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UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
- Thread starter Chuck Murray
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UML Puck Hawk
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
If every clear on the pk counts as a shot why are you guys worried about winning the SOG battle at home
If every clear on the pk counts as a shot why are you guys worried about winning the SOG battle at home
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
I think what we saw tonight is something we are probably going to have to understand is going to happen from time to time with this young, inexperienced team. Some key defensive lapses - on the first, some momentary indecision on the defensive blueline cost them that one, and someone went to sleep on the second one. And if Lowell doesn't absolutely throw away an easy in-close chance in the first period by overpassing for no apparent reason, then they probably win this one even more comfortably than they did.
To me, the most glaring shortcoming for this year's team is the relative scarcity of attack-minded defensemen to either carry the puck out of the defensive zone, jump in on the attack, or provide a scoring threat from the point. From last season, when there were guys like Knodel, TvR, Pesce and Agosta ... and now that's basically reduced to Pesce. I think most of us saw that coming, but it doesn't do the forwards any good on a night when the players below the first line really just couldn't get out of first gear. I came on here tonight hoping to have gained some insight into which of the young frosh were ahead of the curve. But tonight they were all mostly invisible. Given more time to adapt to the higher level of play, and adjust to each other's games (that was never going to happen overnight), it will gradually emerge I'm sure. But tonight was a reminder just how early in the process the new UNH forwards are in that process.
And if ever there was an advertisement for just how misleading SOG's can be, tonight was one of those nights. Quantity may have been there for UNH, but where was the quality? Honestly ... do any of UNH's most ardent SOG advocates *really* think UNH outplayed Lowell tonight? Boyle played well to earn the shutout, and he stayed patient on the Downing SOG, but that may have been the highlight of an otherwise fairly routine performance. For what it's worth, I can't say Clark didn't play almost as well. Bpth goals were on his defense.
One thing that does seem to be fitting into the preseason predictions is that UNH may be a boom or bust proposition this season. Two wins with 5+ goal outbursts, three losses (four if you want to throw in the exhibition game) in which they've scored a grand total of two (2) goals combined. Defensively, they're basically good for allowing only 2 goals per game so far, which I think is way ahead of schedule considering the influx of youth this season, and that's been a consistent level, with the worst night being the first game and allowing a quick 3 goals to the defending National Champions. I think Coach Umile has to get a ton of credit for stabilizing the backline so quickly, and it's hopefully a good sign for when the forwards start to click and find their combinations as the season progresses.
I'll also say I was pleasantly surprised with the level of UNH's hitting early in the game ... but likewise, I thought once they got behind, their physical edge faded, and Lowell had the game right in their wheelhouse. I think this issue is probably on the radar (or sonar?
) of some of the long-term folks on here, and it continues to bear watching as this team continues to grow and develop.
I'll still stay out on the limb, but I'm more hoping than expecting UNH to break even against Lowell tomorrow night.
I think what we saw tonight is something we are probably going to have to understand is going to happen from time to time with this young, inexperienced team. Some key defensive lapses - on the first, some momentary indecision on the defensive blueline cost them that one, and someone went to sleep on the second one. And if Lowell doesn't absolutely throw away an easy in-close chance in the first period by overpassing for no apparent reason, then they probably win this one even more comfortably than they did.
To me, the most glaring shortcoming for this year's team is the relative scarcity of attack-minded defensemen to either carry the puck out of the defensive zone, jump in on the attack, or provide a scoring threat from the point. From last season, when there were guys like Knodel, TvR, Pesce and Agosta ... and now that's basically reduced to Pesce. I think most of us saw that coming, but it doesn't do the forwards any good on a night when the players below the first line really just couldn't get out of first gear. I came on here tonight hoping to have gained some insight into which of the young frosh were ahead of the curve. But tonight they were all mostly invisible. Given more time to adapt to the higher level of play, and adjust to each other's games (that was never going to happen overnight), it will gradually emerge I'm sure. But tonight was a reminder just how early in the process the new UNH forwards are in that process.
