UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

[Snively65]

Snively

I was at will call at 615 (I pick up kids and senior citizens and cannot get to games until 6 PM) and they said you already came in and they honored your will call request. I left you two tickets for Saturday night game at 615.

Many thanks, 1932. I think that it was about 6:20 when the folks at will call honored my story. They seemed a bit taken aback by our screen names, but I think that they thought that my story was too good to have made up.

Anyway, your support of UNH hockey is much appreciated, at least by me. I realize that you have had to deal with a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking by folks including myself on this thread. But, yes, many times I think that I could do a better job coaching this team than those in charge, which is what I think being a true fan is all about.

 

[Snively65]

Replay clearly showed that it took a freak bounce off Wyse and was headed into the net. He simply was trying to pull it back. Can’t put that one on him.

Had that been the worst of it.... alas, there was the 3rd.

Not what I, my cousins, and everyone a few rows up in the section below blue line UNH bench side, a completely unobstructed view, saw as the puck dropped onto the ice in the crease after hitting Wyse and was not going anywhere until he poked at it. And, as we were shaking our heads in disbelief, we watched the same on the Jumbotron ("I was for the Jumbotron before I was against the Jumbotron"), which was surprising, as it seems only rarely that goals against our team are replayed on the big screen.

 

[wildcatdc]

Not what I, my cousins, and everyone a few rows up in the section below blue line UNH bench side, a completely unobstructed view, saw as the puck dropped onto the ice in the crease after hitting Wyse and was not going anywhere until he poked at it. And, as we were shaking our heads in disbelief, we watched the same on the Jumbotron ("I was for the Jumbotron before I was against the Jumbotron"), which was surprising, as it seems only rarely that goals against our team are replayed on the big screen.

I would never want to argue with your cousins, or everyone at the rink, but I (and it seems, our own homer Patrick Foley) saw it differently. Appeared to be a rotten bounce. Either way, it became immaterial shortly thereafter.

 

[wildcatdc]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

I had my Michigan buddy over last night as we watched the back end of the Buckeye/Michigan weekend and the UNH game last night. Couldn’t help but see the parallels with wildly divergent outcomes. Michigan and UNH entered the weekend tied at 24 in the PWR, were both playing a ranked team (OSU 6th, NU 12th), and both playing on home ice all weekend. Michigan came away with 3 points from the weekend, while we got taken behind the woodshed. Watching the two games, it seemed that Dan’s very consistent points about talent were made manifest over the weekend.

And I can’t help but cringe when I see our own Ellen Weinberg’s offspring (Quinn Hughes, the 1st of 3) playing for Michigan. Would have been nice to have the Hughes trio follow in the footsteps of the vR’s, even though it’s likely at least one of them will bypass the college game on the way to the bigs.

 

[Cookin4Fun]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

I agree d.gerry with your follow up. The glaring things that I noticed from my seat on Saturday and home on Friday was NU outplayed us for much of the game. Was it my imagination or was NU playing a form of the old BU trap defense on Saturday night, especially in the 2nd and 3rd periods? Although I see some definite intensity when we started using the body more, it seemed most of being outplayed laid in intensity, angles to the puck and our poor passing. The poor passing to me is completely mind boggling because let's face it that it has been trait for UNH for the last 4-5 years. Can't stress the poor passing enough especially when trying to lead the pass so the receiver can skate to the puck and lack of using the boards to pass off the puck. Because I am trying my best not to name names, it is mind boggling how poorly every other play that 1-2 of the defensemen play. We see 1-2 decent handling of the puck plays, shots, scrums and then we get an "out to lunch" play. At times these same 1-2 defensemen I want to hug one minute and then the next minute I want to give them a head slap and say WAKEUP.

I guess I had been completely dumb to this situation until Saturday.... When did Nick Nonis transfer to Endicott? Was this mid-season or before the year started? I know he wasn't getting ice time, healthy scratches and was injured 1-2 times.

