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  • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

    Originally posted by Dan View Post
    DeSmith sent down. PIT can do whatever they wish, but this is an unjust result. They bring him up and throw him into 4-0 onslaught of a game behind a team that didn't show up and send him down immediately after. They should have simply brought Jarry up in the first place if it was what they wanted to do the entire time...

    There are articles all over the place about DeSmith's rough start/giving up a goal 11 seconds in. Watch the goal and tell me WHO makes that save! That goal is on Kris Letang and his laziness. And it apparently got Casey sent back down...
    DeSmith got screwed. Coming in off the bench in your first NHL game when the wheels are coming off the team in that game and then that initial shot on a 2 on 1/semi breakaway backhand shot. Good luck with making that save. On the brightside - he may have the record for fastest goal allowed for an NHL debut - 11 seconds.

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    • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

      I'm having a hard time seeing things eye-to-eye with the CDS boo-hoo brigade. To wit:

      * This is the NHL - not Hockey East, or the ECHL, or the Junior Monarchs. He is a professional now;
      * He was signed originally as a free agent IIRC. It's not like he is a highly-prized organizational asset;
      * He is playing for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. The bar is set pretty high, no?
      * He only got his chance because the Pens were playing crappy already, and switched up to get a spark;
      * Being in the right place at the right time to make a good impression, CDS failed to provide that spark;
      * Clearly, the powers that be decided to continue to examine back-up goalie options, with MAF gone.

      Is it "unjust"? Did CDS really get "screwed"?? I say no ... he had a chance he's been working his whole life to get, and not everyone gets, and he didn't perform. Whether others were primarily to blame or not ... why is that relevant? If CDS is good enough to separate himself from the legions of pro goalies angling to make a career in the NHL, he will learn from the experience, work harder, and if/when the next chance comes - and no, it's not guaranteed - he will be better prepared.

      Once upon a time, a prominent D-1 goalie who was a 9th round draft pick graduated from a northern New England program, never played a single game for the team that drafted him, wandered the planet for six years before getting a first (brief) shot in the NHL, and would be 32 yrs. old (and 10 years out of college) before he was a full-time NHL starter.

      Tim Thomas turned out to have a pretty good NHL career. He probably got unjustly screwed a few times, too.
      Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
      Montreal Expos Forever ...

      Comment


      • Originally posted by Chuck Murray View Post
        I'm having a hard time seeing things eye-to-eye with the CDS boo-hoo brigade. To wit:

        * This is the NHL - not Hockey East, or the ECHL, or the Junior Monarchs. He is a professional now;
        * He was signed originally as a free agent IIRC. It's not like he is a highly-prized organizational asset;
        * He is playing for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. The bar is set pretty high, no?
        * He only got his chance because the Pens were playing crappy already, and switched up to get a spark;
        * Being in the right place at the right time to make a good impression, CDS failed to provide that spark;
        * Clearly, the powers that be decided to continue to examine back-up goalie options, with MAF gone.

        Is it "unjust"? Did CDS really get "screwed"?? I say no ... he had a chance he's been working his whole life to get, and not everyone gets, and he didn't perform. Whether others were primarily to blame or not ... why is that relevant? If CDS is good enough to separate himself from the legions of pro goalies angling to make a career in the NHL, he will learn from the experience, work harder, and if/when the next chance comes - and no, it's not guaranteed - he will be better prepared.

        Once upon a time, a prominent D-1 goalie who was a 9th round draft pick graduated from a northern New England program, never played a single game for the team that drafted him, wandered the planet for six years before getting a first (brief) shot in the NHL, and would be 32 yrs. old (and 10 years out of college) before he was a full-time NHL starter.

        Tim Thomas turned out to have a pretty good NHL career. He probably got unjustly screwed a few times, too.
        Ha, ha, ha! I just knew what the punch line of this post would be before I began reading it. :-)

        BUT, TT and that Bruins SC seem like ancient history to me now.

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        • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

          And Jarry gets the start tonight! Go figure...
          Here we go 'Cats!!

          Comment


          • Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post

            Speaking of defensive coaches the next Asst Coach has to have that (along with recruiting chutzpah) as his major calling card. Don't really care what sport it is O wins games but D wins Championships!
            Amen!
            Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories. - Stephen Wright

            Comment


            • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

              Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post
              Two UNH players receive HE honors, Danny Tirone and Max Gildon:

              http://hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres...711/nov1mh.php

              Congrats! Go 'Cats!
              What's interesting is that Gildon was runner up to Player of The Month as well.

