Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

NESCAC Playoffs

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • NESCAC Playoffs

    I have been lucky enough to see all of the NESCAC teams play this year. I thought I'd get a discussion going with some observations.

    Best Goaltending:
    Williams
    Amherst
    Trinity
    Middlebury
    Colby
    Bowdoin
    Hamilton
    Weslyan

    Best Offense:
    Bowdoin
    Middlebury
    Williams
    Hamilton
    Colby
    Amherst
    Trinity
    Weslyan

    Best Coach
    Middlebury
    Hamilton
    Trinity
    Colby
    Amherst
    Weslyan
    Bowdoin
    Williams

    My picks are:
    Hamilton[/B] (well Coached very physical, goaltending is either very good or very bad, Weslyan is a dangeroud #8 seed, with wins over Bowdoin, Ham, and Middlebury)

    Middlebury ( not a vintage year for this team, Beany is a very good coach, and players like Drolet are difference makers in big games. Goaltending could be the difference here as well, McKinney can steal a game)

    Bowdoin (Bowdoin has two of the best players in the league, Hardy is amazing, he could start just about anywhere in college hockey at any level, Weiniger is also a very strong player. Goaltending will also be a factor in this one, Amherst is a very tough team when they play well, loss to Mass Boston was puzzling)

    Williams (Willams has one of their best teams in years, good top to bottom and very tough at home, Vesprini must be on fire for trinity to have a chance.)

    Any of these games could go either way, they will be really fun to watch, could be a couple of OT thrillers in store. If Hamilton wins, how will Sage accomodate the crowd for what's sure to be a terrific final four.


    Bowdoin

  • #2
    Re: NESCAC Playoffs

    Good luck getting a discussion going about anything NESCAC
    My picks are the same as yours, and I expect some really close ones as well.
    As far as Sage arena goes, I can't really say because I've never been there. The Hamilton page doesn't list the capacity, but they did have almost six hundred there for the Bowdoin game. I think that more than a couple of hundred out of towners would be unlikely. From what I've been told, I think that there will be room, but seats with a good sight lines are hard to come by. I'm planning on getting there early (if it does end up there) to claim a good seat!
    from behind the iron curtain...

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: NESCAC Playoffs

      Seen three Williams games. You can't let them have open ice, once you let them have open ice, they're gonna beat you. Attack/press their defense in the defensive zone and their penalty kill was simply horrible vs Castleton. Their goaltending is very solid. I'd be happy with Purdy on an all star D3 team. But you can beat nearly anyone with quality passing and shooting.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: NESCAC Playoffs

        This time of year so much depends upon solid defense and stellar goaltending. Williams, Amherst, Trinity and Wesleyan have the best potential between the pipes. Bowdoin, Midd and Colby have had too many "D" lapses. Trinity sports the most anemic offense while Amherst has been weak and Middlebury and Wesleyan inconsistent. Bowdoin had got to stay out of the box, espercially with a long history of key major penalties in NESCAC tourneys. Midd and Hamilton have to try to find some special teams magic. Every teams knows what to expect from the opposition...who can suprise the other side by putting together a string of above-average games?

        Midd goes in for the first time as a seed lower than #2 and has never missed playing in the Championship Game. As a fan I want that streak to continue but it's based more on faith than consistent performance to date. Hey, it's a new season...anything is possible and all teams know that, if they wish to play beyond the first weekend in March, they have to capture the NESCAC autobid. Can't wait to get it started!
        D-III Game Pics @ http://www.willcimages.com

        Friends of Panther Hockey

        Comment


        • #5
          By the numbers

          Lasts seasons stats + recruits - players lost did in fact = some insight into how teams would do this season. Most notably Midd lost some production and goaltending and this affected them significantly. How does it portend for the playoffs?

          Hamilton v Wesleyan:
          Hamilton: Goal production was second in the conf. and goaltending (%.sav) improved to .902. They were second in the league with shots taken (815) and fourth best for shots/goal scored... signs of significant increase in goal scoring ability. However they had the second highest goals against and the Continentals take the third highest # of penalties per game. Combined with their PK ranking the worst in the conference, their PP very poor at .164 (only Trinity's is lower), will their improved offense and goaltending lead them far.

