So, That Happened

Kevin Beattie summarized the weekend thusly:

"RPI went 1-0-1 last week, falling to Princeton (4-3) and tying Quinnipiac (2-2 in OT). Junior Allen York (Wetaskiwin, AB) stopped a combined 65 shots in goal, including 40 in the loss to the Tigers. The #14 Engineers (19-10-5; 11-9-2 ECAC Hockey) have earned a first round home series in the ECAC Hockey Tournament and will host Colgate this weekend in a best-of-three clash at the Houston Field House. Game times are TBA."

Does that really tell the story though? Does it tell the story about how RPI had a NCAA birth in its hands and a first round bye locked up in the ECAC and yet 1-2-1 over the last two weekends? This coming with York back in net and Polacek on the ice, both relatively healthy?

Now RPI is faced with having to sweep Colgate to shore up that #14 PairWise ranking and probably will have to make it to the final ECAC four to guarantee an at-large bid. I always thought that RPI had to take small steps back to national promenience. Given the general ECAC weakness comparatively to Hockey East or CCHA or WCHA, I though RPI should concentrate on kicking the door down of the ECAC and then be better prepared mentally for NCAA's.

Instead, what happened this year was RPI doing VERY well in the NC games and sort of muddling its way through the ECAC (mid-season streak excepted of course). Now who believes RPI will win the ECAC tourney and guarantee a NCAA bid? Not me but I still think RPI can get into the tourney despite not being the best in the ECAC by winning and winning often.

I have faith in the lads but why or why does it have to be Colgate? This could be similar to what RPI did last year against Brown. Still, playoff preview will be up and running later this week. As always Go Red Go White!

Is It Finally Friday?

I swear, these last few weeks of the ECAC season always tucker me out! After so many ECAC games you start to itch for the playoffs. C'mon already! you might say to yourself.

These are my addled thoughts as RPI hosts Princeton and Q (I can never spell that school's name correctly) for the final weekend of ECAC play. Where does RPI sit as it enters this last weekend?

RPI is tied for 11th in Moy's PairWise Rankings and in the tourney. More immediately, RPI sits 5th in the ECAC, one point out of a tie for third and only one point up on Princeton. Clearly, there is much to play for. Win and RPI possibly has home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Win and RPI solidifies its case for an UNbelievable NCAA bid.

The old adage is "win and your in" and RPI has to sweep to keep their momentum going. While I want a sweep, I think this weekend has "split" written all over it. We will see what the lads are made of in the ECAC playoffs. Go White!

ECAC picks, you know USCHO has em!

Princeton at Rensselaer — 7:00

Princeton rolled through a 14–3–1 run midway through the season, but has only won once since (1–4–1). RPI had a 14–3–2 stretch around the same time (in which a win against Princeton was the final W of the streak), but is 1–3–0 since. Odd... very odd. What’s even more gutting for the Engineers is that of those three recent losses, two were at home, after only sustaining a single home defeat in the previous 13 contests at the Houston Field House. The Tigers are 7–2–0 on the road this year, and while ‘Tute fans may disparage me for it, I’m picking this game as my big upset of the week: 3–2 Princeton.

Quinnipiac at Rensselaer — 7:00

Even if the Engineers should lose Friday, they’ll likely still be in the mix for the final bye come Saturday. QU is merely playing to maintain its position, not improve it. I’ll take the slightly more driven home team, 4–2.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2011/02/25/ecac-hockey-picks-week-21/#ixzz1EzJNci4j

North Country Swang

Okie dokie Rippee, well that was quite the weekend last weekend eh? RPI always plays terrible against the C schools, even in their down years. The other tried and true struggles for the Cherry and White have come against their North Country brethren.

This year, the NC schools are tracking the C schools and are having a down year with Clarkson barely at .500 and St.L mired near the bottom of the basement. RPI, meanwhile is 1 point out of the coveted 4th slot, having traded spaces with Cornell last weekend.

While every weekend is "crucial" this weekend is really a make or break it type of weekend. RPI almost singlehandedly killed their national hopes with last weekend and NEED to get back on the ball with two strong showings against these teams. Since they are playing the weaker of the schools in St.L to start off the weekend, one hopes that they "fatten up" and then use that momentum (since they clearly are a momentum team) and beat up on Clarkson (who, I have been told one minute ago, still sucks).

So, I am picking that scenario to hold true and am going with the lads to sweep. However they do, Go Red!

As always, here are USCHO's picks:

Rensselaer at St. Lawrence — 7:00

RPI took the business end of a boot last weekend, and needs to bounce back tout suite if they hope to pull out a first-round bye. SLU has been inconsistent lately as far as the offensive and defensive results go, and they haven’t manufactured consecutive wins since the first week in January. It’s not a good time for the Capital District to come to town, in any case. 4–2 Engineers in this one.

Rensselaer at Clarkson — 7:00

This game falls under the immense “will the dangerous but inconsistent home team (in this case, ‘Tech) nip the visiting favorite” category. I hate this category, and (or perhaps because) it covers about 80 percent of the league’s schedule, somehow. You know what? To heck with it. I’m taking the favorite. I have a record to worry about. RPI, 4–2.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2011/02/18/ecac-hockey-picks-week-20/#xzz1EKF79qcr

Oy

What can you say about a weekend like that? 2 losses to teams allegedly "beneath" RPI. The resulting losses dropped RPI dangerously close to missing automatic NCAA seeding via the Pair Wise rankings. The losses also puts RPI in danger for not having a first round bye.

In other words, things change quickly in the ECAC. Gee, doesn't this sound like a broken record over the last few years? RPI starts out eh, gets on a streak, destiny in their hands and then they go down over the last few weeks of the ECAC and stumble their way to an ECAC playoff loss.

This team is supposedly different. This team has won differently then the past. We need this team to play differently in the future. The season has had TOO much promise, TOO many advances. Never retreat, always Cherry and White! C'mon lads!

Winding Down? Hardly, Winding UP!

USCHO's ECAC blog is entitled "Peeking at the big picture as ECAC Hockey play winds down". Winding down? For RPI hockey in seasons past I would agree with this sentiment. Not now though, not now.

RPI fans are jazzed up. The team is high in the national rankings (but most importantly the Pairwise Rankings) and is up near the top of the table in the ECAC. This weekend, the Cherry and White host the dreaded C's schools. Dreaded in that RPI NEVER seems to play well against them, even in this "up" year, disaster loomed in the Central New York swing and I think the Colgate/Cornell buses coming into Houston could be bringing more trouble.

As has been detailed in this blog before, Colgate is one of the worst teams in the ECAC this year and RPI gets them first to kick off the weekend. Of course, it was 'Gate that took RPI almost all the way with RPI winning in overtime. Cornell was a different matter, smacking RPI all around Ithaca 5-1 in their last meeting.

I think that RPI can use this current win streak (6-0-1) to beat up on 'Gate and then get them ready to roll over Cornell. However, as many of you readers know, RPI Hockey. Blogspot. Com is a realist RPI blog and I think RPI walks away with a split this weekend. Respectable for sure and keeps them alive in all the important rankings and races.


As always, here are USCHO's picks.

Colgate at Rensselaer — 7:00

Colgate finally escaped The Brown Rule in downing Clarkson last weekend, but the Raiders will have their hands full in Troy. RPI has been a big cherry beast at the Field House, and I anticipate that they will continue to be so against ‘Gate. 4–2 Engineers.

Cornell at Rensselaer — 3:30

If Cornell-Union was Friday’s big game, this is Saturday’s. RPI is on a seven-game unbeaten streak entering the weekend (6–0–1), and — with Yale and cross-town Union — is one of the toughest road games in the league. Will the Big Red fall twice in a weekend? I can only say that RPI is one of the top three teams to beat in the league; Cornell is not quite there yet. 4–3 ‘Tute.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2011/02/11/ecac-hockey-picks-week-19/#ixzz1Dfk9xL4i

Another Weekend Another Win

It it getting old hat?


The wins keep piling up for RPI coming away this weekend with a 1-0-1 record. Of course, Cherry And White nation is holding its breath regarding York who was injured and did not return during the Q game. Certainly, Merriman played well in relief and had an impressive save percentage on Saturday against Princeton.

Still this team rises and falls on three players. Chase, who is in the Hobey Baker hunt, Tyler who is a point machine (2 points this weekend) and Allen who has stood on his head, kept the team in games they had no business being in and keeping teams close in high scoring affairs.

Yes, there are other players on this team. There IS a defense (you wouldn't know it reading this blog). Still I dare say RPI would be nowhere close in the national rankings and/or the ECAC without these three.

Still, hockey is a team game and this team is playing great. Bring on the weekend!

Keep On Truckin

Oh the road. Always considered the true test of a team, the road offers hostile fans, tiredness due to traveling and other distractions that cause good teams to go South.

