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UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
- Thread starter C-H-C
- Start date
Oops, I did forget that one... so... 3 good wins agains tourney teams all season, and nothing to get too excited about after the new year other than a solid effort vs BC...
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
As for statistics, both Thompson and Moses were prolific scorers in the EJHL. Their scoring totals in their freshman through junior years at UNH are comparable:
Thompson
Fr. 6-6-12
Soph. 4-5-9
Jr. 19-20-39 (while playing on the first line and first powerplay unit).
Moses
Fr. 5-8-13
Soph. 6-8-24
Jr. 14-12-26 (while playing on the second line and second powerplay unit).
It remains to be seen whether Stevie Moses will elevate his game another notch next year and earn Player of the Year honors - like Thompson and Butler before him. It's a pretty safe bet that he'll be in the running.
As to the larger point - there's no question that if Thompson-DeSimone-Sislo play as tenaciously as Moses-Borisenok-Goumas, then UNH's chances next weekend will be improved.
Yes, Thompson could/should have played much harder last night and lead the team to victory. However, in order to make that point, I don't think it is necessary or accurate to say that Stevie Moses is not as talented or skilled as Thompson. Thompson is a power forward; Moses is a speed/energy forward. There are aspects of the game in which Moses is superior to Thompson (e.g., speed, stickhandling, generating shots on goal, back-checking, forechecking) and areas where Thompson is more skilled (e.g., size, shot accuracy, passing).
As for statistics, both Thompson and Moses were prolific scorers in the EJHL. Their scoring totals in their freshman through junior years at UNH are comparable:
Thompson
Fr. 6-6-12
Soph. 4-5-9
Jr. 19-20-39 (while playing on the first line and first powerplay unit).
Moses
Fr. 5-8-13
Soph. 6-8-24
Jr. 14-12-26 (while playing on the second line and second powerplay unit).
It remains to be seen whether Stevie Moses will elevate his game another notch next year and earn Player of the Year honors - like Thompson and Butler before him. It's a pretty safe bet that he'll be in the running.
As to the larger point - there's no question that if Thompson-DeSimone-Sislo play as tenaciously as Moses-Borisenok-Goumas, then UNH's chances next weekend will be improved.
Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau
Post-coital
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
It all fonetik mon ami, juste read it like you seeing it. Let if flow mon ami.
How bout da guy who assembled, trained, et runs da game pour de lesser team, eh?
billb
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
Thanks, NESN, for giving me another opportunity to watch UNH, even in a losing effort. It seems to me that Merrimack has pretty much known how to beat UNH since Chris Serino, and Merrimack went to Boston to win last night.
It has been a good season. Lack of effort by some of the headliners notwithstanding, the consistently frustrating thing is the weak power play against the best opponents.
And I still like DiGirolamo.
Thanks, NESN, for giving me another opportunity to watch UNH, even in a losing effort. It seems to me that Merrimack has pretty much known how to beat UNH since Chris Serino, and Merrimack went to Boston to win last night.
It has been a good season. Lack of effort by some of the headliners notwithstanding, the consistently frustrating thing is the weak power play against the best opponents.
And I still like DiGirolamo.
i'zonprize
GRANITE STATE PRIDE
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
I should have posted last night.. ha!
I actually agree with bits and pieces of everyone's "anaysis" - although I thought MC was very beatable last night, aside from Cannata, I didn't think they played great at all. But they did capalize quickly on turnovers- a sign of a very good team. I thought it was 4 UNH mistakes that cost them each of the goals. Actually, it was a great check on Sislo, but as a Sr. he should have not put himself in that position. Kessel, makes a turnover in neutral ice allowing MC to gain control and pot the second. A bit of panic on the 3rd(at the 15minute mark in the 3rd) 3-4 bodies on the ice trying to protect the net. Oh and #4, the continuance of an absolutely pathetic powerplay, leads to another turnover and an empty net goal. That power play should be taken behind the woodshed and burned, burried, and forgotten about FOREVER!! It's AWFUL!!! That's 4 shorties in their last 5 games (BC and MC 2 a piece)- Can UNH 'decline' a penalty like in football? Seriously, they should think about it, it's that bad. If unh coaches don't see it, then shame on them.
Yes, 2nd line was great last night- Moses is a highlight real in waiting! He's soo close to breaking the doors open on the scoring- I member him nearly snap his stick over his head in the 2nd, skating back to the bench when he and Bori? missed an odd man rush. He wants it!! There's no doubt about that. I think he just needs another great off season and watch out HE. He could run away with the Hobey next yr with the volume of opportunities he gets and creates!
