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UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
I have no issue with the physical stuff and Vermont danced close to the line and over it regularly. However Walls could go to the box on basically every check. Finishes high with the hands on just about every hit, and that is roughing. Needs to keep the hands down and finish with the shoulder. I am surpirse he in particular didn't get more calls against him on the weekend.
Also surprised Umile didn't change up the lines with fresh bodies on Saturday. UNH has depth this year and needs to use it.
I have no issue with the physical stuff and Vermont danced close to the line and over it regularly. However Walls could go to the box on basically every check. Finishes high with the hands on just about every hit, and that is roughing. Needs to keep the hands down and finish with the shoulder. I am surpirse he in particular didn't get more calls against him on the weekend.
Also surprised Umile didn't change up the lines with fresh bodies on Saturday. UNH has depth this year and needs to use it.
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
Although I agree with the idea of "winning something different this season", I don't think that happens by downplaying the importance of the next two weeks. As I said over the weekend, UNH is not a team that can simply "flick the switch" once the tourney(s) arrives. They need to show that they know where that "switch" is in the first place, and although I felt Sunday's tie was a lost opportunity, fate has again been kind to them, with the Merrimack and BC losses, and once again UNH is sitting in the so-called "catbird's seat", with everything totally within their own control, AND with the easiest schedule of the top six teams (not even close).
It's not that winning an 8th HE Regular Season title is a "make or break" proposition. But this team needs to prove - NOT to us, but to THEMSELVES - that they can find another gear and win games when they have to win games. That is what tourney play is all about, after all ... so why not ramp up to the tourney(s) with a very manageable four (4) game run-in homestand against teams in the bottom half of the standings? Demand that your players prove to themselves that they can win when they need to, and take that into the postseason with you. Compete with urgency, prove some points, and get the mindset where it needs to be.
Let's face it, everyone ... not only is HE wide open this year, but with all due respect to the folks in Hamden, when Quinnipiac is the top-ranked team in the country, not only is the HE Tourney within reach, but so is "something different". Opportunity is knocking. Let's see if UNH wants to knock down that door ...
Although I agree with the idea of "winning something different this season", I don't think that happens by downplaying the importance of the next two weeks. As I said over the weekend, UNH is not a team that can simply "flick the switch" once the tourney(s) arrives. They need to show that they know where that "switch" is in the first place, and although I felt Sunday's tie was a lost opportunity, fate has again been kind to them, with the Merrimack and BC losses, and once again UNH is sitting in the so-called "catbird's seat", with everything totally within their own control, AND with the easiest schedule of the top six teams (not even close).
It's not that winning an 8th HE Regular Season title is a "make or break" proposition. But this team needs to prove - NOT to us, but to THEMSELVES - that they can find another gear and win games when they have to win games. That is what tourney play is all about, after all ... so why not ramp up to the tourney(s) with a very manageable four (4) game run-in homestand against teams in the bottom half of the standings? Demand that your players prove to themselves that they can win when they need to, and take that into the postseason with you. Compete with urgency, prove some points, and get the mindset where it needs to be.
Let's face it, everyone ... not only is HE wide open this year, but with all due respect to the folks in Hamden, when Quinnipiac is the top-ranked team in the country, not only is the HE Tourney within reach, but so is "something different". Opportunity is knocking. Let's see if UNH wants to knock down that door ...
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
I see it the other way both umass and maine will be fighting for there lives , to try and secure a spot in playoffs . i think they oppose en even more difficult out .Although I agree with the idea of "winning something different this season", I don't think that happens by downplaying the importance of the next two weeks. As I said over the weekend, UNH is not a team that can simply "flick the switch" once the tourney(s) arrives. They need to show that they know where that "switch" is in the first place, and although I felt Sunday's tie was a lost opportunity, fate has again been kind to them, with the Merrimack and BC losses, and once again UNH is sitting in the so-called "catbird's seat", with everything totally within their own control, AND with the easiest schedule of the top six teams (not even close).
