UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

[Rhett]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

I would hope anybody following college hockey would be smarter than this but... while out of town on business a waitress asked where I was from, I told her New Hampshire. She asked me, "oh what state is that in?"

On my first day of college, a guy asked me where I was from. I said, "New Hampshire". The response? "Is that in Massachusetts?" The guy is a professor now.

Similarly story: I was fitted for my wedding tuxedo in Maryland. I asked what locations the store had in New Hampshire. At first, I was told that they didn't have any locations. When I told her I knew of several off of the top of my head and was just trying to figure out what would be the most convenient, she said nothing was coming up in her computer and she had never heard of "New Hampshire, Maryland" anyways.

 

[Fishman'81]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

Maine fan here,but not trolling.I've always rooted like hell for UNH at the various Regionals I've attended,and I could never bring myself to do that for BC or BU...(State schools swim together,right?)And,believe me,I was as disappointed as anyone that they didn't get to the FF last night.I was sure they'd knock off ND...Now,I have no real rooting interest in the tournament.

Having said that,I have scratched my head over and over about how UHN is a different team in the NCAAs,pretty much year in and year out.I won't even attempt to advance a theory.All I've observed is that they seem to play much of the games to which I refer at "gunpoint",and not the way they play them during the RS.

Nice season anyway.UNH has been pretty-much a fixture in The Show for a long time,and not too many programs can say that.

 

[snively]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

As far as I could tell, UNH posters did not snipe at BC players or coaches on the BC thread following the loss to Colorado College. It's only fair to expect the same courtesy from BC posters.

Nor did we do so during the game itself -- in fact, all that was expressed was surprise (an indication of respect for BC, not denigration).

In contrast, the in-game posts from folks from other (non Hockey East or even Eastern) programs were far less diplomatic. One described the status after two periods (CC leading 7-2) as "a major beatdown".

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

Although losing to Notre Dame was a disappointment, because UNH played well enough to win, we can take some solace in the fact that the ND goalie was the MVP of the regional and was the reason ND won. As a long time UNH fan I am proud of the guys (especially the seniors) and how they left it all on the ice in the tournament. I can't say enough good things about the seniors. It was awesome that they stayed around all four years and collectively were on a mission to win a national championship. I for one appreciate that and have been asking for that. Thanks guys for all your efforts. You left it all on the ice and that's all we can ask for.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

A re-post with major edits and content changes:

Anyway, keep knocking...you'll get back to the Frozen Four eventually. In a lot of ways your team is starting to remind me of BU when they went through that long drought. Good teams, but never really thought of as a real threat. What's the difference now compared to UNH's great teams of the early 2000s?

BC and BU are much better now?

But seriously, one popular theory is that UNH used to attract more NHL draft picks - in other words, those teams were more talented. The UNH teams from the the late 1990's and early 2000's did have more players who had been drafted by NHL teams than the teams of recent years. It's true that back then UNH had 6 to 12 players on their roster who had been drafted. That was also true of Maine, BC, and BU back in that era. Since the mid-2000's, UNH has had noticably fewer NHL draft picks on their roster while other powerhouses such as BC, BU, North Dakota, and Michigan are still able to attract numerous NHL draft picks. So, the theory goes, less talented players translates into less successful teams.

I tend to think that theory has some flaws. First of all, the UNH teams that made it to the National Championship games in 1999 and 2003, and the ones which won the Hockey East Tournament in 2002 and 2003, did not have players who had been drafted in the first few rounds of the NHL draft. Those UNH teams had several players who had been drafted in later rounds (e.g., Rounds 4-9). UNH did not have "blue chip" players - that is, Rounds #1-#3 NHL picks - back in that era. The modern powerhouses such as BC and BU do attract this type of "elite" talent.

Second, a number of the UNH players who had been drafted by the NHL back in those days probably would not have been drafted in more recent years. Up until 2004, the NHL draft included 9 rounds but shifted to 7 rounds in 2005. So, for example, All-American Darren Haydar, who was drafted in the 9th round, would not have been drafted post 2004. Also, many more players from Europe are drafted nowadays - probably taking up slots that used to go to future UNH players.

