2023 NCAA Tournament: Regionals

[Iceberg]

Excellent on ESPN+

Brought up VPN as they were asking for an international feed so was assuming they might be outside of the US.  ESPN+ is region locked (or maybe just blocked) at least for China so VPN is the only way to access even when paying for the service.

Yeah, that's why I asked. I happen to be out of the US right now and ESPN+ is blocked. I guess I'll pick one of the VPN's

[David Harding]

It's a hockey game. We have a chance of beating Denver. We are clear underdogs, but we have a chance. Maybe 2:1 odds? If we beat Denver, then the hardest part is over.

Amen.  I wasn't terrifically impressed with Denver when I watched Omaha (currently #18) beat them 3-0 in Denver.  The next night Denver won 6-3.  

On the other hand, drop the home game against Union from Cornell's record and our goals per game tumbles.

[abmarks]

CHN's Manchester Regional preview:

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2023/03/22_NCAA-Tournament-Manchester.php

Based on what I've read about its defensive dominance, Denver sounds like what a Schafer team would look like if it had the talent level of Harvard but maintained the current Cornell systems.

Since I see them plenty - this is fairly accurate. 99.7% accurate if you will.

But seriously folks ... Denver rarely has the 1st and 2nd round type of talent that Michigan, Minnesota and even Harvard has. At least not in their forward group. But they have a ton of next-tier talent, and are very solid up and down the lineup in every way. And their coaching staff is fantastic.

This is what makes it a very tough matchup for Cornell. In some ways, a team like Michigan would be easier, since you can play their opposite style and --- possibly --- on a good day, shut them down, while they leave you with chances. I don't expect Denver to make those kinds of mistakes and leave those kinds of openings. I actually give Harvard a ton of credit for what they did in the semis vs. Cornell, because they played in ways they haven't always proven they can do in the past. This is what Denver does regularly, however.

Not Michigan or Minnesota level, but looking at Denver's roster on paper, they are loaded. They have 12 draft picks including four second round picks. Their top four scorers from last year's national championship team (each of the four a draft pick) all graduated or signed pro deals, yet they reloaded this season with more elite talent. Only one player in their top seven scorers this season isn't a draft pick: Casey Dornbach, grad transfer from Harvard.

You guys aren't giving me fun, happy "We have a real shot at emerging from this Regional" vibes at the moment.

We're 5th in the nation in scoring differential per game.

Of course, our regional has the 3rd, 6th, and 8th best teams.

But someone's gotta do it. Why not us?

Sos though

[upprdeck]

I still think its interesting that ESPN just doesnt care and lets people use VPN to bypass the restrictions they have in place.  Great for people trying to get around the rules I guess..  Too bad the gambling sites are not as lax.

[Dafatone]

CHN's Manchester Regional preview:

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2023/03/22_NCAA-Tournament-Manchester.php

Based on what I've read about its defensive dominance, Denver sounds like what a Schafer team would look like if it had the talent level of Harvard but maintained the current Cornell systems.

Since I see them plenty - this is fairly accurate. 99.7% accurate if you will.

But seriously folks ... Denver rarely has the 1st and 2nd round type of talent that Michigan, Minnesota and even Harvard has. At least not in their forward group. But they have a ton of next-tier talent, and are very solid up and down the lineup in every way. And their coaching staff is fantastic.

This is what makes it a very tough matchup for Cornell. In some ways, a team like Michigan would be easier, since you can play their opposite style and --- possibly --- on a good day, shut them down, while they leave you with chances. I don't expect Denver to make those kinds of mistakes and leave those kinds of openings. I actually give Harvard a ton of credit for what they did in the semis vs. Cornell, because they played in ways they haven't always proven they can do in the past. This is what Denver does regularly, however.

Not Michigan or Minnesota level, but looking at Denver's roster on paper, they are loaded. They have 12 draft picks including four second round picks. Their top four scorers from last year's national championship team (each of the four a draft pick) all graduated or signed pro deals, yet they reloaded this season with more elite talent. Only one player in their top seven scorers this season isn't a draft pick: Casey Dornbach, grad transfer from Harvard.

You guys aren't giving me fun, happy "We have a real shot at emerging from this Regional" vibes at the moment.

We're 5th in the nation in scoring differential per game.

Of course, our regional has the 3rd, 6th, and 8th best teams.

But someone's gotta do it. Why not us?

Sos though

Ours is weakest of the four. But none are THAT great. Kinda looks like strength of schedule this year is through the roof for the big10 and weak for everyone else.

[marty]

Listed as streaming on ESPNNews (not clear to me if this is cable ESPN or works under ESPN+).  

If ESPN+ then solution would be ESPN+ subscription or Disney+ bundle that includes ESPN+ and Hulu and then using a VPN.

If ESPN then solution would be Hulu subscription adding 'Live TV' package to get ESPN unless you have ESPN via a cable provider in the US that allows you to log in and stream.  Will still need a VPN to show your IP address as in the US.

Being based in China I typically pay for and use a VPN called Astrill as it has the lowest latency/best server flexibility.  In other countries a lot of people use ExpressVPN.

All games are in ESPN+. No VPN required.

I was surprised that to upgrade my Spectrum cable I paid $12 per month (so I can record the games).  I think it was over $30 last year.