What is this issue with Matt Dawson? I thought I saw him on crutches a few weeks back. Now this is a young man who his freshman year I thought WOW we are getting a decent D-man who can play decent D and shoot a pretty solid shot. What happened to him? It seemed after him freshman year he has been a mess. I know at times our bodies react to collisions differently, is it possible he's a victim of concussion related issues or a bad check somewhere along the way that he never really recovered from? Anyways, I wish him the best as I do all our players and let's hope the team can build upon how they have played since Mid December and head back in the right direction.

 

[HockeyRef]

I agree d.gerry with your follow up. The glaring things that I noticed from my seat on Saturday and home on Friday was NU outplayed us for much of the game. Was it my imagination or was NU playing a form of the old BU trap defense on Saturday night, especially in the 2nd and 3rd periods? Although I see some definite intensity when we started using the body more, it seemed most of being outplayed laid in intensity, angles to the puck and our poor passing. The poor passing to me is completely mind boggling because let's face it that it has been trait for UNH for the last 4-5 years. Can't stress the poor passing enough especially when trying to lead the pass so the receiver can skate to the puck and lack of using the boards to pass off the puck. Because I am trying my best not to name names, it is mind boggling how poorly every other play that 1-2 of the defensemen play. We see 1-2 decent handling of the puck plays, shots, scrums and then we get an "out to lunch" play. At times these same 1-2 defensemen I want to hug one minute and then the next minute I want to give them a head slap and say WAKEUP.

I guess I had been completely dumb to this situation until Saturday.... When did Nick Nonis transfer to Endicott? Was this mid-season or before the year started? I know he wasn't getting ice time, healthy scratches and was injured 1-2 times.

What is this issue with Matt Dawson? I thought I saw him on crutches a few weeks back. Now this is a young man who his freshman year I thought WOW we are getting a decent D-man who can play decent D and shoot a pretty solid shot. What happened to him? It seemed after him freshman year he has been a mess. I know at times our bodies react to collisions differently, is it possible he's a victim of concussion related issues or a bad check somewhere along the way that he never really recovered from? Anyways, I wish him the best as I do all our players and let's hope the team can build upon how they have played since Mid December and head back in the right direction.

Hi there! Nice to see a new poster!! Matt Dawson injured his shoulder and had surgery...too bad we lost him. Not sure about Nonis? Maybe it was Fregona you saw on crutches as he has a broken ankle... A bummer to lose both of them.. Keep coming back!

 

[Cookin4Fun]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

Hi there! Nice to see a new poster!! Matt Dawson injured his shoulder and had surgery...too bad we lost him. Not sure about Nonis? Maybe it was Fregona you saw on crutches as he has a broken ankle... A bummer to lose both of them.. Keep coming back!

Hey HockeyRef, not a new poster, just been working too much with my business the last few years. I hadn't even had times to look at the boards. So my seat partner and I were curious if you sit in section 105? We think you sit to our right and down a couple rows(about six rows front the press box). I'm pretty easy to spot(big mouth) and I only come to the Saturday games because of my work schedule. We used to sit in 117 and 115 before that for many years.

 

[Snively65]

I had my Michigan buddy over last night as we watched the back end of the Buckeye/Michigan weekend and the UNH game last night. Couldn’t help but see the parallels with wildly divergent outcomes. Michigan and UNH entered the weekend tied at 24 in the PWR, were both playing a ranked team (OSU 6th, NU 12th), and both playing on home ice all weekend. Michigan came away with 3 points from the weekend, while we got taken behind the woodshed. Watching the two games, it seemed that Dan’s very consistent points about talent were made manifest over the weekend.

And I can’t help but cringe when I see our own Ellen Weinberg’s offspring (Quinn Hughes, the 1st of 3) playing for Michigan. Would have been nice to have the Hughes trio follow in the footsteps of the vR’s, even though it’s likely at least one of them will bypass the college game on the way to the bigs.