              Anyone have the odds on his likelihood to still be a Wildcat for the 2018-19 season?
              Last edited by Scott; 11-02-2017, 07:31 PM.
              UNH

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              • Originally posted by Scott View Post
                What's interesting is that Gildon was runner up to Player of The Month as well.

                Anyone have the odds on his likelihood to still be a Wildcat for the 2018-19 season?
                Others might have better insight but he is having some growing pains as of late with turn overs and defensive work as he adjusts to D1. Mind you he is one heck of a special player and I know he's going to continue to do amazing things for us as the season goes along. We are fortunate to have him I don't think that's lost on anyone!

                Guess it depends on his continued development (and oh yeah what the Fla Panthers ultimately decide/need) but if the season were to end today I'd give him a 60% or better chance of returning next season. After that...we are solely on God's good graces 😉!!!
                Last edited by HockeyRef; 11-02-2017, 07:51 PM.
                Here we go 'Cats!!

                Comment


                • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

                  So pretty boring in these parts without any Wildcat hockey to occupy my time and may even make the dreadful drive to Amhearst, Amherst? tomorrow (despite my best intentions and last experience there). Might even have to watch someone else play just to survive the evening. Anyway, our phenom Dman keeps gathering up the honors:

                  http://www.uscho.com/2017/11/01/st-c...ly-hca-awards/
                  Here we go 'Cats!!

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post
                    So pretty boring in these parts without any Wildcat hockey to occupy my time and may even make the dreadful drive to Amhearst, Amherst? tomorrow (despite my best intentions and last experience there). Might even have to watch someone else play just to survive the evening. Anyway, our phenom Dman keeps gathering up the honors:

                    http://www.uscho.com/2017/11/01/st-c...ly-hca-awards/
                    Tomorrow night is a must play well - and most importantly a must win - to ensure confidence is high heading into an upcoming stretch that consists of a vengeful UML, a talented BU, a desperate BC, a well-rounded PC and an always solid Yale. This upcoming portion of the schedule is the most difficult they'll face all year, so you'd hate to give away expected points beforehand.

                    A win tomorrow and a 3-3 split in the gauntlet would leave UNH at 9-4-1 with an opportunity to really make some hay as they finish up non-conference play against another stretch of cup cakes. At least five of six would meet the pastry test before they'd run into BU/BC again.

                    So, a win tomorrow could really set up the next two months for UNH. A loss (even another tie) and that's four-straight less than desireable efforts and a tough road ahead. You'd have to start to wonder if they were fortunate to catch a brand new Lowell team in its awkward stage and lucky to get Colgate without a concussed Colton Point (who is to date the best statistical goalie in the country).

                    So just grab a win and ensure the ship stays upright...
                    Live Free or Die!!
                    Miami University '03

                    Comment


                    • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

                      Originally posted by Dan View Post
                      Tomorrow night is a must play well - and most importantly a must win - to ensure confidence is high heading into an upcoming stretch that consists of a vengeful UML, a talented BU, a desperate BC, a well-rounded PC and an always solid Yale. This upcoming portion of the schedule is the most difficult they'll face all year, so you'd hate to give away expected points beforehand.

                      A win tomorrow and a 3-3 split in the gauntlet would leave UNH at 9-4-1 with an opportunity to really make some hay as they finish up non-conference play against another stretch of cup cakes. At least five of six would meet the pastry test before they'd run into BU/BC again.

                      So, a win tomorrow could really set up the next two months for UNH. A loss (even another tie) and that's four-straight less than desireable efforts and a tough road ahead. You'd have to start to wonder if they were fortunate to catch a brand new Lowell team in its awkward stage and lucky to get Colgate without a concussed Colton Point (who is to date the best statistical goalie in the country).

                      So just grab a win and ensure the ship stays upright...
                      Yup on all counts! UNH has a big tough stretch of games coming up as you say and playing well, grabbing 2 over UMass is a top priority. Both teams boast top Dmen in Gildon and Makar. Looking forward to seeing what the 'Cats bring to the ice tomorrow night. No question a must win. Go 'Cats!