          Wesleyan: Save% is third best in the league and goals against equal to Hamiltons. Offensively the Cardinals were second worst in goal production and have a low scoring percentage. The PP was not productive ranking fifth and PK gave up 1 in 5 opportunities. This combined with a high number of penalties 7.1 per game, and the Cardinal net minders will have a fair amount of pressure this weekend.

          Williams v Trinity:
          Williams: Solid special teams and second best in the league in Save% led the team to a second place conf. position. PP ranked second to Bowdoin and scores 1 in 4. The Ephs allowed the lowest # of goals against and average only 5.3 penalties per game. Though they only took 683 shots all year (league lowest), they are amazingly accurate scoring once in every 7.9 shots (league highest).

          Trinity: Goaltending played a huge role for the Bantams this year leading the league with a .924 Save%. PK was solid as the team averages 6 penalties a game, however, scoring was a problem this year. Trinity PP only produced a .11 PP conversion and they produced only 63 goals for the season. Coupled with a very high 11.8 shot/goal ratio, the Bantams will face signifcant pressure against the Ephs.

          Middlebury v Colby
          Middlebury: A significant dropoff in special teams coupled with lower than their typical goaltending Save%, led to the pressures the team felt this year. The Panthers did not show their typical offensive dominance and only produced 77 goals this season. Effectiveness on offense also lagged requiring 10.7 shots per goal. Defense was solid only giving up 60 goals against. The team did show typical poise with a league low 4.9 penalties per game.

          Colby: As many of the NESCAC teams have this year, Colby suffered significantly on their PP but made up for it even up, posting 82 goals this season and only requiring 8.8 shots per goal. Goaltending was steady with a .897 Sav% and the team is disciplined only averaging 5 penalties per game. This looks to be a defensive battle to advance to the next round.

          Bowdoin v Amherst
          Bowdoin: The offense led the conference in several categories including goals scored (102) shooting effectiveness (7.8 shots per goal scored) and PP conversion (.33). WOW. Goals against was middle of the road and goaltending was adequate. Defensively, the Polar Bears are strong and though they take frequent trips to the sinbin, their PK is league tops. On paper they should dominate.

          Amherst: The Lord Jeffs were led by goaltending and defense with a Save% of .903 and a PK of .862 (second best in the league). Where they suffered was on offensive production only putting up 76 goals and only converting on .174 of their PP's. A well coached disciplined team, they only average 5.2 penatlies per game and if they can control Bowdoins offensive power, they stand an excellent chance of advancing.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: NESCAC Playoffs

            Originally posted by WillieC View Post
            This time of year so much depends upon solid defense and stellar goaltending. Williams, Amherst, Trinity and Wesleyan have the best potential between the pipes. Bowdoin, Midd and Colby have had too many "D" lapses. Trinity sports the most anemic offense while Amherst has been weak and Middlebury and Wesleyan inconsistent. Bowdoin had got to stay out of the box, espercially with a long history of key major penalties in NESCAC tourneys. Midd and Hamilton have to try to find some special teams magic. Every teams knows what to expect from the opposition...who can suprise the other side by putting together a string of above-average games?

            Midd goes in for the first time as a seed lower than #2 and has never missed playing in the Championship Game. As a fan I want that streak to continue but it's based more on faith than consistent performance to date. Hey, it's a new season...anything is possible and all teams know that, if they wish to play beyond the first weekend in March, they have to capture the NESCAC autobid. Can't wait to get it started!

            Ah nice to see you old chap! How's the sweater supply these days? For someone who complains about not enough hockey talk around here this is the best you have? This is some real crack analysis, old boy. Step it up a few notches and I just might head on over to raise an ale with the old boys at the M Club. Hear hear!

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: By the numbers

              Originally posted by NESCAC Fan View Post
              Lasts seasons stats + recruits - players lost did in fact = some insight into how teams would do this season. Most notably Midd lost some production and goaltending and this affected them significantly. How does it portend for the playoffs?

