UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

[Dan]

Yeah that's probably it - Or just read them to begin with, since I edit for punctuation and clarity more than anything. Everything I referred to in later posts was there to begin with...

 

[deltabravo62]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

I actually did read them, and you added a lot of clarification in there. I have seen it from you plenty of times before as well. Also, I lied, I will add one last piece to my argument that I think even you can agree with. Even if the parts that I have pointed out here tonight we’re not true and he was executing to absolute perfection. That would maybe, MAYBE, turn one tie into a win or one loss into a tie. His play is far from the reason for the results to this point.

 

[Dan]

Here are the puck-handling stats for UNH defenseman from period one of Saturday's game against Miami...

Breakout Passes:
Gildon - 8/9 (his one miss was a long stretch that Sato didn't handle)
Boyd - 3/3
MacKinnon - 2/2
Verrier - 1/1
Wyse - 0/0
Dawson 0/0

Breakout Skates
Gildon 2/2
Boyd 1/1

Bank Outs
Gildon 1/1
Boyd 1/2
Verrier 0/2
Dawson 0/1
Wyse 0/1
MacKinnon 0/0

So Gildon broke the zone 12 times and UNH maintained possession on 11 of those chances. The tensing D-Men broke the zone 11 times combined - seemingly much more willing to attempt to break out off the boards than pass or skate their way out. This approach resulted in five turnovers either in the zone or just outside the zone. Robinson broke the puck out himself with a long pass on one occasion..

Gildon created the only three scoring chances in transitions starting with a defenseman - including UNHs lone goal of the period.

MacKinnon and Boyd each iced the puck once. Boyd cleared two pucks on the PK - Gildon's stick broke up both plays. Wyse's failed clear led to a penalty and a Miami PP.

---

I may watch the rest of the game tomorrow - I'll certainly be paying attention to this moving forward. It paints a pretty clear picture of who handles the puck a whole hell of a lot - certainly by design - and who is dangerous when doing so.

But Gildon did fall at the point on the PP while trying to quickly move the puck. He did quickly swipe the puck with his glove into the corner as he was head over heels - it was actually pretty athletic, but I'm sure only the fall will stick with some...

---

He also has a tendency to not force passes - this is why caused the consternation that UNH plays slow and Gildon is passive and unsure of himself - I guess. It actually proves the opposite. A number of times in this one period Gildon looked to make a pass on one side of the ice. Most defenseman would have forced the pass, creating a turnover or a chip in or even dumping it themselves - but often Gildon reversed course and made an even better and more dangerous play on the other side.

A pretty good strategy for a team that prefers transition to dump and chase and hang been good about winning dumped pucks either...

 

[Dan]

I actually did read them, and you added a lot of clarification in there. I have seen it from you plenty of times before as well. Also, I lied, I will add one last piece to my argument that I think even you can agree with. Even if the parts that I have pointed out here tonight we’re not true and he was executing to absolute perfection. That would maybe, MAYBE, turn one tie into a win or one loss into a tie. His play is far from the reason for the results to this point.

Let's find out shall we...? Ignoring that you'd have to remove Gildon and replace him regularly with Dawson (a career -22) and move around the rest to fill Gildon's 30+ minutes - let's just look at his direct impact...

T @ CC - Gildon 1 G, 1 A = L
W vs UVM - stands quiet night
T @ UML - 1 A, +1 - drops low to create Vela G = L
T @ BC - 1 A - drops down centers to create Pierson G = L
T vs MIA - DNP - stands
W vs MIA - 1 G, creates another that drew UNH out of early deficit = debateable (is it a 2-1 win or do things change without the Blackburn goal)

So without Gildon's direct contributions they're likely 2-9-1 at best (maybe 1-10-1). The BU turnover was tough, but they don't make OT without him and the goal he created on the PP.

And NONE of this (once again) takes into account how much more zone time - and how much less D zone time - UNH plays with having Gildon on the team as an elite puck mover...

---

EDIT ALERT

I misunderstood you - and since this is a real clarification I want to acknowledge it. You were saying Gildon being better wouldn't change much - I agree. But why is it all on his plate? Whether you look at the current team or through the prism of recruiting what they need are more pieces that contribute at a high level - not the few they have now to be super heroes....

And my little misunderstanding sure does show how tenuous things would be if we went the other way and instead of asking Gildon to play better relied on playing without him...

