College Hockey Thread

[twibnotes]

I'd love to be wrong. I really admire what Red has done at UM, both as a player and a coach. He's also said to be a great guy (as anyone who has spent time in AA knows, everyone is no more than a couple degrees separated, especially in sports circles)

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

Saw QU defeat Princeton last night 3-1in a somewhat lackluster game. Ice quality looked bad, may have affected play.

Still, 7-0 in conference, ranked 11/13 is not too shabby. They are bunched up in ranks with Cornell, Union, Dartmouth and Yale as far as ECAC teams go, the league of the pretty good, not great. Hope they can keep it up, but a lot of games to play.

 

[jsinger121]

Saw QU defeat Princeton last night 3-1in a somewhat lackluster game. Ice quality looked bad, may have affected play.

Still, 7-0 in conference, ranked 11/13 is not too shabby. They are bunched up in ranks with Cornell, Union, Dartmouth and Yale as far as ECAC teams go, the league of the pretty good, not great. Hope they can keep it up, but a lot of games to play.

Agreed. We have seen this team get off to a hot start before in the past only to die out after the holiday break. They have one horrendous loss to AIC and a semi horrible loss to Robert Morris though they just beat Ohio State last night so maybe they are not that bad as Ohio State is 3rd in the CCHA. The key will be how this team fares after the holiday break. They are the number 1 team in the nation in total defense which is amazing considering in the past they were not a real good defensive team and they have the third best PK in the country. If those numbers keep up and they get to 20 plus wins they are a tournament team likely. They still have alot of tough games in the 2nd half along with 2 tough road trips (Cornell/Colgate and Harvard/Darmouth), 2 home games against a ranked Nebraska Omaha team, a home and home with Yale among other big games as well. I think the good thing is that right after the holidays starting on December 29 with Nebraska Omaha they have a stretch of 7 consecutive home games.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Bah, this is a replay.

 

[jsinger121]

Quinnipiac jumps 4 spots to #9 as the first half the season comes to a close. They have 11 of their final 17 games against winning teams so hopefully the winning ways continue after the break is over.

 

[Clemente]

UNH had a strong first half of the season, but is notorious for starting strong and fading miserably at the end. BU beats them at home and BC takes over the number 1 spot. Hockey East rules.

The one nice thing about the unexpected play of UNH, is that based on the poor performance over the past few years, tickets are once again available for single games. May the Sox turn it around as quickly.

Good break to all.

 

[ifmanis5]

Big congrats to Jerry York for Passing Ron Mason with win #925. Classy guy doing an epic job. Well deserved.

 

[FelixMantilla]

Was this the worst loss of Jerry York's BC career? Eagles looked like dogshit all game long against Minnesota tonight.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Vermont beat Union and Princeton this weekend to win their tournament. Trending in right direction.

 

[kenneycb]

Was this the worst loss of Jerry York's BC career? Eagles looked like dogshit all game long against Minnesota tonight.

They looked worse than that a lot during the 2008-09 season.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

#9 Quinnipiac takes both ends of home and home v. Nebraska Omaha, great way to start off post break, but we'll have to see how they do v ECAC foes. Amusingly, the logo on Nebraska Omaha's sweaters read "UNO.". Which was how many goals they scored on Sunday. Ranked 12 going in, I was impressed by their speed and hustle, but goaltending was a bit iffy.

 

[jsinger121]

#9 Quinnipiac takes both ends of home and home v. Nebraska Omaha, great way to start off post break, but we'll have to see how they do v ECAC foes. Amusingly, the logo on Nebraska Omaha's sweaters read "UNO.". Which was how many goals they scored on Sunday. Ranked 12 going in, I was impressed by their speed and hustle, but goaltending was a bit iffy.

We jump by #9 to #5 with the sweep of UNO. Highest spot ever was #4 a couple of years. If they had not had the loss to AIC earlier this year I think they would be #3 or #4 right now. If they pull off another sweep next weekend of #8 Dartmouth and Harvard I'd jumped they as high as #3.

 

[Clemente]

And so the second half begins for the UNH Wildcats - a loss against Dartmouth and needing OT to beat Bemidji State. Not sure what Umile does wrong, but he cannot get this team to improve and peak at the right time. Still, the team is exceeding the expectations for this season so there is that.

