UNH Men’s Hockey 22-23: the start of something new, or more of the same?

[Snively65]

And we whooped them in the HE qtrs...our last time holding first round ice. (well if you wanna call 5-2 and 2-1 a 'whooping') No doubt tho, score sheet doesn't lie
they have had our number over the years and would LOVE to see the 'Cats sweep. Obviously for the points but just to close the gap some.. I expect it to be a very physical game with a lot more time in the box...hopefully them ha!
Go 'Cats!

Good second period by Cats from what I watched on NESN.

 

[Snively65]

Woo hoo! Now Luce’s team needs to win at the Garden to make the NCAA’s, I think, unless I do not understand PWR.

 

[HockeyRef]

How sweep it is!!!!

 

[norbert]

I used to have faith in the pairwise but 4 wins over top 20 teams and we are still 46? We are 7-9-1 with a couple of OT losses against teams that were top 20 at the time of the game. This is amazing in the aspect that we are 4-9 against sub-par teams. I did not stay for the post game Q&A, interested to see how that went and if anyone asked hard real questions.

Side note I saw Coach Mac upstairs today and he looked like a new man. Enjoying retirement and looked like a new man. Glad that he is enjoying the wonder years.

Now the big question, can this team carry the momentum again Maine next weekend? Going to be tough to grab the 8th seed and get a home playoff seed but as they say, any given Sunday.

 

[d.gerry]

I used to have faith in the pairwise but 4 wins over top 20 teams and we are still 46? We are 7-9-1 with a couple of OT losses against teams that were top 20 at the time of the game. This is amazing in the aspect that we are 4-9 against sub-par teams. I did not stay for the post game Q&A, interested to see how that went and if anyone asked hard real questions.

Side note I saw Coach Mac upstairs today and he looked like a new man. Enjoying retirement and looked like a new man. Glad that he is enjoying the wonder years.

Now the big question, can this team carry the momentum again Maine next weekend? Going to be tough to grab the 8th seed and get a home playoff seed but as they say, any given Sunday.

Problem is we have lost to some pretty pathetic teams, that’s definitely hurting the pairwise, and despite all the recent success this team is still seven games below .500.

I think next weekend will tell us a lot about where the team really stands. Momentum is definitely going their way, let’s hope they can keep it rolling.

 

[HockeyRef]

I used to have faith in the pairwise but 4 wins over top 20 teams and we are still 46? We are 7-9-1 with a couple of OT losses against teams that were top 20 at the time of the game. This is amazing in the aspect that we are 4-9 against sub-par teams. I did not stay for the post game Q&A, interested to see how that went and if anyone asked hard real questions.

Side note I saw Coach Mac upstairs today and he looked like a new man. Enjoying retirement and looked like a new man. Glad that he is enjoying the wonder years.

Now the big question, can this team carry the momentum again Maine next weekend? Going to be tough to grab the 8th seed and get a home playoff seed but as they say, any given Sunday.

If you are talking about the event upstairs no hard ball questions..mostly about their lives as Wildcats (Just Seniors were there…Souza was in background did not speak). Mostly talk about how they prepare for games stuff. Thanked the fans for hanging in and answered mostly pre arranged qs and maybe 3 or 4 from the audience. No controversial stuff.

Psyched for the Maine games! Going to be huge…Maine has shown they can play with anyone. Like Sean P says in the HE by the numbers we will need help getting home ice which would be awesome seeing how it’s been what 8 seasons? Part of the issue is Maine has 2 in hand (we have played more games than most teams it seems) so here’s hoping. I’m thinking split but my predicts have been atrocious so just going with split…ha!

Looks like Chuck wins the weekend with his firm belief that the ‘Cats would sweep…still waiting for adoption news….

 

[Snively65]

When was the last time that only one HEA team made the NCAA’s? If never, when was the last time that only two HEA teams made the NCAA’s? How good does it feel to be a PWR wrecker for other teams?

 

[HockeyRef]

When was the last time that only one HEA team made the NCAA’s? If never, when was the last time that only two HEA teams made the NCAA’s? How good does it feel to be a PWR wrecker for other teams?