 

[d.gerry]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

This used to be a forum where fans could causualy discuss their interest in UNH hockey without breaking out the calculator, analyzing years of historical stats, or watching hours of game tape of prove their point or professed knowledge of the game. While I can appreciate the finer points of breakout stats, plus/minus ratings, etc. the reading has become tedious at best. People are entitled to their opinion, even if just casual observation. Stats tell a story, but certainly not the whole story (take Billy Bean and the A’s). I believe we all share a common goal, seeing UNH return to playoff form contending for a NC. How about a little more good natured discussion and general comradery. The last few years have been tough enough, we take it out on each other?

 

[Ray Dorn]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

Interesting posts the last day and a half. I do not like ever being negative toward any player. All of the players have their strengths and weaknesses and none of them ever play a perfect game. I would like to thank Dan and UNH1932 for your posts today. They were appropriate and informative.

At this point of the season, I think we all should be pretty happy with the goaltending situation. Robinson and Taylor have played well, especially lately.

Saturday we suited up six left-handed defensemen and no righties. Benton Maass is the only right-handed defenseman to play in a game for UNH this season. With all of the defensemen being left-handed three had to play on their off-hands. The NHL the last few years has made a big deal about defensemen playing on their forehand side. Two players this season have regularly been playing their off-hand (right) side. I would have to believe the coaching staff is working to address this issue and will try to recruit a couple of right-handed defensemen. If Gildon were to be moved back to the left side and paired up with a right-handed defenseman similar to a Casey Fitzgerald he would make fewer mistakes and if he did his D-partner would cover up for most of those mistakes.

The plus/minus statistic is way over rated. There are times when a defenseman will make a good breakout or transition pass up to a forward that results in a goal, but the defenseman will not get credit for a plus because they went to the players bench for a line change. The defenseman that just steps on the ice for a couple of seconds and skates into the celebration gathering will get the plus. Also, this defenseman may deserve an assist on the goal, but will not get credit for it until after the period or game when the off-ice officials review the video.

The defense position has changed a lot in the last 50 years, ever since Bobby Orr. Watch the top defensemen in the NHL today ( Erik Karlsson, Viktor Hedman, Drew Doughty, Seth Jones, Roman Jossi, Duncan Keith, etc.) Which UNH defenseman's skill set and playing style looks closest to these players?

I hope all of the injured players are able to come back as soon as possible. This weekend against Providence will be a big challenge and we will need all of our players healthy and in the line-up!

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

Anyone else remember a similar discussion about Gildon in our season thread about this time last year? Lots of posters wanted Umile to reign [sic] him in. And, maybe Umile did, as things went south real fast by this time last season. I am a SOG and +/- guy through and through, but mostly I enjoy watching quality skating on the ice, which for me has put JvR, TyK, Pots, Cleland, and now Gildon at the top. I am still looking forward to my prize at Libby's for calling the tie without Gildon and the win with Gildon this past weekend.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

Anyone else remember a similar discussion about Gildon in our season thread about this time last year? Lots of posters wanted Umile to reign [sic] him in. And, maybe Umile did, as things went south real fast by this time last season. I am a SOG and +/- guy through and through, but mostly I enjoy watching quality skating on the ice, which for me has put JvR, TyK, Pots, Cleland, and now Gildon at the top. I am still looking forward to my prize at Libby's for calling the tie without Gildon and the win with Gildon this past weekend.

Listen, can I buy you one of those awful IPA's you like to drink? (e.cat and I prefer our lowly Budlights hahaha). I'll even throw in a Umile T given out last year I just happen to have an extra...how's that? Let me know when you're in town again...Dec. 30?

I know; wasn't that interesting...'reign him in' when he was the best player on the ice. Oh, and how's about the posts where some were bemoaning the fact that UNH was getting 'leftovers" from Wisconsin? Sigh...wouldn't bother me one bit if that's all we ever pick up, those 'left over' kids who are as good as Max!! AND...to be fair to some of that, yes, UNH should be recruiting and receiving that kind of talent, no doubt about it. But we will take it where we can get it and we got a great gift in Max...as well as our pickup of Anthony Wyse who is an extremely valuable player.

Totally agree with your assessment of placing Max with the list you spoke of; there's no question he's a gifted skater with many talents who will be missed (as they all are to me) once he's moved on. So that's why it's important to enjoy that talent right here and now...even his miscues because he's (like anyone of us) is not perfect. Sadly, as long as great athletes are placed on that proverbial pedestal they will be picked apart by the fans in the stands. We expect them to be infallible. Always has been that way, always will be that way...unfortunately.

