UNH Wildcats 2021/2022 - Return of the Champions of October?

[d.gerry]

Monday morning "wishful" scenario on the UNH campus:

Prez. Dean calls Scarano to over to his office. Tells Scarano we need to make changes NOW before your successor is hired later this Spring, starting with Men's Hockey. Force Souza's hand and get him to step down immediately, name Guiliano as interim head coach and start a national search for Souza's replacement NOW.

Too ballsy you say? Read this gem from the Maine thread:

https://www.pressherald.com/2022/02/17/richard-barron-out-as-umaine-mens-basketball-coach/

Again...it's "wishful" and not likely to happen. But there's definitely a new culture afoot with our neighbors up in Orono. The question is how long does Prez. Dean want our current "cesspool" to continue to ferment?

This is what needs to happen. I like Mike and really wanted him to be successful BUT, this is 100% his team and has been for a couple of years now. It’s obvious a change is needed and what is the point in waiting? Starting the process now gives you a leg up on other programs who may be contemplating a similar coaching change.

 

[After the Whistle]

Just when we all thought…..
I think we are a bit off track when we expect the mens hockey team to be front and center on the Prez radar. When you are at the top of the mountain there are hundreds of these “ most important issues” This is why you have an AD. Full agreement that there something terribly wrong with this situation. Far more gifted that the results would indicate yet so terribly inconsistent and under preforming. If our coach is in year 4 my guess is he has 2 more years. It would be nice to get more of a sense of urgency from all levels as next year could see far more scoring and other issues.

 

[teez]

Nothing to say that hasn't already been said. We flipped over to the Winter Olympics at 4-0 after a guest we had over said “Yikes.”


I did get a kick out of a few quotes posted here including this one which made me laugh out loud

"UNH is no slouch..." according to the announcer

If someone was asked to sum up where the program is at in the form of a hockey play, that 6th goal is an utterly perfect example. Just brutal. That'll be all over the internet/TV and wouldn't be shocked to see that pop up on SportsCenter.

Part of me hopes UMaine waxes UNH again tomorrow. Just to make sure Dean Dean understands the true depth of the rot that's set in. I've been under no illusions that UMaine was heading places when they hired Barr last Spring, I just didn't figure he'd bypass UNH this early in the rebuilding process up in the Downeast. Does UNH "win" the Cupcake Cup for losing games to UMaine, UVM AND Merrimack in the stretch of just a couple short weeks? Jeezus H ...

I’m with you here.

Chuck I’m with you but here is how it will go. UNH will win 1-0 or 2-1 and everyone will forget tonight.

But if I was a betting man, I’d take UNH to win tonight 1-0 or 2-1 exactly how norbert predicts. Classic UNH under Souza. Never quite hitting rock bottom. If this were the NBA/NFL/NHL they are in the worst possible position. Mediocre at best, typically bad, but never bad enough.

 

[HockeyRef]

Nothing to say that hasn't already been said. We flipped over to the Winter Olympics at 4-0 after a guest we had over said “Yikes.”


I did get a kick out of a few quotes posted here including this one which made me laugh out loud





If someone was asked to sum up where the program is at in the form of a hockey play, that 6th goal is an utterly perfect example. Just brutal. That'll be all over the internet/TV and wouldn't be shocked to see that pop up on SportsCenter.





I’m with you here.





But if I was a betting man, I’d take UNH to win tonight 1-0 or 2-1 exactly how norbert predicts. Classic UNH under Souza. Never quite hitting rock bottom. If this were the NBA/NFL/NHL they are in the worst possible position. Mediocre at best, typically bad, but never bad enough.

That play (6th goal) is already showing up on many of my Twitter accounts...even buccigross so there you go. Goalies are going to have gaffes unfortunately...it's brutal to see and I try to have some empathy for it (if that's the right word). The game wasn't won or lost on that play (not saying anyone is saying it was). It was lost in the first 10 minutes of the first period. Like I said, take away that period with some decent play and we'd have a decent game on our hands, one that I expected to have. But I did say outloud, when the first goal was scored...uh oh...I could just see the implosion coming even then....

Here's hoping for a better outing tonight.

 

[Dan]

Monday morning "wishful" scenario on the UNH campus:

Prez. Dean calls Scarano to over to his office. Tells Scarano we need to make changes NOW before your successor is hired later this Spring, starting with Men's Hockey. Force Souza's hand and get him to step down immediately, name Guiliano as interim head coach and start a national search for Souza's replacement NOW.

Too ballsy you say? Read this gem from the Maine thread:

https://www.pressherald.com/2022/02/...ketball-coach/

Again...it's "wishful" and not likely to happen. But there's definitely a new culture afoot with our neighbors up in Orono. The question is how long does Prez. Dean want our current "cesspool" to continue to ferment?