Though I am worried my current package will now be gone as grandfather rights to what I had may be voided when I remove the $12 package.

Does anyone under 70 still have cable?

[cu155]

Unfortunately, it's use a VPN or forgo watching the game.  I pay for a subscription to ESPN+ so don't feel too horrible about accessing the platform from outside the US.

[upprdeck]

I understand using the VPN..  Just surprised ESPN allows it because its  clear violation of the contract rights they have to broadcast and its the reason they dont allow it, that VPN is getting around. Its pretty simple for them to not allow it.

[sah67]

More from DU's coach on the matchup from a CHN profile on them:

"[Cornell head coach] Mike Schafer has been doing an excellent job for a number of years," Carle said, learning that Schafer was a senior for the Big Red in 1986 the last time the two teams played in the NCAA tourney. "For me, they have good special teams. Their puck pressure game is very good. Neutral zone, I think that's he biggest challenge, how do you get the puck from below your goal line to below their goal line, and get sustained offensive zone pressure. They are very disciplined within their game plan."

[adamw]

It's too bad the Cornell Sun and Ithaca Journal both have non-existent daily coverage of the hockey team anymore ... because Mike Schafer made a lot of interesting remarks at yesterday's press conference. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there either until today. (it's not just the Sun and IJ, local newspaper coverage is non-existent, student and "pro," all over the country except in scant places these days. It's extremely sad.

[scoop85]

It's too bad the Cornell Sun and Ithaca Journal both have non-existent daily coverage of the hockey team anymore ... because Mike Schafer made a lot of interesting remarks at yesterday's press conference. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there either until today. (it's not just the Sun and IJ, local newspaper coverage is non-existent, student and "pro," all over the country except in scant places these days. It's extremely sad.

Spot on. The decline in local journalism is one of the sadder realities of the past 2 decades. Our local paper, now owned by Gannett, is a joke. I subscribe to the digital version, but there's hardly any local news coverage anymore. As for the Sun, it's unfortunate that we don't have almost daily coverage of the major sports.

[redice]

It's too bad the Cornell Sun and Ithaca Journal both have non-existent daily coverage of the hockey team anymore ... because Mike Schafer made a lot of interesting remarks at yesterday's press conference. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there either until today. (it's not just the Sun and IJ, local newspaper coverage is non-existent, student and "pro," all over the country except in scant places these days. It's extremely sad.

Spot on. The decline in local journalism is one of the sadder realities of the past 2 decades. Our local paper, now owned by Gannett, is a joke. I subscribe to the digital version, but there's hardly any local news coverage anymore. As for the Sun, it's unfortunate that we don't have almost daily coverage of the major sports.

Anything Gannett is a joke!!   In our area (central NY), they take over local newspapers & leave very little local presence of staff.    There is almost NO truly reporting happening.   They wait for news releases from agencies and print little else.  The newspapers are even printed in other cities.   I subscribe to the Elmira rag...  For quite some time it was printed in Johnson City, NY...   That presence has been moved to some unknown (to me) place.   An awful state.

[nshapiro]

It's too bad the Cornell Sun and Ithaca Journal both have non-existent daily coverage of the hockey team anymore ... because Mike Schafer made a lot of interesting remarks at yesterday's press conference. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there either until today. (it's not just the Sun and IJ, local newspaper coverage is non-existent, student and "pro," all over the country except in scant places these days. It's extremely sad.

Spot on. The decline in local journalism is one of the sadder realities of the past 2 decades. Our local paper, now owned by Gannett, is a joke. I subscribe to the digital version, but there's hardly any local news coverage anymore. As for the Sun, it's unfortunate that we don't have almost daily coverage of the major sports.

An additional problem is that even when a local newspaper does great reporting (eg. North Shore Leader and George Santos), NOBODY NOTICES.

[BearLover]

It's too bad the Cornell Sun and Ithaca Journal both have non-existent daily coverage of the hockey team anymore ... because Mike Schafer made a lot of interesting remarks at yesterday's press conference. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there either until today. (it's not just the Sun and IJ, local newspaper coverage is non-existent, student and "pro," all over the country except in scant places these days. It's extremely sad.

Are you able to paraphrase what he said? (Maybe it goes against journalistic code to not be providing direct quotes, though.) Thanks.

[Weder]

It's too bad the Cornell Sun and Ithaca Journal both have non-existent daily coverage of the hockey team anymore ... because Mike Schafer made a lot of interesting remarks at yesterday's press conference. Unfortunately we weren't able to be there either until today. (it's not just the Sun and IJ, local newspaper coverage is non-existent, student and "pro," all over the country except in scant places these days. It's extremely sad.

Spot on. The decline in local journalism is one of the sadder realities of the past 2 decades. Our local paper, now owned by Gannett, is a joke. I subscribe to the digital version, but there's hardly any local news coverage anymore. As for the Sun, it's unfortunate that we don't have almost daily coverage of the major sports.

An additional problem is that even when a local newspaper does great reporting (eg. North Shore Leader and George Santos), NOBODY NOTICES.

The Ithaca Voice, which usually doesn't do much at all with sports, had a brief preview earlier this week and it was ... not great.