This is the most talented team in program history. Period. UConn should not be missing out on the Hockey East playoffs. No excuses. Of course, the same was said at the beginning of last season and the team, other than the close of the season, had a definitely disappointing year.
Ruslan Iskhakov and Jáchym Kondelik should be two major impact players, Vladimir Firstov should be one of the top freshmen in the league, and Carter Berger and Yan Kuznetsov, although only 17, bring a much needed infusion of talent to the blue line. Throw in the growth of Kale Howarth, who had a disappointingly quiet freshman year, Jonny Evans, Carter Turnbull, and Tomas Vomacka, the sophomores will have a significant say on the final outcome.
The first step to changing the narrative around the program is beating their nemesis Sacred Heart on Saturday.