Finally, arguably the best player to ever play for UNH, Jason Krog (1999 Hobey Baker Award Winner), was not drafted by the NHL. This tradition has continued in recent years. Top players such as Bobby Butler, Paul Thompson, and Matt Fornataro were not drafted.

It seems to me that the overall "talent" on UNH teams since 2005 is pretty comparable to the "great" teams from 1998-2004. So what's different? Why haven't the more recent teams made it back to the NCAA Championship game? No one really knows. Perhaps, there are more highly competitve teams in Division 1 (e.g., Miami, Notre Dame) now than there was back then. Maybe the only way to win a National Championship is to have a team with several elite players (i.e., #1, #2 or #3 Round NHL draftees) - for example, the recent BC and BU National Champions. If that's the case, a lot of really good teams will never win the National Championship, including UNH. In any event, UNH manages to assemble a very competitive team year in and year out. From a fan's perspective, it could be worse; a lot worse.

 

[Nifty16]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

As far as I could tell, UNH posters did not snipe at BC players or coaches on the BC thread following the loss to Colorado College. It's only fair to expect the same courtesy from BC posters.

But look who it is coming from, you expect class from someone with out any? Just another little troll who needs to make themselves feel better about themselves. We all know who the people are with class and who are just the jerks. There is trash talking that goes on and that is fine and there are just some people who want to bounce on people when their team is down, what still gets me are the ones who claim to be "fans" of that team. Peoples true colors come out in the times when things are down and some people just show that they are just miserable people and have to try to spread their misery around. That is why I take it as a badge of honor when they call me a buffoon or a jerk off, I for one will not be the miserable bitter people they have become and will be there in October supporting my team. You are one of the true fans and I for one appreciate you loyalty to the team and always look forward to seeing your post especially in the recruit thread always great info there.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

One described the status after two periods (CC leading 7-2) as "a major beatdown".

It WAS a major beatdown!

Anyway... haven't read the threads a ton as I had visitors this weekend and am buried under end of quarter reports right now but Nifty... buddy... relax and have a fresca. Seriously. My goodness.

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

It seems to me that the overall "talent" on UNH teams since 2005 is pretty comparable to the "great" teams from 1998-2004.

I completely disagree - I really feel like the past UNH teams had much more talent and were far more dynamic. Draft standings and post-UNH success aside, I think the Wildcat teams have come dramatically back to the pack in terms of college skill sets.

For me, the start of the great UNH teams of the late 90's and 2000's was the second season at the Whitt (1996-97). Take a look at the top-six forwards on that team: Krog, Mowers, Boguniecki, Nickulas, Nolan, Bekar. The third line was the freshman "S" line of Souza, Shipulski and Sadowski. Have any of the recent UNH teams had that type of forward depth?

Defensively that team was led by Tim Murray, Jamie Filipowicz, Steve O'Brien and Dan Enders. Lest we forget my favorite UNH player of all-time Christian Bragnalo and the drastically underrated Sean Matile (due to Conklin, Ayers and Regan following in succession) between the pipes.

The 1998 National Runner-Up team had Krog, Haydar, Souza, Filipowicz, O'Brien, Conklin and Matile (OMG, imagine if Bekar had stayed!!). They also had terrific depth and dependability from guys like Shipulski, Sadowski, Enders, Matt Swain, Chad Onufrechuk, Tim Walsh, Johnny Rogers, Bragnalo, David Busch, Mark White, etc.

The 2002 Frozen Four team had Haydar, C. Hemingway, Gare, Abbott, Prudden, Saviano, S. Collins, Callander, Martz, Aikins and Foley at forward. Stafford, Mounsey, Truelson and Teplitsky led the defense and Ayers was in goal.

The 2003 National Runner-Up lost Haydar - but got another season out of everyone else and a HUGE year out of Ayers in goal.

In 2004-05 the team had at forward Collins, Callander, Aikins, Mikflickier, B. Hemingway, Winnik, Ciocco, Fornataro and Radja. A solid if not spectacular defense and Regan in the crease.

