Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the problem!!

[The Rube]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Just want to chime in. I heard 3 games for Whittchow.

I was shocked, given the 1 game to that MI guy who blatantly threw punches. I was guessing 1 for Whittchow. I think 3 is fair, but in relation to the MI's guys suspension...I don't know if that's fair to Whittchow, given the precedent for severity of the breaking of the rules. MI guy was VERY intent on throwing punches. Whittchow may or may not have intended to hit Novak in the head. Personally, I BELIEVE he wanted to, but that's only my opinion.

Frankly, I think the result of the hit factored into the suspension, and I really dislike that. The league should base the suspension only on the act, not the result.

 

[BuB]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Here are the Badgers remaining series and opponents:

Alaska - PWR 50
Michigan - PWR 6
Mich State - PWR 55t
at Ohio St - PWR 35t
Penn St - PWR 15t
at Minny - PWR 15t

How many "non-losses" is realistic for this team the rest of the way? My guess is 3, maybe 4. If it's 4, they better get 2 of them this weekend. Wins and ties combined is the total. It's gross to say, but if someone had said 4 years ago that the Penn State hockey program will be in better shape than Wisconsin's - I seriously don't know what I would have said to that person.

Also, ome people here have been talking about the potential new coaches if (when) Eaves is gone. Would any of you consider Enrico Blasi from Miami or Norm Bazin from Mass-Lowell as candidates - or maybe more importantly, would they even consider Wisconsin at this point? Who will UW go after, or maybe what "type" of coach should they go after?

Interested in what the regulars here have to say.

 

[GBBadger14]

Also, some people here have been talking about the potential new coaches if (when) Eaves is gone. Would any of you consider Enrico Blasi from Miami or Norm Bazin from Mass-Lowell as candidates - or maybe more importantly, would they even consider Wisconsin at this point? Who will UW go after, or maybe what "type" of coach should they go after?

Interested in what the regulars here have to say.

I've always been an advocate of going after Oseicki or Gwozdecky, but lately I've been more interested in going after a coach who has done a good job of recruiting at smaller schools. I'd be interested to see what a coach who could pull in strong recruits at a small school could do at a place like UW, especially a young-ish coach.

 

[gwhinwi]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I didn't hear the post game interview. Is there a podcast anywhere? I can't find it on WIBA-WTSO. Posick seems to be one of the nicest guys in the world and goes out of his way NOT to bash the Badgers on the radio. I'd like to meet him and give him props for biting his tongue; I couldn't.

If Eaves got ****ed at the question, and I believe all of you, then **** him.

You can find the post game interview here (plus listen to the whole 3rd period as well.) http://thebig1070.iheart.com/media/play/26666840/

The interview starts at the 37:20 mark. The question where Eaves that he gets annoyed about 38:30 mark.

The fact that Eaves can compare this to a team that went to the Stanley Cup finals is laughable. This team doesn't have the talent to win the Big Ten tournament, let alone the NCAA's (nor does it look like they would have the chance to win either in the next few years.)

 

[altazo]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I've always been an advocate of going after Oseicki or Gwozdecky, but lately I've been more interested in going after a coach who has done a good job of recruiting at smaller schools (Blasi for example). I'd be interested to see what a coach who could pull in strong recruits at a small school could do at a place like UW, especially a young-ish coach.

Rick Bennett - Union College
Norm Bazin - Lowell
Nate Leaman - Providence
Rand Peckhold - Q Pac
Mark Mazzoleni
Gwoz

or, current in state coaches:

Chris Brooks - Point
Tim Coghlin - SNC (although he may consider the UW job a demotion)

 

[BuB]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Rick Bennett - Union College
Norm Bazin - Lowell
Nate Leaman - Providence
Rand Peckhold - Q Pac
Mark Mazzoleni
Gwoz

or, current in state coaches:

Chris Brooks - Point
Tim Coghlin - SNC (although he may consider the UW job a demotion)

Would there be difficulty recruiting for an eastern coach to come west? Or is that difference not as pronounced as it may have been in the 70's - 90's?

 

[RedStripes]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

You can find the post game interview here (plus listen to the whole 3rd period as well.) http://thebig1070.iheart.com/media/play/26666840/

The interview starts at the 37:20 mark. The question where Eaves that he gets annoyed about 38:30 mark.

The fact that Eaves can compare this to a team that went to the Stanley Cup finals is laughable. This team doesn't have the talent to win the Big Ten tournament, let alone the NCAA's (nor does it look like they would have the chance to win either in the next few years.)

I was gonna let this go and try to be more positive for a while, but MM's post game interview was really something. Does he really believe this line about being a really good team that just had a bad night? I particularly like the line about "Everything was going in the right direction and then the branch just fell off the tree". Your team has won 1 of its last 13 games. The ground is littered with tree branches at this point.

I would be almost willing to give him a shot if he just came out and said "You know right now we're not a great hockey team. As a coaching staff we are really examining what we as coaches haven't been doing right and looking for ways to improve our approach." Off the top of my head, I really can't remember a time when he has taken any responsibility for the state of the program. It's always some excuse, our young goalie had an off night, Our young players have forgotten the fundamentals, just one of those nights.

