Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Season Thread
Thoughts on the UVM game and season so far (it is still early)...
First the goalie is #2 star with a shutout and a forward scoring goals 3 & 4 in a 4-0 win is the #1 star. How often in a shutout is the goalie not the #1 star? If he isn't it is a 1-0 game and the goal scorer did something mind boggling... or... it is the easiest shutout for the goalie I think I have ever seen. UNH's D both the 6 on the back end and the team as a whole played a fantastic game. UVM may be offensively challenged, but I am not sure DeSmith even had a "signature" save in the shutout. There had to be at least one time during the game UVM got a second shot on a rebound but I don't remember it. Now I am not taking anything away from DeSmith, he played a solid game, did his job and well. Most rebounds were pushed out of harm’s way but the couple that weren't, were picked up by the D and moved safely away. DeSmith really only had to play square and make a solid first save. DeSmith has played very well this year, sometimes spectacular, this game he didn't have to the rest of the team played that well in zone (doesn’t hurt that Vermont can’t score anyway).
Now for the D, I really like this group of 6. I think a very strong case can be made this is UNH's best back end ever; I don’t think it is even close. UVM trapped in center ice for chunks of this game. That usual gives UNH fits. Typically UNH’s D doesn't like carrying the puck and the passes aren’t crisp enough to break through. So far this year the trap is ineffective against UNH. I don't remember a time this year that UNH has had a "live hand grenade moment". You all know what I am talking about, when the D act like the puck is a grenade with the pin pulled... anywhere but on my stick! The group is playing with confidence and the puck is behaving: TVR always happy with it on his stick, Knodel who at least 4-5 times had a hot puck come to him and just stick to his back hand, Pesce who seems to play the puck with his feet as deftly as his stick... Only one that doesn't seem to enjoy the puck on his stick is Kostolansky. I think they are self-aware, Knodel knows he is slow so he stays in position to minimize that issue etc.
The forwards on this team still scare me. They are doing a great job, winning on the boards, staking hard, going to the front of the net, backchecking like crazy, and responsible in zone. Workmen like group nobody is a prima dona and it is fun to watch. What scares me, who is the sniper? Who is going to score a goal in the tough game? Downing is showing signs and the shorty was well placed. Love the group overall, the depth is nice as it drives them all to play hard or you sit. But the lack of a true scorer is where I am concerned.
1-1-1 on the road, scoring less than 2 a game, and most of those goals at an underwhelming Maine. At home it is 4.25 gpg. These next 4 against a surprisingly underperforming Lowell, BU then at altitude in Colorado should be telling. After this trip UNH only has a 2 game trip at Christmas and the 3 game late year league stretch to see how they really play extended time away from home (everything else is just 1 game away then right back). Everybody knows this team needs to learn to play well (that is score goals) away from the Whitt to do anything on the real list of wants. The toughest of the next 4 will be at Denver, who is playing well and the second night at altitude, the forward depth that they have been building will need to come in handy to win that one.
Finally the constant fear is there another gear for later in the year.
)....didn't the Archery Club practice in Snively until it was time to put ice down for hockey practice?