Do you think the last few years of UNH hockey compare to any of these teams. The top six the last three seasons would be:

2008-09 - JVR, Sislo, Leblanc, Butler, Dries and Thompson (Desimone, Pollastrone and Moses were also on this team - obviously JVR and Dries were gone after two seasons).

2009-10 - Butler, Thompson, Desimone, Leblanc, Sislo, Moses

2010-11 - Thompson, Sislo, Desimone, Moses, Borisenok, Henrion

Good players for certain, but not nearly at the level of their offensive leading bretheren from recent years. Not as talented and not anywhere near as dynamic in terms of pure playmaking and goalscoring skills in my opinion.

The biggest problem, is the lack of depth. During those successful years, UNH used to consistently roll four lines. It was a point of pride that the UNH fourth line could skate with anyone and play sound defensive hockey. See the "S" line and guys like Onufrechuck, Busch, Rogers, Walsh, Foley, etc...

Now, if say for example Dries doesnt get kicked out of school or Bourque comes to school or White, Reid, Will O'Neill, K. Yandle get into school or JVR stays or Laleggia doesn't decommit than maybe the depth is better. Maybe the 1st line guys would have had more room to operate and wouldn't have had to burn themselves out playing 30 minutes a game, in turn being more dynamic. Or maybe these misses ARE the 1st line guys and the current group provides AMAZING scoring depth...

Certainly a combination of things has contributed to the lack of depth and dynamic offensive play - but what ever those things are, they have certainly cost UNH the overall skill and team talent they used to have...

...if you ask me.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

I like your analysis Dan and I agree with it.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

I completely disagree - I really feel like the past UNH teams had much more talent and were far more dynamic. Draft standings and post-UNH success aside, I think the Wildcat teams have come dramatically back to the pack in terms of college skill sets.

For me, the start of the great UNH teams of the late 90's and 2000's was the second season at the Whitt (1996-97). Take a look at the top-six forwards on that team: Krog, Mowers, Boguniecki, Nickulas, Nolan, Bekar. The third line was the freshman "S" line of Souza, Shipulski and Sadowski. Have any of the recent UNH teams had that type of forward depth?

Defensively that team was led by Tim Murray, Jamie Filipowicz, Steve O'Brien and Dan Enders. Lest we forget my favorite UNH player of all-time Christian Bragnalo and the drastically underrated Sean Matile (due to Conklin, Ayers and Regan following in succession) between the pipes.

The 1998 National Runner-Up team had Krog, Haydar, Souza, Filipowicz, O'Brien, Conklin and Matile (OMG, imagine if Bekar had stayed!!). They also had terrific depth and dependability from guys like Shipulski, Sadowski, Enders, Matt Swain, Chad Onufrechuk, Tim Walsh, Johnny Rogers, Bragnalo, David Busch, Mark White, etc.

The 2002 Frozen Four team had Haydar, C. Hemingway, Gare, Abbott, Prudden, Saviano, S. Collins, Callander, Martz, Aikins and Foley at forward. Stafford, Mounsey, Truelson and Teplitsky led the defense and Ayers was in goal.

The 2003 National Runner-Up lost Haydar - but got another season out of everyone else and a HUGE year out of Ayers in goal.

In 2004-05 the team had at forward Collins, Callander, Aikins, Mikflickier, B. Hemingway, Winnik, Ciocco, Fornataro and Radja. A solid if not spectacular defense and Regan in the crease.

Do you think the last few years of UNH hockey compare to any of these teams. The top six the last three seasons would be:

2008-09 - JVR, Sislo, Leblanc, Butler, Dries and Thompson (Desimone, Pollastrone and Moses were also on this team - obviously JVR and Dries were gone after two seasons).

2009-10 - Butler, Thompson, Desimone, Leblanc, Sislo, Moses

2010-11 - Thompson, Sislo, Desimone, Moses, Borisenok, Henrion

Good players for certain, but not nearly at the level of their offensive leading bretheren from recent years. Not as talented and not anywhere near as dynamic in terms of pure playmaking and goalscoring skills in my opinion.

The biggest problem, is the lack of depth. During those successful years, UNH used to consistently roll four lines. It was a point of pride that the UNH fourth line could skate with anyone and play sound defensive hockey. See the "S" line and guys like Onufrechuck, Busch, Rogers, Walsh, Foley, etc...

