UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

[Kenny L Parker]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

For UNH in both Men's Hockey and Football there are teams that as the higher seed couldn't close the deal.

For example (answering a separate below question) in 06 and 07 the Hockey team was a 1 seed and couldn't get out of the first round. UNH Football hosted a I-AA playoff (I don't care what dumb new NCAA name is out there) game and couldn't get it done. In all three of those cases I don't think the teams showed up and the shows were just bad.

I hope the UNH hockey team learned "IT" last March and will arrive with "IT" win or not this weekend.

For us, the hockey year that sticks worst in the craw was '03. We were the overall #1 seed and #1 in the polls, and then lost to you guys. Granted, we made the FF, but we wanted more. And when that team got behind early - out of its system's comfort zone - it wasn't able to come from behind. And of course, that was our only FF in a long time, which adds to the frustration.

 

[snively]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

What I meant about "latter-day golden age" is that Cornell athletics are in a golden age right now, though some of our hockey fans seem to compare everything against late '60s / early '70s. 1970 isn't ever coming back. 63 straight home wins isn't ever coming back. Those days are gone with the wind, and so we should enjoy the current success. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

I think this was more my reading comprehension than your writing -- sorry.

Hi there: don't forget lacrosse! (and yet, lacrosse furthers my argument above.... look at last year's title game, where we had it in our grasp and blew a 3-goal lead in the last 4 min. to super-hated arch-rival Syracuse. In fact, the men's b-ball team is the exception to the rule in that they're not just teasing - they're delivering!)

Yes -- sorry to have omitted lax as well. Actually, it's odd how the fury you initially feel over being 'teased' by a near-title eases a bit over time -- I now think of that OT loss to Maine in the NCAA final primarily as evidence of what an elite squad UNH had that year.

Similarly, at the time, our OT loss at home to RPI in 1974's opening round (then a single game format) was painful beyond description... it was the only time we entered the ECACs as a #1 seed. Back then, "one and done" in the league eliminated you from any further play at all that year, as the NCAAs were still a four team tourney.

But with time, we now think of it as the game in which Clark-Hislop-Cox scored 3 goals in 1:45 of 3 on 3 play (both teams with two men in the box) in one of the most impressive displays of puck handling that college hockey's ever seen. So time's given us a more even-handed and sypathetic view of that season's "tease", for which there were special reasons (goalie Cap Raeder's injury -- see below).

 

[WildShawn]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

For us, the hockey year that sticks worst in the craw was '03. We were the overall #1 seed and #1 in the polls, and then lost to you guys. Granted, we made the FF, but we wanted more. And when that team got behind early - out of its system's comfort zone - it wasn't able to come from behind. And of course, that was our only FF in a long time, which adds to the frustration.

For UNH to have a chance tomorrow, thats what needs to happen again... If they can't get an early lead (which they haven't exactly specialized in the last 2 months), it will be a long (boring/frustrating) game for the 'Cats!

02 was frustrating in that they played great until they just, inexplicably, crapped the bed in the national semifinal. That was their best, most talented team, top to bottom, in this era, and they too were the #1 seed, I believe (?) heading into the semifinals. At least Cornell kept that game close, and came within a ridiculous mask save of tying it, not to mention that controvercial high stick goal waveoff (which was the correct call, but frustrating for you guys nonetheless with how long it took, and took away some momentum it looked like the Red had!)

03 was kind of a Surprise, getting back to that point, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much heading into that FF, especially with one of their top forwards out. The Minnesota game, as bad as it was, wasn't as disappointing as losing in the semis the year before, in that fashion...

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

For us, the hockey year that sticks worst in the craw was '03. We were the overall #1 seed and #1 in the polls, and then lost to you guys. Granted, we made the FF, but we wanted more. And when that team got behind early - out of its system's comfort zone - it wasn't able to come from behind. And of course, that was our only FF in a long time, which adds to the frustration.

There are many frustrations for UNH fans.