Am I worried about RPI given what has happened the last few weekends (to recap, win streak, national rankings, overjoyed fan base)? Not really. Still, in the back of my mind, I look back at the C and C games, then look at all of this recent success coming at home and I still have question marks.

Those questions can easily be answered tonight and tomorrow as RPI visits the Q as well as Princeton. There is a lot to be said for momentum and RPI has that in spades. I see them rolling over both teams this weekend solidifying a bye in the ECAC's and more importantly (from a historical perspective) shoring up a spot in the NCAA's! Go White!

As always, here are USCHO's picks:

Rensselaer at Quinnipiac — 7:00

While RPI will surely be the popular pick — especially in light of yesterday’s column — QU isn’t exactly folding up shop: The Bobcats are 5–1–3 in their last nine and are looking to solidify a home-ice spot in the first round of the upcoming playoffs. That said, many of the Q-Cats’ wins are of the 3–2 variety, whereas the Engineers have pinned five goals on foes in three of their last seven games. RPI in a squeaker, 3–2.

Rensselaer at Princeton — 4:00

This is the difficulty of picking games: I’d be stunned if Princeton got swept at home, but individually, I think Union and RPI hold edges over the Garden Staters. I suppose all I can do is fall back on my old line — prove me wrong, Tigers. 4–3 RPI.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2011/02/04/ecac-hockey-picks-week-18/#ixzz1D0SSTvTp

Here.We.Go!

And we have liftoff to the RPI season! After an impressive non-conference record and a middling at best run through the ECAC, RPI has hit its stride at home in a big way with an impressive win against Brown and then an unbelievable win over Yale.

Unbelievable because RPI was outshot, outplayed and outhustled by Yale but ONLY because of one Mr. Allen York was the game still close and RPI made their shots count. Seemingly at the beginning of the third period, RPI's sparse shots each went in and RPI built an insurmountable lead. I can't wait to see the replay on RPITV!

So where does that leave us after this weekend? I didn't think I would be typing this "out loud" but it is entirely possible that RPI actually makes it into the NCAA tourney despite what happens in the ECAC playoffs. This state of affairs is almost wholly unknown to me. I was just a little guy during the Addesa/Powers era and since Fridgen only rode their coattails for the first season, it has been basically a downhill slide for the bulk of my RPI fandom. A turnaround of this magnitude is almost too crazy to contemplate. But contemplate I WILL and using Withoutapeer's fabulous artwork, I am drafting each and every one of you who come to this blog to GET PUMPED. We need you to support the Cherry And White!

Biiiiiiiig Weekend

So, are we PUMPED in RPI-land or what? RPI has destiny laid out before it quite clearly. 10th in the country, #5 in the ECAC with the possibility of moving up to #3 after this weekend. BIG RED FREAKOUT this weekend, the weekend most alumns and students and us third party partisan supporters look forward to more than any other on the calendar.

RPI has been in positions similar to this in the past but not quite. Before, it was home ice advantage which the fans were clamoring over. Now, its possible berths in the NCAA tourney which, given how most of the ECAC season has played out, is a BIG turnaround and very welcomed to contemplate.

So where does that leave us with this weekend's games? Momentum is a fickle mistress. Tough to obtain but once you are on it, who boy watch out. So, was last weekend where RPI played a good but tight first game and then steamrolled in the second, translate into a sweep weekend now? I really hope the answer is yes. I think the answer is yes. Certainly, if RPI is going to beat Yale, it will be on a 3 game home win-streak on Freakout night. Give all those variables, I am predicting sweep and a great result for the lads. Go Red, Go White!

Of course, as always, below are USCHO's picks.

Brown at Rensselaer — 7:00

This could be a big trap game for RPI, in advance of Yale and the Big Red Freakout! Will Bruno be up for stealing a game? If goalie Mike Clemente stays hot (two goals against in each of his last three games, 85 saves combined), my money’s on the road team... even if the hosts are 10–1–0 at home this year. No, I’m kidding. Sure, Brown could certainly win, but 10–1–0? Seriously? Yeah, RPI in a squeaker, 3–2.

Yale at Rensselaer — 7:00

Freakout! or no Freakout!, RPI always plays Yale tough. Will it be tough enough to hand the Bulldogs their third loss of the year, and second in two weeks? Eeehhhhh... no. I think the Blue is a title contender, and true contenders learn from past mistakes: There will be no Brown sequel. 4–3 Yale.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2011/01/28/ecac-hockey-picks-week-17/#ixzz1CMmsGL4N

Well, That Happened!

Amazing, RPI goes out and kicks butt for 2 straight games last weekend earning 4 points! They also earn a top 10 spot in USCHO. Now, having followed this team as long as I have, do I think they deserve such a high ranking, probably not but if it helps get them into the NCAA's as an at large, I am all for it.

Actually I really don't care if they deserve it or not, they won 2 games last weekend, Chase, Tyler and Allen and playing great and I will take anything that gets the Cherry and White back into national prominence.

This program has such a great history both with its championships and NHL players that it is a shame they aren't mentioned with the Michigans, Minnesotas, etc. of the NCAA. I blame most of that on Fridgen of course but now I think SA is recruiting to really turn this program around and any attention they get on the national level can only increase that. Plus, hearing about all these prospects coming in next season gives one hope that D'Amigo and Pirri were not one year recruiting wonders.

This weekend is HUGE with Brown and Yale coming into Houston FH for a little thing called THE BIG RED FREAKOUT. Of course, I will offer a full breakdown of the weekend in a few days but I think the thing to concentrate on for the lads right now is 4. 4 meaning the top 4 in the ECAC and an automatic bye in the first round and home ice advantage for the remainder of the playoffs. given the ECAC's playoff system, home ice is crucial and RPI has been hurt in recent years when they have not obtained that level within the ECAC standings.

Right now they sit 5th in the ECAC but only one point behind Princeton and Dartmouth. Another weekend sweep should get them past those 2 as Dartmouth welcomes the CC schools and might be looking at a split and Princeton only has one game this weekend.

I have been overjoyed and disappointed by RPI this year but now I am rounding the bend to OVERLY excited about the last few weeks of the season. I am sure the lads will come through fine but as always, I will cheer em on! Go Red, Go White!

Back In The Saddle

Ok, shaking off the last 2 weekends. Got to dust yourself off. RPI is still 15th in Without A Peer's pairwise rankings. They still are very much in control of home ice advantage and if they can actually get it in gear, they might have a first round bye.

That being said, they HAVE to get 4 points this weekend. RPI is at home, which has been kinder to them than the road this year and they are back on the Ivy beat with Harvard and the Big Green of Dartmouth. Harvard over the last few years has been very strong and Dartmouth very weak. This year, roles are reversed with the Big D being up near the top of the ECAC and Harvard near the bottom.

Regardless of rank, RPI needs wins over both. What I am hoping for is that RPI gets momentum and really beats up against Harvard and then uses that to carry over into a tight game against D which RPI eventually wins. So, despite my nature of predicting a split, I am going for RPI with the sweep!


Of course, here are USCHO's picks:

Harvard at Rensselaer — 7:00

Harvard hereby becomes the fourth team, if I’m not mistaken (Brown, Clarkson, Colgate, now Harvard), for whom I’ve had to invoke The Brown Rule. 3–1 RPI.

Dartmouth at Rensselaer — 4:00

I have a real hard time believing that Dartmouth would lose both games this weekend... but I have an equally difficult time seeing either of the Capital District teams losing at home (combined 17–1–1; 5–1–0 ECAC). Betting on the hosts here, 4–2 RPI.

BD: Dartmouth has a winning record in league play. RPI did beat Dartmouth this year but it was only Dartmouth’s 3rd game of the year. Big Green are going to Troy and leaving with a split on the weekend. Dartmouth beats up the Engineers 5–1 (sorry RPI: no disrespect; prove me wrong)

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2011/01/21/ecac-hockey-picks-week-16/#ixzz1Bh2iqElD

Ughhhh

Well, is there much more to say than that? Cornell, weak this year, .500 team at best, ripe for the plucking. Colgate, worst team in the ECAC and probably bottom 5 in the country. What does RPI do? Get blown out in the 3 period/barn against Cornell and barely beats 'Gate in overtime due to Chase.

This team needs the home ice advantage at this point in order to make a run to the ECAC Final Four so they better start picking up more than 2 points a weekend.

C Is For Chill

While typically over the last few years in the ECAC, Ivy teams have been the ones to advance to the NCAA tourney (specifically Yale and Harvard). However, the teams I have always felt have given RPI much problems have been the C schools, Cornell and Colgate. Especially when RPI travels to central New York to play them.

No matter how well RPI is playing at the time, they just seem to disappear into the black hole that is "gorges".

This year, even though I have been beating the drumbeat of .500 despite RPI's overall record and despite this seemingly historical ineptitude against the C's, I think RPI really has a shot this weekend to beat both schools. Having looked up the 2010 results for the C's, its clear that it is a down year for both programs. They are just not the same dynamos that we have come to expect.