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

NESN is choosing to air QU v. Dartmouth over BC-Yale tonight for some reason. Arena looks 1/2 empty.

 

[jsinger121]

NESN is choosing to air QU v. Dartmouth over BC-Yale tonight for some reason. Arena looks 1/2 empty.

School is on break and NESN likely didn't chose anything. Quinnipiac pays for the airtime.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

SRO for the QU game v Hahvahd Saturday night, a lot more crowded than Dartmouth game. Lots of local groups had outings, which helped.

14 wins in a row for the Bobcats.

 

[jsinger121]

SRO for the QU game v Hahvahd Saturday night, a lot more crowded than Dartmouth game. Lots of local groups had outings, which helped.

14 wins in a row for the Bobcats.

Nice to see them keep winning especially with all the students on break. 16-3-2 on the season. I think they leap frog UNH potentially and move up to #4 and start receiving first place votes. Also #2 in the PairWise Rankings and #3 for RPI. If they continue to win and not suffer any bad losses and win the ECAC tournament title then I'd expect a #1 seed in the NCAA's in the East Regional in Providence.

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

With Agganis getting concerts and now local players prepping for 2013 seasons, it's kind of become embarrassing when comparing to Kelley/Conte (success notwithstanding!!!), maybe it's time for a new modern rink for York's legacy/BC? Any chance of that happening by 2020?

 

[kenneycb]

There's no space anywhere and I doubt the swell Brighton folks would green light anything getting built on the Brighton campus. The only thing I could see would be installing ACs in there. FWIW the pros were practicing at Conte as well as Tufts during the lockout.

BC won't get many concerts anyways due to location and not wanting to piss the neighbors off.

 

[Senator Donut]

#1 versus #2 tonight at 8:00 on NESN.

(Let's hope this #1/#2 matchup works out better for the Irish.)

 

[runnels3]

Whoa Teddy!! Crimson with 3 in the 3rd to force OT and then surge past the Terriers with 48 seconds left, 6-5. Doc loved it.

 

[kenneycb]

So BC might have something with this Gaudreau kid, eh?

 

[kenneycb]

Seriously. Two apples and a goal. The second assist was absolute filth. Oh, 4-1 Eagles with 3 to go in the 2nd.

 

[mabrowndog]

Fantastic game on NBCSN right now between Denver and Nebraska-Omaha. After blowing a 4-2 lead, the Pioneers just went back ahead 5-4 with 6:13 left.

EDIT - Wow, Larazza with his second straight goal puts DU up by a pair with 4:31 to play.

 

[YuppieScum]

With Agganis getting concerts and now local players prepping for 2013 seasons, it's kind of become embarrassing when comparing to Kelley/Conte (success notwithstanding!!!), maybe it's time for a new modern rink for York's legacy/BC? Any chance of that happening by 2020?

How bout a trade, the Conte for the Lawler Arena?

 

[kenneycb]

Assuming Lawler doesn't have maroon seats and some semblance of an AC, I would consider that trade. But more because I think the ice and general atmosphere of Conte sucks when you're skating on it.

 

[sachmoney]

Michigan won its first game of the new year following four losses against the U-18 US NTDP team, Bowling Green, and a sweep at home against Alaska-Fairbanks (Alaska's first sweep at Yost...EVER). Besides a game at Yost against Michigan State and a series against Ferris to end the season, Michigan is on the road for the rest of the season. The team has A LOT of work to do to get things right. It would be shocking for them to get an at-large bid at this point, but they have to right the ship for the CCHA tournament. For me, winning the CCHA is the only chance.

One down year in FOREVER is alright for me, but this team is too talented to have put themselves in this situation.

 

[mabrowndog]

Maine gets goals from 4 different players (Diamond, Lomberg, Merchant & then Beattie with the empty netter) for a 4-1 win over BC. It's the Black Bears' first win at Conte Forum since 2005. 
 