Speaking of vR's, JvR got another goal on Saturday night to help beat the archrival Pens, 4-3, sans CDS.

 

[HockeyRef]

Hey HockeyRef, not a new poster, just been working too much with my business the last few years. I hadn't even had times to look at the boards. So my seat partner and I were curious if you sit in section 105? We think you sit to our right and down a couple rows(about six rows front the press box). I'm pretty easy to spot(big mouth) and I only come to the Saturday games because of my work schedule. We used to sit in 117 and 115 before that for many years.

Yeppp that would be me! I’m not always there I like to watch the game from other vantage points. Ha I think I’ve heard you (kindred souls we are) as when I moved over there having been in 101 for 4 seasons I found the section quite reserved...not my style so I had to ‘tone it down’ so to speak. Maybe we can meet Friday...I might be a little late as I’m flying in from Florida that day.

 

[Dan]

One interesting decision out of Saturday's game was the pulling of Ty Taylor. Northeastern really took it to UNH to start the third, including a pair of in-alone goals, and the lopsided start to the period was hardly a reflection on the rookie goaltender. I'd imagine the decision was based more on frustration with the team's effort in what was still a tight game, the opportunity to get some minutes for a dutiful walk-on once things got away from UNH or (likely) both, (fair enough) but...

Taylor has now been pulled three times in seven starts this season and twice in a row. I saw the CC start live and watched the Yale game online - while he was not good in either game, the team certainly did him no favors with their play in front of him. Taylor is, undoubtedly, a big boy, but he is also human and I'm sure there is some frustration and at least a little doubt haunting him right now.

Robinson has earned the lion's share of the playing time this season - I have no quibble with how they've handled the minutes - but I still think it's best for UNH moving forward (long term) to have both goalies confident and on top of their game. With eighth-place locked in and the chance for upward mobility in the standings slipping away, I hope the staff considers giving Taylor another chance this weekend (and that the team shows up in front of him for 60-minutes), reaffirming their long-term faith in him and giving him something to hang his hat on heading into the off-season...

Splitting the Lowell series could accomplish that goal, while still giving Robinson the necessary starts (UML/NU) - one each weekend - and enough rest to prepare for the post-season, where he would rightly be the starter...

 

[Ray Dorn]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

I Know this is a UNH thread, but let me diverge for a moment. Today was the trade deadline in the NHL. There have been many trades over the last week or so. I believe the majority of the people on this thread are also Boston Bruins fans. The Boston Bruins traded away Ryan Donato to the Minnesota Wild for Charlie Coyle. I have been very interested in watching Ryan Donato's play since last year's Olympics when he played for Team USA. In my opinion, he was the star of that team. After last year's college season he joined the Boston Bruins for the remainder of the season. This season he has been going back and forth between Boston and Providence. He never seemed to fit in with the Boston Bruins system. Donato's skill set was never appreciated by the organization. They seemed to want to turn him into something he wasn't.

Ryan Donato has now played in three games with the Minnesota Wild since the trade. Minnesota has won all three games and Donato has one goal, the game winner in OT, and three assists in those games. He seems to have found a NHL team that appreciates his skills. As a Boston Bruin fan I hope the trade is a win/win for both teams and for both players. It would be a lot of fun to watch, however slim, the Boston Bruins face the Minnesota Wild in this year's Stanley Cup Finals!

This situation makes me wonder if Jason Krog and/or Darren Haydar could have had a better NHL career if they had hooked up with different NHL organizations. Were there NHL teams back then that may have appreciated their respective skill sets more than the teams that they ended up with? What if they came along just one decade later? Has anybody read the book "Outliers"?