Feels pretty dang good! I mean no delusions here about how far this team will go this season and...considering the strength of the league overall...but if certain HC's lament about their losses to the Wildcats hey my work here is done. #PairWiseWreckers

 

[acs64]

I must be on the wrong thread...lol. Wow, you guyz are on fire ! Winning is fun isnt it? Yes indeed, gonna be a good series this weekend, but first da Bears have to get past UML today. Hoping for a few points out of that, but none wouldnt surprise me. Just wanting to see the consistent play we have witnessed lately. Like I said on the other thread, if they are getting good goaltending, they can play with anyone. I gotta like da Cheifs today, mostly cuz Philly fans are such losers. Oh meant to ask, did they do reno's at the Whitt this past summer and what did they amount to? Thank gawd for espn+

 

[teez]

As much as I want a fresh start at UNH it's great to see them on a bit of a heater. Especially love the UCONN sweep. I like the banter when different fans hop into our thread but I need a UCONN fan to explain to me the love affair for Cavanaugh. I simply don't get it. He now has 10 years under his belt and they've won nothing. I get that he is responsible for the program now being a middling Hockey East team who's no longer stuck in the cellar but I hope when UNH finally wakes up and hires a new coach our expectations greatly exceed theirs. His track record and winning percentage (.441) is similar to Kevin Sneddon's at UVM (.438) except Sneddon achieved more with a Frozen Four appearance. On here and other college hockey boards (reddit) you might think he was the next Scotty Bowman.

The new facility looks really nice though, so good on them for that.

 

[Chuck Murray]

As much as I want a fresh start at UNH it's great to see them on a bit of a heater. Especially love the UCONN sweep. I like the banter when different fans hop into our thread but I need a UCONN fan to explain to me the love affair for Cavanaugh. I simply don't get it. He now has 10 years under his belt and they've won nothing. I get that he is responsible for the program now being a middling Hockey East team who's no longer stuck in the cellar but I hope when UNH finally wakes up and hires a new coach our expectations greatly exceed theirs. His track record and winning percentage (.441) is similar to Kevin Sneddon's at UVM (.438) except Sneddon achieved more with a Frozen Four appearance. On here and other college hockey boards (reddit) you might think he was the next Scotty Bowman.

Preach, Brother teez. Amen.

Was hoping to catch yesterday's game live on NESN+ but an extended family emergency erupted at the originally scheduled faceoff time, so I had to catch the replay this morning ... very impressed, I must admit, I did not recognize the current Wildcats in comparison with the last few times I saw them earlier this season. I was on here last week (or two?) warning of fool's gold and the like, but I dunno, this feels a little different to me.

Either that, or my "Luce Tanks for Pal MS7" predictions will be revealed as cunningly accurate. As for the adoption thing, I will politely remind HR that Messy Fessy got the nod on Friday, so Mucinex is unlikely to become "Drew MS7" any time soon, although he has played pretty darned well in his last two games, which hopefully postures him to exceed the dubious career accomplishments of Ty Taylor before the end of this month.

All UMaine commentary will be directed to acs64 soon enough in due course ...

 

[Darius]

Was hoping to catch yesterday's game live on NESN+ but an extended family emergency erupted at the originally scheduled faceoff time, so I had to catch the replay this morning ... very impressed, I must admit, I did not recognize the current Wildcats in comparison with the last few times I saw them earlier this season. I was on here last week (or two?) warning of fool's gold and the like, but I dunno, this feels a little different to me.

This. 'cats looked good regardless of result.

Either that, or my "Luce Tanks for Pal MS7" predictions will be revealed as cunningly accurate. As for the adoption thing, I will politely remind HR that Messy Fessy got the nod on Friday, so Mucinex is unlikely to become "Drew MS7" any time soon, although he has played pretty darned well in his last two games, which hopefully postures him to exceed the dubious career accomplishments of Ty Taylor before the end of this month.

So nice to see. I was all over this kid earlier in the season. Super happy for him. I suspect he did some hard mental and physical work, likely with Ty Conklin.