77 - Eaves cheating the faceoff for a goal.

99 - Posts and just wide including the best of the chances in OT.

02 - maybe the best UNH team laying an egg in the national semi's.

03 - missing its best all around forward (he was the best defensive forward too) for the frozen 4 due to injury. He might have helped on Vannek.

06 - 1st round exit as a 1 seed in Manchester - playing Miami's game.

07 - 1st round exit in Colorado (on olympic ice) by not showing up.

Last year is a glimmer of hope. Beating UND as the lower seed and pushing BU to the limit. Maybe they are learning how to be a tough out.

 

[WildShawn]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

There are many frustrations for UNH fans.

77 - Eaves cheating the faceoff for a goal.

99 - Posts and just wide including the best of the chances in OT.

02 - maybe the best UNH team laying an egg in the national semi's.

03 - missing its best all around forward (he was the best defensive forward too) for the frozen 4 due to injury. He might have helped on Vannek.

06 - 1st round exit as a 1 seed in Manchester - playing Miami's game.

07 - 1st round exit in Colorado (on olympic ice) by not showing up.

Last year is a glimmer of hope. Beating UND as the lower seed and pushing BU to the limit. Maybe they are learning how to be a tough out.

don't forget 00 - 1st round exit to Niagara (really?) in Minneapolis, also on Olympic ice

06 was the 1-0 snoozefest against Mich State in which they actually played very well, gave up kind of a flukey goal VERY early, but couldn't pot a goal.
07 was the awful Miami game.. they gave up 2 real bad goals, and save for a miraculous shg by Radja late in the game, and despite outshooting Miami badly, didn't really show much fight
08 was the embarassment in Colorado Springs to a spirited, but not more talented, Notre Dame squad. Nothing more to say about that...

 

[RockTheWhit]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

I think that is great news, will help them move the puck out of thier own end better. So is Harowa the odd man out? Probably, but do like the way he has been playing and like his added size. Out side shot of maybe dressing 7 defensemen and going with a short bench of 3 lines and 2 extra forwards, I for one would have no problem with that.

I assume Hardowa will be the odd man out, but I agree with you that his size and physicality would work well against Cornell. Umile hasn't dressed fewer than 12 forwards since I can remember, and doing it now would be a huge mistake. If anything, quarterfinal game 3 proved that the 4th line should be getting more ice time, as the first two lines were gassed down the stretch. Cornell's tough defense will be tougher to work against and they'll need their legs.

 

[Catnip]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

ESPNU is broadcasting the games from Albany and I would like to be able to watch them on-line as I won't be able to attend and won't have access to a Direct TV feed. Does anyone know how I could watch the games on my computer? Please advise and thanks. As far as the lineup goes, it is good to have Kostolansky back to help the puck movement and power play. However, I think they still need Hardowa in the lineup to win the puck battles in the corners and handle the bigger forwards of Cornell. Perhaps one of the other D should sit out, but that goes against the seniority rule. what do you think? It may be a good idea to dress 7 D and use one of them on the 4th line. If Kostolansky takes a hit and can't be effective, you would still have 6 D for the game. Defense wins playoffs.

 

[Terrierbyassociation]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

ESPNU is broadcasting the games from Albany and I would like to be able to watch them on-line as I won't be able to attend and won't have access to a Direct TV feed. Does anyone know how I could watch the games on my computer? Please advise and thanks. As far as the lineup goes, it is good to have Kostolansky back to help the puck movement and power play. However, I think they still need Hardowa in the lineup to win the puck battles in the corners and handle the bigger forwards of Cornell. Perhaps one of the other D should sit out, but that goes against the seniority rule. what do you think? It may be a good idea to dress 7 D and use one of them on the 4th line. If Kostolansky takes a hit and can't be effective, you would still have 6 D for the game. Defense wins playoffs.

Do you have espn360?

 

[northeastern]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

UNH fans.. just wanted to let you know.. had a chance to catch a UNH practice yesterday.. (pretty sure the diehards know the venue).