 

[chickod]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

I Know this is a UNH thread, but let me diverge for a moment. Today was the trade deadline in the NHL. There have been many trades over the last week or so. I believe the majority of the people on this thread are also Boston Bruins fans. The Boston Bruins traded away Ryan Donato to the Minnesota Wild for Charlie Coyle. I have been very interested in watching Ryan Donato's play since last year's Olympics when he played for Team USA. In my opinion, he was the star of that team. After last year's college season he joined the Boston Bruins for the remainder of the season. This season he has been going back and forth between Boston and Providence. He never seemed to fit in with the Boston Bruins system. Donato's skill set was never appreciated by the organization. They seemed to want to turn him into something he wasn't.

Ryan Donato has now played in three games with the Minnesota Wild since the trade. Minnesota has won all three games and Donato has one goal, the game winner in OT, and three assists in those games. He seems to have found a NHL team that appreciates his skills. As a Boston Bruin fan I hope the trade is a win/win for both teams and for both players. It would be a lot of fun to watch, however slim, the Boston Bruins face the Minnesota Wild in this year's Stanley Cup Finals!

This situation makes me wonder if Jason Krog and/or Darren Haydar could have had a better NHL career if they had hooked up with different NHL organizations. Were there NHL teams back then that may have appreciated their respective skill sets more than the teams that they ended up with? What if they came along just one decade later? Has anybody read the book "Outliers"?

The Bruins have a history of giving up too soon on young players and then making excuses (see Joe Thornton, Phil Kessel, and Tyler Seguin to name a few). Also, the Jacobs' modus operandi is to make money first, and if a "great team" happens to fall into their laps, wonderful. To me, 2011 was an aberration. Which means that they have won the Stanley Cup four times since 1929 (1970, 1972 and 2011). Yes, that would be four times in NINETY YEARS (for all you young ones you read that correctly). Apparently the "excuse" with Donato was he wasn't strong enough physically and perhaps didn't take the body enough on defense (sound familiar), which, of course, might be difficult to do if you aren't strong enough. They didn't give him time to develop. I was actually shocked they haven't let Pastrnak go (and they still might after the way they made no bones about "hiding" the fact that he "fell" trying to catch an Uber ride after a team dinner - the clear implication was that he was inebriated).

Don't expect anything to change, and although Sweeney and to a certain extend, probably Neely are just "yes" men and puppets for the Jacobs, I'm not surprised that Neely might exert enough influence to convince them that the "lunch pail" style is still what the Bruins want. Unfortunately, they're only about ten years behind the times in the modern NHL, where speed and skill predominate.

And, BTW, the Bruins aren't making the Stanley Cup Finals against anyone. They won't be getting past a superior Tampa Bay team.

 

[wildcatdc]

Speaking of vR's, JvR got another goal on Saturday night to help beat the archrival Pens, 4-3, sans CDS.

What a plodder! How many SOG did he have??

 

[Snively65]

The Bruins have a history of giving up too soon on young players and then making excuses (see Joe Thornton, Phil Kessel, and Tyler Seguin to name a few). Also, the Jacobs' modus operandi is to make money first, and if a "great team" happens to fall into their laps, wonderful. To me, 2011 was an aberration. Which means that they have won the Stanley Cup four times since 1929 (1970, 1972 and 2011). Yes, that would be four times in NINETY YEARS (for all you young ones you read that correctly). Apparently the "excuse" with Donato was he wasn't strong enough physically and perhaps didn't take the body enough on defense (sound familiar), which, of course, might be difficult to do if you aren't strong enough. They didn't give him time to develop. I was actually shocked they haven't let Pastrnak go (and they still might after the way they made no bones about "hiding" the fact that he "fell" trying to catch an Uber ride after a team dinner - the clear implication was that he was inebriated).

Don't expect anything to change, and although Sweeney and to a certain extend, probably Neely are just "yes" men and puppets for the Jacobs, I'm not surprised that Neely might exert enough influence to convince them that the "lunch pail" style is still what the Bruins want. Unfortunately, they're only about ten years behind the times in the modern NHL, where speed and skill predominate.

And, BTW, the Bruins aren't making the Stanley Cup Finals against anyone. They won't be getting past a superior Tampa Bay team.