              Hamilton v Wesleyan:
              Hamilton: Goal production was second in the conf. and goaltending (%.sav) improved to .902. They were second in the league with shots taken (815) and fourth best for shots/goal scored... signs of significant increase in goal scoring ability. However they had the second highest goals against and the Continentals take the third highest # of penalties per game. Combined with their PK ranking the worst in the conference, their PP very poor at .164 (only Trinity's is lower), will their improved offense and goaltending lead them far.

              Wesleyan: Save% is third best in the league and goals against equal to Hamiltons. Offensively the Cardinals were second worst in goal production and have a low scoring percentage. The PP was not productive ranking fifth and PK gave up 1 in 5 opportunities. This combined with a high number of penalties 7.1 per game, and the Cardinal net minders will have a fair amount of pressure this weekend.

              Williams v Trinity:
              Williams: Solid special teams and second best in the league in Save% led the team to a second place conf. position. PP ranked second to Bowdoin and scores 1 in 4. The Ephs allowed the lowest # of goals against and average only 5.3 penalties per game. Though they only took 683 shots all year (league lowest), they are amazingly accurate scoring once in every 7.9 shots (league highest).

              Trinity: Goaltending played a huge role for the Bantams this year leading the league with a .924 Save%. PK was solid as the team averages 6 penalties a game, however, scoring was a problem this year. Trinity PP only produced a .11 PP conversion and they produced only 63 goals for the season. Coupled with a very high 11.8 shot/goal ratio, the Bantams will face signifcant pressure against the Ephs.

              Middlebury v Colby
              Middlebury: A significant dropoff in special teams coupled with lower than their typical goaltending Save%, led to the pressures the team felt this year. The Panthers did not show their typical offensive dominance and only produced 77 goals this season. Effectiveness on offense also lagged requiring 10.7 shots per goal. Defense was solid only giving up 60 goals against. The team did show typical poise with a league low 4.9 penalties per game.

              Colby: As many of the NESCAC teams have this year, Colby suffered significantly on their PP but made up for it even up, posting 82 goals this season and only requiring 8.8 shots per goal. Goaltending was steady with a .897 Sav% and the team is disciplined only averaging 5 penalties per game. This looks to be a defensive battle to advance to the next round.

              Bowdoin v Amherst
              Bowdoin: The offense led the conference in several categories including goals scored (102) shooting effectiveness (7.8 shots per goal scored) and PP conversion (.33). WOW. Goals against was middle of the road and goaltending was adequate. Defensively, the Polar Bears are strong and though they take frequent trips to the sinbin, their PK is league tops. On paper they should dominate.

              Amherst: The Lord Jeffs were led by goaltending and defense with a Save% of .903 and a PK of .862 (second best in the league). Where they suffered was on offensive production only putting up 76 goals and only converting on .174 of their PP's. A well coached disciplined team, they only average 5.2 penatlies per game and if they can control Bowdoins offensive power, they stand an excellent chance of advancing.
              Good job writing all this down, but it's way too much analysis. This league is just so even, that it really does prove the cliche about "that's why they play the games."

              As I said in a different thread, the league is so crazy this year that I wouldn't be surprised to see Bates named champs.

              In all seriousness, I'll say Midd and Hamilton are the favorites. Midd because they always seem to be right there, even in a down year. Hamilton because, even though they don't have the greatest home record, Sage is just not a fun place for teams to get to or play in.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                Nice Job NESCAC FAN! thanks for putting that together. On Paper, Bowdoin does look the best, and from what I've witnessed they'd have to be the favorite, but you can't discount history, can you?
                from behind the iron curtain...

                Comment


                • #9
                  [QUOTE=jimmy d;5047755]Nice Job NESCAC FAN! thanks for putting that together. On Paper, Bowdoin does look the best, and from what I've witnessed they'd have to be the favorite, but you can't discount history, can you?[/QUOTE

                  Here are 5 fun questions:
                  Is this the year Middlebury doesn't make the Final or do they win it all again?
                  Is Hamilton the most over rated #1 seed or the most under rated?
                  Is this the year one of the old lions ( tortorella, Meagher, Kangas) finally win one?
                  Can Weselyan be the first 8 seed to go all the way?
                  Should Colby be written off against Middlebuy even though they were red hot in the last 6 weeks?