I agree too with d.gerry; we've gotta stick together. I always felt that as long as a post was written respectfully it's a great post to read regardless of the position of the poster. No need to gouge out the eyes to make a point. Anyway...PC is coming and it's going to be another great series as I think we usually manage to play well against them. Always love to beat the Friars; esp. at the 'Whitt. Let's go 'Cats!!

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

This used to be a forum where fans could casually discuss their interest in UNH hockey without breaking out the calculator, analyzing years of historical stats, or watching hours of game tape of prove their point or professed knowledge of the game. While I can appreciate the finer points of breakout stats, plus/minus ratings, etc. the reading has become tedious at best. People are entitled to their opinion, even if just casual observation. Stats tell a story, but certainly not the whole story (take Billy Bean and the A’s). I believe we all share a common goal, seeing UNH return to playoff form contending for a NC. How about a little more good natured discussion and general comradery. The last few years have been tough enough, we take it out on each other?

Fair takes, and takes we should all keep in mind. God knows I've often been the person going off on tangents, and I'll leave it up to my fellow posters to determine their value (if any) towards creating/adding to discussions. And I'd be the last person on here to object to a heated discussion over the pros and cons of any issue or discussion. I think (hope?) many would agree that sometimes - but not always - it makes for entertaining reading. It's a tough period in the overall history of UNH Hockey, and I think some of that fan frustration spills out in these debates.

From my standpoint, I'm trying to adjust to this new reality of where UNH currently stands (or more appropriately, sits) in the overall scheme of the D-1 hockey world. The big issues are the ones at the top of the program; as a result, to me the issue is not whether Max Gildon is better at transitioning the puck out of his own end in comparison to his teammates … the issue has to be, why are there not more Max Gildon level talents in the UNH program? And until such time as there is a critical mass of more talented players in the program, we'll continue to see UNH sitting towards the bottom of the D-1 competitive pyramid.

I have no problem with folks who want to debate who plays where on the four lines/three pairings (and BTW why did the NCAA determine there a need to add a 19th skater?), or if Gildon may be the most talented UNH defender since Rod Langway (and he very well might be). As much as I felt (and continue to feel) that Tirone got unfairly criticized on here by some, I do hope both players in the current rotation both prove to be his superior over the balance of their respective careers. These can all be valid and entertaining discussions.

But the simple fact is, it's unlikely this ship is going to turn around any time soon, and players like Gildon and Wyse will be far away from here by the next time UNH gets to compete in truly meaningful games (and no, that does not count first round HE losses, any more than it included the late not-so-lamented MBPBEGAM "playoffs"). Maybe players like Robinson or Maass will get to play in those games someday … but there's also the possibility that kids like Taylor, Pierson or Crookshank won't play in those games here at UNH, either.

When the good times do return, it will be when Souza, or Souza's boss, OR their respective replacements make it happen. Souza has this season and next (IMHO) to show some progress. Hopefully in a year or two, we will all look back at this past weekend as the first steps towards a return to respectability first, and then on to the levels we all seemed to be quite comfortable with almost a generation ago. Otherwise, this could turn out to be a stretch that makes the "bad ol' days" of the mid-1980's look like a stroll in the park …

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

I have no problem with folks who want to debate who plays where on the four lines/three pairings (and BTW why did the NCAA determine there a need to add a 19th skater?), or if Gildon may be the most talented UNH defender since Rod Langway (and he very well might be). As much as I felt (and continue to feel) that Tirone got unfairly criticized on here by some, I do hope both players in the current rotation both prove to be his superior over the balance of their respective careers. These can all be valid and entertaining discussions.

Rule 5.2, 90.5 - Players in Uniform

Increased the number of allowable skaters to 19 and up to three goaltenders. The allowable number of skaters in
warm-ups is also increased to 20.

Rationale: Student-athlete participation opportunities.

http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/f...8_Ice_Hockey_Major_Rules_Changes_20180904.pdf

But the simple fact is, it's unlikely this ship is going to turn around any time soon, and players like Gildon and Wyse will be far away from here by the next time UNH gets to compete in truly meaningful games (and no, that does not count first round HE losses, any more than it included the late not-so-lamented MBPBEGAM "playoffs"). Maybe players like Robinson or Maass will get to play in those games someday … but there's also the possibility that kids like Taylor, Pierson or Crookshank won't play in those games here at UNH, either.

