Being outscored four to nothing doesn't necessarily mean you were outplayed by that much. I thought tonight's game was closer than the score would indicate. The difference to me was that once the Badgers got up by 2 goals they really played well in the neutral zone and in their own end. The Seawolves were hard pressed to manufacture scoring chances.
I'm not saying they had a lot of scoring chances prior to being down 2-0 but they were certainly in the game. Chris Kamal was solid in the net and otherwise gave the team in front of him a chance to win had they been able to finish the limited chances that they did have.
It was a fairly cleanly played game but I didn't the our boys got any breaks at all from the referees. I counted two blatant penalties on Bucky that went uncalled and the call against Scott Allen was total bullshit. That said, those non-calls were not the difference in the game. The difference as I noted above was the Badgers defensive game.
There were lots of note-worthy performances for the green and gold. Andrew Pettitt was quite noticeable for his play. It was energetic and effective moving forward. I was pleased to see how responsible Sam Mellor was with his backchecking; he made many nice passes and showed growth from the 1st half of the season. Mitch Bruijsten was effective and looked good. Eric Scheid carried the puck well on a number of occasions and made chances with his solid puck handling and excellent skating. Lots of guys played pretty well really.
The Seawolves played mostly well in their own end with just a couple of miscues and opposition forwards left uncovered. At this level though those instances can be pretty costly. I haven't looked at the stats but think I can say pretty safely that losing as many faceoffs as they did isn't a good thing. This was one of those games/situations that we've seen often over the years. Good play but just not good enough at critical times to make the difference.
No reason for the boys to hang there heads necessarily and I'd expect a closer game tomorrow night. Here is tonight's boxscore.
17 comments:
How you feelin dog? Why were you banned on USCHO? Love your blog. Appreciate your insight.
I thought the team played with a lot of energy and jump in their skates. They definitely had their chances, but are really struggling to put the puck in the net. Maybe tomorrow!
Another loss? Are we in the basement? Why do we lose so much? I don't even want to go see a game because we might lose again.Oh well. I hope we do better next year.
Another season of last or next to last under Shyiak (6 0f his 7 seasons) so yes in the basement again. Program is in disarray in more ways than one and that is a big part of why they lose so much. If players are enjoying their experience they don't quit or go ineligible. You should go and support them though as they do deserve it.
We can still savage something out of this season. UA_ isn't having the best of years either, we get hot during our homestand and we can make it to the Final Five again. I don't care for the kids that leave our program, I care about the ones that stick it out and don't give up and walk away.
We came in 8th place last season, not last or next to last. There were 4 teams below us and we made it to the Final Five.
However, I am very concerned when players leave the team and it appears we don't have recruits lined up for next season (at least not info that is available to us yet).
Why did the season start SO strongly this year and now it has fallen apart? Something must be up in the locker room, and if so the coach has to take responsibility for that.
I believe the sentence was last or next to last in 6 of 7 with last season being the exception. Program is in bad shape and needs a change in direction.
Yeah not a bad game at all, lots of energy, moral victories, etc... This program is a dumpster fire thank god they won't be in the NCHC.
We don't WANT to be in the SLUT league, so go away.
Don't want or weren't invited?
Not sure about Donald but Seawolf fans have reason to be frustrated. They need hope and that will come if their weak AD can find some leadership qualities and make a coaching change at seasons end. The program shouldn't continue this downward spiral with Shyiak. 7 years is more than enough time to show positive progress.
So true. But does Cobb have it in him to pay the money for the right coach. Look at Tech? Pearson has turned that program around in one season, but it cost them a pretty penny.
Not just Shyiak need to go, but so does Cobb.
Does UAA still have free streaming for home games? Sure hope so. PioneerVision videp doesn't travel
Yes, UAA still has free streaming video during home games. Here you go! http://uaahockey.nmtvsports.com/uaahockey.htm
I think that an overall evaluation of the hockey program should be done starting now and continue until the end of this season to see if this is the direction it should continue. After seven seasons you have had enough time to seethe direction that coach shyiak wants to take the program. A change needs to be made. Let's see if the athleticDirector cares about hockey.
Unless Shyiak resigns, I don't see Cobb doing anything.
Suze, the schools that broke away did so in part to Cobb's behavior at coaches convention and more importantly...while new rinks are being built by other WCHA programs UAA shows it's commitment to hockey by building a 5,000 seat basketball complex. Your AD did you no favors with his decisions and actions.
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