UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Nice to see Harry Quast get his second career goal at UNH; he initially appeared to be as surprised as anyone when it went in. Were there lots of replays of our two goals on the JUMBOOO-TRONNNN? Need a replay of last March in Providence. MS and SB should be away trying to close deals and not on their respective benches, right?

Oh yes, it was replayed...and very exciting for Harry!! Your wish is my command (NOT that you asked for it I get your drift but can't help myself...coz this is one of my fav Wildcat wins FWIW dept) I DOUBT PC is harboring any ill will toward the 'Cats as heck, they DID go on to win the big one, but, hey you take the good where you can find it soooo...here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3OCFqGEkm8

ps..Great efforts by Downing, Tirone, Pesce in that one...

Also...Mike Lowry's view of things...love this too...We had to go home unfortunately and missed that game...sigh. Especially love seeing JonG skate by the 'Cats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLApBVvQd2I

 

[Snively65]

Oh yes, it was replayed...and very exciting for Harry!! Your wish is my command (NOT that you asked for it I get your drift but can't help myself...coz this is one of my fav Wildcat wins FWIW dept) I DOUBT PC is harboring any ill will toward the 'Cats as heck, they DID go on to win the big one, but, hey you take the good where you can find it soooo...here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3OCFqGEkm8

ps..Great efforts by Downing, Tirone, Pesce in that one...

Also...Mike Lowry's view of things...love this too...We had to go home unfortunately and missed that game...sigh. Especially love seeing JonG skate by the 'Cats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLApBVvQd2I

Maybe down the stretch Harry Quast will become last year's Jay Camper.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Maybe down the stretch Harry Quast will become last year's Jay Camper.

At this point...ANYTHING can happen! Here's a quote by Pots on just taking it one game at a time for you optimists out there (you know who you are...)

"I think we've got to just put this weekend behind us," Poturalski said. "We've just got to bear down and really dig deep and find out who we are as a team and play for each other out there and just continue to work hard. We can't really look too much in the future and look at how the schedule is and how these games are going to be."

Amen.

Heck if Maine can almost beat QU we must have something going our way. (No offense Maine fans; I watched the game online and was pulling for ya!!) Watching Saturday night it was apparent that puck luck (maybe on the Quast goal?) hasn't been part of the equation. TyK's face showed it when our last rush (and his shot rang, I mean CLANGED? off the post). Sonar, did you go Saturday and if so, was it a different feeling for you? 'Cats desperately need a win....

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Bump

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I now think that the Cats will pull off an upset to win or tie at least one of their next four games. Even a blind, deaf, scentless squirrel finds the nut once in a while?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I now think that the Cats will pull off an upset to win or tie at least one of their next four games. Even a blind, deaf, scentless squirrel finds the nut once in a while?

I think the bigger question may be, IF UNH gets thumped in the next 4 games and take a 10 game losing streak into the home series with UVM ... what makes us believe they will bounce back to snap the streak against a team that's already beaten them earlier in the streak?



Not feeling very optimistic about things today. Sorry.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I now think that the Cats will pull off an upset to win or tie at least one of their next four games. Even a blind, deaf, scentless squirrel finds the nut once in a while?

Well I totally agree. Anyone on any given night is the simplest way to see things. I sure hope they haven't totally given up...that, would be a shame. Maybe too simplistic and I know the fire power these other teams have. Maybe they should watch "Miracle on Ice" or listen to the great speech given by the late, great, Herb Brooks (Substitute TyK or Pots for Mike Eruzione ).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwpTj_Z9v-c

Let the eye rolling commence!!

 

[Snively65]

I think the bigger question may be, IF UNH gets thumped in the next 4 games and take a 10 game losing streak into the home series with UVM ... what makes us believe they will bounce back to snap the streak against a team that's already beaten them earlier in the streak?

:confused

Not feeling very optimistic about things today. Sorry.

Yet, we held on at the Gut to lose only by a goal, despite being outplayed most of the game. I have a feeling Jamie Regan is going to win a game or two before his UNH career is over.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Not feeling very optimistic about things today. Sorry.

If my history is correct, the 6 game losing streak is the longest since a seven game skid in Kullen's first year. (When we were still 11 years away from a return to the frozen four.)

And if they do drop 10 in a row, that will be the longest losing streak since Charlie Holt's final season. How's that for karma?

