The lack of sea ice and associated -AO had a ton of momentum a few years ago, but then the sea ice remained low and the blocking went away. It doesn't mean the research is bad, could be other influences overwhelmed the pattern.
its just bad luck, if this storm was 200 miles west like the Euro was forecasting, the ski resorts in NY would be cashing in and NH and Maine would be raining, it just is what it is