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Sunday, October 16, 2011

Well That Happened

Outscored 6-0 by Ferris State. Outshot 60-43 by Ferris State.

What more is there to say? RPI was close but throughout the 6 periods of weekend play, RPI could not muster even a goal and faded down the stretch. I always thought even the weaker teams in a conference like the CCHA are tough tests for RPI and this was no different. Ferris State, in the lower 1/3 of the CCHA this kicked the heck of St. Lawrence last weekend and RPI this weekend.

Suddenly RPI is 1-3 and going against arguably one of the best teams in college hockey, Notre Dame.

Not the best start to the season but certainly with the entirety of the ECAC season ahead, there is much that can be done to help RPI's chances. RPI has to muster more chances and that means more shots. In both games against Minnesota State, RPI was outshot. This needs to change.

Also, RPI has been shut out 3 times and is averaging a goal a game. This comes from a function of more shots and more opportunities but clearly the offense needs to kick it into gear.

It is also clear that Merriam is the favored goaltender by SA at the moment. If this is the case, there needs to be better D in front of him. Teams should not be averaging 30ish shots a game against RPI, there has to be better blocking of shots and better stopping of them by the goalie.

I think RPI has reloaded through recruiting but it may be some time before things gel together. Luckily RPI has time before the ECAC sched kicks in, they aren't doing themselves any favors for national rankings but hopefully things come together to do some damage in the ECAC.

As always, Go Red, Go White!

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