Therefore, this weekend I am chilling out on RPI's ECAC prospects and thinking they will rise up and win the weekend. I think Cornell will be close, maybe 2-1 or so and then RPI will turn on the afterburners on Colgate and win 5-0.

Can't wait to hear all the action tonight on WRPI although when tuning in last weekend, there was a noticeable drop off in the color commentary. I realize students and people with passion have done the games over the years and I am glad there are people to do it and they are not professionals so much slack on my end (having done color for my college's D3 hockey team, I know it is tough). Still, RPI prides itself on being as damn close to a professional radio station as you can get (much like Emerson College radio in Boston) and RPI has always enjoyed quality hockey announcers as a subset of that quality so hopefully the announcing team gets solidified in the coming weeks for the playoff push.

No matter who is in the booth, I can't wait to hear the call and cheer on the lads!

So, What Did We Learn?

RPI can outshoot a team and lose, get outshot and win.

As goes Chase, so goes the team. The win, 1 goal, 2 assists. The loss, 0 points.

0-5 on the powerplay, that's a paddlin and a loss.

Outshot consistently in the third period. Questions still about the legs in the final frame.

Still and RPI fan? Check. Still believe the lads can blitz the ECAC in the remaining games, check? Think it will happen, probably not but the lads have no time to rest. A very important central NY weekend is coming up with the C schools. RPI needs to do well against these traditional powerhouses in order to re-establish their ECAC dominance.

North Country Conundrum

What is it about the NC teams that give RPI such fits? Every year, when RPI travels to the Northern reaches of New York or they come to the Houston Field House, RPI never seems to be able to do well, much less sweep the teams for needed points.

Last night was no exception. RPI, needing to charge through the ECAC to secure home ice and a sense of confidence going into the playoffs were stymied by Clarkson (who at 1 minute after 9:10am still sucks) last night and lost 3-2. There was basically no defense played as each team had over 30 shots. However, when it counted in overtime, Clarkson had 4, RPI 0.

The infuriating part about RPI hockey over the last couple of seasons is that their path to glory has been in their ECAC tinged hands. If they had been better than .500 in the ECAC over the last few seasons, home ice advantage, possible deeper playoff pushes and possibly better results. Instead, they muddle through at .500 in the ECAC, don't get home ice and then are bounced.

I am not saying this will happen this year but certainly after a great November and December, a loss is typical and a bit disheartening. Still, always cheer on the lads in cherry and white for tonight's game!

Well, A Win Is A Win

As Without A Peer stated: "Does RPI need to pound the Chargers this week? No, they just need a couple of wins"

And yes, I agreed with that sentiment. RPI did not need to convincingly win over Alabama, just win! And win they did with two identical 2-1 scores. York was solid in net and had (according to the ears on WRPI.org) some spectacular saves. One just has to wonder when RPI will separate themselves from lower competitors? RPI out-shot Alabama by 2 in the first game and by 17 in the second game and could not put perhaps the worst team in D1 away.

Still, better to have fought and won and to that, I salute RPI and their march up the all important Pairwise rankings. Still, they have to keep winning, especially now that NC sched is over. Next weekend is the always great North Country tussle which should be a good test to see where this team is at.

Least you think that I am not pumped, I am and can't wait for next weekend!

Welcome Back!

Halo RPI fans, I hope you had a good holiday break! I certainly did as my absence from the blog can attest. Of course, RPI did me a favor by not playing any games over the last 12 million weeks but it feels good to be back and to have Ripeee back in action as well.

RPI is in Alabama for a back to back holiday twofer and I see no reason for them to lose any of these games coming up. RPI does historically well against lesser NC opponents. With Alabama being 2-16 on the season, I would say that qualifies them to be lesser. This should be good to get RPI back into a groove before the always tough North Country boys come to Troy for a true test of the ECAC prowess of the Cherry and White.

As always, Let's Go Red, Let's Go White!


As usual, here is USCHO's picks:

Rensselaer at Alabama-Huntsville — 8:00

I try to make my picks before reading my guest-guessers’, but Mr. Davis’ first sentence below says it all. 5–1 RPI.

BD: Anyway you look at this series it should be all RPI. The Engineers should have no issues with the Chargers even in Alabama. Engineers in a close one due to travel legs 3–1.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2010/12/29/ecac-hockey-picks-week-13/#ixzz19dHkspAd

Rensselaer at Alabama-Huntsville — 4:05

Second verse, same as the first (but a little bit louder and a little bit worse). Oh, Henry the eighth I am, Henry the eighth I am, I am... oh wait, wrong song. 4–2 ‘Tute.

BD: RPI runs all over the Chargers in the final on the week. Engineers 5–1.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2010/12/29/ecac-hockey-picks-week-13/#ixzz19dI7GIa1

The Turnaround?

I do not wish any team ill. College players are not professionals, have off nights and despite fans paying for tickets and jerseys and the rest, the fans still can get caught up in the games.

I do not wish BU ill but for some reason, I wanted them to lose, lose, lose and lose some more to the lads in Cherry and White and that is exactly what they did. RPI brought the hammer down 4-1 against those durr hurrr hurrr Terriers from Boston.

It is only one game and it is a non-conference game to boot but perhaps this team gets RPI going strong into the break and the ECAC schedule with a bit of a jump in their bones and as Without A Peer says, "And when you get a chance to play a highly ranked team, you need to grab the bull by the horns and go for the win."

Go RPI!

Playing With The Big Boys

A beautiful day here in LA and yet thoughts are firmly on the ice as RPI hosts the dreaded Terriers from Boston on Saturday. While RPI has played to my expectations, I recently detailed how they have started to pick it up against NC foes. Well, if there is ever a time to shake off the .500 dusting that has coated the program with winning against perennial National power BU.

BU is currently tied for second in Hockey East and putting together another fine season. Still, I think with home ice advantage and the students still there before finals, RPI has an excellent chance to win this game. No inde-pth analysis this week, just win RPI!!!!


USCHO finally comes through with their picks this week and they are picking the lads!

Boston University at Rensselaer — 3:30

Two teams with a lot to prove: BU squeaked out a comeback home win over low-ish (if not lowly) Northeastern on Wednesday, while RPI is still trying to establish the consistency that carried them so well last year. This is one of those cases where I believe the national stereotype of the ECAC might work for the Engineers, giving them some element of surprise on the shorthanded Terriers. 4–3 RPI in a close one.

TR: I am hesitant to predict the outcome of this game. As you know I bleed cherry red and white, and I would love to see an upset here. R.P.I had the upper hand last year against the Terriers, but B.U. is coming off of a weekend in which they were smacked by B.C. by a combined score of 14 — 7. I would imagine they are going to have extra motivation in this one. That being said... I am still going to go with the Engineers in a 4 — 3 win.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2010/12/10/ecac-hockey-picks-week-11/#ixzz17jDKuRxW

.500? But of course!

So RPI loses 4-2 against Yale and wins 6-2 against Brown. What are we to take from all of this? I think that RPI is in the middle of pack of the ECAC which puts them in the lower half of teams in the country.

Do I think they are better than this? Yes! Do I think they have the goal-tending, the scoring, the coaching to take them to the top of the ECAC and make them competitive against the Hockey East's of the world? Yes! Do I think all these elements are inconsistent and coupled with a suspect D makes for about a .500 team? More than yes.

Do not get me wrong, I root for RPI, win or loss, year in and year out.

I just think that when you look at the body of SA's coaching efforts, they lead right to the middle of success and failure and RPI needs more than that right now. As always, GO RED, GO WHITE!

Back Into The Thick Of It

Ok Non-Conference, ADIOS! The lads of RPI are fully into the ECAC swing of things this weekend with two games in division. Yale and then Brown are on the radar tonight. Yale is putting together an impressive year at 8-1 and 4-0 in the ECAC. Brown is hovering around .500 the same as RPI.

Clearly, based on past history, I am expecting a split although a win against Yale could be a good sign of things to come over the next few months. I have always thought the ECAC was among the weakest divisions in college hockey and for RPI to really start clicking on a national level, they would really have to tear through the ECAC. This weekend could start that. However, I think the way RPI is currently constructed, we are looking at a slightly better than .500 team.

Can't wait to be proven wrong and GO RPI!!!!

200th Post- RPI Holiday Win?

It has been a crazy couple of years here at RPI Hockey. Blogspot. Com. I have posted my musings on the Cherry and White and have been linked on many RPI blogs and College hockey blogs, for which I am truly thankful. I am just a fan who wants the lads to do well and it seems like y'all out there agree!

And what a better way to celebrate 200 posts then to talk about RPI ACTUALLY WINNING THEIR OWN TOURNAMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN LIKE 700 YEARS!!!! It was also a real up and down tourney with RPI scoring 9 but giving up 7. It is nice to know that if the D gives up easy ones (like the last BG goal in regulation) or York is off, the O can pick it up and actually win shootouts. I think the key to this team starts in net but it bodes well for the second half of the season if the O can pick up the slack when needed.