What was interesting (really fun to watch) .. they were practicing cross-ice. They actually were playing cross-ice/ 'small gms' situations.. you know - what the kids do.

The pace was intense & Butler and company broke quite a sweat. Lots of battles in front of net. Great for the few in attendance, to watch.

Just goes to show.. the basics never go out of style
They looked good. All the best this wknd

 

[WildShawn]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

ESPNU is broadcasting the games from Albany and I would like to be able to watch them on-line as I won't be able to attend and won't have access to a Direct TV feed. Does anyone know how I could watch the games on my computer? Please advise and thanks. As far as the lineup goes, it is good to have Kostolansky back to help the puck movement and power play. However, I think they still need Hardowa in the lineup to win the puck battles in the corners and handle the bigger forwards of Cornell. Perhaps one of the other D should sit out, but that goes against the seniority rule. what do you think? It may be a good idea to dress 7 D and use one of them on the 4th line. If Kostolansky takes a hit and can't be effective, you would still have 6 D for the game. Defense wins playoffs.

espn360.com
if you don't have the right cable (ISP) provider, check out:
http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?t=89987
some good info on how to hook up with it anyway

 

[WildShawn]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

UNH fans.. just wanted to let you know.. had a chance to catch a UNH practice yesterday.. (pretty sure the diehards know the venue).

What was interesting (really fun to watch) .. they were practicing cross-ice. They actually were playing cross-ice/ 'small gms' situations.. you know - what the kids do.

The pace was intense & Butler and company broke quite a sweat. Lots of battles in front of net. Great for the few in attendance, to watch.

Just goes to show.. the basics never go out of style
They looked good. All the best this wknd

tnks gl 2 nu nxt yr

 

[RockTheWhit]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

UNH fans.. just wanted to let you know.. had a chance to catch a UNH practice yesterday.. (pretty sure the diehards know the venue).

What was interesting (really fun to watch) .. they were practicing cross-ice. They actually were playing cross-ice/ 'small gms' situations.. you know - what the kids do.

The pace was intense & Butler and company broke quite a sweat. Lots of battles in front of net. Great for the few in attendance, to watch.

Just goes to show.. the basics never go out of style
They looked good. All the best this wknd

Very cool of Umile and the Butler's to set up the practice in Marlborough. I sat in on the practice Monday at the Whitt, and I was very pleased with what I saw. They spent a great deal of time practicing everything they'll need to do to beat Cornell. Mainly, getting traffic in front to screen the goalie and crash for rebounds. It was a lot more physical than your average practice. They even tweaked the powerplay a bit which I was also glad to see.
They have a few regular drills that are fun to watch. One where they put the nets back to back at center ice with goalies in each as well as the one you mentioned about playing the width of the ice in an offensive zone. These will help for Cornell, as Friday promises to be less of a transition game, and the Cats have struggled on the offensive and defensive ends when either teams has sustained possession.

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

don't forget 00 - 1st round exit to Niagara (really?) in Minneapolis, also on Olympic ice

06 was the 1-0 snoozefest against Mich State in which they actually played very well, gave up kind of a flukey goal VERY early, but couldn't pot a goal.
07 was the awful Miami game.. they gave up 2 real bad goals, and save for a miraculous shg by Radja late in the game, and despite outshooting Miami badly, didn't really show much fight
08 was the embarassment in Colorado Springs to a spirited, but not more talented, Notre Dame squad. Nothing more to say about that...

Sorry, got off a year. I don't count '00 that team was so offensively challenged that i didn't see them going anywhere. '06 didn't bother me at all, again I don't think that team was going anywhere, the bummer there is they seemed willing to just go throught the motions.

 

[WildShawn]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

Sorry, got off a year. I don't count '00 that team was so offensively challenged that i didn't see them going anywhere. '06 didn't bother me at all, again I don't think that team was going anywhere, the bummer there is they seemed willing to just go throught the motions.

