Well the lads went 0-1-1 on their trip out to Minnesota. Considering that both games went to OT and RPI only being on the short end of the stick once, I say that is a good result.
Diebold was in net for the tie and Merriman was in net for the loss. I thought both played well so I am not going to rant about the rotation...yet.
The young guns continue to contribute adding in assists and goals over the weekend. If you said to me, after playing Minnesota State and Ferris State that RPI would be 1-1-2, I would take that in a heartbeat. As much as I love SA modeling himself after Tom Izzo and playing a really tough non-conference schedule to start the year, I find that the team can be put in a hole psychologically before ECAC play. This year, to be at .500 (and even "better" with the ties, which I consider wins against these teams) I think augers well for ECAC play.
Keep it up Cherry and White!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
10,000 Lakes, 2 Wins?
RPI has to be feeling good after last weekend, going 1-0-1 against an elite team like that. I know I sure am!
This week, Minnesota State, a tough test for RPI, they don't do well against WCHA teams but I think the lads might be feeling a little pumped up after last weekend and can certainly split the series, maybe even take it. At this early stage in the season with so many underclassmen at the forward positions, it really comes down to the veteran D and the goaltenders to help RPI through this weekend.
I have railed against SA's choices of rotating goalies over the years but I didn't realize until last weekend through WRPI's interview with him that this was what gave the University of Denver its success while SA was there. Still, with 3 goaltenders on the roster, I have a sneaking suspicion SA will be rotation heavy again. Whether that strategy serves the team in the long run or not, I am not sure.
I think RPI will split the weekend since its the first away series for such a young team but still if RPI can start the season 2-1-1 against these teams, I see a bright season ahead for them.
As always, here are USCHO's picks:
Rensselaer at Minnesota State 7:37 pm CT
Brian: 1-0-1? How’s that strike you, Engineers fans? Believe it or not, it has been six years since the ‘Tute made it to Game 3 without a loss (2006-07, also 1-0-1). Next up is a taxing road trip to Mankato, where the home side is also 1-0-1 after a double-dip at Alabama-Huntsville. RPI may have played a tougher opponent, but those games were in Troy. This is a whole new ball o’ wax. I’m taking MSU-M in the opener, 3-2 Mavericks.
Brian: 1-0-1? How’s that strike you, Engineers fans? Believe it or not, it has been six years since the ‘Tute made it to Game 3 without a loss (2006-07, also 1-0-1). Next up is a taxing road trip to Mankato, where the home side is also 1-0-1 after a double-dip at Alabama-Huntsville. RPI may have played a tougher opponent, but those games were in Troy. This is a whole new ball o’ wax. I’m taking MSU-M in the opener, 3-2 Mavericks.
Nate: Not much more to add to Brian’s insight. These two met for the time ever last season, splitting a series in Troy. Think that’s the same here, with the hosts taking the opener. Minnesota State 3-2.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/10/18/ecac-hockey-picks-week-3-2/#ixzz29krx1abZ
Rensselaer at Minnesota State 7:07 pm CT
Brian: I’m tempted to pick the Mavs again – home-ice advantage and all – but I’m going to put a little mostly blind faith in RPI to step it up a level and improve to 2-1-1 (or better). 3-2 Engineers.
Brian: I’m tempted to pick the Mavs again – home-ice advantage and all – but I’m going to put a little mostly blind faith in RPI to step it up a level and improve to 2-1-1 (or better). 3-2 Engineers.
Nate: Engineers should sneak home with a win Saturday night.RPI 3-1.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/10/18/ecac-hockey-picks-week-3-2/#ixzz29ks2mc3P
Sunday, October 14, 2012
I Will Take It
A 1-0-1 start to the season against last year's runner up NCAA champion? HECK YEA!
Friday night was a revelation, the boys were skating hard, got the lead and in my mind, never looked back. Diebold only made a mistake on the first goal and after that was rock solid.
Saturday was a different game. RPI looked lost, couldn't clear zones to save their lives and had too many "just get it out" passes that ended up being intercepted. However, the Sophomore Sensation line (dubbed by the WRPI crew) stepped up with 2 tallies and the game ended in a draw which was the best result RPI could've hoped for, given how they were playing on Saturday.
That being said, wow 1-0-1, amazing way to start off the year. Can't wait to see how they play next weekend in Minnesota Makato!
Friday night was a revelation, the boys were skating hard, got the lead and in my mind, never looked back. Diebold only made a mistake on the first goal and after that was rock solid.
Saturday was a different game. RPI looked lost, couldn't clear zones to save their lives and had too many "just get it out" passes that ended up being intercepted. However, the Sophomore Sensation line (dubbed by the WRPI crew) stepped up with 2 tallies and the game ended in a draw which was the best result RPI could've hoped for, given how they were playing on Saturday.
That being said, wow 1-0-1, amazing way to start off the year. Can't wait to see how they play next weekend in Minnesota Makato!
Friday, October 12, 2012
GO RPI!!!!
I haven't really ramped up the blogging this year for the Cherry and White but just wanted to drop in with a few thoughts.
You can always tell its the preseason why RPI plays Arcadia. This is what the 53rd year in a row we have played them? Also you can generally tell the pulse of the team depending on how well they played. Certainly a 6-2 win augers well for the team going into the ECAC season.
RPI starts off their campaign against Ferris State at home. This is a tough early test, which is in keeping with SA's tough non-conference schedule. Ferris is 11th in the preseason polls, a tough tough test for a very young squad.
Seriously young, so many frosh and sophomores! And 3 goalies to boot!
To be honest, I have no idea what to expect from this team. I am hoping for .500 and then gelling to make a deep run in the playoffs but really they can come out guns a blazing or not, we will see.
As always, Go Red, Go White!
You can always tell its the preseason why RPI plays Arcadia. This is what the 53rd year in a row we have played them? Also you can generally tell the pulse of the team depending on how well they played. Certainly a 6-2 win augers well for the team going into the ECAC season.
RPI starts off their campaign against Ferris State at home. This is a tough early test, which is in keeping with SA's tough non-conference schedule. Ferris is 11th in the preseason polls, a tough tough test for a very young squad.
Seriously young, so many frosh and sophomores! And 3 goalies to boot!
To be honest, I have no idea what to expect from this team. I am hoping for .500 and then gelling to make a deep run in the playoffs but really they can come out guns a blazing or not, we will see.
As always, Go Red, Go White!
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