I'm all for moving in a different direction sooner rather than later, but I don't want Scarano anywhere near the hire...

Hopefully, theyre moving on an AD hire - and find a talented, young and ambitious leader - who has the tools and foresight, and is prepared, to make a positive change in direction when the time comes...

 

[HockeyRef]

Monday morning "wishful" scenario on the UNH campus:

Prez. Dean calls Scarano to over to his office. Tells Scarano we need to make changes NOW before your successor is hired later this Spring, starting with Men's Hockey. Force Souza's hand and get him to step down immediately, name Guiliano as interim head coach and start a national search for Souza's replacement NOW.

Too ballsy you say? Read this gem from the Maine thread:

https://www.pressherald.com/2022/02/...ketball-coach/

Again...it's "wishful" and not likely to happen. But there's definitely a new culture afoot with our neighbors up in Orono. The question is how long does Prez. Dean want our current "cesspool" to continue to ferment?

Hey Scott good to see you here and great post. Culture you say? Exactly what is...the culture in Durham specifically in regards to UNH hockey? That's a darn good question. No way this team can play so inconsistently, over the past few years without some kind of reason. I know the first thing that comes to mind might be 'talent' but I'm not buying that completely.

There are a ton of fans that still appreciate this program. They are not operating in a vacuum. Let's hope there's someone out there listening and understanding that piece before its too late. I already know 5 people in my immediate circle that are seriously wondering if they will be STH's and they have been staunch supporters for years. I mean, probably, like me, they will return because (checks notes) 'hope springs eternal'...?

 

[After the Whistle]

To Ref’s point, what level of priority do athletics hold at the U? As the most poorly financially supported state institution in the country, academics and the associated issues must take a front and center position. We are very respected in aerospace and ocean research but maintaining everythiNg must be difficult. This is where a strong AD can articulate the role of athletics in creating awareness and development for the entire university.

 

[Sean Pickett]

Cmon, folks, you know the old adage… “A four goal lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey!’

Your humor struck me as I've been researching every men's college hockey game to do some statistical analysis based on scoring. So far I've completed researching every game for the past four seasons and a 4 goal lead has been almost insurmountable. Through last night's games when a team has taken a 4 goal lead they have a combined record of 227-0-1 this season and 869-1-3 over the past 4 seasons.

Sean

 

[Chuck Murray]

Figured I'll knock out a few responses in one fell swoop. First (and best) comes from 'Ref ...

I better not hear ONE THING about how tough it is to play at the Alfond as a reason we stunk up the place. Not one. Because then you'd just have to say that it's tough to play at MC, BU, BC, yada yada yada. And now they wanna tear up the 'Whitt because that has become a bad place for the Wildcats to play. Man, look in the mirror.

'Ref, on the rare occasions you allow yourself to go nuclear, it's always good staff. Take a bow.

Well amidst all the negatives of last night Nick Cafarelli had a 3 point night...hes been playing well past couple of games. Putting on the blue rimmed glasses take away that horrible first period and we are in this one. And of course that debacle in the 5 min major (sigh that has gone viral) . But you gotta play from the first whistle and that is what Maine did.

I liken this to the "garbage time" factor that arises at the end of a blowout in hoops. where the guys at the end of the bench get a rare extended slice of playing time, and usually one or two players do a decent job of filling up a box score in a long-resolved, low-scale competitive contest. So, in this instance, it's nice to see Cafarelli coming up with a productive night, at long last. But let's not get carried away, the game was largely settled by the time he chimed in. Maybe he will have made more important impressions on MS7 and his staff, and maybe it will lead to increased ice time tonight to see if he can build further on his Friday night "breakout" performance, under more competitive conditions, with a game hanging in the balance?

I think you realize you don't get to cut out the bad parts of a game, and then insist the good guys played OK otherwise. It just doesn't work that way. What happened last night "after" the bad parts was a scenario where UMaine's early urgency was transferred into a more cautious "let's not give away what we've earned" (i.e. 4 goal lead) and lock down the result.

Whether it's Cafarelli's "breakout" or UNH playing even-up later in the game, it's all fool's gold, until proven otherwise, beyond a "what if?" window here, or window there. But you know that.

Now onto one I'd rather have skipped, but I just can't resist responding to it ...

Can we please be respectful of President Dean? He is more than a dean and far from a dictator.