Now, if say for example Dries doesnt get kicked out of school or Bourque comes to school or White, Reid, Will O'Neill, K. Yandle get into school or JVR stays or Laleggia doesn't decommit than maybe the depth is better. Maybe the 1st line guys would have had more room to operate and wouldn't have had to burn themselves out playing 30 minutes a game, in turn being more dynamic. Or maybe these misses ARE the 1st line guys and the current group provides AMAZING scoring depth...

Certainly a combination of things has contributed to the lack of depth and dynamic offensive play - but what ever those things are, they have certainly cost UNH the overall skill and team talent they used to have...

...if you ask me.

Great counterpoints. Wouldn't it be interesting to get Coach Umile's honest appraisal of the talent over the years. He's been there throughout and no one has seen them play more than him.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

Let me ask a question for those of you with better memories than me. Did those earlier years of FF efforts have better scoring from freshman and sophomore classes? Might that be a good thing to point to as a reason for success and better depth and a higher quality of player? God knows Haydar lit it up from the start.

It seems lately like UNH gets a few guys to blossom by junior or even senior season. Which is pretty incredible, it happens every year and those guys are a huge part of the RS success and credit to Umile for that. But... usually that is the top line and the depth drops off, those guys can be eliminated in the one and done tourneys, they usually are (either no-shows or being eliminated by a checking line or a combination of both), and then supporting casts that chipped in when needed either do but not enough or don't and then elimination occurs.

You know, if a kid comes in at 18 or 19 and does well from the beginning, he clearly has talent. But if a kid is developing and finally starts producing at 21 or 22 as a senior... sure there is some talent there but of course he should be doing well at that age playing against younger players. You know what I'm saying? Impact freshmen usually play a huge role in winning national titles lately for the programs that do and it seems like UNH isn't getting these types or isn't getting that type of production out of freshmen.

I'd be interested to see some numbers and hear opinions about that.

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

I like your analysis Dan and I agree with it.

100% agree. UNH has lost the depth of talent at forward. They still grow talent each year but not as much as those power house teams. This past year I was worried where the goals would come from and the 1st line stepped up. Next year I have the same concern and I figure Moses will shoot enough pucks this summer to be more accurate and Henrion + Speelman will step up. The problem will still be depth. In the past Umile was more comfortable with his 6 -15 forwards to find a dependable 4th line and that didn't happen the last couple years.

I think to get over the hump mid 2000's UNH tried to get better forwards. What has happened is more misses at the top end guys combined with more players not making it in than I can remember in the past and hence the talent drop off. Swap out a guy like Block for White or Reid or Bourque and the depth starts looking much better. Looking down the road I think the recruited talent is on an upswing, if they make it to campus the depth will come back.

On the D end I think they are actually deeper than they have been, maybe ever. This year my concern was Beck (and he wasn’t a total nightmare), I can't remember the last time only one D-man really concerned me.

Really as much as people go after the coach he is doing well with what they are getting right now. Yes he is responsible to recruit the players, but think of the team if his shot at some of these guys had worked. Looking back they took a risk and got bit.

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

Great counterpoints. Wouldn't it be interesting to get Coach Umile's honest appraisal of the talent over the years. He's been there throughout and no one has seen them play more than him.

I had the same thought while writing the post - it would be very interesting. I do think he has been hamstrung in recent years by circumstances not always in his control. Having to replace JVR, Dries, Reid and White with Speelman, Block and Ivens-Anderson doesn't help matters in terms of offensive ability and overall depth.

Also, if Moses, Henrion and Speelman have huge years next season than in hindsite the 2010-11 depth will look a lot better. Still, my recollection of the late '90's early 2000's teams is that they had much more skill - better passers, better scorers, possessed the puck for long periods of time in the offensive zone, consistently dangerous PP's and depth across all four lines. Those are the things that are missing now - if you listen to/agree with the complaints in this very thread!

Remember when UNH forwards used to blow past the 100 point plateau? Now the seniors are sneaking over the threshold during the spring semester of their final seasons. Part of this is due to Umile's system of paying your dues on lower lines more often than not (hopefully Downing will be an exception!), but part of it is in my opinion a drop in talent and scoring ability.