It's not that winning an 8th HE Regular Season title is a "make or break" proposition. But this team needs to prove - NOT to us, but to THEMSELVES - that they can find another gear and win games when they have to win games. That is what tourney play is all about, after all ... so why not ramp up to the tourney(s) with a very manageable four (4) game run-in homestand against teams in the bottom half of the standings? Demand that your players prove to themselves that they can win when they need to, and take that into the postseason with you. Compete with urgency, prove some points, and get the mindset where it needs to be.
Let's face it, everyone ... not only is HE wide open this year, but with all due respect to the folks in Hamden, when Quinnipiac is the top-ranked team in the country, not only is the HE Tourney within reach, but so is "something different". Opportunity is knocking. Let's see if UNH wants to knock down that door ...
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
So you think hard charging Lowell would be easier? I dont agree any of the top 6 would be harder.
So you think hard charging Lowell would be easier? I dont agree any of the top 6 would be harder.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
I completely agree. Play each game to win, and make it a habit. As I've said before, you have to be hot, lucky, or both to win it all. Let's start with hot (which, quite frankly, we haven't been for a while now. There's no time like the present.) And as to 1982's point about UMass and Maine, sure, they'll be playing for their lives, but who won't be, come tourney time? Play with that mindset now. By the time we get to that point, I hope that UNH will be playing hungry hockey rather than scared hockey.Although I agree with the idea of "winning something different this season", I don't think that happens by downplaying the importance of the next two weeks. As I said over the weekend, UNH is not a team that can simply "flick the switch" once the tourney(s) arrives. They need to show that they know where that "switch" is in the first place, and although I felt Sunday's tie was a lost opportunity, fate has again been kind to them, with the Merrimack and BC losses, and once again UNH is sitting in the so-called "catbird's seat", with everything totally within their own control, AND with the easiest schedule of the top six teams (not even close).
It's not that winning an 8th HE Regular Season title is a "make or break" proposition. But this team needs to prove - NOT to us, but to THEMSELVES - that they can find another gear and win games when they have to win games. That is what tourney play is all about, after all ... so why not ramp up to the tourney(s) with a very manageable four (4) game run-in homestand against teams in the bottom half of the standings? Demand that your players prove to themselves that they can win when they need to, and take that into the postseason with you. Compete with urgency, prove some points, and get the mindset where it needs to be.
Let's face it, everyone ... not only is HE wide open this year, but with all due respect to the folks in Hamden, when Quinnipiac is the top-ranked team in the country, not only is the HE Tourney within reach, but so is "something different". Opportunity is knocking. Let's see if UNH wants to knock down that door ...
Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
I have referred to the closing stretch of the UNH schedule as "a layup drill" and believe that not taking the RS title would be a failure....however I must also point out that UNH has not won a game at the Whitt since the Denver Broncos were still alive in the playoffs...
I have referred to the closing stretch of the UNH schedule as "a layup drill" and believe that not taking the RS title would be a failure....however I must also point out that UNH has not won a game at the Whitt since the Denver Broncos were still alive in the playoffs...
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
I agree with your point and to add to it if I might; I'm sure Maine would love nothing better than to kick our ***** all the way into the Oyster River and make us "swim with the fishes!!"
I don't think it will be a cake walk but I like our chances in these games though.
I agree with your point and to add to it if I might; I'm sure Maine would love nothing better than to kick our ***** all the way into the Oyster River and make us "swim with the fishes!!"
I don't think it will be a cake walk but I like our chances in these games though.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
my point is also UNH might get up for one game , but seem to have difficulty elevating there game for a complete weekend. With that said Ive yet to see them win a must win game . All season long they had opportunity to pull a head . however when there backs are against the wall they do play passionate hockey and thats what they need for the next two weeks . question is will they get complacent like they always seem too.... I think any hockey east team this week is a tough out , just look at the parity this league has to offer. I exspect 3 wins and a tie , if we get that we are hockey east champs once again. The million dollar question will that happen , would also like to see them hang on to their 4 th in power ranking and get 1 seed , but thats many moons from now and probably wishfull thinking .I agree with your point and to add to it if I might; I'm sure Maine would love nothing better than to kick our ***** all the way into the Oyster River and make us "swim with the fishes!!"