When the good times do return, it will be when Souza, or Souza's boss, OR their respective replacements make it happen. Souza has this season and next (IMHO) to show some progress. Hopefully in a year or two, we will all look back at this past weekend as the first steps towards a return to respectability first, and then on to the levels we all seemed to be quite comfortable with almost a generation ago. Otherwise, this could turn out to be a stretch that makes the "bad ol' days" of the mid-1980's look like a stroll in the park …

The record does not show it yet, but the ship has turned.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

Skimming, borderline reading, the Gildon posts. Max gets a (((lot))) of attention from opposing teams. When moving the puck out of our zone he is either trying to break old habits as coached OR is doing exactly as coached, but waiting for his teammates to be in the right spot or more likely moving through the right spot. If he had a Johnny Gaudreau (sorry) type cruising neutral ice we'd be posting about Max's vision and pinpoint passing.

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

I am certainly one of the culprits referenced by dgerry in his post. While I love the in-depth debate and wish there was more of it – I don’t like being involved in debates that move into the territory of heated or argumentative, either. As much as that may surprise many here. I’m not going to waste time rationalizing anything to defend myself – I’ll simply make an effort to be better with how my tone is perceived (that’s all that matters - regardless of no-intent in many cases) and how I respond to perceived or intentional barbs taken at me, in order to promote friendly debate rather than heated. I am sure that I have missed out on some enjoyable debate because other’s have not wanted to debate with me – and that disappoints me…

Chuck, and others are correct, that most of my frustration stems from UNH’s lot in life. I still have direct notifications from a number of posters praising me for my stand-out positivity (when things were going well for UNH) – many of those posters would whole heartedly disagree with their assessment of me now, I’m sure...

I un-apologetically refuse to accept UNH’s current spot on the DI pyramid – or its lack of additional Gildon-like talents – its completely self-inflicted, entirely avoidable and I’m not a patient person when it comes to signs that they are rectifying past mistakes (nor do I see many, if any). None of that prevents civil conversation from any of us, myself included – and I will be more attentive to how my posts are perceived – especially when they are not meant to be confrontational (as was the case, last night – I meant to make clear to DB that I mostly agreed with HIS post and I didn’t. My fault.)…

One issue I will take with dgerry’s post is this – USCHO has never been a place for the casual fan or the statistically inclined fan. It has always been a place for all sorts of fans – casual, opinionated, analytical, etc.

I’m not changing my posting style – I have always been the type of fan who watches the game and then enjoys diving into the stats to see if they match up with what I see with my eyes. I don’t post stats because I feel the need to post anything to anyone on this board – I post them because I find them interesting. I use them in debates because I think they are vital to painting a full picture – along with the eye-test. Using just one or the other leaves any picture incomplete.

I went back and watched Saturday’s first period because I wanted to see it. I shared the results because I thought they were interesting. If people don’t like these posts skip them rather than calling them tedious or War and Peace. I know Chuck can take it, so I’ll use him as an example – his WIS posts have never resonated with me. But I’m not going to tell him what or what not to post or what I don’t enjoy reading. I just move on, knowing that many people do enjoy them and that he enjoys writing them. I hope he keeps writing them. Chuck is not here to entertain me, so he can post whatever he wants – and get out of this board whatever he wishes. So can everyone else. I will continue to do the same…

I can be better in many ways - but the depth of my content (and any stat I chose to research) is up to me. Sharing that content is a part of the enjoyment I get out of the board, and that’s every bit as valid as anyone else’s enjoyment. It's not for everyone. I get it. Feel free to ignore me.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

Skimming, borderline reading, the Gildon posts. Max gets a (((lot))) of attention from opposing teams. When moving the puck out of our zone he is either trying to break old habits as coached OR is doing exactly as coached, but waiting for his teammates to be in the right spot or more likely moving through the right spot. If he had a Johnny Gaudreau (sorry) type cruising neutral ice we'd be posting about Max's vision and pinpoint passing.

BINGO...I didn't want to directly say that, because I didn't want to sound like I was slamming his potential would be receivers...(and you do not do this in this post) but this is exactly what I (and a few others who kibitz at the 'Whitt) have been thinking...thanks for pointing this out and I can look past your Gaudreau reference even tho it makes perfect sense...(and I have a ton of respect for Johnny Hockey)

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

I went back and watched Saturday’s first period because I wanted to see it. I shared the results because I thought they were interesting. If people don’t like these posts skip them rather than calling them tedious or War and Peace. I know Chuck can take it, so I’ll use him as an example – his WIS posts have never resonated with me. But I’m not going to tell him what or what not to post or what I don’t enjoy reading. I just move on, knowing that many people do enjoy them and that he enjoys writing them. I hope he keeps writing them. Chuck is not here to entertain me, so he can post whatever he wants – and get out of this board whatever he wishes. So can everyone else. I will continue to do the same…

OK … who are you really, and what have you done to my fellow self-proclaimed, know-it all blowhard Dan?