And if ever there was an advertisement for just how misleading SOG's can be, tonight was one of those nights. Quantity may have been there for UNH, but where was the quality? Honestly ... do any of UNH's most ardent SOG advocates *really* think UNH outplayed Lowell tonight? Boyle played well to earn the shutout, and he stayed patient on the Downing SOG, but that may have been the highlight of an otherwise fairly routine performance. For what it's worth, I can't say Clark didn't play almost as well. Bpth goals were on his defense.
One thing that does seem to be fitting into the preseason predictions is that UNH may be a boom or bust proposition this season. Two wins with 5+ goal outbursts, three losses (four if you want to throw in the exhibition game) in which they've scored a grand total of two (2) goals combined. Defensively, they're basically good for allowing only 2 goals per game so far, which I think is way ahead of schedule considering the influx of youth this season, and that's been a consistent level, with the worst night being the first game and allowing a quick 3 goals to the defending National Champions. I think Coach Umile has to get a ton of credit for stabilizing the backline so quickly, and it's hopefully a good sign for when the forwards start to click and find their combinations as the season progresses.
I'll also say I was pleasantly surprised with the level of UNH's hitting early in the game ... but likewise, I thought once they got behind, their physical edge faded, and Lowell had the game right in their wheelhouse. I think this issue is probably on the radar (or sonar?
) of some of the long-term folks on here, and it continues to bear watching as this team continues to grow and develop.I'll still stay out on the limb, but I'm more hoping than expecting UNH to break even against Lowell tomorrow night.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Welp heading home and discussing the game...hard getting and keeping any real momentum getting quality shots and second chances wasn't our strong suit. Kudos once again for the PK Lord knows we were out there enough! 22 for 22 on the PK.. Thought Casey Thrush had a good game with some decent hits...as well other big hits by others. That part of our game is refreshing to see! Defensive mistakes, missed chances. Learning curve to be sure as we all expected.. Some things weren't clicking like our point play in our PP but hopefully we will regroup tomorrow night. This one isn't on Clark... Oh I do believe we won the SOG battle ��. Looking forward to visiting the Tsongas tomorrow night. In addition to Chuck's excellent reporting here's CHN's "takeaway": Discuss..
http://blog.collegehockeynews.com/2014/10/the-takeaway-lowell-locks-down-unh-wins-2-0/
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Forget it, it's apparently too high brow. (It was a Simpsons reference)
Just saying we have a (better) chance of scoring against them this weekend than we did last year. UML goal tenders and team played like crap against MI. I am sticking with my weekend split prediction.
Lou? Nanne? Not a bad hockey association, but my favorite Lous are musical: Reed and 'cille.
Forget it, it's apparently too high brow. (It was a Simpsons reference)
CollegeHockeyRinkReport
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/201...-john-edwardh-aj-white-kevin-boyle-norm-bazin
Recap. Umile was none too happy.
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/201...-john-edwardh-aj-white-kevin-boyle-norm-bazin
Recap. Umile was none too happy.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
I am persuaded to attribute the increase physical play to the "Stewart Factor" .... also inclined to see this style of play maintained/increased as he moves along to becoming the head man behind the bench.
I'll also say I was pleasantly surprised with the level of UNH's hitting early in the game ... but likewise, I thought once they got behind, their physical edge faded, and Lowell had the game right in their wheelhouse. I think this issue is probably on the radar (or sonar?
I am persuaded to attribute the increase physical play to the "Stewart Factor" .... also inclined to see this style of play maintained/increased as he moves along to becoming the head man behind the bench.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
No raunchier than the officiating from Millea (sp) just sayin' Kudos to your goal keeper and organized defense. The fish will wait.
The fish musta gotten kind of raunchy last night, eh ?