I don't think it will be a cake walk but I like our chances in these games though.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
Agreed 100%. While we aren't playing the top teams, and we're at home, Mass and Maine have PLENTY to play for, and not much to lose. The mitigating factor is that I can't see us being complacent at ALL, because...
1. We've been extremely mediocre since Colorado, and the team and Umile seem to know it
2. The HEA RS championship is now FIRMLY within reach, and at the same time, a LONG way from being a "fait accompli"
3. We know what is at stake for our opponents the next two weeks
etc. etc.
I hope the Whitt has some energy. Was thinking about coming in for the weekend, but various duties call here in Minneapolis. Will watch on FCS.
Agreed 100%. While we aren't playing the top teams, and we're at home, Mass and Maine have PLENTY to play for, and not much to lose. The mitigating factor is that I can't see us being complacent at ALL, because...
1. We've been extremely mediocre since Colorado, and the team and Umile seem to know it
2. The HEA RS championship is now FIRMLY within reach, and at the same time, a LONG way from being a "fait accompli"
3. We know what is at stake for our opponents the next two weeks
etc. etc.
I hope the Whitt has some energy. Was thinking about coming in for the weekend, but various duties call here in Minneapolis. Will watch on FCS.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
Exactly. If the Cats had continued to play team defense like I watched them play against Lowell, BU, and others in the first half of the season, the regular season championship would have been wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. Where did that team defense concept go since the Colorado trip? How can the Cats get it back? This team does not have a single player who can create offense or be that sniper goal scorer when needed. So, the only way that this team is going far in the post-season this year will be based on their support of one another on defense, in my opinion. And, of course, DeSmith cannot have any "off" games.
Exactly. If the Cats had continued to play team defense like I watched them play against Lowell, BU, and others in the first half of the season, the regular season championship would have been wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. Where did that team defense concept go since the Colorado trip? How can the Cats get it back? This team does not have a single player who can create offense or be that sniper goal scorer when needed. So, the only way that this team is going far in the post-season this year will be based on their support of one another on defense, in my opinion. And, of course, DeSmith cannot have any "off" games.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
where did that team go , they became to offensive minded and forgot what got them the # 1 ranking in the first place
D E F E N S E . Ive been saying this for weeks . But i think this team has finally bought into this concept once again .
where did that team go , they became to offensive minded and forgot what got them the # 1 ranking in the first place
D E F E N S E . Ive been saying this for weeks . But i think this team has finally bought into this concept once again .
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
We have a winner, right here.
For those who say UMass Amherst and UMaine are "playing for their playoff lives" ... there is a reason they're down where they are, and it's because they're not as good as the top six teams. No one is saying they won't be motivated, but why should that make any difference against an equally-motivated, more talented UNH team on its home ice??
The only variable there is IF UNH isn't equally-motivated as their opposition. And for the life of me, with two weekends left in the regular season, and nothing but elimination games facing them from that point forward ... why wouldn't/shouldn't UNH be at least equally motivated as lower tier opponents, who realistically have very little chance of getting past the HE Quarters, much less winning postseason hardware??
A UNH team that takes at least 7 points these next two weekends tells me there is hope and a legit shot at playing for postseason honors at some point.
A UNH team that finishes 3rd place or lower in the regular season could fall in the HE Quarters again, and not even make it to Boston. Even if they get past the HE Quarters from that position, does anyone really think they have a legit shot at taking the HE Tourney, or later on even advancing out of their (host) NCAA bracket?
I want to believe this year is "the year", but the win one, lose/tie one pattern of the last two months does not fill me with optimism. And if they can't be expected to win some very winnable games against lower-tier opposition AT HOME these next two weekends, how can we expect them to beat BC, UMass-Lowell, PC, BU or Merrimack in future elimination games?? From here on out, it's all about desire and focus, and if UNH can't find both quickly, their opponents will, and another post-season will end without any hardware, most likely early in the weekend of the NCAA Regionals in their home state, as we've seen happen a few times in the past.