Also, congrats to Tyler who had two goals over the weekend. Of course, Brutlag was the real MVP amassing 2 goals and one assist but more importantly a goal when it counted, for the freakin' win! Go Red, go White!

Great Video

From those folks over at Without a Peer, really check this out. A great way to start Turkey Day!

Holiday, Holiday, Holiday, Holiday

Happy Turkey Day to everyone out there in Cherry and White land! Can't wait to listen to the Holiday Tourney on the Interwebs as RPI some questionable teams again. It has been awhile since RPI has actually won the tourney but hope spring eternal!

I just stumbled across this new RPI Hockey blog which I thought I would turn you guys onto. They say hockey is a religion well this guy takes it to new heights.

http://firstchurchofrpihockey.wikispaces.com/

I particularly like this second commandment:

II.

Thou shalt respect thy idol, Father Puckman

For the tourney, I see RPI beating Conn in the semifinal and then losing to BGSU in the final. Whatever the results, I hope you have lots of turkey and lots of good family memories!

No Hockey? What To Do.

Well the lads in Cherry and White are taking a week off. The next games will be after Turkey Day for the annual Holiday Tournament. I had many a mug from the Holiday Tourneys of old but as I believe I have documented on here, no mugs this time!

This will be my first HT that I have missed in awhile. I usually tried to make the first RPI game but now I will have to listen from afar. Still, what to do with the downtime?

I Think I Will

1) Start cutting out felt letters and numbers for an eventual champeenship on my mini-replica National Championship banner.
2) Create a Paypal account and website to help pay the fines SA receives for speaking his mind.
3) Polish the old vuvuzela that was used in 80s freakouts before the World Cup came along.
4) Light a candle of thanks for Jason Moy and his brilliant USCHO website.

A Split?

I can accept a lot of things about my life. I can accept the fact that I am good looking. That people want to fly me on their private jets everywhere. That I live in a place that is perpetually sunny and in the 70s.

What I am having difficultly understanding is how a team that is as talented as RPI has been over the last two seasons CONSISTENTLY be a .500 team. It gets to the point where you want them to win the weekend, they NEED to win the weekend but man, they just lose that Friday night game and that is that.

I really believe the ECAC is there for the taking. If you said that a team had a top league scorer and the best goaltender, you would think that team would be tops of the table. Instead it is a constant split weekend, split months and ultimately not a good position for the ECAC playoffs.

I remain hopeful though. Things slow down after the holiday tourneys and then the real meat of the ECAC schedule takes hold and we will see what's what for RPI this season. Until then, I will accept RPI is a .500 team in the ECAC until they prove me wrong.

Rivals

What makes for a good rivalry? Certainly the function of geography helps. "Cross town", "subway series" and other catchphrases belies the fact that if you are in the same town, county or even sometimes state you have fanbases ready to state why they are best.

History also plays a part. Is one team the new kid on the block? Have there been missed calls or terrible puck bounces that stick with the fans forever?

Finally, who do the fans look to as their rival? One of the most interesting thought exercises is to ask "who is your top rival?" between Sabres, Leafs, Sens and Habs fans. Often, who you look to as a rival is big kid/small kid syndrome due to location and history.

Well, RPI has this in spades with Union and this weekend, the travel partners become bitter enemies in back to back games. As an RPI fan, I can say my dislike for Union comes mostly from location as well the history of the 2 programs. RPI, long standing program, 2 time national champ with multiple NHL players. Union, seems like they were formed yesterday, have done slightly better over the last 10 years and really, their uniforms are terrible. Factor that all in and I want RPI to stomp all over them this weekend.

I don't want RPI to be a .500 team (an ENTERTAINING .500 team but still) and it all starts this weekend. I think York leading the way, hopefully stomps all over em. Let's go Cherry And White!

One Night Only, Hurray Hurra Hurra

Hey everyone, this was passed along to me and if you have time and the desire to go up the Northway, go see one of the former Cherry And Reds go at it tonight!

Attention all RPI alumni and fans! Jerry D’Amigo returns to the area as a member of the Toronto Marlies for the only time this season! The Adirondack Phantoms face Jerry and the Marlies at 7:00pm. Come to the Glens Falls Civic Center box office, say “I’m from RPI” and receive a special $5 ticket tonight only. For more information, call the Adirondack Phantoms at 518-480-3355.

Buy Me A Powerball Ticket

For some crazy reason, RPI is pretty much tracking along my predictions each week. 1-1 this weekend, killing D, losing to H? Yea I think I nailed it. What is apparent is that SA better do everything he possibly can to convince York to stick around for the next two years. He keeps the Cherry and White in the game and very rarely lets other teams back in once RPI's offense is clicking.

I think with the season in full swing, we will see RPI break out of the .500 blues this season and maybe get it up to .666 (DEVIL!) this season. With Tyler assisting, Chase scoring and York backstopping, I think the team has a legit chance to be in the top 4 of the league this year. One thing I would like to see if the scoring be more consistent. 4 goals 1 game and NONE the second game? York will keep them in it, just get a few more goals lads!

Ivies

RPI is going up against the Green of Dartmouth and Crimson of Harvard this weekend. Both teams don't have a lot of history this season to draw upon but you have to like the goals for/against on Dartmouth (5/8). Dartmouth has traditionally been around a .500 team but Harvard has had some great runs in the regular season. I figure probably a split this weekend with RPI taking Big Green.

Ooooooooo

Oh RPI, you slime my heart on a regular basis. Just when I think you are on your way to another .500 season you roll off two good wins and are primed to kick some Union butt this weekend up in Lake Placid.

I don't know what it is about Union. The "young" upstarts (compared to RPI), the lousy color scheme of their jerseys (maroon and gray?, just saying those two colors makes me depressed!), a nondescript arena, it all just adds up to suck. Of course, they have been slightly better than RPI in recent years which only leads to the jealousy and bad ghost-like thoughts.

In any event, I think RPI is on a roll after last weekend and with another scoring outburst like last weekend, they should win handily with York in net. Let's get it on Halloween style!

RPI You Rock!

Well, well, well, I am thinking I might not know all there is to know about RPI hockey as my prediction of a 1-1 weekend was woefully inaccurate as RPI scored 8 (count em 8!) goals over there weekend to go 2-0. Even more impressive was the win over RIT, 4-1!

In both games, RPI was super hot through the first two periods. 3 goals in the RIT game and 2 in the Niagara game. Of course, I don't want to give the lads too swelled a head, RPI managed to be outscored 3-1 in the third period of the Niagara game to force an OT. That might be a function of York being a bit tired after the last 3 weeks or else terrible D efforts. In either event, RPI got 2 W's.

Upcoming is the Halloween faceoff where RPI plays against the dreaded Union Whatevers. More on that game later this week!

Bring On Westerrn New York!

I lived in Western New York for a time. Lived in Buffalo, commuted to Rochester and visited Jamestown many a time. I was all over the place in WNY and the Southern Tier and yet, the only college hockey I ever watched was Canisus College (pre-incident). I never got a chance to go up to what looked like a raucous barn in Niagara or out to the hockey factory at RIT. That program's history of winning at all levels of hockey is incredibly impressive.

So, if you don't want to make the 4 hour drive to see those teams, you are in luck RPI fans, they are coming to see you this weekend! These two teams from WNY are always a tough out if they get into the NCAA tourney and I expect no less of tough games against the Cherry And White.

I think RPI has a chance if Tyler and Chase keep clicking as they have. After the Colorado games where there wasn't much offense, RPI got clicking last weekend and I expect them to continue rolling through Niagara on Friday night. Niagara is currently 0-0-2 with 6 goals against. RIT is a surprising 0-2-1 but those losses have come against WCHA opponents. I expect them to get healthy against Union and RPI this weekend.

Again, the thing that will keep RPI in the game against a team like RIT is York. One hopes he has another shut out in him like last weekend.

Still my thoughts are RPI comes out of this weekend 1-1 which would be a good NC result. In any event, I am cheering for two wins for the lads, go RIPPPPEEE!

Shut Out

Allen York. Draft pick, starter for a season and a half. And a damn fine goaltender as we are seeing. Last weekend, he kept RPI in it despite their rather porous defense. This weekend, he kept RPI hanging around Northeastern making 26 saves on 28 shots and then of course the great SHUT OUT against Bentley on Saturday. That game Allen made 23 saves.

Allen has so far saved 108 shots out of 114 shots for a sterling .947 save percentage. I think this is due in no small part to Appert choosing to ride York without switching him out with another goalie. Part of it is due to the lack of depth of goaltending on this team but part of which I think is SA finally recognizing the peculiar nature of a goalie's psyche of needing consistent work. Whatever the reason, the goaltender situation for RPI is solid.

Of course, the weekend was also great with Tyler picking up three points in the Bentley game and the lads playing pretty well over all. Of course, this IS Bentley we are talking about but a win is a win is a win.

