UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

[Snively65]

When all is said and done (and NCAA and NHL careers are evaluated) the three best defenseman in UNH Hockey history will probably be (in order of appearance) Rod Langway, Brett Pesce and Max Gildon. Especially considering both BP and MG will play their college careers at 18-20 years old...

As for the recent pair - Gildon has had much higher expectations and produced at a much higher level. Pesce is the better defender.

The biggest difference between the careers of the two is that freshman Pesce was the sixth man on a defense that included TVR, Knodel, Hardowa, Agosta and Kostolansky (perhaps the deepest group of mobile D UNH ever had), while Gildon has had to be the man from day one...

Yes, gilded company for Gildon in those two. Langway also played his two years at UNH at 18-20 years old.

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

Big test for the defense and goaltending this weekend - UMass dominated offensive zone possession against UNH last season scoring 18 goals across 4 games, including an Hockey East quarterfinal sweep to end the Wildcats season...

UMass’ dominance is most notable when reviewing the career numbers head to head with goalie Mike Robinson. Robinson is 0-4-0, with a 4.95 GAA and a .867 SPCT against the Minutemen. Against all other opponents he’s 13-12-9 with a 2.26 GAA and a .927 SPCT...

Obviously the stark difference in the numbers indicates a defensive failure on the shoulders of the entire team, but if UNH is going to win this Sunday they’ll need a big performance from their junior goaltender...

Additionally it will be the biggest test to date for the overall team defense (both in their own end and in transition), penalty killers, as well as the defensemen’s ability to retrieve/win pucks and move them quickly to even out time of possession.

On top of that they’ll have to generate offense of their own, as you’d have to believe it will take at least three goals to win even if they play well defensively...

The Minutemen haven’t missed a beat. They’re already averaging over 4.5 goals per game and allowing less than two per outing. They return both goalies and the bulk of their key players with two immediate impact freshmen playing great on the blue line in replacing their two biggest losses (Makar and Ferraro). Zac Jones has been especially dynamic...

 

[e.cat]

Big test for the defense and goaltending this weekend - UMass dominated offensive zone possession against UNH last season scoring 18 goals across 4 games, including an Hockey East quarterfinal sweep to end the Wildcats season...

UMass’ dominance is most notable when reviewing the career numbers head to head with goalie Mike Robinson. Robinson is 0-4-0, with a 4.95 GAA and a .867 SPCT against the Minutemen. Against all other opponents he’s 13-12-9 with a 2.26 GAA and a .927 SPCT...

Obviously the stark difference in the numbers indicates a defensive failure on the shoulders of the entire team, but if UNH is going to win this Sunday they’ll need a big performance from their junior goaltender...

Additionally it will be the biggest test to date for the overall team defense (both in their own end and in transition), penalty killers, as well as the defensemen’s ability to retrieve/win pucks and move them quickly to even out time of possession.

On top of that they’ll have to generate offense of their own, as you’d have to believe it will take at least three goals to win even if they play well defensively...

The Minutemen haven’t missed a beat. They’re already averaging over 4.5 goals per game and allowing less than two per outing. They return both goalies and the bulk of their key players with two immediate impact freshmen playing great on the blue line in replacing their two biggest losses (Makar and Ferraro). Zac Jones has been especially dynamic...

The next five games, before they go to Ireland, is going to be a real test for sure. I have no idea what the results will be but I expect them to continue to be tenacious and resilient.

 

[HockeyRef]

Big test for the defense and goaltending this weekend - UMass dominated offensive zone possession against UNH last season scoring 18 goals across 4 games, including an Hockey East quarterfinal sweep to end the Wildcats season...

UMass’ dominance is most notable when reviewing the career numbers head to head with goalie Mike Robinson. Robinson is 0-4-0, with a 4.95 GAA and a .867 SPCT against the Minutemen. Against all other opponents he’s 13-12-9 with a 2.26 GAA and a .927 SPCT...

Obviously the stark difference in the numbers indicates a defensive failure on the shoulders of the entire team, but if UNH is going to win this Sunday they’ll need a big performance from their junior goaltender...

Additionally it will be the biggest test to date for the overall team defense (both in their own end and in transition), penalty killers, as well as the defensemen’s ability to retrieve/win pucks and move them quickly to even out time of possession.

On top of that they’ll have to generate offense of their own, as you’d have to believe it will take at least three goals to win even if they play well defensively...

The Minutemen haven’t missed a beat. They’re already averaging over 4.5 goals per game and allowing less than two per outing. They return both goalies and the bulk of their key players with two immediate impact freshmen playing great on the blue line in replacing their two biggest losses (Makar and Ferraro). Zac Jones has been especially dynamic...

Def.going to be a big challenge as you say they are returning a talented bunch led by John Leonard et al
We know this going in and am hoping the 'Cats hold their own. As long as they play them tough I'm happy.

 

[wildcatdc]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

In other UNH athletics news, women’s hoop playing #2 Baylor right now. Down 23-0 after first quarter. Hope we are being compensated well.

Edit: Now 34-0

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

In other UNH athletics news, women’s hoop playing #2 Baylor right now. Down 23-0 after first quarter. Hope we are being compensated well.

Edit: Now 34-0

Ouch

Edit: OUCH

Has there ever been a shutout in basketball?

 

[Snively65]

Ouch

Edit: OUCH

Has there ever been a shutout in basketball?

Extrapolates to 92-0.

 

[Dan]

Extrapolates to 92-0.

51-3 at halftime. Despite a second quarter offensive explosion the lead has only grown...