Henrion, a sniper in waiting- No! He's a sniper now! He's actually had to become more of a playmaker/puck handler this yr- because he's also been the best puck handler on his line too- as a Jr next yr, he's going to NEED that set up guy!
anyway- it was frustrating, as any post season loss is. Unfortunatley, I won't get to Manch for the games - Nice thing about the NCAA's- it's short! Hopefully UNH can refine some offensive stuff, decline penalty's, (haha) and clean up the turnovers for next week! I do have all the confidence in the world that they can play well and have the talent to win 2 games next week and yes even progress to the Finals- As someone mentioned- they need to bring the action!! UNH is always at their best when they are doing that.
I should have posted last night.. ha!
I actually agree with bits and pieces of everyone's "anaysis" - although I thought MC was very beatable last night, aside from Cannata, I didn't think they played great at all. But they did capalize quickly on turnovers- a sign of a very good team. I thought it was 4 UNH mistakes that cost them each of the goals. Actually, it was a great check on Sislo, but as a Sr. he should have not put himself in that position. Kessel, makes a turnover in neutral ice allowing MC to gain control and pot the second. A bit of panic on the 3rd(at the 15minute mark in the 3rd) 3-4 bodies on the ice trying to protect the net. Oh and #4, the continuance of an absolutely pathetic powerplay, leads to another turnover and an empty net goal. That power play should be taken behind the woodshed and burned, burried, and forgotten about FOREVER!! It's AWFUL!!! That's 4 shorties in their last 5 games (BC and MC 2 a piece)- Can UNH 'decline' a penalty like in football? Seriously, they should think about it, it's that bad. If unh coaches don't see it, then shame on them.
Yes, 2nd line was great last night- Moses is a highlight real in waiting! He's soo close to breaking the doors open on the scoring- I member him nearly snap his stick over his head in the 2nd, skating back to the bench when he and Bori? missed an odd man rush. He wants it!! There's no doubt about that. I think he just needs another great off season and watch out HE. He could run away with the Hobey next yr with the volume of opportunities he gets and creates!
Henrion, a sniper in waiting- No! He's a sniper now! He's actually had to become more of a playmaker/puck handler this yr- because he's also been the best puck handler on his line too- as a Jr next yr, he's going to NEED that set up guy!
anyway- it was frustrating, as any post season loss is. Unfortunatley, I won't get to Manch for the games - Nice thing about the NCAA's- it's short! Hopefully UNH can refine some offensive stuff, decline penalty's, (haha) and clean up the turnovers for next week! I do have all the confidence in the world that they can play well and have the talent to win 2 games next week and yes even progress to the Finals- As someone mentioned- they need to bring the action!! UNH is always at their best when they are doing that.
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Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
How about putting Stevie Moses on the first powerplay unit? I noticed he was out there as the extra skater with the ENG at the end of the game, instead of Speelman. Maybe put him on the point or in place of Sislo or make the Moses-Borisenok-Goumas the first unit. Would be fun to see what happens.
unh_hockey
pain is temporary pride is forever
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
some got it and some don't. UNH hasn't had it since forever. Maybe they can make a game or two in the NCAAs entertaining, but that would be a bonus.
Back to business as usual!
some got it and some don't. UNH hasn't had it since forever. Maybe they can make a game or two in the NCAAs entertaining, but that would be a bonus.
Back to business as usual!
i'zonprize
GRANITE STATE PRIDE
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
C-H-C, I believe I saw you there last night, but it took me too long to realize it was you and you were gone..
anyway- I know that I'm being very harsh on PP topic, it just seems that it can't get out it its own way. Just take a look at second goal that MC scored last night. Not really a steller shot, but the kid put it on net, it was deflected and went in. UNH, when they do have posession on the PP at the blue line, pass back and forth looking for clear seam to shoot through. Bleep the seam!, just dont hit the guy in front of you in the shin pads and let the forwards go to work! Oh, put a body in front of the goalie- rule #1.
I think now though, any re-engineering on the PP would be welcome! Moses, Henrion, Kip, Goumas, Hardowa - Could it get worse? I would hate to see that!
C-H-C, I believe I saw you there last night, but it took me too long to realize it was you and you were gone..
anyway- I know that I'm being very harsh on PP topic, it just seems that it can't get out it its own way. Just take a look at second goal that MC scored last night. Not really a steller shot, but the kid put it on net, it was deflected and went in. UNH, when they do have posession on the PP at the blue line, pass back and forth looking for clear seam to shoot through. Bleep the seam!, just dont hit the guy in front of you in the shin pads and let the forwards go to work! Oh, put a body in front of the goalie- rule #1.