Next up, a very tough game against RIT (can they recruit over the last 20 years or what?) and Niagara. Preview to follow at its usual bat time/channel!

p.s. can I also point out how I totally CALLED this weekend in the preview post? Its nice to be right 15% of the time.

Another Weekend, More NC Games

We are getting closer to that great Halloween showdown in the North Country. However, before we get there, the RPI lads must keep going through their NC schedule. A schedule which is much easier this year than year's past. I think SA even admitted as much on Without A Peer's weekly podcast last week.

That being said, as I showed last week, RPI does just not do well against NC foes unless the team's name starts with Ben and ends with Tley. And look at who is on the schedule for the Saturday night game? I think they will give RPI their first win of the year. The Northeastern game, I am not sure of. NE is a rather middle of the pack team but in a loaded Hockey East division so I think at best RPI ties them.

I think the lads won't be too disheartened after last week and if York plays as well as he sounded on the radio, I think the team pulls out a 1-0-1 weekend.

As always, here are USCHO's picks:

Rensselaer at Northeastern — 7 p.m. Eastern

The Huskies held tight with Providence and top-ranked Boston College last weekend, but each opponent won the third period against NU to send the dogs to 0-2-0. That said, Matthews Arena is a true experience, and a terrifying place to wear anything other than black and red. Hey, wait a minute … cherry is pretty close to red, isn’t it? 3-2 Engineers.

Bentley at Rensselaer — 5 p.m. Eastern

Will the quick turnaround hurt the Engineers? Perhaps a bit, but that should be no excuse for anything short of a victory against Bentley. After all, the Falcons are coming off a night game at Quinnipiac, too. 5-3 ‘Tute.

Well, Not Too Shabby Except...

Ok, I was tempted to actually post that RPI was going to have an 0-1-1 weekend but wasn't sure how WCHA handled tied games (shootout, overtime and then a tie) and well, RPI got a tie.

AAAAAAND RPI got the tie but coming from behind IN THE THIRD PERIOD (I don't think this point could be stressed enough). For all the criticism I give SA for having his teams constantly fold in the third in a variety of ways, I have to give him props for lighting a fire under the team and of course with Tyler and Bergin scoring, it was a good Saturday.

However, do I just have to point out that RPI was horrendous in the second period of each game with taking penalties. Whether the refs in Friday's game were calling it tight or not (and they were), there is NO EXCUSE for having 12 billion penalties in both games combined. Both teams were knocking off the rust so I will chalk it up to that but there will be some monitoring of this penalty situation here at RPI Hockey in the weeks ahead.

Overall, I am about as happy as I can be for a 0-1-1 weekend. The boys played hard and York was clearly playing out of his mind at times. I think not being blown out will also benefit the psychology of this team for the coming season. Overall, we are at condition pleased!

C Is For Cookie

Tonight, RPI kicks off their season against the double C's, Colorado College. Typically, when one steps out of the confines of the ECAC, one finds the level of competition increased regardless of that school's rank in its division. This of course, does not apply to the teams of Atlantic Hockey that RPI continues to schedule during tournaments to fatten up its record (Bentley, I am looking at you punk!).

Against, WCHA, CCHA and Hockey East opponents, RPI, more often than not, comes up on the short end of the stick. By my rough calculations, RPI over the last three years is a combined 3-13-1 against teams from those three divisions. Last year was certainly an improvement, going 3-3-1 against those teams so perhaps the Cherry and White are on a slight uptick.

Colorado College comes into this weekend's pair of games ranked in the middle of the WCHA. Apparently they are going by a score by committee approach this year backstopped by a very good goaltender in Howe. I won't profess to know as much about CC as some other WCHA schools but I do know that RPI is in for a tough test.

I think RPI is going to look for scoring from Chase but also from guys like Angers-Goulet and Halpern. There needs to be secondary scoring so good teams like CC don't key in on the top guys. There are also a lot of freshmen on the team and one wonders if they will start to make an impact. Maybe not this weekend but in the coming weeks of the season. Of course, with York backstopping the team, they will remain competitive no matter the contribution.

Predictions:

RPI will lose the first game by a score of 5-2 but will rally to win the second contest 3-2. In any event, I will be cheering on the lads tonight. Go Get Em RPI!

RPI Ranked 13th But Should They Be (Season Preview)?

Hello one and all! We are back on the RPI beat for another year. RPI starts off the exhibition season against New Brunswick before traveling to Colorado College for two very tough non-conference games (any team in a WCHA conference should be considered tough even a middle of the road team like CC).

However, let's look at the overall picture of RPI hockey heading into this season. INCH apparently has the cherry and white ranked 13th in the country. http://www.rpiathletics.com/news/2010/10/4/MHOCK_1004102349.aspx

The major reasons for this is the return of Chase and the continual evolving of York. Also, I think my favorite player on RPI (Tyler Helfrich) should have a bounce back season for his final campaign.

The issues for this team really come down to three questions.

1) Can Kennedy and Brutlag earn those C's and A's on their chests this year and lead the defensive corps to more than just an adequate showing? Often, when catching RPI games in person and listening on the radio, it struck me how inconsistent the D was and that the goalies never really had a chance on many of the shots taken.

2) Can RPI actually find offense now that two of their best players split for the NHL? Facts are facts. If any program like RPI (young and arguably on the rise) loses not one but TWO blue chip prospects in an offseason (D'Amigo and Pirri I am looking at you!) it is tough for a program to restock immediately. One thing we have seen is SA's ability to recruit but the team needs to win now. Which leads me to question 3.

3) Can SA actually coach to the level needed for this team to win? I give him recruiting. He is great at that. I give him credit for saying the right things. However, he does not get credit for having his teams consistently fail int he third periods of games and recently, playoff series that RPI SHOULD WIN. Closing out, let's do RPI.

Looking ahead at the schedule this year, it is clear the non-conference schedule is weaker then in years past. Other than Colorado College, RIT is the only other major NC opponent RPI faces. Hopefully, they can use this to build momentum going into the conference schedule in 2011.

Outlook:

I am uncertain about this team. Last year they played about a .500 level which was a disappointment considering the talent on the team. Can they win with one true scorer in Chase and one true star in goal in York? That remains to be seen. I think if SA can get the team over the third period hump and the D can stick together, this is a ECAC Final Four team. If they muddle along at .500, I don't see them getting out of the first round of ECAC playoffs. Once again, this is a transition year. Will next year finally be the realization of our suffering fans hopes and dreams? Stay tuned.

Wooooo Scary!

2 RPI Hockey posts in one day? That is just the man I am! I recently found out that RPI will be playing in the North Country and I do love me some Lake Placid. I am not sure if I will be dressing up for this sucka but I am looking forward to attending if I can. I like how RPI is trying to branch out with its game and contests. A few years ago, a road trip to Quebec City. And now this. Roll Cherry and White! Here is all the info:

Tickets are on sale by calling the Olympic center box office at 518.523.3300, or on line at http://www.whiteface.com/summer/events/halloween.php. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for juniors, seniors and students if purchased by Sept. 30. After Sept. 30, admission will be $20 for adults and $15 for juniors, seniors and students. Fans that come dressed in Halloween costumes will have the chance to win great prizes.

Getting Pumped For The Season!

So what if RPI lost their two best players to NHL contracts? So what if I haven't posted in like 6 months?

RPI hockey is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER and I am glad to see the athletic department embracing their inner YouTube.

I promise, thoughts within a few days about the recent departures but first, Puckman!

Ummm

So it has been two days since the disastrous Sunday game. The RPI listserv practically blew up with griping and then backtracking on the griping. Who was at fault? Was it York in game one? D'Amigo in game 3?

Actually, where I think the blame lies is on consistency. SA has created a high tempo style but clearly has not imparted onto the lads that they should play that way for 3 periods. I saw the Saturday game in person and despite RPI winning 4-1 and despite Brown having at most 3 good skaters, RPI constantly let Brown take the play to them. Dmen blew coverages and could not adequately clear the zone. The forwards did not beck check and York looked slightly spastic in goal and was out of position frequently. And this was during A WIN!!!

I will have a full season recap coming up in a week or so but for now I think the failings of the playoffs should be clearly centered on the team as a whole and SA's handling of it.

As always, go RPI!

Whew

So good to see the lads last night in person. Also good to see them come out after getting down 1-1 in the first and put the foot on the accelerator and finally look like the better team against Brown. Of course, there were waaaay too many defensive lapses but York was up to the task and the forwards certainly were.

Tonight is game 3 which I will be on pins and needles for. I think the lads WILL and SHOULD pull it out. As always, Go Red, Go White!

Panic Time!

Well, so THAT happened...

What is UP with the *(&%$%$ third period??? I could recount on many, many fingers the third period failings of Mr. Appert's team over the last few years. This year was supposed to be different. Finally, "we" had the horses to play the full 60 minute uptempo style SA brought from Denver.