 

[Crainer]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Would like to get everyone's opinion on Schultze's play. I know we are pretty young on D, but he has been our best skater the last couple of years. He has been pretty invisible this year.

 

[bucky15]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Just want to chime in. I heard 3 games for Whittchow.

I was shocked, given the 1 game to that MI guy who blatantly threw punches. I was guessing 1 for Whittchow. I think 3 is fair, but in relation to the MI's guys suspension...I don't know if that's fair to Whittchow, given the precedent for severity of the breaking of the rules. MI guy was VERY intent on throwing punches. Whittchow may or may not have intended to hit Novak in the head. Personally, I BELIEVE he wanted to, but that's only my opinion.

Frankly, I think the result of the hit factored into the suspension, and I really dislike that. The league should base the suspension only on the act, not the result.

I agree on that the suspension should be mostly about the act. Another factor that should be looked at is repeat offender. Eddie did a very similar hit almost a year ago. He clearly hasn’t learned. I think 3 games is fair, those head hunting hits need to go away in the game.

The NHL struggles with being consistent and they allow the result of the action to play to heavily in their decision. Example, Lucic 1 game for a sucker punch.

 

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Just want to chime in. I heard 3 games for Whittchow.

I was shocked, given the 1 game to that MI guy who blatantly threw punches. I was guessing 1 for Whittchow. I think 3 is fair, but in relation to the MI's guys suspension...I don't know if that's fair to Whittchow, given the precedent for severity of the breaking of the rules. MI guy was VERY intent on throwing punches. Whittchow may or may not have intended to hit Novak in the head. Personally, I BELIEVE he wanted to, but that's only my opinion.

Frankly, I think the result of the hit factored into the suspension, and I really dislike that. The league should base the suspension only on the act, not the result.

I haven't seen Cavallini's hit since seeing it live, but if you told me that one of those two players would get 3 games and the other would get 1, I would guess that it would be flipped. I didn't have an outstanding look at Cavallini's play in real time, but what I remember was a stupid, blatant hit from behind into the boards, beginning to end. Wittchow's hit could have been a legal big hit if he had lined it up and executed it better. Instead, he finished it in a dangerous way, and it looked like that Scott Stevens on Paul Kariya hit in the "off the floor, on the board" game. (Looking back, it seems most fans tend to agree that a) that head-hunting kind of hit shouldn't fly, and b) Kariya shouldn't have come back.)

Again, I've only seen multiple replays of the Wittchow hit, but those were my thoughts (which have nothing to do with Wittchow's spot in the lineup being more crucial than Cavallini's).

 

[bucky15]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I haven't seen Cavallini's hit since seeing it live, but if you told me that one of those two players would get 3 games and the other would get 1, I would guess that it would be flipped. I didn't have an outstanding look at Cavallini's play in real time, but what I remember was a stupid, blatant hit from behind into the boards, beginning to end. Wittchow's hit could have been a legal big hit if he had lined it up and executed it better. Instead, he finished it in a dangerous way, and it looked like that Scott Stevens on Paul Kariya hit in the "off the floor, on the board" game. (Looking back, it seems most fans tend to agree that a) that head-hunting kind of hit shouldn't fly, and b) Kariya shouldn't have come back.)

Again, I've only seen multiple replays of the Wittchow hit, but those were my thoughts (which have nothing to do with Wittchow's spot in the lineup being more crucial than Cavallini's).

Here is the video for you.

http://www.uscho.com/2016/01/25/big-ten-announces-suspensions-of-ohio-state-wisconsin-players/

 

[gwhinwi]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Looking at both of those hits, along with Soleway boarding call (which could have easily been a 5 minute major as well,) and you see a pattern of horribly undisciplined, and dangerous, play.

I'm embarrassed to be a supporter of a team that allows it's players to play like that. Not shocked that Eaves is appealing the suspension though, he never has been able to see the result of something bad and think that something else is to blame for it.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Also, some people here have been talking about the potential new coaches if (when) Eaves is gone. Would any of you consider Enrico Blasi from Miami or Norm Bazin from Mass-Lowell as candidates - or maybe more importantly, would they even consider Wisconsin at this point? Who will UW go after, or maybe what "type" of coach should they go after?

Interested in what the regulars here have to say.

I've always been a big Blasi fan. I think if he can recruit talent to little old M of OH, he could do great things with UW. Otherwise Gwoz, Oz, Don or Tony Granato . I'd be cool with Bazin or the guy from Providence, Mel Pearson or even tDon. The wild card would be Barry "I AM the search committee" Alvarez. He admittedly doesn't crap about hockey, I have no idea how he'd be able to find the right fit, I suppose he'd lean on Jason King, the AD in charge of hockey, but I don't know King's backround either. At this point isn't just about anyone an improvement?