Coach Souza's NESN post game interview was good. He admitted something to the effect of his comments being cliche "coach speak", but also that while boring it works. Most importantly he looks much better than he did a few weeks ago. Very happy for him too. He, his staff and the team are sticking to it, putting in the work and it is paying off. Hopefully it continues this season and with such a young team for several years.

ME/UML on NESN today at 2:00 PM. Go Angry Pigeons!

 

[HockeyRef]

This. 'cats looked good regardless of result.

So nice to see. I was all over this kid earlier in the season. Super happy for him. I suspect he did some hard mental and physical work, likely with Ty Conklin.

Coach Souza's NESN post game interview was good. He admitted something to the effect of his comments being cliche "coach speak", but also that while boring it works. Most importantly he looks much better than he did a few weeks ago. Very happy for him too. He, his staff and the team are sticking to it, putting in the work and it is paying off. Hopefully it continues this season and with such a young team for several years.

ME/UML on NESN today at 2:00 PM. Go Angry Pigeons!

Yep we are all 'Angry Pigeons' (love that) fans today! Plan on tuning in... YES on all your thoughts about the team and on Ty Muszelik...I'll admit I was somewhat surprised to see him get the nod but, he deserves it with his UML game of the previous week. Regardless of how anyone (myself included) feels about the coaching situation at UNH you cannot deny that this team has come a long way...and I will reiterate my thoughts that regardless of how they do...I'm not so sure there would be a change in the first place but that's not what I am thinking about much these days. I just want to see them do as well as they can and we'll take the personal gains they make as we head towards the finish line as small victories (of sort; yes, I know our record). Who knows??

Next season? If I can look ahead that far...there would be a definite need to players to continue to develop, guys like Cy LeClerc, Winters (who I hope will be able to return? Anyone know what's up there) Dunlap (has been a pleasant surprise) for example..Damien Carfagna has also come on very strong and love the game that Sards has produced as of late. And who can't appreciate what Ryan Black has brought to the team? Trivia: who knew his brother plays for UConn???

Let's goooo Angry Pigeons!!

 

[After the Whistle]

Ref, can’t say that I knew about his brother. Take a look at his last years stats. Yes it was the NAHL, but off the charts. Watch for some significant growth from him going forward.
While I have mentioned what I think is an improved breakout strategy and a change to being first to puck, especially in our end, I would add our lines (especially the forth). I think we finally have three strong lines and no need to cringe when any of them are out there. And we finally have a very strong 4th line that does what you hope a good 4th line will do. And more importantly they are actually being utilized for the entire game. I feel this has help keep the other lines fresher than in the past when we would keep going 1-2, 1-2 until they were noticeably dragging.

 

[Snively65]

Yep we are all 'Angry Pigeons' (love that) fans today! Plan on tuning in... YES on all your thoughts about the team and on Ty Muszelik...I'll admit I was somewhat surprised to see him get the nod but, he deserves it with his UML game of the previous week. Regardless of how anyone (myself included) feels about the coaching situation at UNH you cannot deny that this team has come a long way...and I will reiterate my thoughts that regardless of how they do...I'm not so sure there would be a change in the first place but that's not what I am thinking about much these days. I just want to see them do as well as they can and we'll take the personal gains they make as we head towards the finish line as small victories (of sort; yes, I know our record). Who knows??

Next season? If I can look ahead that far...there would be a definite need to players to continue to develop, guys like Cy LeClerc, Winters (who I hope will be able to return? Anyone know what's up there) Dunlap (has been a pleasant surprise) for example..Damien Carfagna has also come on very strong and love the game that Sards has produced as of late. And who can't appreciate what Ryan Black has brought to the team? Trivia: who knew his brother plays for UConn???

Let's goooo Angry Pigeons!!

In Seinfeld voice: “So, what’s the deal with so many goaltenders at UNH named Ty? First there was Ty Conklin, then Ty Rone [sic], then Ty Taylor, and now Ty Muszelik.”

