Playoff Fever

Can you smell it? Can you taste it? Does it cuddle up to you on a cold winter's night?

Is it playoff hockey? It must be because its here! This RPI team has been the most exciting and frustrating to watch in years and the big question mark is, can they put together momentum to take them through the first few rounds of the ECAC playoffs to assure themselves a spot in the NCAA's?

And why o why o, did the first round series have to be against Colgate-o?

As any RPI fan knows, Colgate has been this weird team for RPI this year. Basically last in the ECAC and vying to be last in the country, Colgate plays RPI tough. In their first meeting, RPI barely squeaked by in overtime winning 2-1. RPI was outshot that game by 11, yes 11 shots. The next game was the mirror image as Colgate won 2-1 in overtime. RPI was only outshot by 9 shots in that contest.

So, clearly this is a trap series for Rippee. Colgate outhustles and outplays RPI and that results in more shots and tighter games. Despite the head to head matchup, RPI IS the stronger team and must demonstrate it right from the start against 'Gate.

Foot down on the pedal, no off shifts. York will be solid in net, the rest of the team must be solid. I predict RPI wins the series in 3 games. This might dampen their NCAA bid but I just want a playoff series win, damnit! In any event, I am always cheering Go Red, Go White!