I think now though, any re-engineering on the PP would be welcome! Moses, Henrion, Kip, Goumas, Hardowa - Could it get worse? I would hate to see that!
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
Yup. That "2nd" line has been UNH's best line, by far, for at least the last month if not longer. DeSimone and Sislo have been uninspired and lazy. Thompson has his moments, but he doesn't create much offense for himself. The senior leadership on this team has been invisible in big games at the end of the season...turning pucks over, lazy plays coming out of the zone, lazy backchecks leading to goals.
The other thing killing UNH is the lack of production from the 3rd line. They have been absolutely invisible. Henrion and Speelman in particular have way too much talent to disappear for stretches like this. UNH is getting secondary scoring from guys like Moses and Goumas but with production down in crunch time from the top guys, and no production from anyone else, it's not nearly enough.
In the 11 games since the Maine series.
Thompson: 5g-5a 44sog -3
Sislo: 3g-7a 39sog -3
DeSimone: 5g-4a 28sog -5
Kessel: 0g-5a 23sog -3
Kostolansky: 1g-4a 2sog +2
Goumas: 2g-8a 21sog +7
Moses: 7g-4a 45sog +6
Borisenok 2g-5a 15sog +6
Henrion: 0g-0a 23sog -4
Speelman: 2g-0a 27sog -8
Block/Silengo: 0g-0a 15sog -3
This tells a lot I think. UNH will not win a game at the NCAA's unless their best players actually become their best players, and their 3rd line stops being such an enormous liability.
Yup. That "2nd" line has been UNH's best line, by far, for at least the last month if not longer. DeSimone and Sislo have been uninspired and lazy. Thompson has his moments, but he doesn't create much offense for himself. The senior leadership on this team has been invisible in big games at the end of the season...turning pucks over, lazy plays coming out of the zone, lazy backchecks leading to goals.
The other thing killing UNH is the lack of production from the 3rd line. They have been absolutely invisible. Henrion and Speelman in particular have way too much talent to disappear for stretches like this. UNH is getting secondary scoring from guys like Moses and Goumas but with production down in crunch time from the top guys, and no production from anyone else, it's not nearly enough.
In the 11 games since the Maine series.
Thompson: 5g-5a 44sog -3
Sislo: 3g-7a 39sog -3
DeSimone: 5g-4a 28sog -5
Kessel: 0g-5a 23sog -3
Kostolansky: 1g-4a 2sog +2
Goumas: 2g-8a 21sog +7
Moses: 7g-4a 45sog +6
Borisenok 2g-5a 15sog +6
Henrion: 0g-0a 23sog -4
Speelman: 2g-0a 27sog -8
Block/Silengo: 0g-0a 15sog -3
This tells a lot I think. UNH will not win a game at the NCAA's unless their best players actually become their best players, and their 3rd line stops being such an enormous liability.
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
UNH hockey=Groundhog day, over and over and over and over and over again! Same results a lackluster performance in the playoffs.
Maybe the senior leaders should just shut up and perform on the ice!!! Has the first unit executed a backcheck all year.....I must have missed it..
Someone please explain how Kessel is a Hockey east first team allstar?
Perhaps its time to consider job sharing for Dick Umile...he can do regular season and then we could have someone who knows how to win in the playoffs take over while Dick vacations in Florida.
Is Jerry York free??
UNH hockey=Groundhog day, over and over and over and over and over again! Same results a lackluster performance in the playoffs.
Maybe the senior leaders should just shut up and perform on the ice!!! Has the first unit executed a backcheck all year.....I must have missed it..
Someone please explain how Kessel is a Hockey east first team allstar?
Perhaps its time to consider job sharing for Dick Umile...he can do regular season and then we could have someone who knows how to win in the playoffs take over while Dick vacations in Florida.
Is Jerry York free??
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
I was thinking that last night to, put the 2nd unit and maybe Sislo of Thompson on the Point, and the same with the EN, and maybe Sislo and Thompson at the point with a Kessel, at that point what could have it hurt, but all your offese out there at once
I was thinking that last night to, put the 2nd unit and maybe Sislo of Thompson on the Point, and the same with the EN, and maybe Sislo and Thompson at the point with a Kessel, at that point what could have it hurt, but all your offese out there at once
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
This is 100% on the nose, IMO. Ten years ago UNH and BC were far more alike stylistically than they are now. And what separates the two teams even more come March is that BC players seem to fully understand and appreciate the difference between regular season and playoff intensity, whereas UNH seems flummoxed that their opponent is playing so hard.