 

[Dan]

51-3 at halftime. Despite a second quarter offensive explosion the lead has only grown...

LOL, men up 55-8 on Curry College early second half...

Should have swapped opponents. Women probably get a W and the UNH men probably within 15 at Baylor women...

 

[Snively65]

51-3 at halftime. Despite a second quarter offensive explosion the lead has only grown...

46-26 in second half, but more important, UNH held the team from Waco to under 100 points!

 

[Dan]

46-26 in second half, but more important, UNH held the team from Waco to under 100 points!

I can’t imagine a worse match-up for a team from UNH in all of NCAA WBB - others may be better (UConn, ND, Oregon, etc) but Baylor is almost always especially BIG...

UMass and speed skating teams of that ilk have been that sort of match-up for UNH Hockey the last few seasons, let’s hope they’ve figured somethings out and fare much better than WBB on Sunday...

As for the hoop teams - it’s just super strange to see one team blown out in such fashion and the other blow out an opponent by a similarly ugly score all on the same night...

 

[HockeyRef]

I dont really care about the Bruins losing to the 'Habs (they played better TRask didnt have a great game does he ever against them). But seriously over the course of this young NHL season replays have cost the Bruins 5 goals? Harrumph. Sure it works both ways but I join in the chorus about replays being a negative factor in ALL sports.

EDIT: I just read Rask has beaten the Habs 6 straight time at the Bell Centre so I guess I stand corrected on his performance v Montreal...

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

I dont really care about the Bruins losing to the 'Habs (they played better TRask didnt have a great game does he ever against them). But seriously over the course of this young NHL season replays have cost the Bruins 5 goals? Harrumph. Sure it works both ways but I join in the chorus about replays being a negative factor in ALL sports.

Go Habs .... and I love baseball ......

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

Go Habs .... and I love baseball ......

hahaha nice to 'see you' here sonar!

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

Anyone think that there will not be tickets available at the gate on Sunday afternoon?

 

[d.gerry]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

Anyone think that there will not be tickets available at the gate on Sunday afternoon?

I'm sure there will be plenty available. Attendance has been getting a bit better, but not anywhere near a sellout.

 

[After the Whistle]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

Def.going to be a big challenge as you say they are returning a talented bunch led by John Leonard et al
We know this going in and am hoping the 'Cats hold their own. As long as they play them tough I'm happy.

You are so right about UMass and their speed and skill. We will need full team defense in all 3 zones. Under the title "what do folks think?" what was up with my man Liam starting the game as 4th line center. Okay, he has been under anyone's (certainly his) expectations around scoring. But he just hasn't been able to break through on what I see as his bread and butter - low slot or in the dirty areas on a put back.
After every game I say, man love this guys efforts he is one of the best at getting the puck away from or past.... Not sure why the wake up call but as we saw, once returned to his line he delivered. It was taken away but the impact probably remained.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

You are so right about UMass and their speed and skill. We will need full team defense in all 3 zones. Under the title "what do folks think?" what was up with my man Liam starting the game as 4th line center. Okay, he has been under anyone's (certainly his) expectations around scoring. But he just hasn't been able to break through on what I see as his bread and butter - low slot or in the dirty areas on a put back.
After every game I say, man love this guys efforts he is one of the best at getting the puck away from or past.... Not sure why the wake up call but as we saw, once returned to his line he delivered. It was taken away but the impact probably remained.

I sense his frustrations perhaps but...he is very, very capable!!! This is it for him (college) so I'm sure he's looking to go out with a bang. Sometimes he goes in spurts so let's see one of those this weekend....GO 'CATS!

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019/2020 Ready to Rock and Roll!!

You are so right about UMass and their speed and skill. We will need full team defense in all 3 zones. Under the title "what do folks think?" what was up with my man Liam starting the game as 4th line center. Okay, he has been under anyone's (certainly his) expectations around scoring. But he just hasn't been able to break through on what I see as his bread and butter - low slot or in the dirty areas on a put back.
After every game I say, man love this guys efforts he is one of the best at getting the puck away from or past.... Not sure why the wake up call but as we saw, once returned to his line he delivered. It was taken away but the impact probably remained.

Ps...your summations of the incoming Minutemen is a good one! Need everyone to step up big...GO 'CATS!!

 

[Dan]

You are so right about UMass and their speed and skill. We will need full team defense in all 3 zones. Under the title "what do folks think?" what was up with my man Liam starting the game as 4th line center. Okay, he has been under anyone's (certainly his) expectations around scoring. But he just hasn't been able to break through on what I see as his bread and butter - low slot or in the dirty areas on a put back.
After every game I say, man love this guys efforts he is one of the best at getting the puck away from or past.... Not sure why the wake up call but as we saw, once returned to his line he delivered. It was taken away but the impact probably remained.

Blackburn played bottom six minutes in 11 of the first 12 games last season, too. It was a point of discussion at the time. His only goal of the first ten games, in 2018-19, was in the opener at CC - the one game (of the first 12) he played in the top six (with Grasso and BVR)...

He finally forced their hand scoring in each game against Miami and played first or second line the rest of the season. He tied Crookshank for the team lead in goals over the final 26 games, when finally given his due...

He seems to be back in the doghouse (to at least some degree) to start this season. Honestly, it just seems that the staff favors other players in the top six and don’t believe in him as one of their best scoring options. He grabbed that role in spite of this last season and he needs to do it again this season. UNH needs double digit goals from Blackburn if they’re thinking of making an NCAA run, IMO...