                      Ps...any news if we'll have Eiserman and/or Wyse tomorrow night? Could use them both...
                      Last edited by HockeyRef; 11-03-2017, 09:15 PM.
                      Here we go 'Cats!!

                      Comment


                      • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

                        This past weekend was a tantalizingly close call with another early season W ... but the 2017/2018 UNH Wildcats couldn't preserve a two goal 3rd period lead, and conceded a last minute equalizer before slinking out of Burlington VT with a tie. Not a bad result looking at the league standings, and from the standpoint of the national polls, the point on the road was enough to move the 'Cats up another spot to 13 in the national D-1 rankings. But the elusive W could prove to have much bigger repercussions for the recently-upgraded March, as this is not the season where Coach Umile can afford too many of these ties. No - it's not that "sister kissing" thing (hey, is that one of the 63 different genders I've heard exist out there? ). Wins don't grow on trees in these her parts, and when one it in your grasp, you need to bring it on home. Coach will not come this way again, and the lay-up line that the early season has turned out to be for UNH is about to get "real". So hence, this is the "Let's Not Pee Away Our Great Start" edition of "Umile's Last Stand - The _____ for 600".

                        "Umile's Last Stand - The March to 600"

                        Coach Umile's current career wins total: 591
                        Wins Remaining to NRN (Next Round Number): 9
                        Games Remaining (plus 2 min. MBPBEGAM games): 29
                        Win Pct. Required to Hit Target: 31.0%
                        WIS Estimated Likelihood of Success: 83%
                        2017/2018 Cupcake Conversion Ratio (CCR): 3/5 (60.0%)

                        As has been discussed by others on this thread in recent days, the upcoming road game against traditional HEA doormats UMass Amherst would ordinarily be one which UNH should expect to win. In light of the schedule that follows over the better part of the next month or so, bagging a W in this one takes on a much bigger significance, as another winless weekend could see the early season momentum evaporate quickly, and suddenly the March can once again be classified a Quest. A win keeps the wheels on the bandwagon for now, but a stretch of three winless games against a "Murderers Row" lineup of CC/UVM/UMA would give back a whole lot of what hard work has been done already. WIS sees good things on the horizon this weekend, though, and a 6th win could see the 'Cats eking ever closer to a Top 10 ranking. This is where your "Champions of December" need to prove their mettle, as crunch time beckons (not really, but ... you know).

                        Looking at the big picture ... WIS' panel of experts projected in the preseason that Coach Umile's Wildcats would amass at least 10 wins in the opening 19 game stretch of the season through completion of the Ledyard Bank Classic after the break and before we turn the calendar into 2018. The 'Cats will probably still be two games ahead of WIS projections with a road win this weekend ... BUT another non-win brings that projection to barely one (1) game ahead of projections, so we could see a downgrade to original forecasts for the NRN. The perennially rebuilding hosts from the Pioneer Valley enter the weekend hot off a split with Merrimack. This one should be right in UNH's wheelhouse ...

                        Prediction:

                        Saturday: UNH 5 @ UMass Amherst 1

                        NEXT CUPCAKE ON THE SHELF: 11/17/17 vs. Chestnut Hill CC (tentative; under consideration)

                        COMMESSO RE-COMMIT WATCH: Blue-chip former UNH commit G Drew Commesso is reportedly reconsidering his decommit, and was most recently spotted by WIS operatives practicing his driving in the vacant parking lot of the Lindt & Sprungli chocolate factory on the outskirts of the posh Exeter suburb of Stratham, accompanied by someone tentatively ID'ed as either an older sister or youngish appearing mommy. Yes indeed, the man we were all banking on for the future of UNH Hockey is on the verge of getting his drivers' license ... next summer. In the meantime, our Drew is spending his spare time playing video games, popping zits, riding BMX, and looking forward to his first non-chaperoned date. Meanwhile, Dynamite Mike Souza is monitoring the situation, and is weighing whether to forgive the young and impressionable (barely) teen goalie when he inevitably gets up the courage to put down his joystick, and beg for his UNH full ride back.

                        WIS INITIATIVE - "WATCH THE FACTS" - COMING SOON!!

                        WIS operatives have been out and about in the world of college hockey, in search of the truth amidst false narratives and hidden agendas at the highest levels, on and off the ice. The first target of our WTF squad will be the monolith along the shores of scenic Lake Quannapowitt. Watch this space for the incredible disclosures as they unfold.