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
Well I am not going to join the doom and gloom crowd. As many people mentioned before the game they didn't like the match up with the Mack, and now are acting like the Cats should have rolled over them. Did they play a poor game? Parts of it they did, was not impressed with the Defense all night, but they did get many chances on offense. The upside is that there is still next weekend, and lets wait to see the match up before we put the fork in the season. As we know anything can happen any weekend, last 2 years everyone had them buried before the first round of the tourney and they beat a higher seeds. I do worry that the chips might fall that they end up play North Dakota in the first round, that is one match up I don't like at all, they are very good team and play physical and have guys who remember what happened 2 years ago. Any other match up, well you never know. Many people have talked about the lack of depth scoring recently, I do agree with that. Would like to see maybe a little shake up again and put Thompson back down and put Speelman up again, or maybe put Block back on the third line. That 3rd line hasn't been doing anything and needs a shake up, I am hoping there is some serious competition going on this week for playing time on the back 2 lines. As for the D they seemed to play hesitant Friday night, for some reason could not handle the puck and missed a lot dump passed back to the point and drove the puck out of the offensive zone, need to work on that this week and make it a focus point. Also like to see them come out more physical. But we have seen this team come back after poor performace and come out with a great one. I for one is hoping to see the team we saw the last game of the regular season come out next Saturday. Time to look forward and not dwell on what just happened now begins the crunch time and for the leaders of the team to step up.
Well I am not going to join the doom and gloom crowd. As many people mentioned before the game they didn't like the match up with the Mack, and now are acting like the Cats should have rolled over them. Did they play a poor game? Parts of it they did, was not impressed with the Defense all night, but they did get many chances on offense. The upside is that there is still next weekend, and lets wait to see the match up before we put the fork in the season. As we know anything can happen any weekend, last 2 years everyone had them buried before the first round of the tourney and they beat a higher seeds. I do worry that the chips might fall that they end up play North Dakota in the first round, that is one match up I don't like at all, they are very good team and play physical and have guys who remember what happened 2 years ago. Any other match up, well you never know. Many people have talked about the lack of depth scoring recently, I do agree with that. Would like to see maybe a little shake up again and put Thompson back down and put Speelman up again, or maybe put Block back on the third line. That 3rd line hasn't been doing anything and needs a shake up, I am hoping there is some serious competition going on this week for playing time on the back 2 lines. As for the D they seemed to play hesitant Friday night, for some reason could not handle the puck and missed a lot dump passed back to the point and drove the puck out of the offensive zone, need to work on that this week and make it a focus point. Also like to see them come out more physical. But we have seen this team come back after poor performace and come out with a great one. I for one is hoping to see the team we saw the last game of the regular season come out next Saturday. Time to look forward and not dwell on what just happened now begins the crunch time and for the leaders of the team to step up.
carltonbarrett
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
After watching UNH a lot the past few years, it seems to me that their problem is a lack of quality players in the lower lines. You always have those half a dozen or so really good players, but the bottom two forward lines and 4-6 on defense just never impress me that much. BC on the other hand can have a guy like Kevin Hayes on it's 4th line as well as Steve Whitney, Almeida and Arnold on it's 3rd line. These guys don't get tons of PP times and are always playing 2nd fiddle to the likes of Kreider, Gibbons, Atkinson, Jimmy Hayes, etc, but when push comes to shove, they can all be very dynamic, dangerous players.
After watching UNH a lot the past few years, it seems to me that their problem is a lack of quality players in the lower lines. You always have those half a dozen or so really good players, but the bottom two forward lines and 4-6 on defense just never impress me that much. BC on the other hand can have a guy like Kevin Hayes on it's 4th line as well as Steve Whitney, Almeida and Arnold on it's 3rd line. These guys don't get tons of PP times and are always playing 2nd fiddle to the likes of Kreider, Gibbons, Atkinson, Jimmy Hayes, etc, but when push comes to shove, they can all be very dynamic, dangerous players.
i'zonprize
GRANITE STATE PRIDE
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
3rd line is key- but I actually think Henrion has been anything but invisible.
He's been the only constant, it seems. He's carrying the puck, he chasses the puck deep, shoots the puck- He actually finishes checks, and was doing so last yr too. He's the first one line-up in front of the net on the forecheck, etc.. Block is a hustler but has not been able to carry the puck for long. To be honest - Speelman puzzles the life out of me. Kids got some timely goals this yr(on other specialty situations), but other than that- I have no idea what he's doing out on the ice. None. We've seen him make some nifty moves with the puck, make some tape to tape transition passes, but these are not in volume, they are once in a blue moon. He's going to be a JR next yr, I hope they can become more frequent. He'd be a guy that Henrion could benefit from greatly, too given the amount of ice time that he's seen over the last 2 seasons.