Which, if any, returners get to 100 points at UNH? Defensively, if Kessel comes back, he likely will (22 points away). Moses is a 37 point season away from 100. Who else gets there? I think Henrion assumes the role of top goal scorer going forward - he essentially needs back-to-back 40 point campaigns (77 points away) to reach the century mark. Speelman is also 77 points away. Goumas came on strong over the second half of the season, he has three years to score 82 points.

Having seen Downing play, I think he's a lock and should play on a top line and PP unit immediately. The rest of the forward class is pretty uninspiring. Camper is a grinder and out with concussion symptoms. Hill has underperformed greatly in the USHL per my personal expectations. Smith seems solid and Willows is scoring a ton - but the EJ kids seem to be hit or miss offensively. Ivens-Anderson scored a ton of points for the same team Willows is coming from.

The future classes seem to get progressively better - hopefully they all matriculate and the depth returns....

 

[PSW]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

I had the same thought while writing the post - it would be very interesting. I do think he has been hamstrung in recent years by circumstances not always in his control. Having to replace JVR, Dries, Reid and White with Speelman, Block and Ivens-Anderson doesn't help matters in terms of offensive ability and overall depth.

Also, if Moses, Henrion and Speelman have huge years next season than in hindsite the 2010-11 depth will look a lot better. Still, my recollection of the late '90's early 2000's teams is that they had much more skill - better passers, better scorers, possessed the puck for long periods of time in the offensive zone, consistently dangerous PP's and depth across all four lines. Those are the things that are missing now - if you listen to/agree with the complaints in this very thread!

Remember when UNH forwards used to blow past the 100 point plateau? Now the seniors are sneaking over the threshold during the spring semester of their final seasons. Part of this is due to Umile's system of paying your dues on lower lines more often than not (hopefully Downing will be an exception!), but part of it is in my opinion a drop in talent and scoring ability.

Which, if any, returners get to 100 points at UNH? Defensively, if Kessel comes back, he likely will (22 points away). Moses is a 37 point season away from 100. Who else gets there? I think Henrion assumes the role of top goal scorer going forward - he essentially needs back-to-back 40 point campaigns (77 points away) to reach the century mark. Speelman is also 77 points away. Goumas came on strong over the second half of the season, he has three years to score 82 points.

Having seen Downing play, I think he's a lock and should play on a top line and PP unit immediately. The rest of the forward class is pretty uninspiring. Camper is a grinder and out with concussion symptoms. Hill has underperformed greatly in the USHL per my personal expectations. Smith seems solid and Willows is scoring a ton - but the EJ kids seem to be hit or miss offensively. Ivens-Anderson scored a ton of points for the same team Willows is coming from.

The future classes seem to get progressively better - hopefully they all matriculate and the depth returns....

For Henrion and Speelman to be successful next year they will need to be paired with a playmaker.....that is the issue this year. Moses will be set with Borisenok, who has turned into a very nice set up guy for him. Goumas will add to that line. Block and Silengo have not really showed signs of being set up guys....especially when it comes to Henrion...We need another center who can make plays...

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

For Henrion and Speelman to be successful next year they will need to be paired with a playmaker.....that is the issue this year. Moses will be set with Borisenok, who has turned into a very nice set up guy for him. Goumas will add to that line. Block and Silengo have not really showed signs of being set up guys....especially when it comes to Henrion...We need another center who can make plays...

This is where Downing has to slot into the line-up if I'm drawing things up...

Henrion - Downing - Speelman
Moses - Borisenok - Goumas

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

For Henrion and Speelman to be successful next year they will need to be paired with a playmaker.....that is the issue this year. Moses will be set with Borisenok, who has turned into a very nice set up guy for him. Goumas will add to that line. Block and Silengo have not really showed signs of being set up guys....especially when it comes to Henrion...We need another center who can make plays...

I have dabbled with what I think the lines might be next year. I 100% agree on Block and Silengo. I really like Silengo as a player but he is a solid 3rd line center at this point (maybe ever), good on face-offs reliable defensively and on the boards.