Tonight, it didn't happen. I don't care what those wrascially wrabbits on RPI say about RPI's effort after they fell down 2-1 early in the third. It should have never happened. I do not have the shot totals in front of me for the individual periods but I don't care if RPI eventually outshot Brown in the third. Brown did outshoot RPI 27-25 which is UNACCEPTABLE ON THE ROAD considering Brown's history this season.

York let in 2. Ok, you have to accept that. It wasn't 3 or 5 (the final score reflects empty net goals). He misplayed a puck, that happens but really, RPI has the offense to easily match that score. Hell, during the first period intermission, the Brown coach even admitted that they were 1-16-and something when they were scored on first.

Since Brown scored their two goals off of rebounds, you have to ask, what is up D? Everyone is saying that the D (led by Kennedy) is much improved this year but every time I watch RPI in person and listening tonight, it really makes me wonder if obtaining the young guns on O have sacrificed the D.

I am hoping to attend the game tomorrow in person. This team has to turn it around tonight. No after-game pizza, no iPod downloads, just focus on the job at hand between right now and tomorrow night at 7.

I believe RPI has the talent to compete with the ECAC. I believe they can get it done against Brown. As always, go Red, go White!

The Playoffs Are Here!

Well that last weekend didn't go so well eh? Win and RPI was in the fourth spot. Lose the "right" way and RPI was in. Neither of that happened which makes me fearful for the playoff run ahead of RPI.

They do have home ice advantage for the first round which they have not had during SA's tenure which is great. Also great, is the opponent, Brown. 8-17-4 is a good sign but the REALLY great news is the away record, 2-12-1. If ever was there a road dog that RPI can fatten up on at home to get ready for the next round, this is it.

Head to head, RPI won the first game 3-1 and then there was that crazy overtime loss to Brown just a few weeks ago. I think this series, like all of the ECAC contests remaining for RPI this season, hinge on York. If he can keep the score low, it allows the forwards the freedom to really do their stuff and not have to backcheck as much to help out the D. RPI's forwards can score with any team, but why bother if the goalie keeps it to 1-2 goals for the game?

Overall, I think this is a good matchup for RPI and I expect them to advance. I hope to make it to at least one game up there this weekend and cheer on the Cherry and White in person!

I Want Fourth

There...I said it. I feel better. I want the first round bye. I want home ice advantage. I want all the things the program has missed out on for multiple ECAC winters. I want RPI to start rising to the occasion and have the standings reflect what we all feel about the team (that they are good).

What do I think is going to happen? Well I think they will hold true to form and beat the Friday night game (Colgate) and then lose, lose, lose to Cornell. How can they take 4th in this scenario? USCHO breaks it down:

"If Colgate beats Rensselaer on Friday, the Dutchmen get the head-to-head tiebreaker. However, should RPI win — and then lose Saturday at Cornell, while Colgate beats Union — then the Engineers would take the fourth spot based on the third tiebreaker, record versus the top four (2-4-0 against Yale/Cornell/Union, while Colgate would be 1-4-1.)"

How will they win? I think it all falls on the shoulders of Chase. He needs help from Tyler and D'Amigo, no question, but we need the top scorer do what he does best, score. Also, I expect York to want to avenge the blowout suffered at the hands of the other RPI tenders last weekend. Come out mad boys and come out skating!

Of course, as always, is USCHO's take:

Rensselaer @ Colgate (NHL Network)
The Raiders have scored 18 goals in their last four games — six, two, six and four — but are 2-3-0 in their last five home games. The question will be whether the 'Gate can pull it together for 60 minutes in a way they have been so infrequently able to do all year. RPI is 5-4-0 on the road in ECAC Hockey play and looking shaky after getting blown out at home by Princeton. Both teams can be very strong when they're playing well, but you never know what you're going to get on any given night. I may not get this pick right, but I'm sure I'll be watching: 4-3 RPI.

Rensselaer @ Cornell
Senior Night in Ithaca! Will it be with first place on the line? I honestly don't think it even matters ... the Big Red don't like leaving their faithful unhappy. 5-3 Red.

Who Was Right?

I didn't want to be right, mind you. I wanted RPI to get the 4 points last weekend. I think this team has enough talent to get those points. But what do they do?

Win of course against the Q and completely self destruct against Princeton in the Freakout. The Princeton game has been discussed in depth on USCHO boards and on the Listserv so I won't beat a dead horse. I think that RPI needs to turn things around in a hurry to get in the top 4 and this weekend's games against the C's schools won't help.

Preview coming shortly!

Hockey Weekend Is Here

For me, this weekend is all about hockey although I will not be able to follow much of RPI flavored hockey this weekend.

First stop, probably going to Elmira to watch the Jackals play. Then I am going to the outdoor game in Syracuse on Saturday. Sunday, its back to the pad to watch USA vs. Canada which hopefully won't be interrupted like many of the games so far by curling!?!

As for RPI Hockey (which is what you are here for right?), well I expect them NOT to come away with 4 points this weekend considering how the last few weekends have gone. I am willing to bet RPI beats the Q and then loses or ties Princeton somehow.

On more positive news, Chase is officially leading the NATION (that's right the NATION) in scoring. Let's hear from RPI's archrival shall we (via USCHO): “We’ve played against Chase four times this year, and he’s a tremendous player,” said Union coach Nate Leaman, who has seen nearly as much of Polacek as Appert. “He has breakaway speed, he has good vision, he’s a good finisher.”

Good on Chase and go on RPI!

Of course (as always) UCHO's take on the weekend.

Quinnipiac @ Rensselaer
Following consecutive shutout wins over Colgate (2-0) and St. Lawrence (5-0), I was almost about to declare the Bobcats "back" ... but what happened Saturday? A 4-1 loss at Clarkson? Not very "back" of you, QU. RPI is 3-1-1 in its last five, but lost top goalie Allen York to a minor ankle sprain in a torturous loss at Dartmouth on Saturday. While York is no longer on crutches, freshman Bryce Merriam will nonetheless tend the 'Tute's twine this weekend. Starter or no starter, I like RPI's chances against an infernally inconsistent Quinnipiac club, 3-2.

Princeton @ Rensselaer
I think Princeton is stronger — when healthy — than its record, and RPI has been infuriatingly difficult to pick this year. That said, it's the Engineers' senior night and I certainly hope the Field House is packed. Rensselaer closes out its home regular season, 3-2.

WTF???

Well, so that happened. Chase gets a hat trick and the boys apparently have ANOTHER (counting the entire reign of SA not just these particular lads) third period meltdown and they come away with only 2 points this last weekend.

Somehow, at the end of the weekend, the 5th place with a bullet becomes 4th place tied with the Saints. Admittedly, this season is much better and the lads are much more in it then past years. Still, one can't help but feel that points were left on the table over the last few weekends. Points that will probably be the difference between a 4th place and a 5th place finish.

Still, hats off to Chase and Jerry who had lots o points this weekend and for York keeping the lads in the Friday game.

#5 With A Bullet!

RPI is one point in back of St. Lawrence for the 4th spot in the ECAC. Of course, the Saints have a game in hand over RPI but I am not worried. The Saints next 4 games are against Quinnipiac, Princeton, Yale and Brown. Those 4 teams have a combined ECAC record of 29-29-6. RPI faces ECAC squads over the next two weekends with a combined ECAC record of 24-35-5. Certainly worse records, easier strength of schedule, RPI, should vault over the Saints to take 4th place in the ECAC.

Why is this important? The top four seeds receive byes in the first round. Plus home ice advantage, all of which can be advantageous to the lads in Cherry and White.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/m/ec/?data=tournament#ixzz0fEYzwagw

As for this weekend, I fully expect RPI to sweep Harvard and Dartmouth. Of course, based on past precedent, RPI will come away with 3 points. Go Rippeeee!

Must Beat The North Country

There are only a few games remaining. RPI MUST lock up home ice advantage for the upcoming ECAC playoffs. While they have a better team then in years past, I feel they need the home ice to make the ECAC final four this year (which is what I am pulling for AND expect!).

Yes, yes, they are 7-5-1 at home vs. 6-5-1 on the road, barely any difference. I don't care. I want them to take these teams and shake em around and win 4 points! The key is the continued offensive output from the top 2 lines and the continued stellar play of York. Of course, in looking at that last sentence, its clear that the REAL key is the defensive play. If the D can actually alleviate instead of cause pressure on York, RPI wins over these two teams easily.

USCHO agrees with me. You?

USCHO's Picks

St. Lawrence @ Rensselaer
The Saints are 4-1-1 in their last six, while RPI is 6-3-1 in its last 10. Should be a great showdown, and I will grant whichever team wins legitimate "on a roll" status. At home in front of a goalie who just shut out Yale, I'm going to have to back RPI in this one, 3-2.