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

I've always been a big Blasi fan. I think if he can recruit talent to little old M of OH, he could do great things with UW. Otherwise Gwoz, Oz, Don or Tony Granato . I'd be cool with Bazin or the guy from Providence, Mel Pearson or even tDon. The wild card would be Barry "I AM the search committee" Alvarez. He admittedly doesn't crap about hockey, I have no idea how he'd be able to find the right fit, I suppose he'd lean on Jason King, the AD in charge of hockey, but I don't know King's backround either. At this point isn't just about anyone an improvement?

Subtle troll attempt or utter delusion?

 

[altazo]

I've always been a big Blasi fan. I think if he can recruit talent to little old M of OH, he could do great things with UW. Otherwise Gwoz, Oz, Don or Tony Granato . I'd be cool with Bazin or the guy from Providence, Mel Pearson or even tDon. The wild card would be Barry "I AM the search committee" Alvarez. He admittedly doesn't crap about hockey, I have no idea how he'd be able to find the right fit, I suppose he'd lean on Jason King, the AD in charge of hockey, but I don't know King's backround either. At this point isn't just about anyone an improvement?

I do think it would be difficult to get Bazin or Leaman to leave Hockey East and National contenders and come to Wisconsin.

Rick Bennett, on the other hand, while he is kinda a hothead, that dude won a National championship at a school that DOES NOT offer athletic scholarships. He could bring some serious talent to UW.

 

[Ice Bisquit]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I do think it would be difficult to get Bazin or Leaman to leave Hockey East and National contenders and come to Wisconsin.

Rick Bennett, on the other hand, while he is kinda a hothead, that dude won a National championship at a school that DOES NOT offer athletic scholarships. He could bring some serious talent to UW.

I second that. The Badgers need to take a good long look at Bennett. He has had an incredible career at Union. This may be the time he might want to see what he could do with the facilities, resources and tradition of Wisconsin, particulary now since Union is currently sporting a .500 record. Plus, his contacts in the Northeast could greatly improve our ability to recruit in that territory and bring in some much needed talent.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I've always been a big Blasi fan. I think if he can recruit talent to little old M of OH, he could do great things with UW. Otherwise Gwoz, Oz, Don or Tony Granato . I'd be cool with Bazin or the guy from Providence, Mel Pearson or even tDon. The wild card would be Barry "I AM the search committee" Alvarez. He admittedly doesn't crap about hockey, I have no idea how he'd be able to find the right fit, I suppose he'd lean on Jason King, the AD in charge of hockey, but I don't know King's backround either. At this point isn't just about anyone an improvement?

tMel is not leaving. Not for WI, not for MI, not for anyone.

 

[BuB]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I know some here have commented on wanting a younger coach - and I agree with that, that seems like a great formula to getting Wisconsin some better recruits. I was wondering if Scott Owens would be a viable candidate to anyone? I know that he turns 60 this March, but he's a Madison native, was an asst at Wisconsin for a year and had some success at CC. I thought I would at least throw his name out there....he is currently the coach/GM of the Sioux Falls Stampede.

I know in our hearts Wisconsin is "the dream job", but I wonder how this job is honestly viewed from outsiders - considering the program difficulty lately, playing in the Not So Big 6, and the AD not being a hockey guy - in case any of you haven't heard. Advantages I would think would be the tradition of the program, size of the university and potential for regrowth of the program. It certainly seems like a great time for a Coach to "buy low" - my goodness our stock has never been this low.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

I know some here have commented on wanting a younger coach - and I agree with that, that seems like a great formula to getting Wisconsin some better recruits. I was wondering if Scott Owens would be a viable candidate to anyone? I know that he turns 60 this March, but he's a Madison native, was an asst at Wisconsin for a year and had some success at CC. I thought I would at least throw his name out there....he is currently the coach/GM of the Sioux Falls Stampede.

I know in our hearts Wisconsin is "the dream job", but I wonder how this job is honestly viewed from outsiders - considering the program difficulty lately, playing in the Not So Big 6, and the AD not being a hockey guy - in case any of you haven't heard. Advantages I would think would be the tradition of the program, size of the university and potential for regrowth of the program. It certainly seems like a great time for a Coach to "buy low" - my goodness our stock has never been this low.

I think Wisconsin is an attractive job. It's a great school, it's in a great town, the program has great tradition, the school has great name recognition, the school is in a decent hockey market and in one of this country's best recruiting grounds (MN, Western WI, Illinois).

True, Barry would probably be a nightmare to work under, but that's only a small piece of the puzzle. It can also be looked at as a positive. Barry probably will stay out of the coach's way and give them more freedom too.

One thing I will say. I don't think Eaves has done any permanent damage to your program. With the right new coach the recruiting situation should clear up and the wins will start coming again.

However, make a bad coaching hire and I think that can have some lasting damage. New coach and the program still being a mess will leave people questioning (right or not) whether it is some deeper institutional issues.

I think UW needs more than anything a proper coaching search. Lean on alums, not clueless university admins, to do the search. Hire the right guy the first time. Don't pull a Michigan State (no offense MSU fans).

My $0.02

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Subtle troll attempt or utter delusion?

90% delusional, 10% troll. tDon could get canned due to them underpeforming and attendance being down, it's a longshot but if he was available, I'd take him over all others.