UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

[Greg Ambrose]

You know, I do agree with the last part ... but whatever he's saying to/doing with the team clearly isn't registering, wouldn't you say? I mean, with all due respect to the likes of Army/Merrimack/Dartmouth/Yale/Brown, I think it's pretty reasonable to expect a ranked team with a 9-5-1 record entering that stretch to emerge afterwards with a winning record (and ranking) still intact, no? Or is it your position that it's all down to Tirone?

Blowing 4 goals leads in the 3rd period at home to a nothing program simply shouldn't happen, agreed?

Agreed. So instead of going 5-0 since the PC victory, they went 0-4-1. I originally was going to go tonight but a combination of the cold, potential for freezing pipes, and two crummy teams kept me away. To think that they gave up four third period unanswered goals to anybody. Just god awful. Glad I missed it.

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

"The Bears are who we thought they were, and we let them off the hook!"

 

[blazer777]

"The Bears are who we thought they were, and we let them off the hook!"

Hey, were you there tonight, I was over in 106. Two periods of really good hockey and then WTH?. Hotdogs were okay, just above the JAR standard.

Brown started coming up the left side as it was the express lane into the zone. From there, all kinds of pressure lead to their comeback.

 

[Scott]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

The Non-Quest predicated record for the remaining 16 games (post-Dartmouth) is 4-9-3.

0-1-1 after tonight's "loss" Likely 0-3-1 on Jan. 16.

.....whistles, and quietly walks away.....

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

Still batting 0.500. You can look at that record as half empty, or half full. I choose the latter, no matter the cupcakes on the schedule. Lots of parity across Div 1 this season.

 

[deltabravo62]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

I don't think it's fair or right to question effort - you know what kind of teams often look like they're not giving max effort even if they may be? Bad ones that lack talent and lose a lot. Also the idea that what the coach says in the media is what he's saying to the team is ludicrous...

You can question the talent level of this team all you want. But I have watched this team all season and they clearly are not putting forth the effort that they were at the beginning. The amount of puck battles they lose by simply not getting their feet moving to get in there first. The most talented players in the world will give up games like UNH did tonight if they don't work for it.

I agree that what a coach says in the media is not what is said in the locker room. But it is asinine to say that you are not disappointed with the teams play when there is clearly a disconnect between what was happening at the start of the season and what is happening now.

My recent anger toward the coaching staff was catalyzed last week against Dartmouth when with about 7 minutes left Dartmouth called a timeout while we were down 3-1. Neither Umile, Souza, or Stewart was coaching or even speaking to any of the players. The guys were just getting their water and chatting amongst themselves.

So I ask "coach" Umile now, are you disappointed with your teams play yet?

 

[HockeyRef]

You can question the talent level of this team all you want. But I have watched this team all season and they clearly are not putting forth the effort that they were at the beginning. The amount of puck battles they lose by simply not getting their feet moving to get in there first. The most talented players in the world will give up games like UNH did tonight if they don't work for it.

I agree that what a coach says in the media is not what is said in the locker room. But it is asinine to say that you are not disappointed with the teams play when there is clearly a disconnect between what was happening at the start of the season and what is happening now.

My recent anger toward the coaching staff was catalyzed last week against Dartmouth when with about 7 minutes left Dartmouth called a timeout while we were down 3-1. Neither Umile, Souza, or Stewart was coaching or even speaking to any of the players. The guys were just getting their water and chatting amongst themselves.

So I ask "coach" Umile now, are you disappointed with your teams play yet?

Could not agree more about the talent v effort comment....what a nosedive they have taken and I saw it at the Vermont tie. I said to my husband that' i hoped this was not indicative of how things were going to go and frankly was bewildered as this was not the team that we had been watching. Sure we have had some great wins but the lack of consistent play has been, at least to me, mind boggling. WTH has happened?

Now tonight we had our chances to at least close it out but didn't on the last breakaway. Positive? Eric MacAdams; kid plays a solid game. Hustles every shift. For the life of me I just can't understand it how we blew that lead. Thought we'd take it 6-0. Heard there's a lot of sick players fwiw dept. Still...feels like a loss...

 

[BlackI]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

Looking forward to playing you guys. It will be Great!

 

[Snively65]

Looking forward to playing you guys. It will be Great!

Two teams going in opposite directions. Shutting out BU 3-0 in their barn is no small task, even if the Terriers are cycling through one and dones.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

I was in Ireland last week visiting my daughter and her outlaws. Very nice trip which included a bucket list tour of the Guinness Brewery! Got back safely despite the bomb cyclone and Kennebunkport under water and was looking forward to watching a UNH win last night. I don't know what's going on with this team but something has changed since the beginning of the season obviously.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

Why do you folks have any broader expectation that having a competitive program is important, when Marty does not? The past three years was not the best path forward, but expressly for the purpose of being a close family and celebrating the past. So the real question about yesterday was how nicely did Brown fete Coach before the game? Whittet has nice connections to Coach, having taken on the task of training Umile's former players who Umile didn't actually want to do the work of having on his own staff as coaches in training (M. White and Souza), so I'm sure there was a warm ceremony.