Six times, I think, unless there is some reason that the B's 1939 and 1941 SC's do not count?

 

[HockeyRef]

One interesting decision out of Saturday's game was the pulling of Ty Taylor. Northeastern really took it to UNH to start the third, including a pair of in-alone goals, and the lopsided start to the period was hardly a reflection on the rookie goaltender. I'd imagine the decision was based more on frustration with the team's effort in what was still a tight game, the opportunity to get some minutes for a dutiful walk-on once things got away from UNH or (likely) both, (fair enough) but...

Taylor has now been pulled three times in seven starts this season and twice in a row. I saw the CC start live and watched the Yale game online - while he was not good in either game, the team certainly did him no favors with their play in front of him. Taylor is, undoubtedly, a big boy, but he is also human and I'm sure there is some frustration and at least a little doubt haunting him right now.

Robinson has earned the lion's share of the playing time this season - I have no quibble with how they've handled the minutes - but I still think it's best for UNH moving forward (long term) to have both goalies confident and on top of their game. With eighth-place locked in and the chance for upward mobility in the standings slipping away, I hope the staff considers giving Taylor another chance this weekend (and that the team shows up in front of him for 60-minutes), reaffirming their long-term faith in him and giving him something to hang his hat on heading into the off-season...

Splitting the Lowell series could accomplish that goal, while still giving Robinson the necessary starts (UML/NU) - one each weekend - and enough rest to prepare for the post-season, where he would rightly be the starter...

Great post Dan...I hope Ty is ok; the lot of the goal tender is a tough one. At one tv time out I saw Mike R talking to him. Had to be hard. I agree that it would be in the best interest to play the two of them and was glad to see him out there Sat night.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

One interesting decision out of Saturday's game was the pulling of Ty Taylor. Northeastern really took it to UNH to start the third, including a pair of in-alone goals, and the lopsided start to the period was hardly a reflection on the rookie goaltender. I'd imagine the decision was based more on frustration with the team's effort in what was still a tight game, the opportunity to get some minutes for a dutiful walk-on once things got away from UNH or (likely) both, (fair enough) but...

Taylor has now been pulled three times in seven starts this season and twice in a row. I saw the CC start live and watched the Yale game online - while he was not good in either game, the team certainly did him no favors with their play in front of him. Taylor is, undoubtedly, a big boy, but he is also human and I'm sure there is some frustration and at least a little doubt haunting him right now.

Robinson has earned the lion's share of the playing time this season - I have no quibble with how they've handled the minutes - but I still think it's best for UNH moving forward (long term) to have both goalies confident and on top of their game. With eighth-place locked in and the chance for upward mobility in the standings slipping away, I hope the staff considers giving Taylor another chance this weekend (and that the team shows up in front of him for 60-minutes), reaffirming their long-term faith in him and giving him something to hang his hat on heading into the off-season...

Splitting the Lowell series could accomplish that goal, while still giving Robinson the necessary starts (UML/NU) - one each weekend - and enough rest to prepare for the post-season, where he would rightly be the starter...

First and foremost, kudos to you for sticking to your guns on the goalie rotation. I think we can all agree that Robinson earned it this year, and (like with Robinson last year and Clark before then) even when Taylor did get a start and an opportunity to press for the rotation, he pretty much "spit the bit", with maybe one or two exceptions. I agree, Robinson should get a game apiece over the final two weekends of the RS, and you really should give Taylor one last shot at live game action (1) just in case, and (2) to maybe build some carry-forward confidence to bring into next season. It will be interesting to see if Coach Souza hits the re-set button on a rotation right out of the gate next season or not? However it plays out, Robinson has done enough to get the benefit of the doubt.