I still do think UNH has outperformed their preseason expectations, and I do give them a ton of credit for turning things around from last season. But that's just a consolation prize, and a month from now, no one will care about "moral victories". But somehow, factors have conspired to give them a chance to do a whole lot more than outperform preseason expectations. I'm sure the coaches and players at a few other HE schools are thinking the same thing right now, so the sooner UNH shows it's up for the fight, the better I'll feel about their postseason chances. The postseason is no place for a "soft" team to expect any success. JMHO.
We have a winner, right here.
For those who say UMass Amherst and UMaine are "playing for their playoff lives" ... there is a reason they're down where they are, and it's because they're not as good as the top six teams. No one is saying they won't be motivated, but why should that make any difference against an equally-motivated, more talented UNH team on its home ice??
The only variable there is IF UNH isn't equally-motivated as their opposition. And for the life of me, with two weekends left in the regular season, and nothing but elimination games facing them from that point forward ... why wouldn't/shouldn't UNH be at least equally motivated as lower tier opponents, who realistically have very little chance of getting past the HE Quarters, much less winning postseason hardware?? A UNH team that takes at least 7 points these next two weekends tells me there is hope and a legit shot at playing for postseason honors at some point.
A UNH team that finishes 3rd place or lower in the regular season could fall in the HE Quarters again, and not even make it to Boston. Even if they get past the HE Quarters from that position, does anyone really think they have a legit shot at taking the HE Tourney, or later on even advancing out of their (host) NCAA bracket?
I want to believe this year is "the year", but the win one, lose/tie one pattern of the last two months does not fill me with optimism. And if they can't be expected to win some very winnable games against lower-tier opposition AT HOME these next two weekends, how can we expect them to beat BC, UMass-Lowell, PC, BU or Merrimack in future elimination games?? From here on out, it's all about desire and focus, and if UNH can't find both quickly, their opponents will, and another post-season will end without any hardware, most likely early in the weekend of the NCAA Regionals in their home state, as we've seen happen a few times in the past.
I still do think UNH has outperformed their preseason expectations, and I do give them a ton of credit for turning things around from last season. But that's just a consolation prize, and a month from now, no one will care about "moral victories". But somehow, factors have conspired to give them a chance to do a whole lot more than outperform preseason expectations. I'm sure the coaches and players at a few other HE schools are thinking the same thing right now, so the sooner UNH shows it's up for the fight, the better I'll feel about their postseason chances. The postseason is no place for a "soft" team to expect any success. JMHO.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
i agree with everything stated above , however I think maine might be a little better than there record indicates , but UNH should take7 out 8 points and win hockey east ... One could look at lowel 5 weeks ago , look at them now...We have a winner, right here.
For those who say UMass Amherst and UMaine are "playing for their playoff lives" ... there is a reason they're down where they are, and it's because they're not as good as the top six teams. No one is saying they won't be motivated, but why should that make any difference against an equally-motivated, more talented UNH team on its home ice??
A UNH team that takes at least 7 points these next two weekends tells me there is hope and a legit shot at playing for postseason honors at some point.
A UNH team that finishes 3rd place or lower in the regular season could fall in the HE Quarters again, and not even make it to Boston. Even if they get past the HE Quarters from that position, does anyone really think they have a legit shot at taking the HE Tourney, or later on even advancing out of their (host) NCAA bracket?
I want to believe this year is "the year", but the win one, lose/tie one pattern of the last two months does not fill me with optimism. And if they can't be expected to win some very winnable games against lower-tier opposition AT HOME these next two weekends, how can we expect them to beat BC, UMass-Lowell, PC, BU or Merrimack in future elimination games?? From here on out, it's all about desire and focus, and if UNH can't find both quickly, their opponents will, and another post-season will end without any hardware, most likely early in the weekend of the NCAA Regionals in their home state, as we've seen happen a few times in the past.
I still do think UNH has outperformed their preseason expectations, and I do give them a ton of credit for turning things around from last season. But that's just a consolation prize, and a month from now, no one will care about "moral victories". But somehow, factors have conspired to give them a chance to do a whole lot more than outperform preseason expectations. I'm sure the coaches and players at a few other HE schools are thinking the same thing right now, so the sooner UNH shows it's up for the fight, the better I'll feel about their postseason chances. The postseason is no place for a "soft" team to expect any success. JMHO.
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