UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

[BlackI]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I can't believe Maine has played this well. I still don't see a world beater but compared to recent past they are doing great. The meat of HE is coming up we will see how that goes. Home ice in first round isn't out of the question, that would be great in my book. offense looks pretty good, D is still questionable although the D has some offense. Hopefully Swayman is still in the groove when he comes back and Maine can get some wins.

Happy New Year Kids

Some interesting things to say about the line up tonight... 2/3 of pairings are underclassmen and 3/4 of the lines are underclassmen. And if you had to pick the best two defensemen on the weekend and best three forwards on the weekend I think it would also be mostly underclassmen. Vesey being the only upperclassmen. My pick for the best three forwards are Vesey/Doherty/Pearson and the best two defensemen Keeper/Holway.

If we look at the last 12 games only 3 were at home and Maine went 8-3-1 over this stretch. Quite an improvement on the road.

Only problem is 4 more games on he road. I am surprised they would schedule a stretch where only 3 of 16 games are at home.

Anyways happy New Year and GO BLUE!

 

[NorthMike]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I can't believe Maine has played this well. I still don't see a world beater but compared to recent past they are doing great. The meat of HE is coming up we will see how that goes.

I want to see if they can hold up against Mass, Merrimack, NH, the real test. If they struggle against NU and BC, understandable.

 

[BoSox3066]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

Happy for Rob, nice weekend in a pressure spot. Now they can have some faith spotting him in for the second half without having to run Sway into the ground. That's probably the biggest development from the weekend

 

[umhockey91]

Happy for Rob, nice weekend in a pressure spot. Now they can have some faith spotting him in for the second half without having to run Sway into the ground. That's probably the biggest development from the weekend

Amen! Keepng Swayman fresh down the stretch will be key! This weekend gives us some hope that Red might be able to do that.

 

[Drew S.]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I can't believe Maine has played this well. I still don't see a world beater but compared to recent past they are doing great. The meat of HE is coming up we will see how that goes. Home ice in first round isn't out of the question, that would be great in my book. offense looks pretty good, D is still questionable although the D has some offense. Hopefully Swayman is still in the groove when he comes back and Maine can get some wins.

Happy New Year Kids

I'd like to see Maine go one better and skip the first round. Maine will almost certainly finish ahead of Uconn and UVM and has a very good chance of finishing ahead of UNH, Merrimack, and UMA. Maine is just about level with UML and BU so could definitely finish ahead of one of those. If Maine is within six points of BC on February 17th those three games could be fun.

Maine basically has seven tough games and nine easy games left so should certainly finish over .500. Maine is in great shape and it should be an exciting second half, but we have had so much disappointment in recent times that in a lot of ways I fear the worst.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I'd like to see Maine go one better and skip the first round. Maine will almost certainly finish ahead of Uconn and UVM and has a very good chance of finishing ahead of UNH, Merrimack, and UMA. Maine is just about level with UML and BU so could definitely finish ahead of one of those. If Maine is within six points of BC on February 17th those three games could be fun.

Maine basically has seven tough games and nine easy games left so should certainly finish over .500. Maine is in great shape and it should be an exciting second half, but we have had so much disappointment in recent times that in a lot of ways I fear the worst.

Remember there are NO EASY games...on paper yes but on the ice is a whole different story, especially in Hockey East this season as there is so much parity from top to bottom. Just look at Merrimack going over to Denver this weekend and beating them @ Home. It seems that all teams in Hockey East have been streaky at times. But if Maine's goaltending is a strong point and the defence can improve there play in there end then anything in League play this year can happen. "HAPPY New Year to ALL" Go Maine & Go USA in the WJC in Buffalo.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I feel for Fishman, the poor lad can't be very happy right now.

RPI isn't the greatest team around, but that was an impressive win last night without Maine's two best players. The thing that I really like is the last half dozen games or so Maine hasn't looked great in a lot of them and still got a result. It seemed for so long Maine would play good but wind up losing. It's amazing that Michel can be out and Maine doesn't really skip a beat. It speaks to the point I have tried to make for so long that depth is much more important than having one or two star players.

Thanks for your concern, but believe you me, I didn't drop $600 in Albany/Troy this weekend hoping for Maine to lose.

My take on the weekend:

1. The D was atrocious at times on Friday (Binner especially) They were on their heels for long stretches and seemed to have confused "breakout pass" with "centering pass" in their own end- but they really got it together on Saturday and played like a different group of guys.

2. I realize that Vesey sometimes takes shifts, or periods, or entire games off, but he's the best offensive talent on this team IMO and had a great weekend. He's always reminded me a little of Spencer Abbott, if Spence had a plane to catch.