Darius, I enjoy your posts and respect what you bring to the forum, and I suspect we'd have a blast over beers with hockey talk (and beyond) in-person at some point in the future ... but please, let's not go over the top with the title worship. Dean is a big boy, and I'm sure he can handle a little pushback (and silliness) over the fact that his last name coincides with one of the more prestigious titles in the world of academia. So he will continue to be "Dean Dean" for me, and hopefully this will not hurt his feelings, or adversely impact the esteem he is held in by his colleagues. I have no formed personal opinion on him at this point, any more than I did with his predecessor Huddles-whatever. He is a neutral, and my mind is entirely open to the idea he could be a transformative figure for UNH Athletics IF he nails this next AD hire. Even if he does nail it 100%, he's likely going to remain "Dean Dean" to me. And maybe someday, Dean Presidente will become "President Presidente". Just because, right? ;-)

(signed) Chuck Murray
Self-appointed WIS President-for-Life

 

[wildcatdc]

Your humor struck me as I've been researching every men's college hockey game to do some statistical analysis based on scoring. So far I've completed researching every game for the past four seasons and a 4 goal lead has been almost insurmountable. Through last night's games when a team has taken a 4 goal lead they have a combined record of 227-0-1 this season and 869-1-3 over the past 4 seasons.

Sean

So you’re saying there was a chance?

 

[After the Whistle]

We’ll speak of the devil, Margel starting on the left side of the third line.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Your humor struck me as I've been researching every men's college hockey game to do some statistical analysis based on scoring. So far I've completed researching every game for the past four seasons and a 4 goal lead has been almost insurmountable. Through last night's games when a team has taken a 4 goal lead they have a combined record of 227-0-1 this season and 869-1-3 over the past 4 seasons.

Sean

Any bets that UNH was the one team on the wrong side of the blown four goal lead game?

FWIW I remember getting a rash of crap on here a couple years ago when UNH blew a 3 goal lead late in the 2nd period/early in the 3rd period of a postseason game (likely the MBPBEGAM round?) against UMass, I blew my top, and several folks said it was basically "no big deal". Uh, yeah, blowing any lead is a big deal, especially blowing a late 3 goal lead in the postseason.

That was early in the MS7 reign, it hasn't happened again since, so we got that going for us ... ;-)

 

[Darius]

Just when we all thought…..
I think we are a bit off track when we expect the mens hockey team to be front and center on the Prez radar. When you are at the top of the mountain there are hundreds of these “ most important issues” This is why you have an AD. Full agreement that there something terribly wrong with this situation. Far more gifted that the results would indicate yet so terribly inconsistent and under preforming. If our coach is in year 4 my guess is he has 2 more years. It would be nice to get more of a sense of urgency from all levels as next year could see far more scoring and other issues.

If it is, it is for reasons we ain’t gonna like.

 

[Darius]

Darius, I enjoy your posts and respect what you bring to the forum, and I suspect we'd have a blast over beers with hockey talk (and beyond) in-person at some point in the future ... but please, let's not go over the top with the title worship. Dean is a big boy, and I'm sure he can handle a little pushback (and silliness) over the fact that his last name coincides with one of the more prestigious titles in the world of academia. So he will continue to be "Dean Dean" for me, and hopefully this will not hurt his feelings, or adversely impact the esteem he is held in by his colleagues. I have no formed personal opinion on him at this point, any more than I did with his predecessor Huddles-whatever. He is a neutral, and my mind is entirely open to the idea he could be a transformative figure for UNH Athletics IF he nails this next AD hire. Even if he does nail it 100%, he's likely going to remain "Dean Dean" to me. And maybe someday, Dean Presidente will become "President Presidente". Just because, right? ;-)

(signed) Chuck Murray
Self-appointed WIS President-for-Life

Or respect. Whatever. I’ve met and chatted with him twice, once at a hockey event. Very nice, kind, caring, intelligent man. I doubt very much he reads or even knows this forum exists and if he does he is smart enough to know it is the internet and all views and the ways they are expressed here are not representative of the entire UNH fan base. His predecessor, Mark Huddleston was the longest serving and arguably best President in UNH history. P-Hudd had only one nickname.

 

[wildcatdc]

We’ll speak of the devil, Margel starting on the left side of the third line.

Yep. Had a a nagging injury going on.

 

[ClOuD 9]

Your humor struck me as I've been researching every men's college hockey game to do some statistical analysis based on scoring. So far I've completed researching every game for the past four seasons and a 4 goal lead has been almost insurmountable. Through last night's games when a team has taken a 4 goal lead they have a combined record of 227-0-1 this season and 869-1-3 over the past 4 seasons.