Was part of the ceremony Brown's seniors, recruited by Souza, honoring him? Do any of his recruits still play, or did they have the wave of younger players who Brown brought in later to rebuild that team?

And speaking of ceremonies, did they stop the game and allow Tirone to thank his teammates and the recruiting staff for bringing in the talent around him that allowed him to set the all-time save record?
For the life of me, I can't understand why the UNH players don't understand this is a meritocracy and they have to earn their spots, not a family.

 

[Snively65]

I was in Ireland last week visiting my daughter and her outlaws. Very nice trip which included a bucket list tour of the Guinness Brewery! Got back safely despite the bomb cyclone and Kennebunkport under water and was looking forward to watching a UNH win last night. I don't know what's going on with this team but something has changed since the beginning of the season obviously.

In followup to someone's comment earlier in thread, early in season team was undefeated without Grasso, but then began losing when Grasso came back. But, now the team is losing without Grasso.

I blame the coaching, especially our 5-3 PP with two extra forwards positioned behind the opposing net.

And, sitting Fregona on the pine.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

I don't think Coach U was feted by the Brown coach unless I missed something. Game was stopped briefly to acknowledge DT's record breaking save. Am not able to discuss that game any further. Think the story in Fosters does a nice job tho...

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

Why do you folks have any broader expectation that having a competitive program is important, when Marty does not? The past three years was not the best path forward, but expressly for the purpose of being a close family and celebrating the past. So the real question about yesterday was how nicely did Brown fete Coach before the game? Whittet has nice connections to Coach, having taken on the task of training Umile's former players who Umile didn't actually want to do the work of having on his own staff as coaches in training (M. White and Souza), so I'm sure there was a warm ceremony.

Was part of the ceremony Brown's seniors, recruited by Souza, honoring him? Do any of his recruits still play, or did they have the wave of younger players who Brown brought in later to rebuild that team?

And speaking of ceremonies, did they stop the game and allow Tirone to thank his teammates and the recruiting staff for bringing in the talent around him that allowed him to set the all-time save record?
For the life of me, I can't understand why the UNH players don't understand this is a meritocracy and they have to earn their spots, not a family.

Hey 'Watcher

You making the trip north for this romp down memory lane?

"From the Friends of Maine Hockey: There will be a luncheon at the Sea Dog Brewing Company on January 19 from Noon until 1:30. The guests will be Red Gendron and Dick Umile, who will share stories about Alfond Arena and the rivalry between the two schools. Cost is $20 per person and will include a buffet. Please call Shannon Coiley at 581-1106 or email her at Shannon.coiley(at)maine.edu"

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

You lost me at ranked team with a 9-5-1 record. That's not who they ever were or who they are. They are the equal of the teams they've played this year (an incredibly weak schedule). When that's the case, sometime you win five in a row and sometimes you lose five in a row but more often then not you end up around .500.

Are they a better team than Brown? Probably. Are they better than Dartmouth, Yale, Army, CC, Colgate, MC? Debateable (I'd say they're the same). I understand why people are frustrated. But you are closer to the right track (IMO) when you prescribe that UNH themselves are a cupcake.

And cupcakes lose. No matter what the coaches say (and I would never argue the coaches are doing a good job. They don't seem to be.). But the bigger issue is talent and depth (recruiting) not effort.

I look at tonight's line-up and I see at least four F and three D that have no place on an NCAA tournament line-up (and that may be generous). And with the exception of MAYBE 2-3 of the remaining skaters they are all playing roles over their heads if on a good team. Without even getting to the goalies it's just not a recipe for success.

It's ALL on the coaches. I just think their team-building skills have been the real issue.

---

I don't want to be negative - so I'll stop short of personal attacks like calling them 'pathetic' like some... #eyeroll

"That's not to pick on the Wildcats, but it's quite illustrative of the forces we're talking about. Subpar teams can only outrun the effects of mediocre systems and low-level talent for so long before everything falls apart."

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2018/01/02_Second-Thoughts-Assessing.php

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

Very interesting article there Felger. Makes total sense. I don't think the average fan (and I am including myself here on many things but I've learned a lot) even have considered these things let alone the basics of recruiting etc. Still, there's no excuse for blowing a 4 goal lead I don't care how "sub par" a team is perceived to be. But that's all beside the point in the big picture. The 'Cats are what they are. We hope for the best and can only hope there's something in the future for those who hold out for those things. Personally I don't and did not hold any visions of grandeur I know what we have on that ice. It is what it is. There are great moments and not so great moments.

What else can one say? But one things for sure; it was/is great to see them do well and there will be other games this season that they will do well. Individuals will develop and when it's all said and done, there will be the bright spots. From a fan perspective, a realistic fan at that, those are the things we cling to. Go 'Cats!

Ps Chuck, I was aware of the sarcasm regarding the Brown coach feting DU...I just thought I had maybe missed it because every game that has happened. I am fully aware of the Brown/UNH connection with MS....and I was doing my own sarcastic attempt with the Foster's nod

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

I don't think Coach U was feted by the Brown coach unless I missed something. Game was stopped briefly to acknowledge DT's record breaking save. Am not able to discuss that game any further. Think the story in Fosters does a nice job tho...