 

[d.gerry]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

I un-apologetically refuse to accept UNH’s current spot on the DI pyramid – or its lack of additional Gildon-like talents – its completely self-inflicted, entirely avoidable and I’m not a patient person when it comes to signs that they are rectifying past mistakes (nor do I see many, if any). None of that prevents civil conversation from any of us, myself included – and I will be more attentive to how my posts are perceived – especially when they are not meant to be confrontational (as was the case, last night – I meant to make clear to DB that I mostly agreed with HIS post and I didn’t. My fault.)…

No need to apologize for that, or any of your posts for that matter. I too hate UNH's current DI status, and really have a hard time believing how far the team has fallen. Just seems like the recent posts in general (not yours specifically) have become more confrontational and I guess just less entertaining and/or interesting to read.

One issue I will take with dgerry’s post is this – USCHO has never been a place for the casual fan or the statistically inclined fan. It has always been a place for all sorts of fans – casual, opinionated, analytical, etc.


Casual was probably the wrong word choice, as anyone who has found this board and posts here regularly is most likely more than just a casual fan. However, your point of the board being a place for all was my point as well and I believe it is intended to encourage participation from all types, if I was unclear on that I apologize. Just seems like some of the more recent discussion may turn some people off, and if it does, so be it.

I can be better in many ways - but the depth of my content (and any stat I chose to research) is up to me. Sharing that content is a part of the enjoyment I get out of the board, and that’s every bit as valid as anyone else’s enjoyment. It's not for everyone. I get it. Feel free to ignore me.

Your point is taken, post as you feel fit and whatever is enjoyable for you (FWIW I do find your posts interesting if not educational most times) however, if I start dozing off while reading it is probably my cue to move on.

 

[JB]

How many minutes does Wise toll on the power play? He has been bringing the puck through the zone and is a great skater and wonderful defensemen. He also has the second best defensemen on the team in Maass as his sidekick. I like them all but Max is our best offensive defensemen and he does carry the puck through the zone and in the offensive zone. His defense is very good. It was not Max's fault entirely for BU and Robinson did save his butt once this weekend. Max is the top drafted player on UNH and that is for good reason.

I do hope that Pierson, Maass and Charley will be back soon.

The coaches even acknowledge Max needs to and is working on his defense. He is 19 so there is significant development going on for him.


He clearly has the tools and my understanding is he is aware of where his game needs to grow.

Most talented and potential - yes. Best defenseman on the team probably not right now AND that is ok.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

For anyone wondering about former UNH forward Shane Eiserman, he's now playing in South Carolina. Was in a couple of other ECHL teams (Adirondack and Atlanta) earlier in the season. Guess he had a great debut with the Stingrays:

In his first game with the Stingrays Tuesday, forward Shane Eiserman forced his former team to re-think their trade, scoring a goal and an assist in his first four minutes in an SC sweater. The UNH grad had an assist on Sam Fioretti’s strike at 1:16 of the first period, before finishing off a play in front for his third goal of the season and first as a Stingray to give SC an early 2-0 advantage over Atlanta just 3:54 in.

Always enjoyed watching Shane play; was a decent, hard working forward... Wishing him well with his new team! Going to forgo the Providence game Friday to see Matias Cleland play v the Monarchs. In other news Michael McNicholas is lighting the lamp quite regularly with the Maine Mariners, and Jason Salvaggio is nursing a really bad facial injury (also plays for the Mariners) sustained a couple of weeks ago...heard he's back skating which is good to hear.

Speaking of injuries...any word on our UNH guys that are out? Maybe in today's presser we'll hear more....

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

Speaking of Max...will he play in this years World Juniors? Saw this possibility on twitter of a potential Dcorp; imagine that roster will be out shortly?

Hughes-Samberg
Anderson-Keane
Gildon-Walsh
Miller

 

[JB]

The record does not show it yet, but the ship has turned.

I would agree, or at least note the ship has started turning.

There are lots of little things different I can see on the ice. One example, they are now hustling on line changes. In the last few years it was floating into the bench. So there are early signs of attention to detail.

The real key now is future talent. I remain concerned.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH 2018-19: Souza The Opportunity

From today's presser: Maass and Dawson out through Christmas...Kelleher, Pierson are day-to-day.