It will take Barr a couple years to catch up, and has got to break away from Reds old style to get back into contention. I'm pretty sure he will.
Although if both vt and unh dont improve next year they could be leap frogged.
I was hoping Maine would make a good showing(not winning but competing) the last few games and build on that for next season. Open USCHO and there is Houle's picture and a 1 game suspension, couple that with Dawe and whoever got a major the last few games and I see that as ending on a shi tty note. Shame.
From what I saw last night Maine played hard and they have a 2-0 lead today. The second half of the season has been very encouraging. [/QUOTE
Agree completely.
From what I saw last night Maine played hard and they have a 2-0 lead today. The second half of the season has been very encouraging.
To the people that keep making “Maine needs a rebuild” post.
There are 16 players committed for next year! 12 have signed NLI’s with still 7 months before next season. There’s a half dozen decent to good players coming back to compliment them. You are LITERALLY getting a new team next year! Google your new coach and you will find 15 articles/podcast about how great he is.
It’s happening! Give it a couple of years and CHILL!
This!
We should have done a rebuild 3 or 4 years ago at the latest, but that prior AD wasnt capable of it or had enough cahoonas to do it.