Clarkson @ Rensselaer
As I said to Dartmouth, I shall say again to Clarkson: prove me wrong. RPI is pulling out of the station with a head of steam, 4-1.

What A Weird Weekend!

Against Brown, RPI's defense blows up and let's in terrible goals. Then the O comes storming back in the third to force OT. THEN the lads lose it.

Only to blow out league leading Yale the next day 4-0 with a huge shutout from York (which I intimated he needed to do [pats back])???

I have been watching RPI hockey for awhile and I can't think of a weirder way to get 3 points then the lads did this weekend.

Of course, I thought it should be 4 points and the fact that it wasn't remains one of the frustrations of the state of RPI hockey today. They need to get home rink advantage for the playoffs. 3 points help and the offensive display this weekend make me think that a Top 4 finish is possible.

This Weekend's Games And A Good Cause

Before we get to my take on this weekend's games, I want to alert all you readers of RPI Hockey to a charitable event that is taking place on February 5th. There will be a fundraising endeavor in connection with "Hannah's Hope" (which you can read more about here: www.hannahshopefund.org). The organization is working with Coach Appert and selling tickets, the proceeds of which will go to the fund. I highly suggest contacting them and help contribute to a worthy cause!

Now, onto the games!

RPI is making their Ivy swing through Brown and Yale territory this weekend. Brown is a tepid 4-7-1 in ECAC play while Yale is a sparkling 7-3-2. One could look at this and look at RPI "slighty better than" .500 record and think "split". I would be inclined to agree with you.

However, I think this is a NEW RPI team. I think they have turned the corner this year. I think, this is the statement game before going into the North Country teams next weekend. I think RPI sweeps the weekend.

Against Brown, I think its simply keeping the foot on the accelerator. RPI has the horses to run a team like Brown around in their own building (like the game in Princeton). With Yale, it all rests on the shoulders of York. He has had big games for RPI in the past and now is the time for a shut out or 1 goal game to get RPI up the standings and in contention for a top 4 spot at the ECAC championships this Spring.

C'mon RPI, get er done!

1-0-1, I'll Take It

Beat Dartmouth (yea!) basically lose the third period and allow Harvard to tie (boo!) but still come away with a tie (eh?) and that was the weekend.

York is continuing to play well stopping 26 of 29 and 27 of 28 against Dartmouth. Tyler scored a goal and the regular suspects added goals and assists throughout the weekend.

One can't help but be suspicious of this third period meltdown since RPI fans have seen it too many times before. Next weekend should be a good "great healthy" swing against Brown and Yale which I will cover more full later this week.

RPI has to get healthy soon as the North Country comes to Troy the following weekend which should be a tough test for the Cherry and White. Still, after last season, the fact the lads are

13-11-2 (.538)
ECAC: 6-5-1, 13 points

Speaks well of the upswing the program is on at the moment. Go RPI!

Union Kicked Ass But

I remain optimistic!

The lads are going much better and they are playing some of the weaker ECAC opponents this weekend. I predict sweep. You?

Of course, USCHO's picks are below:

Dartmouth @ Rensselaer
My gut tells me that Dartmouth has got to start catching some breaks, but RPI has been on a mini-roll lately ... 4-2-0 in its last six. I believe that the Engineers can avoid the power outages that led to their only recent losses. 5-3 Rensselaer.

Harvard @ Rensselaer (4 p.m.)
This has all the trimmings of a really exciting game, as both teams are itching to make a jump up the charts. RPI has been running pretty smoothly for a little bit longer than the Crimson, and especially if Harvard can pull out a win at Union, RPI will be able to take advantage of a physically and emotionally spent visiting squad. (I hate trying to predict games based on emotion, but skill will only get you into the uniform; perseverance wins games.) 3-2 Rensselaer.

Too Good Not To Repost

Reminds me of my days playing on the pond in Delmar...

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/01/14/sports/doc4b4eb1256600c347536890.txt

National TV Does Wonders

Wow, all I can say is wow. RPI knocks off the ranked ECAC team in Q and then destroys Princeton on national television (and don't let anyone fool you about ESPNU's reach- twas national).

The team looked good and poised. It has been awhile since I have seen the Cherry and Red in person and I can't help but marvel at York's technique. The kid has the squaring of the butterfly down much like an early Carey Price.

Also, how amazing is Polacek's wrist shot? The guy just can unload from the the faceoff dot.

Its not all great, the D looked suspect again. I think against better competition the problems over the last few years (starting with Kennedy) will show themselves but overall this RPI is different. It wins "better" then it has in the last few years and the lads are actually playing in the third period instead of what has happened before.

Go RPI!

Looking Back/ Looking Forward

Well, look at that. I go on vacation in the Adirondacks with no Internet for a week and all hell breaks loose in the RPI universe. First they win over Michigan (some call it Maize, I call it corn) and then get blown out by State. Overall, a good showing against two perennial powers on their home turf. Secondly, the message boards are alive talking about the inspired play of Jerry D'Amigo on the now gold medal winning USA team.

Clearly, what these two items show is that Appert is capable of recruiting top flight talent. He did it at Denver and now he is doing it at RPI. Tip of the cap to him.

Coming up this weekend, RPI faces the Southern Tri-State swing against the Q and Princeton. The Princeton game was rescheduled to Sunday and will be shown on ESPNU. I think the lads are now up and ready for the second half of the season and will sweep both the teams. Either way, I am sure to be watching on Sunday!

RPI Proves Me Deliciously Wrong

RPI, BIG win over BU last weekend. Tremendous! Way to break the non-conference slide!

A 5-3 come from behind win with RPI winning the third period (outscoring BU 3-0 despite being outshot 11-10) is a thing of beauty and something to build on as RPI heads into its Winter break before starting up again before NYE.

AAG, Tyler and Polacek all got points on the night and RPI got Merriman a win.

RPI continues with tough non-conference opponents after the break playing Michigan and probably MTU in the finale. Best of luck to the boys and happy holidays until we resume again!

Non-=Conference Fun

Oh SA, coach of the RPI Skating Engineers. Your coiffed hair, not a strand out of place. You and your hair have inspired, befuddled and third period(ed) your way around RPI fans now for several years. The team has looked good, bad, mediocre and possibly uplifting?

But one thing it has always looked to opposing non-conference teams is "easy pickings".

This year, in non-conference games (not including Union), RPI is 3-4-1 and has been outscored 23-20. Not bad right? Let's look back further. In 08-09 they were a stunning 1-10 against NC opponents (not including Union) and outscored 45 to 15! 07-08 was not much better. 3-6-1 (not counting Union/Colgate non-conference) being outscored 24 to 21.

Clearly, RPI has to get better in the ECAC first before addressing how good it is compared to the rest of the county but these statistics do not point to a good trend.

All of this is my way of saying that I expect the trend to continue tonight against BU. They have owned RPI in the past, are in a major hockey conference and I expect badness. Still, that is why they play the games.

4-1 BU over RPI.


As always, USCHO's prediction:

Rensselaer @ Boston University
Neither team is showing much these days. BU is coming off a dismal loss to archrival BC, but hey, so is RPI against Union. Honestly, I think that if the Engineers can show the same kind of jump that they did on Wednesday on the road Friday, they will take the Terriers quite by surprise. Optimistically, 4-3 RPI.

Ouch

Well that weekend kinda brought us down to Earth eh? So, is RPI a middle of the pack ECAC team? One might think so. 7-4 loss on aggregate to the C schools does not inspire one with confidence.

Also, York's GAA must have taken a real nose dive this weekend. Against Colgate, 2 goals on 16 shots in the first, 1 goal on 6 shots in the second and 2 goals on 6 shots in the third. This team seems to be more talented then the ones fielded over the last few years but they do not have the offense yet to overcome bad goaltending performances. I remain happy over the direction of the team this year but results like this last weekend's certainly give you pause.

HFH

Well it was great to get back to Upstate and to Troy to see the lads donning the Cherry and White to play. I have to say, I was impressed by the team speed and the passing. They could certainly skate circles around Bentley. Also a big positive was Tyler back into the lineup. He was a noticeable addition with his crisp passing.

I was less than impressed at the Union outing. Down 3-0, the lads rallied back hard in the third period but what happened in period 2? You are down by 3 and you manage 9 shots (1 for a goal)? Maybe it was due to the back to back nature of the games but Union is RPI's (in my mind) hated enemy, how do you not get up for that game?

The positive is that they did score 4 goals in a losing effort. Too many times over the last few years were we treated to a scoring deficit win or lose. At least when they lose, they go all in scoring wise.

Much turkey was eaten, much RPI was watched, who could ask for a better weekend?

In town, Ready To Rumble

Ahh the holidays. They bring you back to the place you grew up. You know the streets even if you don't know their names any more.

Soon my car will start winding its way up the hills of Troy in the familiar back alley ways to get to the Houston Field House so I can see RPI take on Bentley tonight. I will be rooting for the boys hard.