3. Rob fought the puck a bit on Friday but was terrific on Saturday. He made some highlight-reel saves both nights. Good for him.

4. I never really noticed Quinlivan before, but that kid has a motor and an attitude. Puts me in mind of Brendan Walsh or Joey Diamond, but without the selfish penalties.

RPI is a pretty bad team, and thus not the best measuring-stick, but I'm mildly encouraged. There's a chance for Maine to win maybe 17-19 games this RS, which is indeed an improvement, but not exactly what I was hoping for. There's quite a few decent players on this team, but they need to add couple of snipers in order to move them up to the next level (NCAA contention).

Guess we'll see...

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

Now that 2018 is here, time to focus on next weekend @ BU {Sat.} and then @ Brown {Mon.}

 

[Drew S.]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

Now that 2018 is here, time to focus on next weekend @ BU {Sat.} and then @ Brown {Mon.}

I think Maine has a great chance Saturday. BU plays the USDTP Friday and they also have a lot of players at the world juniors and they should have a game Friday. I probably would stick with Bub even if Swayman is back just to everyone knows that to expect and give Swayman a couple days to relax. He hasn't played a game in about a month and it might be best if he came back against Brown.

 

[Drew S.]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

Thanks for your concern, but believe you me, I didn't drop $600 in Albany/Troy this weekend hoping for Maine to lose.

My take on the weekend:

1. The D was atrocious at times on Friday (Binner especially) They were on their heels for long stretches and seemed to have confused "breakout pass" with "centering pass" in their own end- but they really got it together on Saturday and played like a different group of guys.

2. I realize that Vesey sometimes takes shifts, or periods, or entire games off, but he's the best offensive talent on this team IMO and had a great weekend. He's always reminded me a little of Spencer Abbott, if Spence had a plane to catch.

3. Rob fought the puck a bit on Friday but was terrific on Saturday. He made some highlight-reel saves both nights. Good for him.

4. I never really noticed Quinlivan before, but that kid has a motor and an attitude. Puts me in mind of Brendan Walsh or Joey Diamond, but without the selfish penalties.

RPI is a pretty bad team, and thus not the best measuring-stick, but I'm mildly encouraged. There's a chance for Maine to win maybe 17-19 games this RS, which is indeed an improvement, but not exactly what I was hoping for. There's quite a few decent players on this team, but they need to add couple of snipers in order to move them up to the next level (NCAA contention).

Guess we'll see...

Good on ya for going to the games.

Most of the D is young. I'm not super concerned about their positioning and the kind of stuff. The more important part for me is that they can all skate, have decent size, and have good hands. I'm surprised just how good of tools all the freshmen D have.

Vesey is a very athletic forward where Abbott was more of a hands guy. Vesey is probably one of the most athletic forwards Maine has ever had. I think Greg Moore would be a better comparison, but Moore obviously worked a lot harder in his own end.

I like Quinlivan but he is nowhere close to as good as Walsh or Diamond. He's nice to have on the team where he isn't going any scholarship money.

Next year hopefully Maine will get the two snipers in Schmidt and Dawe.

 

[amkirby10]

Next year hopefully Maine will get the two snipers in Schmidt and Dawe.

I think Dawe profiles more of a playmaking type based on his stats in the SJHL and USHL. I've personally never seen him play, so maybe if someone has they can correct me, but he's got a lot of helpers on his record.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I think Maine has a great chance Saturday. BU plays the USDTP Friday and they also have a lot of players at the world juniors and they should have a game Friday. I probably would stick with Bub even if Swayman is back just to everyone knows that to expect and give Swayman a couple days to relax. He hasn't played a game in about a month and it might be best if he came back against Brown.

I think that Swayman is primed and ready to play versus BU...if anything he has been in the practice and play mode since the WJC has started, yes McGovern played this past weekend and good for him to play well and get the rust out since not playing for a very long time. My hunch and that's all it is, Swayman gets the start versus BU this coming Saturday.

 

[Pucknut]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I think that Swayman is primed and ready to play versus BU...if anything he has been in the practice and play mode since the WJC has started, yes McGovern played this past weekend and good for him to play well and get the rust out since not playing for a very long time. My hunch and that's all it is, Swayman gets the start versus BU this coming Saturday.

Probably we will see both Swayman and Ottinger play Saturday. It's doubtful if either will see any ice time even if they get into the medal games on Friday unless Woll gets injured. It’s just a short flight from Buffalo.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

Probably we will see both Swayman and Ottinger play Saturday. It's doubtful if either will see any ice time even if they get into the medal games on Friday unless Woll gets injured. It’s just a short flight from Buffalo.

