Sixth-ranked Union (13-4-3) returns to action this weekend with a two-game non-conference series at 17th-ranked New Hampshire (13-10-1).
Tonight's game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. faceoff while Saturday's contest is set for 7 p.m. Both games are available for pay-per-view streaming at unhwildcats.tv.
In advance of the series, I chatted with New Hampshire color analyst Pete Webster and Concord Monitor sportswriter Drew Bonifant.
The pair breaks down the Wildcats recent success, strengths, weaknesses, five players to watch and offer predictions for the weekend.
.jpg)
Pete Webster (PW): Scoring goals at opportune times has helped tremendously. There is an attitude of "it's not over until the final second ticks off." Case in point last Saturday vs. Dartmouth -- UNH gave up the tying goal with about three minutes left, yet scored two themselves (5-on-5) to win 4-2.
Drew Bonifant (DB): Lately, UNH's biggest strength has been the chemistry of its forwards on what's become the first line. It took a few games, but in center Kevin Goumas and wingers Matt Willows and Nick Sorkin, the Wildcats finally have skill sets that mesh on the ice. Goumas is a gifted playmaker, Willows is a quick forward with a good shot and nose for the goal, and Sorkin is a big body who can move and finish near the net. The three can play naturally and not worry about one's style hindering another.
RF: What kind of style of game does New Hampshire like to play?
PW: UNH likes to play an open creative game offensively. Numerous players have the ability to open things up from the defensive zone out. However, this team can bang it out in the corners and along the boards with the best of them.
RF: What are some of New Hampshire's strengths?
PW: UNH's strength is how well this whole team plays together. The team doesn't seem to get down even after a close loss. Tough outcome at Boston College on a Friday (in December) as Eagles quick hit for three goals to break open the game. Next night at UNH, 'Cats thoroughly outplayed BC but couldn't finish and lost 2-1. The team didn't get down about it, even though they outshot BC by a 70-40 margin on the weekend.
Technically, UNH's strength is their puck control. They use all the acreage on the ice to run their attack.
DB: Looking at the season as a whole, the participation of the defensemen in the offense has been an asset all year. Defensemen Eric Knodel and Trevor van Riemsdyk have good shots, and when UNH is producing, especially on the power play, they usually have a hand in starting chances.
Technically, UNH's strength is their puck control. They use all the acreage on the ice to run their attack.
DB: Looking at the season as a whole, the participation of the defensemen in the offense has been an asset all year. Defensemen Eric Knodel and Trevor van Riemsdyk have good shots, and when UNH is producing, especially on the power play, they usually have a hand in starting chances.
RF: What are some of New Hampshire's weaknesses?
DB: UNH's weaknesses are a lack of consistency on the power play and a tendency to start slow. Recent successes on the man advantage has UNH up to 15th in the country, but the Wildcats struggle to generate chances a variety of ways. When firing slap shots from the point or high slot isn't generating rebounds, they don't score. They don't have a reliable Plan B.
As for the second point, the Wildcats have trailed in either the first and/or second periods of their past seven games. They've shown a knack for climbing out of holes in their last four wins, but against top-tier teams (BC, UMass-Lowell, etc.), the Wildcats have started sluggishly and tried to make up for it late. Sometimes that works out, but it's a tough way to win consistently.
RF: How do you see the weekend unfolding?
PW: I see the weekend as a pair of one goal games or ties. It seems these two teams have similar numbers (except losses). I look for a lot of good open ice up and down action. Goalies may play a big part if odd man rushes are prevalent. I don't think Union will take too long to adapt to the [Olympic] ice surface, but UNH may look to capitalize early on as Union gets adjusted to Lake Whittemore.
PW: I see the weekend as a pair of one goal games or ties. It seems these two teams have similar numbers (except losses). I look for a lot of good open ice up and down action. Goalies may play a big part if odd man rushes are prevalent. I don't think Union will take too long to adapt to the [Olympic] ice surface, but UNH may look to capitalize early on as Union gets adjusted to Lake Whittemore.
This will be a huge series as far as the PairWise rankings are concerned. UNH needs to keep going in a positive direction and can't afford to lose too many more games. Wins for Union will be big as UNH is their only Hockey East opponent this year.
DB: I'm thinking a split, either win-loss or tie-tie. [UNH's] season would get a huge boost in the PairWise if they can pick up some points, and they've been playing well lately (especially that first line, which has just been sizzling).
That being said, UNH has struggled to seize these kinds of chances. A close loss and hard-fought tie is often the result when they go up against proven, legitimate teams, especially since December 2012. I think at home, with a rejuvenated offense and improved defense, they'll do a little better, but three or four points is a tall task. It has been a while since they've done that against elite competition.
DB: I'm thinking a split, either win-loss or tie-tie. [UNH's] season would get a huge boost in the PairWise if they can pick up some points, and they've been playing well lately (especially that first line, which has just been sizzling).
That being said, UNH has struggled to seize these kinds of chances. A close loss and hard-fought tie is often the result when they go up against proven, legitimate teams, especially since December 2012. I think at home, with a rejuvenated offense and improved defense, they'll do a little better, but three or four points is a tall task. It has been a while since they've done that against elite competition.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sr. F Kevin Goumas (10-18--28, 23 games)
5'10" / 160 lbs
PW: Has an excellent skating ability and is very shifty with the puck... likes to be creative with the puck... has really improved in his own end defensively.
Sr. F Nick Sorkin (12-14--26, 24 games)
Sr. F Nick Sorkin (12-14--26, 24 games)
6'3" / 185 lbs
 |
| van Riemsdyk |
PW: Having a great senior year after an injury plagued junior campaign... has been more confident with the puck this season and has had a special knack of finding the puck on the power play.
Jr. D Trevor van Riemsdyk (4-19--23, 24 games)
Jr. D Trevor van Riemsdyk (4-19--23, 24 games)
6'2" / 185 lbs
PW: Legitimately one of the best defensemen in the country... seems to always know how much time he has with the puck on his stick.... anchor of the power play.... tough to beat 1-on-1 as his size and reach are assets.
Jr. F Matt Willows (12-8--20, 24 games)
Jr. F Matt Willows (12-8--20, 24 games)
5'9" / 185 lbs
PW: Fun to watch - wouldn't want him on the other team.. small but tough... always seems to track the play in all three zones... will get his nose in everywhere on the ice, but doesn't play dirty... is on a hot scoring streak right now (6 goals, 1 assist in last four games).
Jr. G Casey DeSmith (2.20 GAA, .919%, 20 games)
Jr. G Casey DeSmith (2.20 GAA, .919%, 20 games)
6" / 180 lbs
PW: Technically sound goalie who isn't out of position much... can be prone to leave a juicy rebound... plays well with the six defenseman in front... solid glove and block and can move the puck with his stick.
Follow @UnionHockeyBlog
No comments:
Post a Comment