UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

[John_Fuller]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I would rather look toward this series the same way I looked toward going to the Gut last year. Proving grounds before the garden (remember Vermont's record at home last year?). If we can get out of Maine then we should have a good wave of momentum in Boston no miracle needed, just time to show what team you want to be.

As for the penalty, I have a question. In college games, does the 5 min automatically get the game misconduct?

Vermont stepped up their PK a slight bit last night, they didn't let the side board passes go as much as on Friday. However, I think the lack of PP last night can be attributed to the lack of #21's presence on the ice. Ben is a big reason goals are scored on the PP, and in general.

For my friend, I'll take the penalty first because that's the easiest to respond.

NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Rule Book, Rule 6.23.b

b. Hitting from behind into the side boards, end boards or goal cage is a flagrant violation.

PENALTY—Major and game misconduct or disqualification at the discretion of the referee.

Note: The committee reminds coaches and players that the responsibility remains with the player approaching an opponent along the boards in this rule. While players turning to draw penalties are a concern, the positive change in behavior the committee observed outweighs this issue. Any penalty in relation to this rule along the boards or into the goal cage must be a major penalty and a game misconduct or disqualification.

Folks, there is no latitude with hitting from behind into the boards in NCAA play, period. It is automatic and the rule is a lot different than the NHL. The infamous "Dirty Birdie" game at BC last year was a direct result of this rule.

Ben Holmstrom is going to be one ****ed off individual next week after getting kicked out of his final home game of his career. Lowell tied last night's game because he wasn't in the lineup for the remaining 60:00.

I didn't have concern about UVM last year, namely because there's no real history between them and us. Unfortunately, for UML, there is a legacy of losing (as bad as that sounds) when we play Maine in general, especially the playoffs. When it comes to beating Maine/BU in the playoffs, I need to see it. Does Lowell have the talent to beat Maine in Orono, sure , but they have to execute. If Lowell can put four to five biscuits in the basket each game next weekend, they should win. But if it's one or two per night, we are coming home on Sunday morning unhappy, rather than Sunday night.

You can take your pick but the Amherst sweep, the two BU home losses, or giving Providence three points did cost Lowell home ice this year. I'd have to highlight the Amherst sweep because those are the two games where they should have taken points.

 

[Patman]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Unfortunately, for UML, there is a legacy of losing (as bad as that sounds) when we play Maine in general, especially the playoffs.

Geez Bucky, stop beating that drum.

----

I didn't watch last night's game because I was too busy assembling more furniture and making dinner but you can very well see marginal calls become major penalties because of the location. A marginal hitting from behind call is going to become a maginal major for hitting from behind in those locations in the ice. IIRC, I think the UVMers went balistic about the same thing in game #1 of the quarterfinal series last year.

 

[John_Fuller]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Geez Bucky, stop beating that drum.

I will borrow a quote from the late Willard Duncan Vandiver, who was a member of the US House of Representatives.

"I am from Lowell. You have got to show me."

In case you are wondering, the last two words are pretty popular where Rep. Vandiver was from, in this case, the Show-Me State of Missouri.

I'll stop beating that drum when they actually do it, Pat. Until then, I can't give any expectations that they will win the series in Maine.

 

[Patman]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I will borrow a quote from the late Willard Duncan Vandiver, who was a member of the US House of Representatives.

"I am from Lowell. You have got to show me."

In case you are wondering, the last two words are pretty popular where Rep. Vandiver was from, in this case, the Show-Me State of Missouri.

I'll stop beating that drum when they actually do it, Pat. Until then, I can't give any expectations that they will win the series in Maine.

Well, while you give us a forecast of bleak followed by more bleak I'm going to say to hell the weather.

 

[Patronick]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I will borrow a quote from the late Willard Duncan Vandiver, who was a member of the US House of Representatives.

"I am from Lowell. You have got to show me."

In case you are wondering, the last two words are pretty popular where Rep. Vandiver was from, in this case, the Show-Me State of Missouri.

I'll stop beating that drum when they actually do it, Pat. Until then, I can't give any expectations that they will win the series in Maine.

They beat them up there two weeks ago for crying out loud. They did it last year. Maine's lost four of their last five and their starting goalie, from what fans are saying, isn't playing for the rest of the season (or ever). What more are you looking for?

There's being cautious and then there's just being an idiot.

 

[bottomdweller]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

They beat them up there two weeks ago for crying out loud. They did it last year. Maine's lost four of their last five and their starting goalie, from what fans are saying, isn't playing for the rest of the season (or ever). What more are you looking for?

There's being cautious and then there's just being an idiot.

but, but, they haven't "shown me" yet... enough.

 

[UMLFan]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Disappointed doesn't begin to cover this one.

Yet another game where Hutton doesn't get a win even though he played well. A game where our senior captain is kicked out 5 minutes in. A game where Lowell had 27 shots after 2 periods, but just 9 in the following 25 minutes. Senior night. Chance for home ice. In front of 6,121 ... and Lowell just couldn't find the back of the net. For the eighth time in 36 games, Lowell goes out and pots one. Ouch.

I know the team played well, but this one just hurts right now.