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

If my history is correct, the 6 game losing streak is the longest since a seven game skid in Kullen's first year. (When we were still 11 years away from a return to the frozen four.)

And if they do drop 10 in a row, that will be the longest losing streak since Charlie Holt's final season. How's that for karma?

Time to burn some sage. Mega amounts. And on another note...I'm glad to see some convo generated. Karma is a you know what isn't it?

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

If my history is correct, the 6 game losing streak is the longest since a seven game skid in Kullen's first year. (When we were still 11 years away from a return to the frozen four.)

And if they do drop 10 in a row, that will be the longest losing streak since Charlie Holt's final season. How's that for karma?

Losing streaks. This six game is the longest by two in Umile's career. Twice in the 2011-2012 season (the one that ended with the BU quarterfinal series) UNH had four game losing streaks. You are right about this being the longest since the seven in 1986-1987 and that the 10 in a row would be the longest since Charlie's last year (1985-1986) but it kind of obscures the fact in that year they lost 15 in a row (the longest ever) and lost 21 out of 23. And in Charlie's next to last year, the first year of Hockey East and the interlocking schedule with the WCHA, UNH lost 15 of the first 16 games they played. They actually rebounded that year and secured home ice in the first round of the playoffs but lost to Lowell.

So, even though I have this sense of deja vu all over again, I guess it could be worse. I was there for those mid to late 80's teams when they won 32 games in four seasons (32-91-7). They were awful, really awful. Back then Lively Snively was a morgue, Not that the Whit (sans students) is not. I saw it turn around and we can only hope that Souza et al can repeat history. Just like Charlie, who had wonderful teams through the early 80's, Umile is fading at the end. Inattention, aloofness, whatever you want to call it, it is still disappointing that his career will probably end the same way his old coach's did.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Losing streaks. This six game is the longest by two in Umile's career. Twice in the 2011-2012 season (the one that ended with the BU quarterfinal series) UNH had four game losing streaks. You are right about this being the longest since the seven in 1986-1987 and that the 10 in a row would be the longest since Charlie's last year (1985-1986) but it kind of obscures the fact in that year they lost 15 in a row (the longest ever) and lost 21 out of 23. And in Charlie's next to last year, the first year of Hockey East and the interlocking schedule with the WCHA, UNH lost 15 of the first 16 games they played. They actually rebounded that year and secured home ice in the first round of the playoffs but lost to Lowell.

So, even though I have this sense of deja vu all over again, I guess it could be worse. I was there for those mid to late 80's teams when they won 32 games in four seasons (32-91-7). They were awful, really awful. Back then Lively Snively was a morgue, Not that the Whit (sans students) is not. I saw it turn around and we can only hope that Souza et al can repeat history. Just like Charlie, who had wonderful teams through the early 80's, Umile is fading at the end. Inattention, aloofness, whatever you want to call it, it is still disappointing that his career will probably end the same way his old coach's did.

I remember when they beat CC to end that 15 game skid....was over the XMas break....not too many fans at Snively....but those that were there stood and cheered during the final couple minutes when it was apparent that they were finally going to win one. Won't make the highlight package on the jumbotron today but a special moment nonetheless. All things considered that single digit win team made a pretty respectable showing for themselves in the first round of the playoffs, giving a pretty good BU team a run for its money.

Also important to remember just how brutal those interlocking schedules were back then, with North Dakota, Minny, Denver, Duluth, etc counting in the standings.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I remember when they beat CC to end that 15 game skid....was over the XMas break....not too many fans at Snively....but those that were there stood and cheered during the final couple minutes when it was apparent that they were finally going to win one. Won't make the highlight package on the jumbotron today but a special moment nonetheless. All things considered that single digit win team made a pretty respectable showing for themselves in the first round of the playoffs, giving a pretty good BU team a run for its money.

Also important to remember just how brutal those interlocking schedules were back then, with North Dakota, Minny, Denver, Duluth, etc counting in the standings.

UGH 15 losses in a row. We can look most recently to BU's 2013-14 season...Dave Quinns first year with the team? A couple of 6 in a row losses that season, and, losing to NIIC in the first round of HE. (And they only played one game. double ugh to go out there, lose, come home, season over God help us if we end up going out there...shhhh) Helped to have Jack E come in the next year...and they are back to the NC (and HE champs) Things have a way of coming back around if you want them to, or, they can stay the same, or, gulp, get worse. UNH surely has a vision, yes? And if they don't, they certainly should.