I hate to nitpick on your post, 'cuz I think it's a timely and productive discussion to have right now. But the whole "rest" concept for an NCAA D-1 goalie seems to be a needless concern. Ordinarily, we're talking about young guys playing two full games a week plus practices. Not exactly an overload, and then adding to the mix the previous weekend's lack of any games … and that means as of next weekend, Robinson will have played all of one (1) live game in just under 20 days. Talk to me all day about building up your back-up in what is otherwise likely to be a relatively meaningless game, and I'm all ears. Tell me you're doing it because your lead guy needs "rest", and we're dangerously treading on the "wussification" of hockey, like folks do when they get all aghast about a starting pitcher piling up over 100 pitches in a start in August or September . Somehow, I think Robinson will find a way to gut it out down the stretch …

 

[Dan]

First and foremost, kudos to you for sticking to your guns on the goalie rotation. I think we can all agree that Robinson earned it this year, and (like with Robinson last year and Clark before then) even when Taylor did get a start and an opportunity to press for the rotation, he pretty much "spit the bit", with maybe one or two exceptions. I agree, Robinson should get a game apiece over the final two weekends of the RS, and you really should give Taylor one last shot at live game action (1) just in case, and (2) to maybe build some carry-forward confidence to bring into next season. It will be interesting to see if Coach Souza hits the re-set button on a rotation right out of the gate next season or not? However it plays out, Robinson has done enough to get the benefit of the doubt.

I hate to nitpick on your post, 'cuz I think it's a timely and productive discussion to have right now. But the whole "rest" concept for an NCAA D-1 goalie seems to be a needless concern. Ordinarily, we're talking about young guys playing two full games a week plus practices. Not exactly an overload, and then adding to the mix the previous weekend's lack of any games … and that means as of next weekend, Robinson will have played all of one (1) live game in just under 20 days. Talk to me all day about building up your back-up in what is otherwise likely to be a relatively meaningless game, and I'm all ears. Tell me you're doing it because your lead guy needs "rest", and we're dangerously treading on the "wussification" of hockey, like folks do when they get all aghast about a starting pitcher piling up over 100 pitches in a start in August or September . Somehow, I think Robinson will find a way to gut it out down the stretch …

Fair enough. Robinson certainly doesn't NEED the rest - but I don't think he's at risk of becoming rusty missing one of the last three games. With the possibility of three games in three days in the play-offs a little extra freshness can't hurt. Would it actually help - who knows..?

Of course, the bigger benefit would be for Taylor - who could use some confidence heading into the off-season. I'm sure he's already determined to work extremely hard, after what has to have been a very frustrating year. Adding a little bit of tangible belief with a strong final performance would probably be even more motivation...

UNH has eighth locked up. Maine and BU are still within reach - but UNH would essentially have to win out and get some real help to pass one of those teams. They can't pass both - though it's possible they finish in a three way tie - because those two play each other on the final day of the season. So it seems as if the realistic best UNH can do would be to finish seventh, tying or passing BC (who has three tough games left). This would mean swapping out UMass for NU (who just blasted them) or UML/PC...

Is that worth going all in for? Maybe they think so. I'm not so sure - seventh or eighth it's going to be a very challenging draw. I still believe in Taylor's ability to give them an opportunity to win, anyway - assuming they play hard and confident in front of him (as they did thru two Saturday)...

Robinson is clearly the lead dog heading into next fall - in either a majority or a rotation, but as always I'd like to see both playing well, to their potential and in a competition that maximizes both. That is always going to be what's best for the team no matter how minutes shake out in the end. A little faith in Taylor today could go along way to ensuring they get that next fall...

 

[BlackI]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

Blah blah blah... blows like the wind tonight. Protect your net front and drive the other's. Not a hahhhhd consept.

 

[chickod]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2018-2019: Souza the Opportunity or Louza the Opportunity

Six times, I think, unless there is some reason that the B's 1939 and 1941 SC's do not count?

Sorry...brain cramp. It's tough to get old... (But the point about this ownership still remains)

 

[Snively65]

Sorry...brain cramp. It's tough to get old... (But the point about this ownership still remains)

Agreed on the ownership. Never understood having out-of-town ownership. :-(