I think 'Watcher was being sarcastic, HR - a little added detail (and creative license) to something I touched briefly upon in the last edition of the Quest with the ties between Brown and UNH at the coaching level. Mostly through coach-in-waiting Souza and his batch of Brownie recruits, of course, but also with his former UNH teammate Mark White, who was a 3rd pairing defenseman on the '99 team that lost in OT to UMaine in the D-1 Finals.

Thanks for pointing out the item in Fosters. Some interesting quotes in there. Seems all is not so happy on the Good Ship Lollipop after this latest head-scratcher. Today's WIS Challenge is for you, the reader, is to match the listed UNH personnel with the following quotes (it's way more fun not to read the article 'til after you do the quiz. ):

(A) Danny Tirone
(B) Liam Blackburn
(C) Dylan "Foxhole" Chanter
(D) Coach Dick Umile


(1) “Give them credit for coming back. Give us no credit for the pushback and the effort.”

(2) “In the third period I think they had more left in the tank than we did, and it showed.”

(3) “We weren’t really up 4-0 the way the game was going early. They had a lot of chances. They missed some of their best opportunities early. They played harder and longer than we did.”

(4) “They just didn’t quit. They were relentless. Eventually something’s got to go in for them.”

(5) “We talked about playing a 60-minute hockey game before the game, after the first period, after the second period and did absolutely nothing in the third period.”

(6) “Throughout the third period they were all over us and I don’t think we responded as well as we should have. It just seemed like they were winning the puck battles and spending a lot of time in our zone. They got the momentum going and we didn’t respond the way that we should have and need to. That’s disappointing.”

http://www.fosters.com/sports/20180106/college-hockey-unh-unsettled-after-drawing-brown

BONUS POINTS (for kicks and giggles): Spot the portion of the article (written very capably by Al Pike BTW) where you can see how he overlooked one small detail when he was forced to rewrite the original article from the (very understandable) assumption that UNH would somehow manage to win this game comfortably?

 

[Snively65]

I think 'Watcher was being sarcastic, HR - a little added detail (and creative license) to something I touched briefly upon in the last edition of the Quest with the ties between Brown and UNH at the coaching level. Mostly through coach-in-waiting Souza and his batch of Brownie recruits, of course, but also with his former UNH teammate Mark White, who was a 3rd pairing defenseman on the '99 team that lost in OT to UMaine in the D-1 Finals.

Thanks for pointing out the item in Fosters. Some interesting quotes in there. Seems all is not so happy on the Good Ship Lollipop after this latest head-scratcher. Today's WIS Challenge is for you, the reader, is to match the listed UNH personnel with the following quotes (it's way more fun not to read the article 'til after you do the quiz. ):

(A) Danny Tirone
(B) Liam Blackburn
(C) Dylan "Foxhole" Chanter
(D) Coach Dick Umile


(1) “Give them credit for coming back. Give us no credit for the pushback and the effort.”

(2) “In the third period I think they had more left in the tank than we did, and it showed.”

(3) “We weren’t really up 4-0 the way the game was going early. They had a lot of chances. They missed some of their best opportunities early. They played harder and longer than we did.”

(4) “They just didn’t quit. They were relentless. Eventually something’s got to go in for them.”

(5) “We talked about playing a 60-minute hockey game before the game, after the first period, after the second period and did absolutely nothing in the third period.”

(6) “Throughout the third period they were all over us and I don’t think we responded as well as we should have. It just seemed like they were winning the puck battles and spending a lot of time in our zone. They got the momentum going and we didn’t respond the way that we should have and need to. That’s disappointing.”

http://www.fosters.com/sports/20180106/college-hockey-unh-unsettled-after-drawing-brown

BONUS POINTS (for kicks and giggles): Spot the portion of the article (written very capably by Al Pike BTW) where you can see how he overlooked one small detail when he was forced to rewrite the original article from the (very understandable) assumption that UNH would somehow manage to win this game comfortably?

Ok, not having read Al Pike's article, i will play along. I no longer read Foster's, but enjoyed talking to Al at the 2002 FF, as we stayed in the same motel on the outskirts of St Paul.

1) Liam
2) Foxhole
3) DU
4) DT
5) Foxhole
6) DU

 

[Snively65]

"That's not to pick on the Wildcats, but it's quite illustrative of the forces we're talking about. Subpar teams can only outrun the effects of mediocre systems and low-level talent for so long before everything falls apart."

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2018/01/02_Second-Thoughts-Assessing.php

SOG rules!

I have missed the last three games, but not seeing Gildon on the score sheet the past five games, have the coaches been successful in "reeling him in," as many here wanted?

 

[deltabravo62]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017-2018 Season - The Quest Continues

BONUS POINTS (for kicks and giggles): Spot the portion of the article (written very capably by Al Pike BTW) where you can see how he overlooked one small detail when he was forced to rewrite the original article from the (very understandable) assumption that UNH would somehow manage to win this game comfortably?

"UNH went ahead to stay on a power-play goal by Maass"