 

[Chuck Murray]

While I have mentioned what I think is an improved breakout strategy and a change to being first to puck, especially in our end, I would add our lines (especially the forth). I think we finally have three strong lines and no need to cringe when any of them are out there. And we finally have a very strong 4th line that does what you hope a good 4th line will do. And more importantly they are actually being utilized for the entire game. I feel this has help keep the other lines fresher than in the past when we would keep going 1-2, 1-2 until they were noticeably dragging.

One of the lesser-discussed things when it comes to determining the best coaches can often be that overlooked ability to determine what makes up your best team. And to do so more quickly than others sometimes. This was one of Coach Umile's strengths, and it's part of the explanation as to why UNH teams during the Umile Era got the label "Champions of November". It's a skill that could have given MS7 a better foothold into the current season much earlier on, although with the young age of the players he's now leaning on, some adjustment period was always likely to be necessary. One would certainly hope that next season gets off to a much better start. A lot of points left on the table earlier this season could have come in handy right about now.

I was looking at the stats earlier, and I was surprised to see one of last year's breakout players (Cronin) lagging so far behind what he was able to do last season. Does anyone have any insight into the reason(s) for his fall-off this year? And FWIW, in just the short time I've seen him, I'm a big fan of the Dunlap kid. Here's to hoping that he doesn't suffer a Cronin-like fall-off the proverbial cliff in the future.

With UMaine coming to town, it's a great opportunity to test whether the recent spurt is "for real" or fool's gold. UMaine is also enjoying their own renaissance (as predicted by yours truly) under HC Ben Barr, hovering around .500 overall and rekindling the dormant interest in the Black Bears program in the long-ago, make-believe land of the OLL. It's interesting to note that places where Barr had graced with his presence as top recruiter (Union, UMass and even PC) before moving on have fallen back - some significantly - in his absence, while Barr has been quietly building the foundation for what may be HEA's next powerhouse program. So Barr's improving program comes to town while MS7 arguably has his young team playing the best overall hockey of the Souza Era, hosting at home in the recently-shrunken Whitt.

Both teams have to view both games as winnable games, and both programs have some legitimate excitement that things are finally turning around for them. Although UMaine has two games in hand, two UNH wins would only help build further momentum towards the previously-unthinkable 8th seed and home ice for the MBPBEGAM "playoffs". UMaine can probably declare the weekend a success with a split, but a sweep could thrust them up the standings towards 6th place. Anything less than two wins next weekend probably ends UNH's home ice quest, but more importantly could really be a late season setback to put a dent into the fragile confidence the team may be building in recent weeks?

If I'm predicting, I'll guess that UNH may tease us with a Friday win, only for UMaine to bounce back Saturday.

Biggest emerging program-wide question in Durham is (1) will the strong finish enable MS7's crew to parlay that into a strong recruiting season (early returns suggest no); and (2) will MS7 do enough down the stretch to earn some sort of an extension, seeing that his deal runs out after next season, leaving him in "lame duck" status otherwise. Maybe (1) isn't so bad IF MS7 and his staff have suddenly learned how to develop its players? Personally, the only thing that seems to have produced positive results so far during Souza's tenure has been amping up the pressure to produce over this Winter, so I'd be tempted to let him enter next season without extension, and see if he can keep the apparent progress of the last two months going. Otherwise, the risk is to extend MS7 another 2-3 years, and then the early '23 momentum turns into a mirage, as we've seen a few times earlier in his tenure.

I've noticed despite UNH's continuing to win games, our demented pal GUNHer and his new bestie Ramona have gone radio silent, maybe on some South Coast whaling excursion. Crazy kids, eh? Check in again please, willya??

 

[Scott]

In Seinfeld voice: “So, what’s the deal with so many goaltenders at UNH named Ty? First there was Ty Conklin, then Ty Rone [sic], then Ty Taylor, and now Ty Muszelik.”

"Nice tie.....Ty....."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_3v...annel=FunStuff

 

[HockeyRef]

One of the lesser-discussed things when it comes to determining the best coaches can often be that overlooked ability to determine what makes up your best team. And to do so more quickly than others sometimes. This was one of Coach Umile's strengths, and it's part of the explanation as to why UNH teams during the Umile Era got the label "Champions of November". It's a skill that could have given MS7 a better foothold into the current season much earlier on, although with the young age of the players he's now leaning on, some adjustment period was always likely to be necessary. One would certainly hope that next season gets off to a much better start. A lot of points left on the table earlier this season could have come in handy right about now.