Quite something in that, one day they are teammates and the next there 200' apart trying to beat each other...

 

[walrus]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

I see one Olympic goalie named, 2 more to go. I wonder if BU, BC or Maine may lose a goalie for a few weeks ?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[amkirby10]

I see one Olympic goalie named, 2 more to go. I wonder if BU, BC or Maine may lose a goalie for a few weeks ?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Has Swayman even seen the ice yet? You'd have to think based on who's played in Buffalo it would either be Woll or Oettinger.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

Good on ya for going to the games.

Most of the D is young. I'm not super concerned about their positioning and the kind of stuff. The more important part for me is that they can all skate, have decent size, and have good hands. I'm surprised just how good of tools all the freshmen D have.

Vesey is a very athletic forward where Abbott was more of a hands guy. Vesey is probably one of the most athletic forwards Maine has ever had. I think Greg Moore would be a better comparison, but Moore obviously worked a lot harder in his own end.

I like Quinlivan but he is nowhere close to as good as Walsh or Diamond. He's nice to have on the team where he isn't going any scholarship money.

Next year hopefully Maine will get the two snipers in Schmidt and Dawe.

The D was positioned fairly well IMO, they just threw the puck through the low slot carelessly far too often. That'll kill you against a decent team.

Vesey is certainly as athletic and as skilled a forward as Red has ever recruited. Moore was big and strong, but a bit slow. I can see Vesey possibly getting to the bigs if he works on his 2-zone game and improves his effort. He's a talented guy when he shows-up.

My comments re: Quinlivan weren't an endorsement of his skills, but he was fun to watch in limited action. The kid really got after it.

I got around to watching a few games on DVR after we got home, and probably have seen 30 teams this year between "live" and TV... And, ya know what, there's mostly mediocrity out there, even at mighty Minnesota. I don't see it happening this year, but Maine doesn't have to get a ton better to find themselves in the conversation in '18/'19. At this moment, I *might* be OK with giving Red one more year. (I'll get back to you on that in a couple of weeks. )

Happy New Year, you internet nut-cases.

 

[Ma#1ne Hky]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

The D was positioned fairly well IMO, they just threw the puck through the low slot carelessly far too often. That'll kill you against a decent team.

Vesey is certainly as athletic and as skilled a forward as Red has ever recruited. Moore was big and strong, but a bit slow. I can see Vesey possibly getting to the bigs if he works on his 2-zone game and improves his effort. He's a talented guy when he shows-up.

My comments re: Quinlivan weren't an endorsement of his skills, but he was fun to watch in limited action. The kid really got after it.

I got around to watching a few games on DVR after we got home, and probably have seen 30 teams this year between "live" and TV... And, ya know what, there's mostly mediocrity out there, even at mighty Minnesota. I don't see it happening this year, but Maine doesn't have to get a ton better to find themselves in the conversation in '18/'19. At this moment, I *might* be OK with giving Red one more year. (I'll get back to you on that in a couple of weeks. )

Happy New Year, you internet nut-cases.

No matter what happens the rest of the season you can bet the AD won't cut ties with Gendron, he has the one year left on his extension after this season and no way would this AD buy-out that year. Plus I am just saying this as with a 11-7-1 record he won't even hear whispers of this. Play on and hope they continue to improve and win. They do have a goaltender in Swayman to build around. As you said the kid Quinlivan has speed and he does have moxie.

 

[umhockey91]

Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018, reds last stand part 2

TIMMAY Time ran deep in this program...deeper than any of us knew. In hindsight, his players needed to be purged in order for a true turnaround to occur.

That being said...Red has had his own issues as well. I think that his stubbornness probably impeded the progress of Maine improving at a quicker rate. Recruiting was a slow go as well...but I think that we are seeing that improve (thank god!). I hate to throw Jay Leach under the bus...but he really didn't bring much to the table IMO. We are now seeing the difference with a younger more energetic coach in Guite beside him on the bench. Michaud has also been a big factor with the goaltending.

 

[BoSox3066]

TIMMAY Time ran deep in this program...deeper than any of us knew. In hindsight, his players needed to be purged in order for a true turnaround to occur.

That being said...Red has had his own issues as well. I think that his stubbornness probably impeded the progress of Maine improving at a quicker rate. Recruiting was a slow go as well...but I think that we are seeing that improve (thank god!). I hate to throw Jay Leach under the bus...but he really didn't bring much to the table IMO. We are now seeing the difference with a younger more energetic coach in Guite beside him on the bench. Michaud has also been a big factor with the goaltending.

Yep Shore and Hutton really needed to be purged, not like Reds best record was with Whiteheads team the first year or anything. Hindsight has in fact not been the timmy time crews friend