Sean

From 2002-2003 season through 2020-2021:
Jan 12 2005 vs Dartmouth in Manchester
UNH up 7-3, lost 8-9
http://collegehockeystats.net/0405/boxes/mdarunh1.j12

Dec 11 2008 vs Holy Cross
UNH up 4-0, Holy Cross ties it 4-4, UNH scores 5 goals to win 9-4
http://collegehockeystats.net/0809/boxes/mhcrunh1.d11

Nov 22 2011 vs Harvard
UNH up 4-0, lost 6-7
http://collegehockeystats.net/1112/boxes/mharunh1.n22

Nov 23 2012 vs Colorado College
UNH up 4-0, tied 4-4
http://collegehockeystats.net/1213/boxes/mcc_unh1.n23

**BLOWN 5 GOAL LEAD**
Oct 23 2015 vs UMass
UNH up 6-1, tied 6-6
http://collegehockeystats.net/1516/boxes/mumaunh1.o23

Jan 6 2018 vs Brown
UNH up 4-0, tied 4-4
http://collegehockeystats.net/1718/boxes/mbrnunh1.j06

Jan 5 2019 vs Yale
Yale up 4-0, UNH ties 5-5
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/18...s/munhyal1.j05

Feb 13 2021 vs NU
NU up 4-0, UNH ties it 4-4, NU wins 5-4
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/2021/boxes/mnoeunh1.f13

 

[HockeyRef]

Any bets that UNH was the one team on the wrong side of the blown four goal lead game?

FWIW I remember getting a rash of crap on here a couple years ago when UNH blew a 3 goal lead late in the 2nd period/early in the 3rd period of a postseason game (likely the MBPBEGAM round?) against UMass, I blew my top, and several folks said it was basically "no big deal". Uh, yeah, blowing any lead is a big deal, especially blowing a late 3 goal lead in the postseason.

That was early in the MS7 reign, it hasn't happened again since, so we got that going for us ... ;-)

1st round v UMass...lost 5-4 and lost next night 6-0. What was the 'no big deal'? It's always a 'big deal' when you blow a lead.. I remember that game; thinking this would be a great start to the tournament knowing full well how jacked UMass was. As Cloud 9 pointed out, the most fun was the 5 goal lead. That was the night my husband threatened to take the computer away from me if I didn't calm down..one of my more 'nuclear' nights Chuck (and, I do delete alot of 'nuclear posts' too...haha)

And Just In Case You Missed It

 

[ClOuD 9]

Any bets that UNH was the one team on the wrong side of the blown four goal lead game?

FWIW I remember getting a rash of crap on here a couple years ago when UNH blew a 3 goal lead late in the 2nd period/early in the 3rd period of a postseason game (likely the MBPBEGAM round?) against UMass, I blew my top, and several folks said it was basically "no big deal". Uh, yeah, blowing any lead is a big deal, especially blowing a late 3 goal lead in the postseason.

That was early in the MS7 reign, it hasn't happened again since, so we got that going for us ... ;-)

UNH led Miami 3-0, finished 4-4
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/1920/boxes/mmiaunh1.o12

They also fought back from down 3-0 to UConn, tied it at 3-3, then lost 7-4
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/1920/boxes/mconunh1.j31

And fought back from 6-3 down against Lowell to win 7-6 in OT. Crookshank scored a hat trick.
http://www.collegehockeystats.net/2021/boxes/mumlunh1.f06

 

[Sean Pickett]

Any bets that UNH was the one team on the wrong side of the blown four goal lead game?

No, it was the team most HE fans love to hate.

FWIW I remember getting a rash of crap on here a couple years ago when UNH blew a 3 goal lead late in the 2nd period/early in the 3rd period of a postseason game (likely the MBPBEGAM round?) against UMass, I blew my top, and several folks said it was basically "no big deal". Uh, yeah, blowing any lead is a big deal, especially blowing a late 3 goal lead in the postseason.

While not nearly as insurmountable as a 4 goal lead, it's still a steep cliff to climb. Over the past 4 seasons teams that have taken a 3 goal lead are a combined 1719-33-24. Oddly, 14 of the ties occurred during the 2019-20 season, while 14 of the losses occurred during the current season.

In postseason play over the past 4 seasons (which is really 2+ seasons), teams with a 3 goal lead have gone 92-3, with 3 of the winning teams blowing the said lead before eventually winning. The three teams to blow a 3 goal lead are the already mentioned UNH vs UMass, Minnesota State vs PC and the above referenced team that blew the 4 goal lead.

So, yes, blowing a 3 goal lead is a big deal, especially in the postseason. However, a 1 goal lead not so much, as when the largest lead over the past 4 seasons has been just 1 goal the combined records of all teams is just 718-873-302.

Sean

 

[After the Whistle]

Shout out to Watcher! You have been waiting for the C-man’s arrival and he is here in spades.