Unfortunately its the games you lost, rather than the games you won, that people remember. Today I had a small class as the sophomores weren't there and I have 3 hockey players hanging around with nothing to do. So of course I showed them UNH hockey clips of the glory days. Travis Roy story, etc. I know we can get back to those days but in the mean time, like the rest of you here's hoping we can still win a few down the stretch.

Like many of you I'm hoping that MS is selling that, getting back to those days and don'tcha wanna be a part of it??

Ps Tomorrow night it's TvR v Pesce in NBCSN 7:30.

 

[norbert]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I now think that the Cats will pull off an upset to win or tie at least one of their next four games. Even a blind, deaf, scentless squirrel finds the nut once in a while?

I can not see this happening. After the embarrassment that was the first NU game, they followed it up with another and then this weekend. Friday was one of the worse games I have seen by a hockey team at any level.

Numbers by the weekend

Score 3-8
Shots 50-69
PP 1-12
PK 5-9
Points 0
Spots lost in standings 2

I think the team and coaches are lost. The 5 forward power play is awful with the skill level. Forwards can not defend a rush the other way. At one point two of the leading scorers in Div 1 were at the point, they could get nothing established and entries into the zone were poor.

It also appears Poturalski is in TVR mode, try on offense, don't get hurt on defense, and float in the neutral zone. I was against line changes earlier but now I think change is worth it.

The only positives I saw this weekend were Eiserman trying to play physical, and the Vela/Miller/Nazarian line has some promise.

 

[HockeyRef]

I can not see this happening. After the embarrassment that was the first NU game, they followed it up with another and then this weekend. Friday was one of the worse games I have seen by a hockey team at any level.

Numbers by the weekend

Score 3-8
Shots 50-69
PP 1-12
PK 5-9
Points 0
Spots lost in standings 2

I think the team and coaches are lost. The 5 forward power play is awful with the skill level. Forwards can not defend a rush the other way. At one point two of the leading scorers in Div 1 were at the point, they could get nothing established and entries into the zone were poor.

It also appears Poturalski is in TVR mode, try on offense, don't get hurt on defense, and float in the neutral zone. I was against line changes earlier but now I think change is worth it.

The only positives I saw this weekend were Eiserman trying to play physical, and the Vela/Miller/Nazarian line has some promise.

Agree with a lot of what you are saying team needs to figure it out and I've heard the mood is down as you'd expect after these past two weekends. That being said felt there were good things on Saturday and felt the D skated more confidently with Regan in net. Hope they fix that PP couldn't agree more!

Fun fact of the day tonight Kevin G and Phil DeSimone are playing on the same line tonight as De Simone has recently joined the AHL Phantoms.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Can't wait to see Agosta v. CDS in the next exciting episode of the ECHL Game of the Week!!

Sorry, I was gonna try to post something more positive, but I'll let my interns - er, *assistants* - handle that for me.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Can't wait to see Agosta v. CDS in the next exciting episode of the ECHL Game of the Week!!

Sorry, I was gonna try to post something more positive, but I'll let my interns - er, *assistants* - handle that for me.

And just who might these minions, er, assistants be?

ps couldn't help but check the schedule of the game you mention and alas, they've already played each other this season..sigh. Too bad coz I'd love to see Matt Willows light up CDS...just sayin'.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Ps Tomorrow night it's TvR v Pesce in NBCSN 7:30.

Thanks for that Ref. Something to look forward to watching in this season of transition. No "Garden Party" this year I suspect!

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Thanks for that Ref. Something to look forward to watching in this season of transition. No "Garden Party" this year I suspect!

Oh not a prob. Not sure if it's going to happen as just read Pesce has a lower body "concern" or something like that. Might play. Aw, I remember how fun that first
'Gahden Party' was!

 

[Snively65]

All things considered that single digit win team made a pretty respectable showing for themselves in the first round of the playoffs, giving a pretty good BU team a run for its money.

Was 1985-86 the last one-digit win UNH team? Are these pre-USCHO.com season records archived somewhere online? Winning only one more game this season would be truly ignominious.