UNH @ Harvard... Thoughts/predictions

[HEfanatic]

Didnt see a thread on this weekend's matchup between #3UNH and #4Harvard so I thought with only three more days until the game, we should begin the discussion.

It looks to be an exciting match-up. Bourdon will have to be on her game for the Wildcats to win as Harvard seems to be firing on all cylinders offensively.

While wins/losses and scores aren't really commutative, Harvard lost to SLU, as UNH went 1-0-1 against the Saints. The only other common opponent at this point is Brown, who the Crimson demolished 8-1 and UNH shutout 2-0.

What does everyone think? I predict Harvard wins 5-1. As a UNH fan, I just don't see the Wildcats on par with Harvard at this point. Offensively and in net, I feel as though Harvard has the clear advantage. They are also playing at home and will have a good crowd.

[Skate79]

Well, while I hope the Crimson win, we are dealing with a couple of injuries to first line players Julie Chu and Sarah Wilson. Chu has a high ankle sprain and Wilson tweaked her neck on Saturday. Hopefully, they will be ready by this game.

Harvard's goaltending is definitely the best its ever been. We have a lot of depth this year and Jenny Brine is playing great hockey.

I think it will be a close game. Harvard's D hasn't performed all that well despite the shutouts. I'm worried about UNH's speed and transition game.

[dave1381]

first things first, Harvard vs. UConn... Harvard just tied it 1-1.
Live audio here... http://www.whus.org/listen.php
Wilson is on the Harvard list, Chu is not.

UConn just scores to make it 2-1.

[Justamom]

well everyone at the moment they need to finish the game against UCONN, in the 2nd period,

UConn 2 - Harvard 1

[dave1381]

...and this is the third big game this season in which Cahow has taken a penalty in the final minute of a period... those are momentum killers.

Harvard's changed up it's lines moving Brine to the top line with Wilson and Vaillancourt, due to Chu's absence. Solley takes Brine's spot centering the 3rd line. Brady, injured most the year, takes Solley's spot at wing on the second time.

Strange schedule for UConn this season, a huge Thanksgiving break... this is just their second game since Nov. 19, while it's Harvard's fifth.

[dave1381]

Harvard gets a huge penalty kill to start the third.... UConn led Harvard 3-1 after two periods in this same game two years ago. Vaillancourt had a pure hat trick in the comeback, Chu assisting on all three goals. Now Harvard gets a PP.

[Justamom]

and they just took a penalty
4 on 4

[Justamom]

Harvard just tied it up

2 -2

with about 3 mins left

[dave1381]

Harvard, quick strike on the PP... to tie the game. They scored within seconds of a penalty against UMD both games.

[Justamom]

UConn scores 3 -2

but,

there is I think they just said 3 :15 left

still time

Wish I was there

[dave1381]

Harvard had at least three extra attacker goals last season, and came back against Colgate it's last close game... so yup, every second counts.

[toots]

wow, Uconn does it, 3-2

[dave1381]

UConn pulls the upset. Justamom, sounds like your Brittany outplayed Harvard's on this night.

[lordsontheboards]

HEFanatic. There is still time for you to change your thoughts. We won't hold it against you. Just kidding. I am expecting a very good game on Friday. If UCONN can run off 25 shots tonight then UNH may run off 40 on friday. The game will come down to goaltending in my opinion.

[lordsontheboards]

UConn pulls the upset. Justamom, sounds like your Brittany outplayed Harvard's on this night.

Why would you call it an upset. Uconn Beat BC the other night. I think Uconn is a sleeper right now and will get recognized as the season wears on. Harvard has not realy been tested all year in my opinion.

[dave1381]

Why would you call it an upset. Uconn Beat BC the other night. I think Uconn is a sleeper right now and will get recognized as the season wears on. Harvard has not realy been tested all year in my opinion.
You'd call it an upset because UConn has never, ever beaten Harvard before. You'd call it an upset because UConn and Harvard's schedules have been pretty comparable to date, and Harvard had three fewer losses -- I don't see any evidence to support the claim UConn, BC, OSU are "tests" while Princeton and UMD are not.

[Justamom]

Sounds like it was a good game both ways, and yes she did pull it off, but......the whole team pulled it off.

[HEfanatic]

HEFanatic. There is still time for you to change your thoughts. We won't hold it against you. Just kidding. I am expecting a very good game on Friday. If UCONN can run off 25 shots tonight then UNH may run off 40 on friday. The game will come down to goaltending in my opinion.

Haha. Thanks lotb. I am glad to see another strong contender in Hockey East. This victory is huge for UConn and should attract some attention from the polls and also should be a nice boost in their PWR numbers.

Yet, I stand by my original post, especially if Chu is back in the lineup on Friday. Maybe 5-1 is too much of a margin of victory but I think that either Bourdon will be on or not. Not to mention, I am not quite sure that UConn defeating Harvard, missing one of their top guns, says very much about UNH/Harvard. If anything, I think it gives the Wildcats another competitor in hockey east to worry about besides BC - which is a good thing. I don't think it drops Harvard down too much. Personally, I think UConn is under rated, and until this point, you couldn't expect otherwise. I expect that to change.

UNH has trouble with speedy offenses like BC's and Harvard's, especially when playing on the road.

Go Cats!

[dave1381]

If UCONN can run off 25 shots tonight then UNH may run off 40 on friday. The game will come down to goaltending in my opinion.
A lot of it will come down to whistles too... Harvard's definitely not as tough any game they don't get many, as they haven't been all that prolific 5-on-5.

UNH should face a better Harvard team on Friday than UConn did tonight, Harvard being at home, slightly more rested, with Kessler in net (sounds like Martin was fighting the puck a bit, especially on the last goal), and of course it will make a huge difference on both ends if Chu is back on the ice. That said, UNH should be a lot more rested than Harvard, having played just Vermont last weekend, while Harvard is coming off three quality opponents in the previous 7 days.

[lordsontheboards]

Haha. Thanks lotb. I am glad to see another strong contender in Hockey East. This victory is huge for UConn and should attract some attention from the polls and also should be a nice boost in their PWR numbers.

Yet, I stand by my original post, especially if Chu is back in the lineup on Friday. Maybe 5-1 is too much of a margin of victory but I think that either Bourdon will be on or not. Not to mention, I am not quite sure that UConn defeating Harvard, missing one of their top guns, says very much about UNH. If anything, I think it gives the Wildcats another competitor in hockey east to worry about besides BC - which is a good thing. I don't think it drops Harvard down too much. Personally, I think UConn is under rated, and until this point, you couldn't expect otherwise. I expect that to change.

UNH has trouble with speedy offenses like BC's and Harvard's, especially when playing on the road.

Go Cats!

UNH played Mhurst to an even game. Out shot then 31 to 21. They had a pretty potent offense. My guess is that coach Mac will have his guns playing alot of minutes in this one as will Stone. As I said before the game will come down to goaltending. That was the difference in the BC game. Boards has to be sharp.