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                    Midd makes the final four
                    Most over rated
                    No
                    No
                    No
                    Cadet Crosby '63

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                      The teams overall in the NESCAC were very close with no clear dominant team. Looking at head to head games, momentum going into the playoffs, and win-loss goal advantage, some strengths and weakness begin to emerge. Specific numbers looked at include wins and losses against the seven conference rivals in the playoffs (R), goal differential in a teams wins (W), goal differential in a teams losses (L), and momentum: how the team has done in their last 3 conference games against playoff teams (X). Each category was ranked from 0-3 with a final point total for the four categories.

                      Hamilton v Wesleyan
                      Hamilton: R2, X1, W2, L2 = 7
                      Wesleyan: R0, X0, W1, L0 = 1 advantage Hamilton (Hami has 2 wins 3 ties at home and Wesly is not a good road team)

                      Bowdoin v Amherst: This one is interesting
                      Bowdoin: R1, X0, W1, L0 = 2
                      Amherst: R3, X1, W3, L1 = 8 advantage Amherst (no home advantage here)

                      Colby v Middlebury: Should be a tough battle
                      Colby: R2, X2, W2, L0 = 6
                      Middlebury: R3, X0, W3, L2 = 8 slight advantage Midd but no momentum hitting playoffs

                      Trinity v Williams: This could be an upset
                      Trinity: R2, X3, W2, L0 = 7
                      Williams: R0, X0, W1, L0 = 1 Williams an 11-6 team in conference is only 2-4-1 against playoff teams and is 0-2-1 in their last 3.

                      Stats though only go so far. The question will be "who will bring it?" and thats why we love the game

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                        Originally posted by Crusso View Post
                        Here are 5 fun questions:
                        Is this the year Middlebury doesn't make the Final or do they win it all again?
                        Is Hamilton the most over rated #1 seed or the most under rated?
                        Is this the year one of the old lions ( tortorella, Meagher, Kangas) finally win one?
                        Can Weselyan be the first 8 seed to go all the way?
                        Should Colby be written off against Middlebuy even though they were red hot in the last 6 weeks?
                        Nice set of questions. Here are my answers:

                        1. Right now, any team #1-#8 in the NESCAC has a realistic chance of winning the conference tournament
                        2. See above
                        3. See above
                        4. See above
                        5. See above
                        Plattsburgh CARDINALS
                        SUNYAC Champ x24: 78, 79, 82, 83, 85, 87, 88, 90, 92, 93, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 04, 08, 09, 11, 12, 15, 17, 23
                        ECACW Champ x11: 81, 82, 87, 92, 06, 07, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
                        NEWHL Champ x5: 18, 19, 20, 22, 23
                        NCAA DIII Champ x10-ish: 87, 92, 01, 07, 08, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19
                        NCAA DIII Runner-up x4-ish: 86, 90, 06, 08
                        NCAA DII Runner-up x2: 81, 82

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                          Wow. Great Post! Thanks for the insights.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                            First time on this thread...curious as to who would be considered the Freshman of the year at F/D & G in NESCAC this season. I note Lockwood had a good year as a forward at Bowdoin. Interested in anyone else's thoughts. Also, who is going to have to have a strong recruiting class this year to ensure competitiveness in NESCAC.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: NESCAC Playoffs

                              Originally posted by oldredhawk1 View Post
                              First time on this thread...curious as to who would be considered the Freshman of the year at F/D & G in NESCAC this season. I note Lockwood had a good year as a forward at Bowdoin. Interested in anyone else's thoughts. Also, who is going to have to have a strong recruiting class this year to ensure competitiveness in NESCAC.
                              Lockwood's good but has missed quite a few games and is pretty far down the list of freshmen in scoring. My money is on Tufts Kyle Gallegos, who put up excellent numbers while playing on the worst team in the NESCAC (12 goals and 6 assists in 16 conference games)

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X