I actually liked how the underclass Dmen played- Kip, Kostalansky & Hardowa (they carry the puck as well as some of the forwards, if not better)- will be interesting to see 2 newer faces on the blue line next yr. Yes, I'm assuming that Kessel is not making the jump.
3rd line is key- but I actually think Henrion has been anything but invisible.
He's been the only constant, it seems. He's carrying the puck, he chasses the puck deep, shoots the puck- He actually finishes checks, and was doing so last yr too. He's the first one line-up in front of the net on the forecheck, etc.. Block is a hustler but has not been able to carry the puck for long. To be honest - Speelman puzzles the life out of me. Kids got some timely goals this yr(on other specialty situations), but other than that- I have no idea what he's doing out on the ice. None. We've seen him make some nifty moves with the puck, make some tape to tape transition passes, but these are not in volume, they are once in a blue moon. He's going to be a JR next yr, I hope they can become more frequent. He'd be a guy that Henrion could benefit from greatly, too given the amount of ice time that he's seen over the last 2 seasons.
I actually liked how the underclass Dmen played- Kip, Kostalansky & Hardowa (they carry the puck as well as some of the forwards, if not better)- will be interesting to see 2 newer faces on the blue line next yr. Yes, I'm assuming that Kessel is not making the jump.
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Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
I commented back on January 3rd that if they don't make changes to the power play, it was going to come back and hurt them. We still seem to be operating on the motto "if it ain't working, don't fix it". The 1st power play unit was not effective and yet they were out for every chance and wouldn't come off. One time they were on for 1:25 of the first 2 minutes. I still can't figure out why Beck is on the 2nd unit on the D, other than that he is the senior of the rest. Hardowa and Kipp have much better offensive skill for that situation. If they don't turn it around for next weekend, I am concerned that they will not advance and we will continue to be short of some much needed hardware. At the same time, if you told me at the start of the season, we would be in Boston for the HE tourney and in the NCAA tourney, I think we all would have agreed that was a sign of a succesful season. The problem is we have seen how good this team can be (in the first half of the season) and it has raised our hopes and expectations. Let's hope that team and coaches show up in Manchester.
I commented back on January 3rd that if they don't make changes to the power play, it was going to come back and hurt them. We still seem to be operating on the motto "if it ain't working, don't fix it". The 1st power play unit was not effective and yet they were out for every chance and wouldn't come off. One time they were on for 1:25 of the first 2 minutes. I still can't figure out why Beck is on the 2nd unit on the D, other than that he is the senior of the rest. Hardowa and Kipp have much better offensive skill for that situation. If they don't turn it around for next weekend, I am concerned that they will not advance and we will continue to be short of some much needed hardware. At the same time, if you told me at the start of the season, we would be in Boston for the HE tourney and in the NCAA tourney, I think we all would have agreed that was a sign of a succesful season. The problem is we have seen how good this team can be (in the first half of the season) and it has raised our hopes and expectations. Let's hope that team and coaches show up in Manchester.
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
I respectfully have to disagree with you. He may be doing these things well in comparison to the guys he's been playing with, but he's not playing (or producing, obviously) as well as he did in the middle of the season. He may throw a nice hit or or get in on the forecheck once in a while, but he disappears for long stretches and sometimes for entire games. Henrion came to UNH with an offensive pedigree. Around the middle of the season he started to show signs of that. Right now they need him to do more than just skate around with the puck and throw a few checks. They need to be able to count on him to contribute offensively.
I respectfully have to disagree with you. He may be doing these things well in comparison to the guys he's been playing with, but he's not playing (or producing, obviously) as well as he did in the middle of the season. He may throw a nice hit or or get in on the forecheck once in a while, but he disappears for long stretches and sometimes for entire games. Henrion came to UNH with an offensive pedigree. Around the middle of the season he started to show signs of that. Right now they need him to do more than just skate around with the puck and throw a few checks. They need to be able to count on him to contribute offensively.
mikevike35
Registered User
Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest
But how many teams can compare to BC's depth, who have won 2/3 last national championships. The problem is, in my eyes, we consistently under Umile's watch field good times that consistently underachieve when it really matters. I've never found the time to look this up but I would bet they are the best team record-wise in D1 over the last 10 years iwithout a single national championship - no one underachieves as well as they do...
But how many teams can compare to BC's depth, who have won 2/3 last national championships. The problem is, in my eyes, we consistently under Umile's watch field good times that consistently underachieve when it really matters. I've never found the time to look this up but I would bet they are the best team record-wise in D1 over the last 10 years iwithout a single national championship - no one underachieves as well as they do...