HUGE upset. Just their 2nd Hockey East win and their first in conference since 11/10 @ UM-L. And they're still in last place. But after starting out 1-9, Maine's now 5-5-4 in their last 14 including the sweep of UM-Duluth and Cornell in Florida. Not sure it'll be enough to save Whitehead's job, and the final 6 weeks are no picnic.
 
Meanwhile since their 10-1 start, BC's just 4-5-2 in their last 11, with 2 of the wins over Northeastern & Ala-Huntsville. They've lost 3 of 4 and 4 of 7.

 

[mabrowndog]

Minnesota lost to Minnesota State in Mankato, 2-1. 
 
Combined with BC's loss, Quinnipiac could be ranked #1 next week for the first time in school history. The Bobcats are idle this weekend, and are already atop both the RPI and PWR.

 

[jsinger121]

Minnesota lost to Minnesota State in Mankato, 2-1. 
 
Combined with BC's loss, Quinnipiac could be ranked #1 next week for the first time in school history. The Bobcats are idle this weekend, and are already atop both the RPI and PWR.

I am going to be giddy come Monday if that happens. Would love to see Minnesota get swept. I am heading down to Quinnipiac today for men's basketball though I wish it was for hockey instead. Though I have to wait a few weeks for my hockey games down there.

 

[Franklin Fanatic]

UMass with a 3-2 win at Vermont last night.  Going for the sweep in Burlington tonight.  Next 3 after tonight are at home (vs BU, vs NU, vs UML).

 

[mabrowndog]

Maine beats BC again, 3-1, to sweep the weekend series.
 
Western Michigan sweeps Big Blue in Kalamazoo, as the Wolverines fall to 8-16-2.

 

[doldmoose34]

fucking yearly January slump

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

fucking yearly January slump

they'll be there in March and April, that's what counts.

 

[kenneycb]

I don't think they have the D to do anything of note this year. They're down to four healthy D right now and it's a very young core, which usually doesn't bode well.

 

[FelixMantilla]

The defense is definitely short-handed right now. And with the offense struggling this makes the team look pretty bad at this point in the season. As an aside, does anyone think Kevin Hayes will ever justify his first round draft pick status? He has done very little in his 2+ seasons at BC.

 

[berniecarbo1]

I am looking for an upset on Monday night.....I am thinking that maybe, just maybe Harvard wins the Beanpot.

 

[kenneycb]

The defense is definitely short-handed right now. And with the offense struggling this makes the team look pretty bad at this point in the season. As an aside, does anyone think Kevin Hayes will ever justify his first round draft pick status? He has done very little in his 2+ seasons at BC.

I thought he looked pretty damn impressive during the times I saw him before the winter break.  He seemed to be finding out how to use his frame out there and become more of a power forward.  I can't really speak to much outside of the 5-10 times I saw him during that time but I came away very impressed.  These guys usually take a while to develop and, like his brother, this is about the right time frame for when everything starts to click.  I can't speak to his recent performances but the potential and size is certainly there IMO.

 

[jsinger121]

Quinnipiac got the snub this week in the USCHO and USA Today polls especially after Minnesota lost at home. They are still #1 in the Pairwise, KRACH and have the #1 RPI which is all that really matters. If they pull off a sweep of Brown/#8 Yale this weekend they deserve to jump over Minnesota especially since the Gophers are off this weekend.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

The good news is the polls are totally meaningless is college hockey. thank goodness. probably good for QU, too, as they've been shaky lately and perhaps being number 1 might be a little too much. but their schedule is not onerous after this weekend and they can easily be the #1 seed in Providence. Question is who will be the other local #1, UNH or BC? And who gets the #4 in QU bracket, a likely enviable position?

oh, and the Beanpot is in a week+

 

[jsinger121]

The good news is the polls are totally meaningless is college hockey. thank goodness. probably good for QU, too, as they've been shaky lately and perhaps being number 1 might be a little too much. but their schedule is not onerous after this weekend and they can easily be the #1 seed in Providence. Question is who will be the other local #1, UNH or BC? And who gets the #4 in QU bracket, a likely enviable position? oh, and the Beanpot is in a week+

 
UNH cannot go to Providence. As the host school for Manchester they are locked into the Northeast region regardless if they are a #1 or #2 seed. If BC rebounds and wins Hockey East and Quinnipiac wins ECAC regular season and tourney title they will get the #1 in Providence over BC and send the Eagles probably to Toledo.