                        GO UNH - GOT TO GET THE GOODBYE TOUR TO THE GAHDEN!!!
                        Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                        Montreal Expos Forever ...

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by HockeyRef View Post
                          Yup on all counts! UNH has a big tough stretch of games coming up as you say and playing well, grabbing 2 over UMass is a top priority. Both teams boast top Dmen in Gildon and Makar. Looking forward to seeing what the 'Cats bring to the ice tomorrow night. No question a must win. Go 'Cats!

                          Ps...any news if we'll have Eiserman and/or Wyse tomorrow night? Could use them both...
                          Wyse is in, Eiserman is out and Vela joins him - with the news that perhaps his shaky performance at UVM could be attributed to a bout with appendicitis. Vela had his appendix removed shortly upon arriving back in Durham and is still recovering. Per Al Pike...

                          http://www.fosters.com/sports/20171102/unh-hockey-cats-take-pluses-minuses-from-4-4-draw-with-vermont
                          Live Free or Die!!
                          Miami University '03

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                          • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

                            Originally posted by Dan View Post
                            Wyse is in, Eiserman is out and Vela joins him - with the news that perhaps his shaky performance at UVM could be attributed to a bout with appendicitis. Vela had his appendix removed shortly upon arriving back in Durham and is still recovering. Per Al Pike...

                            http://www.fosters.com/sports/201711...w-with-vermont
                            Wow! Missed that info...thanks for sharing Dan! I'm glad to hear Wyse is back. Who will step in? Cefalu? Fregona? Go 'Cats!
                            Here we go 'Cats!!

                            Comment


                            • Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

                              Originally posted by Dan View Post
                              Wyse is in, Eiserman is out and Vela joins him - with the news that perhaps his shaky performance at UVM could be attributed to a bout with appendicitis. Vela had his appendix removed shortly upon arriving back in Durham and is still recovering. Per Al Pike...

                              http://www.fosters.com/sports/201711...w-with-vermont
                              Yes, thanks Dan.
                              I would love to see Fregona join that line along with Miller and Naz. Also wonder if with Grasso back, will they make that the 2nd line tonight?
                              I too am happy to have Wise back. That first pairing got pretty gassed last week and we need to be able to share more.
                              Need to get on the road - GO CATS!

                              Comment


                              • Originally posted by After the Whistle View Post
                                Yes, thanks Dan.
                                I would love to see Fregona join that line along with Miller and Naz. Also wonder if with Grasso back, will they make that the 2nd line tonight?
                                I too am happy to have Wise back. That first pairing got pretty gassed last week and we need to be able to share more.
                                Need to get on the road - GO CATS!
                                Fregona makes the most since, IMO, to move up to the third line in the absence of 12 and 17. He is very skilled, and gives that third line the best chance to remain an offensive contributor by playing alongside Nazarian. Miller, at least, has the speed to keep up and at worst the line would give UNH a speedy third group that could win possession. It wouldn't surprise me if McAdams is the choice, however, ensuring the line is a speedy, grinding and defensively responsible threat.

                                Fregona seems to be getting, the McNicholas/Salvaggio treatment as basically an afterthought in and out of the line-up. If he can't play a top-six role they'd rather forego scoring depth for what the perceive as safe and responsible. It wouldn't shock me if he is a major scoring factor as an upperclassmen leaving us to wonder why could have been. If they continue to score 4 GPG it won't be a problem, but let's see how it unfolds when they play better defenses. I'd prefer 3 lines that can be expected to score (which they probably do have this season when healthy) and a defense first fourth, but they have seemed OK with two and two in prior, recent years...

                                I'd expect tonight will give you the following for certain:

                                Salvaggio - McNicholas - Kelleher
                                BVR - Blackburn - Grasso

                                The next two lines will be interesting, but I think these combinations make the most since:

                                Nazarian - Miller - Fregona
                                Sato - Cefalu - McAdams

                                There is also the possibility (perhaps likelihood) that Dawson skates as a F and seventh D. The bottom six is questionable past Nazarian and Dawson's defensive mentality may be the safest route in Umile's mind. Boyd might also play F, with Dawson on D. Or we see Sacco for the first time this season...
                                Last edited by Dan; 11-04-2017, 03:56 PM.
                                Live Free or Die!!
                                Miami University '03

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