UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

I think that's just the way he plays. There was a lot of that late last year when they were finding ways to win consistently. He is hardly the goalie with textbook mechanics, which may be why DT ended up at UNH, and not closer to home? Suspect we're just going to have to get used to it.

But I do agree, it will be interesting to see how it's handled by the coaches. I was probably just as surprised (if not more so) as most by Coach Umile's abandonment of Clark in the second half of the season last year, and barring an injury or a significant downturn by Tirone - coupled with Clark making the most of limited opportunities - it's hard for me to envision DT not getting most of the starts again.

My sense is that Tirone has not yet (3 games, counting St.FX) even come close to his good performance last semester. At least two, maybe three, of last nights goals were borderline soft. The winning goal last night was not screened, came from high between the dots, and he just missed it. Watching him skate to the bench after that final goal .... I think it was telling that none of his teammates accompanied him ....

I predict Clark plays tonight .... UNH wins .... and he stays in goal for that first away game.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

+1

The decision on this will be telling. DT made some nice saves, but for 2 games in a row had fish flopping around in the bottom of the boat moments. Screen or no screen, I missed the replays I don't know, but DT looked like he wanted a do over on the game winner.

D looked better, more organized than vs. AIC. Still a ways to go. The first line looked better than against AIC, the second line not as good. Much more difficult when the opposition skates with you and knocks you around. Third line is an enigma. Eiserman was listed and started on the 4th line, quickly (1 shift?) moved up to the 3rd. Message received? We have 3 drafted players all playing on the 3rd line. The theme of starting the season strong needs to trickle down > start each game strong > start each period strong > start each shift strong (x2 after goals scored/allowed, PPs, PKs).

St. L. is a good team, deserved the win, but this is a loss that looking back in March could be one that makes a BIG NCAA qualification difference. The loss makes tonight's game, as much as game 3 can be, a must win. The 'cats need to focus on one game at a time, but as a fan this looks challenging:

at Massachusetts
at Union
at Merrimack
at Michigan State
at Michigan State
at Merrimack
vs. MASSACHUSETTS
vs. BOSTON COLLEGE
at Rensselaer

We discussed this very thing on the way home...and yes, that schedule is daunting. 'Cats won't be home for a month! We all agree on this: 'Cats have got to get it going from the 'get go'...and sustain it.
Not sure if any of you will agree with me but is this still considered a "young team" not withstanding our Jr's and Sr's? Looking at over the ice last night I saw 3 Frosh out there at any given time along with our contingent of upper (soph) classmen. Wanna say that I'm thrilled for Jamie Hill and Maxi G for their production.

Interesting on the line change last night between the 3rd and 4th line for that shift. Not whining but I personally expect a lot from Mr. Eiserman...and I know he can deliver. I call him "draft pick" w hen he's on the ice. He showed what he can do v AIC and his physicality makes him dominate and his shot, dangerous. Let's see what that line does tonight. Can't imagine Coach would split that up (I surely hope not ) agree on the enigma part...Let's go #3 as well...show us your stuff coz I know you got it!

Truth be told it SLU brought a heavy physical game that once we 'found the puck' finally in the third and played our game, we fared much better. Yep; they (SLU) looked polished and very well coached. I'm sure UNH has to think they see tonight's game as a must win like the rest of you but it is, one game at a time. The road trip looms but we've gotta take care o business tonight!

I am very unpopular in section 101 when I bring up the possibility of a goalie rotation...I mean I believe DT is our man but I also know the training that Clarky got over the summer. Of course, when DT gets hung out to dry what can you say? Will be interesting to see if we go in that direction, I have my doubts...and I'll keep the faith with our current starting GK.

I didn't really get a good enough look at Nazarian but I'll take GoUNH's word for it. Wonder if he'll be out there tonight? Or will it be McNick? D....hmmmm channeling Brett Pesce... Seriously, they know what they have to work on...it's a work in progress and we knew this going into this season. I know Snively65 disagrees with me! Glad you enjoyed the game for 9 bucks; we had a bunch of students crowd in with us but they were cool. God only knows what they thought of us haha.

Awesome summations of the game gang and another great article from Parker Wheeler! Keep it comin'. "See you" all here tomorrow mornin' and Let's Go 'Cats!!!!

 

[Snively65]

Hope the Associate Coaches can convince the Head Coach to start a Goalie rotation tonight ....

Sure looked to me that DT was screened on the game winner by any one of four UNH players standing around in front of him. But, the first Saints goal appeared really soft to me.

Do not forget that the last true UNH goalie rotation took the team to their second to last appearance in the Frozen Four, and that was a senior and sophomore. UML played a true goalie rotation with two classmates for three years not long ago with some success, if I am not mistaken.

Last spring I thought that DT deserved all the starts, as the team was playing better behind him l, and Clark had all the starts in the fall. But, now I would be fine seeing a rotation for the next few games, which are all winnable despite deficiencies in the Cats D and O.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

My sense is that Tirone has not yet (3 games, counting St.FX) even come close to his good performance last semester. At least two, maybe three, of last nights goals were borderline soft. The winning goal last night was not screened, came from high between the dots, and he just missed it. Watching him skate to the bench after that final goal .... I think it was telling that none of his teammates accompanied him ....

I predict Clark plays tonight .... UNH wins .... and he stays in goal for that first away game.

Likely because you leave a goalie alone with his thoughts at times like this, not because you don't love him has a teammate. A reason to start DT tonight is to give him a chance to make things right for his teammates and in his head.