 

[Laser Show]

The good news is the polls are totally meaningless is college hockey. thank goodness. probably good for QU, too, as they've been shaky lately and perhaps being number 1 might be a little too much. but their schedule is not onerous after this weekend and they can easily be the #1 seed in Providence. Question is who will be the other local #1, UNH or BC? And who gets the #4 in QU bracket, a likely enviable position? oh, and the Beanpot is in a week+

 
I think you mean it's in two weeks, when BU and BC play in the championship. Just a cynical Northeastern fan over here. Haha.

 

[McDrew]

Considering BU is going through their annual Post-Christmas-Break crap period (3-4-1, with their only ranked opponent beating them 6-0, along with horrible losses to Harvard/Northeastern), I wouldn't put it by them to lose in the first round again.  Parker's been really bad recently about keeping his players at the same level once the break ends.  

 

[jsinger121]

Considering BU is going through their annual Post-Christmas-Break crap period (3-4-1, with their only ranked opponent beating them 6-0, along with horrible losses to Harvard/Northeastern), I wouldn't put it by them to lose in the first round again.  Parker's been really bad recently about keeping his players at the same level once the break ends.  

They are lucky they have a soft schedule down the stretch with Maine, Northeastern 3 times, 2 times with Vermont and one with Merrimack with 2 tough ones with Lowell. They can ill afford to fuck up any of those soft games or they could be in danger of missing the tournament if they don't go deep in the Hockey East tournament.

 

[Laser Show]

Considering BU is going through their annual Post-Christmas-Break crap period (3-4-1, with their only ranked opponent beating them 6-0, along with horrible losses to Harvard/Northeastern), I wouldn't put it by them to lose in the first round again.  Parker's been really bad recently about keeping his players at the same level once the break ends.  

 
If you've watched this Northeastern team outside of the BU game, you wouldn't be saying that. Their win at Agganis was the outlier - they choked away 4-1 and 4-2 leads in the third period this past weekend against Lowell and have played with zero ability to close out games/comeback in games. They are a flat out bad hockey team. I will be shocked if BU doesn't step up and win this game.

 

[terrynever]

Penn State's men's hockey program just played before 19,600 fans in Philly vs. Vermont. Lions' program is backed by Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, a PSU alum who donated $89M to build a new hockey arena on campus and added $14M to endow a hockey scholarship fund.
 
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-01-28/penn-state-hockey-terry-pegula-ice-arena-consol-energy-center-jerry-sandusky?modid=recommended_4_5

 

[Mr. Wednesday]

If you've watched this Northeastern team outside of the BU game, you wouldn't be saying that. Their win at Agganis was the outlier - they choked away 4-1 and 4-2 leads in the third period this past weekend against Lowell and have played with zero ability to close out games/comeback in games. They are a flat out bad hockey team. I will be shocked if BU doesn't step up and win this game.

 
A bad hockey team with just enough talent to be dangerous.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

QU at Yale Saturday night.  Sold out.  For fun, I checked Stubhub, where cheapest seat was about $100.00.  I think that didn't include  a seat.

 

[jsinger121]

QU at Yale Saturday night.  Sold out.  For fun, I checked Stubhub, where cheapest seat was about $100.00.  I think that didn't include  a seat.

 
Wow..The Yale game at home is going to be awesome atmosphere especially with the game on the NBC Sports Network..I'm going to the Brown game on Friday then coming down to QU for Clarkson on the 16th and Brown on the 23rd.

 

[mabrowndog]

Here's how the seeds would look today according to USCHO's Jayson Moy. 
 
 
Grand Rapids
14 Notre Dame vs. 2 Minnesota
9 St. Cloud State vs. 8 Western Michigan
 
Toledo
13 Denver vs. 4 Miami
10 North Dakota vs. 7 Massachusetts-Lowell
 
Manchester
15 Dartmouth vs. 3 New Hampshire
12 Alaska vs. 6 Boston College
 
Providence
16 Niagara vs. 1 Quinnipiac
11 Boston University vs. 5 Yale