I was looking at the stats earlier, and I was surprised to see one of last year's breakout players (Cronin) lagging so far behind what he was able to do last season. Does anyone have any insight into the reason(s) for his fall-off this year? And FWIW, in just the short time I've seen him, I'm a big fan of the Dunlap kid. Here's to hoping that he doesn't suffer a Cronin-like fall-off the proverbial cliff in the future.

With UMaine coming to town, it's a great opportunity to test whether the recent spurt is "for real" or fool's gold. UMaine is also enjoying their own renaissance (as predicted by yours truly) under HC Ben Barr, hovering around .500 overall and rekindling the dormant interest in the Black Bears program in the long-ago, make-believe land of the OLL. It's interesting to note that places where Barr had graced with his presence as top recruiter (Union, UMass and even PC) before moving on have fallen back - some significantly - in his absence, while Barr has been quietly building the foundation for what may be HEA's next powerhouse program. So Barr's improving program comes to town while MS7 arguably has his young team playing the best overall hockey of the Souza Era, hosting at home in the recently-shrunken Whitt.

Both teams have to view both games as winnable games, and both programs have some legitimate excitement that things are finally turning around for them. Although UMaine has two games in hand, two UNH wins would only help build further momentum towards the previously-unthinkable 8th seed and home ice for the MBPBEGAM "playoffs". UMaine can probably declare the weekend a success with a split, but a sweep could thrust them up the standings towards 6th place. Anything less than two wins next weekend probably ends UNH's home ice quest, but more importantly could really be a late season setback to put a dent into the fragile confidence the team may be building in recent weeks?

If I'm predicting, I'll guess that UNH may tease us with a Friday win, only for UMaine to bounce back Saturday.

Biggest emerging program-wide question in Durham is (1) will the strong finish enable MS7's crew to parlay that into a strong recruiting season (early returns suggest no); and (2) will MS7 do enough down the stretch to earn some sort of an extension, seeing that his deal runs out after next season, leaving him in "lame duck" status otherwise. Maybe (1) isn't so bad IF MS7 and his staff have suddenly learned how to develop its players? Personally, the only thing that seems to have produced positive results so far during Souza's tenure has been amping up the pressure to produce over this Winter, so I'd be tempted to let him enter next season without extension, and see if he can keep the apparent progress of the last two months going. Otherwise, the risk is to extend MS7 another 2-3 years, and then the early '23 momentum turns into a mirage, as we've seen a few times earlier in his tenure.

I've noticed despite UNH's continuing to win games, our demented pal GUNHer and his new bestie Ramona have gone radio silent, maybe on some South Coast whaling excursion. Crazy kids, eh? Check in again please, willya??

To this (once) casual observer ( now paying better attention) of player development I have wondered this season about Robert C myself. And its going to be quite interesting, as I alluded to in a previous post, how the frosh develop next season (LeClerc, Winters, Dunlap). If they falter / digress then bingo..we have definitive proof something isn't right in Durham (haha sounds like a movie doesn't it and some would say yep, but we knew that...captain obvious statement) I'd like to think that along with Devlin and a few others they have a pretty strong core returning, IF...IF...guys like them, Huard/Gagne etc don't bolt for the portal (I am not thinking that's going to happen but?)

Let's get through this season shall we? BEAT MAINE!!!

 

[HockeyRef]

In Seinfeld voice: “So, what’s the deal with so many goaltenders at UNH named Ty? First there was Ty Conklin, then Ty Rone [sic], then Ty Taylor, and now Ty Muszelik.”

Aww...just some pet names...haha if you are named Tyler you are going to be Ty by my book...and then, there's the Ty's who shall be referred to as...simply Ty. (said in Monty Python voice)

 

[HockeyRef]

"Nice tie.....Ty....."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_3v...annel=FunStuff

lol one of the best golf movies ever! Chevy kills that role..and makes a cute Ty. Hope to catch you around the 'Whitt this weekend Scott!