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

I think that's just the way he plays. There was a lot of that late last year when they were finding ways to win consistently. He is hardly the goalie with textbook mechanics, which may be why DT ended up at UNH, and not closer to home? Suspect we're just going to have to get used to it.

But I do agree, it will be interesting to see how it's handled by the coaches. I was probably just as surprised (if not more so) as most by Coach Umile's abandonment of Clark in the second half of the season last year, and barring an injury or a significant downturn by Tirone - coupled with Clark making the most of limited opportunities - it's hard for me to envision DT not getting most of the starts again.

It is how he plays - he's small and reminds me of Digirolamo. When he's on he's on, but when he's off he plays poor angles and flops around leaving a lot of wide open net if you can get him moving. They didn't even have to get him moving on the first goal last night. He simply played a terrible angle and left the short side open for a low, left-circle wrister to beat him clean. The second goal he was scrambling out of control. I don't see a screen on the game-winner. That was a terribly soft goal. Without knowing what saves Tirone made last night to save goals, I don't think Clark gets beat on any of the SLU goals last night, just due to his size and style...

Tirone is athletic and flashy and will always get more credit than a goalie like Clark who is simply huge and plays a positional game. I never understood the benching of Clark last season. I still maintain, that Tirone's second half last year, compared with Clark's first half, was MUCH more about how the team played in front of the goalie. Clark deserves a shot. Tirone has not been good in any of the three games so far. No reason he can't get back to form, but no reason Clark shouldn't get some PT too...

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Likely because you leave a goalie alone with his thoughts at times like this, not because you don't love him has a teammate. A reason to start DT tonight is to give him a chance to make things right for his teammates and in his head.

Good point Darius...also the team had to know it wasn't one of their most stellar nights.

I'll be amazed if DT doesn't start tonight, and agree he needs to find his way this season. Maybe Clarky picks up some playing time if the 'Cats can get a lead (a decent one). Despite our 5 first half wins of last season, Clarky kept us in most of those games; so many were 1 point losses as I recall without looking. At this point, I'd wish him well if he took the ice! Has to be on the mind of the coaches.

Sonar, we re-watched the final goal again this morning; there were 3 'cats standing in front but not really so much that they could've screened him but who knows. Tonight...is a new night. Onward 'Cats!!

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

I didn't really get a good enough look at Nazarian but I'll take GoUNH's word for it. Wonder if he'll be out there tonight? Or will it be McNick?

It should be both, period.

 

[scoreboard]

You guys still yapping about SOG?

OK, here's the deal.
If you take a SOG and it goes in the net, GREAT shot.
If it doesn't go in the net, you never should have taken it! IDIOT!!!... wazzamaddaforyou?



Colorful post, eh?

You are so right. I can't believe this ridiculous shots on goal conversation has been going on for so long.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

It should be both, period.

Hear that...

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

http://unhwildcats.com/news/2015/10/15/blog_1015150238.aspx

"He was a little shaky on the first goal and for that matter on the second," Umile said. [of Tirone's performance against AIC] "He settled in after that. He handled the puck a lot better after the first five minutes or so."

Tirone will likely start against St. Lawrence.

"I expect Tirone will start Friday night and I think we'll take it from there," Umile said.

I don't think Tirone played any better, probably worse, than against AIC. So I expect to see Clark tonight...

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Go 'cats!

Shoot the puck.

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Looks like DT gets his chance to make amends.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Need this one badly....Bentley breathing down our neck in the PWR

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Non descript is how I would judge this first period. Would like to see the 'Cats bring some intensity and puck possession in the 2nd. DT making some great saves but not too much happening in the other end. From what I hear it's better than last night. Have a feeling it might get ugly in the 2nd..

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Barring unusual circumstances, it looks like Clark can be expected to transfer out after this season, with the highly touted Robinson in the wings. Not the first time I've speculated on that possibility, but if Clark isn't going to get a start in an early season home game after DT offers a subpar performance (if not two), then it's hard seeing him getting anything more than token PT the rest of the way.

Displeased I did not get back home in time to catch this one at the arena, hoping they pull out a win tonight.

 

[wildcatdc]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Wow. That hurt. Got home in time to purchase the WAN season package and catch the last 10 minutes. Ouch.

 

[ck1969]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Wow u guys have a long year ahead of u.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Barring unusual circumstances, it looks like Clark can be expected to transfer out after this season, with the highly touted Robinson in the wings. Not the first time I've speculated on that possibility, but if Clark isn't going to get a start in an early season home game after DT offers a subpar performance (if not two), then it's hard seeing him getting anything more than token PT the rest of the way.

Displeased I did not get back home in time to catch this one at the arena, hoping they pull out a win tonight.

Care to rephrase that thought?

 

[joecct]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Hey gang

What is the Whitt's policy on visiting bands? Our band was allowed in, but without their instruments. Huh?

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Barring unusual circumstances, it looks like Clark can be expected to transfer out after this season, with the highly touted Robinson in the wings. Not the first time I've speculated on that possibility, but if Clark isn't going to get a start in an early season home game after DT offers a subpar performance (if not two), then it's hard seeing him getting anything more than token PT the rest of the way.

Displeased I did not get back home in time to catch this one at the arena, hoping they pull out a win tonight.

1) Good point with Clark probably transfering. However, I would think he would want to transfer to the best possible situation for him and therefore would be motivated to play well. I still think UNH would have won both games with Clark in net .... or at minimum split the weekend.

2) Maybe the Associate Coaches can convince the Head Coach go play the 1st and 2nd year players instead of at least a couple of the current seniors.

3) Nazarian is a keeper as is Murphy.