No raunchier than the officiating from Millea (sp) just sayin'
Kudos to your goal keeper and organized defense. The fish will wait.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
And just so ya know Sonar I burned a bit of sage before leaving for the game... from the last UML/UNH game...in your honor!
And just so ya know Sonar I burned a bit of sage before leaving for the game... from the last UML/UNH game...in your honor!
e.cat
Seasoned Veteran
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Not much to cheer about last night. Can't blame Clark for the the two open net goals.
Chuck back to .500 on the SOG front. Speaking of SOG, UNH seemed to out chance UML, including a post/crossbar, but just couldn't get one by Boyle who played very well. I have no idea what tonight will bring. Trick or treat!!
Not much to cheer about last night. Can't blame Clark for the the two open net goals.
Chuck back to .500 on the SOG front. Speaking of SOG, UNH seemed to out chance UML, including a post/crossbar, but just couldn't get one by Boyle who played very well. I have no idea what tonight will bring. Trick or treat!!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
I think we may be encountering two things:
1. There are hundreds of species of sage and we haven't found the right one yet.
2. As you and I know .... sage is used to help remove negative energy associated with a person or a place. It is also known that sage all by itself will not be enough to remove spirits who are determined to hang around.
I think we may be encountering two things:
1. There are hundreds of species of sage and we haven't found the right one yet.
2. As you and I know .... sage is used to help remove negative energy associated with a person or a place. It is also known that sage all by itself will not be enough to remove spirits who are determined to hang around.
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Patience wearing a little thin today, sonar?
Patience wearing a little thin today, sonar?
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Yep .....
However, I do have my mountaneering gear ready for the football game at 600pm so life is good.
Yep .....
However, I do have my mountaneering gear ready for the football game at 600pm so life is good.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
I agree with a lot of what you said Chuck. But I was very unimpressed with Lowell. Not hard to see why they got pasted by a sub .500 Michigan team. Usually have to get in the car and take a trip to Harvey's Bakery to see so many juicy turnovers. Too bad the 'Cats couldn't take advantage as this game was there for the taking. Given the "boom or bust" propensity that you have correctly identified I think this UNH squad is probably a front runner of sorts, and had they converted on one or two of those giveaways they are off to the races and the result is different. Which is why I give them at least a chance to get a point or two this evening if the River Hawks play a similar game.
Couldn't agree more that Umile deserves credit for bringing the D around so early in the season. It was the offense that was the problem last evening. (Just a pathetic attempt by Downing on the PS, compounded by a pair of penalties and incessant whining.)
No matter the result this evening, there are points to be had the next couple of weekends given the quality of the opposition.
I think what we saw tonight is something we are probably going to have to understand is going to happen from time to time with this young, inexperienced team. Some key defensive lapses - on the first, some momentary indecision on the defensive blueline cost them that one, and someone went to sleep on the second one. And if Lowell doesn't absolutely throw away an easy in-close chance in the first period by overpassing for no apparent reason, then they probably win this one even more comfortably than they did.
To me, the most glaring shortcoming for this year's team is the relative scarcity of attack-minded defensemen to either carry the puck out of the defensive zone, jump in on the attack, or provide a scoring threat from the point. From last season, when there were guys like Knodel, TvR, Pesce and Agosta ... and now that's basically reduced to Pesce. I think most of us saw that coming, but it doesn't do the forwards any good on a night when the players below the first line really just couldn't get out of first gear. I came on here tonight hoping to have gained some insight into which of the young frosh were ahead of the curve. But tonight they were all mostly invisible. Given more time to adapt to the higher level of play, and adjust to each other's games (that was never going to happen overnight), it will gradually emerge I'm sure. But tonight was a reminder just how early in the process the new UNH forwards are in that process.
And if ever there was an advertisement for just how misleading SOG's can be, tonight was one of those nights. Quantity may have been there for UNH, but where was the quality? Honestly ... do any of UNH's most ardent SOG advocates *really* think UNH outplayed Lowell tonight? Boyle played well to earn the shutout, and he stayed patient on the Downing SOG, but that may have been the highlight of an otherwise fairly routine performance. For what it's worth, I can't say Clark didn't play almost as well. Bpth goals were on his defense.