I figure Downing centers Henrion and Speelman. That leaves Silengo as an experienced center on the 3rd line.

If Moses can do for his shot this summer what Butler and Thompson did for theirs going into the senior year now there is a little bit of depth starting to form.

Seniors Lost
Beck (RD), Campanale (LD), DeSimone (LC), Manz (LC), Sislo (RC), Thompson (RC)

Forwards
Goumas (LC), So. - Borisenok (LC), Sr. - Moses (RC), Sr.
Speelman (LW), Jr. - Downing (LC), Fr. - Henrion (RW), Jr.
Burke (LC), Jr. - Silengo (RC), So. - Sorkin (LC), So. (this was a 4th line before Burke got hurt again)
Willows (RC), Fr. - Block (RC), Jr. - McCarey (RW), Sr.

Bench
Pavelski (C)
Hill (RC),
Smith (RC),

Defense
Kostolansky, Jr. (LD) – Kessel, Sr. (RD)
Hardowa, Jr. (RD) - van Riemsdyk Fr. (RD),
Knodel So. (LD) – Kipp Sr. (RD)

Bench
Agosta, So. (RD)
Chevrier Fr. (RD)
Randall (LD) – back to Juniors for another year playing/transitioning to D. I am thinking Kessel is back.


Dan - beat me to it.

 

[Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

Krog, Mowers, Boguniecki, Nickulas, Nolan, Bekar - 4 centres et 2 wings

Thompson, Sislo, Desimone, Moses, Borisenok, Henrion - 5 wings et 1 centre

UNHs use to ave playeurs who could carry da pucke, holde it, et set up in de udder team zone - aka centres. Now dey dont. Nexte questione.

 

[unh_hockey]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

pappagorgio, i'll take a stab at it.

Umile's system rewards older players , but has room for younger talent to make an immediate impact. haydar did just this his freshmen year by the numbers, as did JVR ( but he was hyped and haydar was not). JVR, Collins, and haydar all probably saw significant ice time their first seasons. Typically, UNH players see less time but start to find more production sometime late sophomore year - players like saviano, and hemmingway are prime examples of this as they came into their junior seasons very strong. BC has a more even distribution of talent on their squads while UNH is typically top heavy with more of the scoring coming from the older players.

2008 was a good example of a UNH squad who had not only retained most talent ( sans smith), but also had a few nice gets chip in right off the bat. While BC was clearly the best team when it counted, one could argue that UNH had more talent that year and could have won a NT. Either way, its farily evident that when guys de commit, that UNH loses out in the general sense of the word. The upside here is hat Umile's system develops guys well, wins most of the time and is pretty consistant.

I am not expecting a national title anytime soon @ UNH, but a few years of steady strong recruiting and anything can happen. Hockey has too many x factors to safely predict anything with that much certainty.

 

[Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

"The 2002 Frozen Four team had Haydar, C. Hemingway, Gare, Abbott, Prudden, Saviano, S. Collins, Callander, Martz, Aikins and Foley at forward. Stafford, Mounsey, Truelson and Teplitsky led the defense and Ayers was in goal."

4 true centre/set up guys, et Callander et Collins could do dat if needed.

"Forwards
Goumas (LC), So. - Borisenok (LC), Sr. - Moses (RC), Sr.
Speelman (LW), Jr. - Downing (LC), Fr. - Henrion (RW), Jr.
Burke (LC), Jr. - Silengo (RC), So. - Sorkin (LC), So. (this was a 4th line before Burke got hurt again)
Willows (RC), Fr. - Block (RC), Jr. - McCarey (RW), Sr."

Et da playmakeurs is who? Downing I guess from what i here mais if you can't see dat aint Gare, Prudden, Saviano, et Aiken down da middle den you juste aint trying, eth?

 

[snively]

Re: UNH Wildcats - 2011 Playoff Quest

Impact freshmen usually play a huge role in winning national titles lately for the programs that do and it seems like UNH isn't getting these types or isn't getting that type of production out of freshmen.

I'd be interested to see some numbers and hear opinions about that.

Interesting that Notre Dame had 12 freshmen on their squad this year. Yikes.