-- Karen/Greg Ambrose <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I think, overall, it would have been better if he had let the teams
> just
> play.  There is no question in my mind that the disjointed flow of
> the game
> - penalties, commercials, etc. - worked to Maine's advantage.  In a
> five-on-five game UNH has more depth and probably would have had the
> advantage in the third period.  Of course, Michaud was playing out of
> his
> mind so it might not have made any difference.
 
Interesting question of "depth" in terms of this game because "depth"
is a relative term, depending on how you define it.
 
50+ percent of UNH's goals came from their top line, is that depth?  I
wouldn't say so.
 
I said before the game that if Maine held the Krog line to 2 goals or
less that we would win the game, because I felt UNH couldn't beat Maine
with its other 3 lines.  That's exactly what happened.  The Krog line
produced two very good goals, but no other line helped out.
 
UNH's top line was clearly tired in overtime.  I have contended since
the end of the game that Jason Krog wins the game for UNH in overtime
if he's not tired (i.e. lifts the puck over Michaud rather than
allowing him to smother it).  Certainly Maine outchanced UNH in
overtime, but Krog had the game on his stick and couldn't get it in the
air.  Hockey is definitely a game of inches.
 
See, I contend Maine's "depth" is what won them the championship.  The
fact that Walsh used all four lines consistently all night (that fourth
line ended regulation on the ice).  UNH had the better individual
talent on the top line (who can argue with Krog, Haydar and Souza!),
much like BC had better individual talent (Gionta, Farkas, Bellefuelle,
Mottau, Allen, etc.), but to me depth is playing all four lines, being
in top shape and having that be a key to success.
 
If Maine could have kept UNH at 5-on-5 all game and declined penalties
they would have.  If UNH had an advantage it was their forward talent
on power play and open ice of 4-on-4, but I would not give them a
significant advantage five-on-five.  We were joking while watching the
game wondering if Maine could "decline" UNH penalties so we didn't have
to kill them off!!
 
BTW, side note.. Maine's penalty kill was 25 of 26 in the NCAA
Tournament, which certainly was a key to victory.
 
I'll be posting more thoughts on the championship itself later this
week once I completely digest it!!  WAY TO GO MAINE!!!!
===
---
Deron Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
1999 UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COMEBACK TOUR!
4 DOWN, NONE LEFT.. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
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