One thing that does seem to be fitting into the preseason predictions is that UNH may be a boom or bust proposition this season. Two wins with 5+ goal outbursts, three losses (four if you want to throw in the exhibition game) in which they've scored a grand total of two (2) goals combined. Defensively, they're basically good for allowing only 2 goals per game so far, which I think is way ahead of schedule considering the influx of youth this season, and that's been a consistent level, with the worst night being the first game and allowing a quick 3 goals to the defending National Champions. I think Coach Umile has to get a ton of credit for stabilizing the backline so quickly, and it's hopefully a good sign for when the forwards start to click and find their combinations as the season progresses.
I'll also say I was pleasantly surprised with the level of UNH's hitting early in the game ... but likewise, I thought once they got behind, their physical edge faded, and Lowell had the game right in their wheelhouse. I think this issue is probably on the radar (or sonar?
I'll still stay out on the limb, but I'm more hoping than expecting UNH to break even against Lowell tomorrow night.
I agree with a lot of what you said Chuck. But I was very unimpressed with Lowell. Not hard to see why they got pasted by a sub .500 Michigan team. Usually have to get in the car and take a trip to Harvey's Bakery to see so many juicy turnovers. Too bad the 'Cats couldn't take advantage as this game was there for the taking. Given the "boom or bust" propensity that you have correctly identified I think this UNH squad is probably a front runner of sorts, and had they converted on one or two of those giveaways they are off to the races and the result is different. Which is why I give them at least a chance to get a point or two this evening if the River Hawks play a similar game.
Couldn't agree more that Umile deserves credit for bringing the D around so early in the season. It was the offense that was the problem last evening. (Just a pathetic attempt by Downing on the PS, compounded by a pair of penalties and incessant whining.)
No matter the result this evening, there are points to be had the next couple of weekends given the quality of the opposition.
Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Google-ing "lou simpsons", thanks!
Yup. Never a Simpsons fan, but I am transginger.
Google-ing "lou simpsons", thanks!
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Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Yes, Chuck, good post.
Lots of solid 1st period hits and then *POOF* - gone. UML deserves credit for being physically tough. UNH got the puck to Boyd a lot for his shot. It didn't work out, hopefully will, but he has 1st got to stop pucks from jumping over his stick. Compared to the MI game UML is back to their boring to watch, but effective strategy of forcing the opponent outside and waiting for offensive opportunities to present themselves rather than trying too hard to create them. Impressive given the number of new players on their roster.
Watching the shot ratio approach 2 - 1 in favor of the 'cats I couldn't help thinking the same thing I've been thinking since Moses left, no sniper(s). At this point Willows, Downing, Thrush are who they are. Looking for Eiserman, Poturalski to become the scorers.
Will be interested to see who plays D tonight.
Yes, Chuck, good post.
Lots of solid 1st period hits and then *POOF* - gone. UML deserves credit for being physically tough. UNH got the puck to Boyd a lot for his shot. It didn't work out, hopefully will, but he has 1st got to stop pucks from jumping over his stick. Compared to the MI game UML is back to their boring to watch, but effective strategy of forcing the opponent outside and waiting for offensive opportunities to present themselves rather than trying too hard to create them. Impressive given the number of new players on their roster.
Watching the shot ratio approach 2 - 1 in favor of the 'cats I couldn't help thinking the same thing I've been thinking since Moses left, no sniper(s). At this point Willows, Downing, Thrush are who they are. Looking for Eiserman, Poturalski to become the scorers.
Will be interested to see who plays D tonight.
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Expectin' a full report on them thar litey thingies that resident genius BS35+1 has durn gone plugged in, willya?
Expectin' a full report on them thar litey thingies that resident genius BS35+1 has durn gone plugged in, willya?
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