 

[John_Fuller]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

but, but, they haven't "shown me" yet... enough.

Actually, this team hasn't shown me much this year to get excited. Flashes but no consistency.

I really hope I'm wrong, but I can't say in my heart that we are actually going to beat Maine. Sure, we have won twice up there in back to back years but only three times in the last ten years.

There will be plenty of folks in my camp (some won't publicly admit that) and a lot in your camp of belief. However, I can't say for one minute that taking either position is idiotic.

 

[irishfan85]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I think UML should and will beat a struggling Maine squad next weekend. Look at the current PWC and you will notice UVM right ahead. Also, five CCHA teams right ahead with the potential for three but at least two to lose. I'd really like to see UML make it as I remember the days of Crowder and Tully Forum and seeing Fillion in net.

Anyways, I just don't see Maine's defense or goaltending being enough to hold off Lowell. Let's hope for two squads from the Merrimack Valley making it to the Garden.

 

[boblav1]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Who's heading up to Orono? It looks like the hotel choices are pretty limited for this weekend.

 

[Patman]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

There will be plenty of folks in my camp (some won't publicly admit that) and a lot in your camp of belief. However, I can't say for one minute that taking either position is idiotic.

We've won 2 of the last 3 in Orono. Maine got swept last weekend by UMass. Hell, Maine's been taken out at home in the playoffs before (6th seeded UMass 2003). I can understand not wanting to go to Orono... its a 4 hour trip from Lowell full of nothing but the occasional moose... Bangor is about as exciting as an Iowan cornfield... etc.

To me those who say we can't win are those who are going to come up with excuses for us never winning. What's the point of doing anything if you're going to carry the "can't" label everywhere? I'd like to think we're not wasting our time.

 

[leswp1]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

We've won 2 of the last 3 in Orono. Maine got swept last weekend by UMass. Hell, Maine's been taken out at home in the playoffs before (6th seeded UMass 2003). I can understand not wanting to go to Orono... its a 4 hour trip from Lowell full of nothing but the occasional moose... Bangor is about as exciting as an Iowan cornfield... etc.

To me those who say we can't win are those who are going to come up with excuses for us never winning. What's the point of doing anything if you're going to carry the "can't" label everywhere? I'd like to think we're not wasting our time.

Someone has to take over for the eternal pessimism in the state since the Red Sox now win

 

[MaryK]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Who's heading up to Orono? It looks like the hotel choices are pretty limited for this weekend.

I'm going. Just trying to figure out who is going with me before I book a room.

 

[UMLFan]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I'm going. Just trying to figure out who is going with me before I book a room.

Mary, any idea when tickets are available till? If I go, it'll have to be only for game 2.

 

[MaryK]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Mary, any idea when tickets are available till? If I go, it'll have to be only for game 2.

I just talked to Scott Donnelly. Tickets are $15 each, only Section II (under the bleachers), and Scott will be taking orders until Thursday.

 

[John_Fuller]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

Someone has to take over for the eternal pessimism in the state since the Red Sox now win

Whoo-hoo, I've been elected as the new "Mr. Sunshine" once Chaz retires.

This year's team has had ample opportunity to impress me. Here's the problem, I'd expected them to get no worse than 5th place.

• They had two home games this season against BU and lost
• They had a great series to solidify their #3 ranking against PC and Maine and got swept.
• They had an awesome weekend sweep against Merrimack and BC just to follow it up with losing five of the next six.
• They had a chance to sweep one of the most embarassing teams in HE history two weeks ago and failed.
• In front of one of the largest crowds ever (6121) at the Tsongas Arena Center against Vermont, they had a chance to lock down home ice and face off against Merrimack for the first playoff spot in eight years. Again, they couldn't score the key goal.

There is nothing I want more than a return trip to the Garden in two weeks and to the "rah-rahs" out there, it's a very winnable series.

However, they haven't been able to execute in key times this year and while I hope it starts this weekend more than anyone. I'm perfectly happy with your viewpoints and I wish I had some of it. It's been 14 years since the NCAA and a long time coming. As Monty has said, this would be a perfect opportunity to "leave a legacy", and winning a playoff series in Maine for the first time would do just that.

All I'm asking is let this year's record speak for itself; it's called realism, not pessimism. We will all find out one way or another late Saturday night or Sunday.

 

[leswp1]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I' with you there.

And I would love to see another pic of you on the Jumbotron this yr.

 

[boblav1]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I just talked to Scott Donnelly. Tickets are $15 each, only Section II (under the bleachers), and Scott will be taking orders until Thursday.

I may try Maine for tickets first. I would like to see the games if I make the trip up, section II is terrible.

 

[leswp1]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I may try Maine for tickets first. I would like to see the games if I make the trip up, section II is terrible.

It is like being in the crying room at the back of some churches- like a vacuum.

 

[MaryK]

Re: UML '09/'10 Season Thread Part II

I may try Maine for tickets first. I would like to see the games if I make the trip up, section II is terrible.

I'm going to do the same as soon as I know how many tickets I need to buy. I'd like to sit at the back of DDD again. The last row is Row 16 where I'd be able to stand up and take pictures.