Yeah, as average as the 2000 team was, that was still stunning, disappointing at the time... the 2006 game, I didn't see for some reason, but I wasn't surprised about that one, and at least they played a good game against a better team, despite not lighting the lamp...

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

Yeah, as average as the 2000 team was, that was still stunning, disappointing at the time... the 2006 game, I didn't see for some reason, but I wasn't surprised about that one, and at least they played a good game against a better team, despite not lighting the lamp...

2000 was stunning at the time. Looking back on it not so much. A very together team in Niagara (15 seniors) that had some quality wins (CC, Cornell, BU, even the nc games they lost were only by 1 goal) beating an extremely offensively challenged UNH squad.

 

[unh_hockey]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

2000 was stunning at the time. Looking back on it not so much. A very together team in Niagara (15 seniors) that had some quality wins (CC, Cornell, BU, even the nc games they lost were only by 1 goal) beating an extremely offensively challenged UNH squad.

I thought the offensively challenged team was the next year 2000-2001 when they didn't make the tourny. I do recall a string of ties, but forget which season that was.

Niagara had a pretty sick season that year, and their tender stood on their head to take that game.

 

[WildShawn]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

2000 was stunning at the time. Looking back on it not so much. A very together team in Niagara (15 seniors) that had some quality wins (CC, Cornell, BU, even the nc games they lost were only by 1 goal) beating an extremely offensively challenged UNH squad.

True, they had a bunch of older seniors too, but still, UNH was a more talented team (they had the core of the 01-02 team, though 2 years younger)... It is kind of crazy how much trouble they had scoring that year and especially the following year and how they exploded the next two years (man those were fun teams to watch!)

McDonald is a good coach, and he got a great run out of that program, leading him to the UML job...

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

I thought the offensively challenged team was the next year 2000-2001 when they didn't make the tourny. I do recall a string of ties, but forget which season that was.

Niagara had a pretty sick season that year, and their tender stood on their head to take that game.

98-99 - 4.15 g/gm
99-00 - 3.21 g/gm
00-01 - 3.13 g/gm
01-02 - 4.60 g/gm
02-03 - 3.71 g/gm

I think 99-00 was offensively challenged, 00-01 was extremely offensively challenged but the 2 years weren't far appart (2 to 3 goals over a year).

What that makes last year and this year I don't know. But scoring seems down in Hockey overall.

08-09 - 3.05
09-10 - 3.32

 

[freak]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

UNH in Men's-Women's Hockey

Really? The girls won the national title in '98. They've played in 2 Frozen Fours since the NCAA began sponsoring a championship, and in '08 they ran into an Olympic goalie on her A++ game. Also, in the pre-AWCHA tournament days, there were no western teams of note. The ECAC was the ONLY game in town. The girls won 5 ECAC tourney championships, which arguably was the de facto national championship in absence of a sponsored tourney.

 

[freak]

Re: UNH Wildcats - '10 Playoff Edition

There have been gafs lately.

Or not.

Karen Kay thought the program would sell itself after the national title in '98. Recruits started going elsewhere, particularly to the Ivy schools.

When Coach Mac took over the team, they were not in a position talent-wise to challenge the top tier teams.

In 05-06 it was a young team which exceeded expectations. In the Frozen Four against Minny, although higher ranked, the Gophers had the more experienced squad. UNHs youth showed early in the game, as they fell into the trap of playing Minnesota's game, instead of imposing their game as they'd done all year. Even still, they came close to coming back, with the difference in the game being a BS penalty shot.

In 2008, calling it a "gaf" does a disservice to Kim Martin, who was THE difference in the game. UNH held Duluth without a shot on goal for more than a period of game time, and created dozens of high quality scoring chances. Martin, an Olympic goalie, stoned most of 'em.

The 2007 team was very flawed. And the 2009 team overachieved with a very short roster.

So where are these "gafs" you speak of?