And I am looking forward to the traditions. The Seive chant. The Clarkson still sucks chant. The band. The holiday Tourney. Will they bring back the mugs this year? I certainly hope so. I think the last one I have is from 95 and its looking a little decrepit!

In any event, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and go RPI (BTW- I predict a sweep this weekend, a weak, weak field).

Whooops!

Someone around here, who will not be named, forgot to mention the Niagara game. D'oh.

Well I guess, what can be said about losing to a previously winless team in a completely (as described by the people there) terrible fashion?

Hopefully SA will get the guys back into line and they have a long time to think about things as their next contests will be on the 27th and 28th for the Holiday Tourney (which I will be attending).

A Split?

What exactly happened this weekend in the North Country? Friday night went much like RPI's recent contests. AAG had a big night. York, great save percentage. RPI, a let up in the third (outshot by 9) but still managed a goal.

And then....

Blamo against SLU? I didn't listen to the game but just check out the box score: http://www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091114&vis=rpi&home=slu&gender=m

21 shots against in the second period? 2 goals allowed on 11 shots in the third? Did the team just suddenly run out of gas? I mean, its entirely possible. These are college kids after all. We can't expect the same conditioning out of them as the pros but clearly they hit the wall. And once again, no response in the third period. RPI registered 4 shots (14 in total). Was SLU's defense that good?

Its not all bad though, a split is a split is a split. Currently RPI is tied for third in the league. Quite a good start all things considered. Still, we here at RPI Hockey. Blogspot,. Com will be monitoring this third period situation all season.

The Weekend

Bad week at work, not a lot of time to think about RPI wonderfulness that is for sure. RPI swings to the North Country this weekend and since last weekend they swept when I predicted split, this weekend I will also predict split. Why? Sorry to say but I haven't had enough time to analyze the games. Below are USCHO's takes. Have a great weekend (and Clarkson still sucks!)!

Rensselaer @ Clarkson
Clarkson: 3-0-0 at home, 0-6-0 on the road. RPI: 5-1-0 at home, 1-1-1 away. Here's a shocking moment of prescience: Knights on home ice, 3-1.

Rensselaer @ St. Lawrence
The Saints seemed to suffer a classic let-down loss to Quinnipiac last Saturday after whooping Princeton on the road. I don't think it's been long enough for SLU to forget that there are two games in a weekend. 3-2 Saints.

The Turning Of The Tide

Could it be? Could this Program be FINALLY on the upswing? Call me crazy but I believe so. Let's go to the tale of the tape shall we?

RPI outscored Brown and Yale 8-3 over the weekend. Polacek was a monster. York continues his stellar GAA. They scored 2 goals on 5 shots in Friday's third period. More importantly, they SCORED in the third period.

In the last 2 games, RPI has scored 3 goals in the third period. 3. This might not seem like a big number but in the previous 4 games they only scored 2! I have ridden SA for awhile about 3 period let downs and I still harbor suspicions. STILL, if they can keep this up, color me intrigued about this season.

Oh Ivy, We Sing of Thee

RPI playing some ECAC foes? Whodathunkit? I mean usually we start playing ECAC folks in January so I guess this is a step up.

This is my favorite part of the schedule though due to Black Friday. Man I love this promotion/auction thing. I don't have a Black Friday jersey of my own (much to my disappointment) but every once in awhile I hope to see one on the Ebays.

The jerseys are so sharp, so distinctive, I love seeing the fans wear them. When is RPI going to go Black for a third alternate jersey and start selling these puppies (any version) in the bookstore??? Inquiring minds with wallets need to know!

The games? What games, I am talking about jerseys here. I think RPI will probably split the weekend and split most ECAC play. Don't get me wrong, I think this team is MUCH improved but I just don't see them doing better than .500 in the league at the moment. Prove me wrong Ripppee, prove me wrong!

As always, USCHO's takes:

Yale @ Rensselaer
4-2 Yale, despite RPI's Black Friday festivities.

Brown @ Rensselaer
5-3 RPI, as the Engineers make up for a Friday disappointment.

A Split

Well, it wasn't a sweep that this blog predicted but still, RPI beat Union! Suck it Dutchmen! You lost to the British and you lost to the lads of RPI. Bwaaahahahaha. I mean, good game all the way around.

The 2-1 loss to Army was a little disappointing especially since 1) RPI was outscored 2-0 in the third period, 2) RPI was outshot 14-5 in the third period and 3) WHAT THE HELL is going on in the third period? I like this team, I really do, this third period stuff just bothers me is all...

Still, onward!

Boo!

Its that time of the year kiddies. Time to break out the slutty stockings for the girls and the proton packs for the boys and get your Halloween on. This is my favorite time of year and the only thing that gets me more excited is when RPI plays Union.

I hate Union. Hate, hate, hate. They are the Mets, Jets, Nets of Capital region hockey. The fact that they have had a slightly better program over the last five years has been nothing short of infuriating.

This is the year though. I really, truly believe RPI has turned a corner and will turn over a new leaf/page this weekend by whupping up on Union as well as Army. Its crazy to think that I am picking RPI to sweep a weekend 2 weeks in a row but these are the heady go-go Aughts that we are living in. Of course, USCHO disagrees with me but I think Pumpkinhead will be visiting them soon enough!

USCHO's picks:

Rensselaer @ Union (non-conf)
Union, as mentioned in the column, has played strong third periods so far this season. RPI, on the other hand, has had a recent history of collapsing under pressure after 40 minutes of play. The Engineers will have to prove me wrong before I start picking them with any consistency. 5-2 Dutch.

Army @ Rensselaer
Will RPI suffer a let-down in this post-Union trap game? Unlikely ... but always a possibility. That said, the 'Tute is 3-0-0 at home. Make it 4-0-0: 4-3 RPI.

Win Some, Lose Some

Well, RPI did something that was expected of them and won the weekend! However, the bad news for RPI supporters (and this blog especially) is apparently the knee/leg injury suffered by Tyler. This blog has been a huge supporter of Tyler and he was really coming through this year (being the leading point producer and all). I have not heard what the latest is on his injury but I am wishing him a swift recovery!

I was up in Albany this weekend and managed to catch the second game. Wow is RPI fast and pressing in the offensive zone! I couldn't believe I was watching the same RPI program play. Of course, it was a lower tier opponent only playing their second game of the season in a back to back situation but still, man did RPI look good! I think its safe to say that RPI finally has the horses to compete with Seth's offensive scheme. And boy does the Second Round Draft Pick (SRDP from now on) look great. He gets open for a lot of shots.

The only area of concern remains the third period. RPI played a terrible third period in its Friday night game and SA said as much in his post game comments. I don't know what the heck happens in the third period at these games. Its definitely a function of SA's coaching style so the best we can hope for is that RPI plays and gets the lead in the first 2 and holds on for dear life in the third.

A Cake Walk Non-Conference?

Well this weekend, RPI goes up against the "mighty" programs of Sacred Heart and AIU. I didn't even realize these teams had hockey programs, much less ones that could do damage.

RPI should be overlooking NO ONE at any point on their schedule but if you were to say to me, "Me would you be disappointed if RPI didn't come away with 4 points this weekend?" I would have to say YES. Between AIU and SH, they have a combined record of 0-0-0 (that's right NO games so far) and RPI is getting warmed up. This should be a cake walk. RPI 2-1 over SH, 4-2 over AIU.

Sacred Heart at Rensselaer
This really should be a walk-over for RPI, but that's what many people thought about the Quinnipiac–Bentley game last week. I'll take the 'Tute in this one, but not by a landslide: 3-2.

Well, Ok Then

RPI, not so great when they travel outside the friendly confines of the East Coast. The Denver trip, the Florida trip, and now we can chalk up another one in Alaska.

The lads put up a good fight but fell 3-0 in the first game before salvaging a tie in the second game. York was predictably great in both games. RPI put up 24 and 25 shots respectively in the contests but in both third periods only managed 4 shots and 2 shots.

So, despite not having flown to Alaska to see the games (which I would have loved, if I had hit the lottery), can I ask, what the heck happened in the third periods? Have we not seen similar let downs in the ultimate period by Appert's teams before? What goes on between the second and third periods to allow this to happen? Now, I am willing to give a pass since they flew all the way to Alaska for the tired legs but considering what has come before, this bears close attention going forward.

I am looking forward to another week of RPI hockey and readers of ALL genders!

Weekend Is Here!

Let's crank it up for some RPI games.

The lads are chilling in Anchorage Alaska for this weekend and will be going up against Alaskan teams who are happy not to be flying 2,000 miles just to be playing someone. If RPI doesn't mind the jet lag (and after that disastrous Colorado trip, it might be an issue) and York plays well, I think they should take both games. However, the realist in me thinks they have enough legs to win the first one and tank in the second one.

USCHO seems to be picking my brain on this and has argued the same way. Thoughts?

Rensselaer vs. Alaska-Anchorage
(Brice Alaska Gold Rush; Fairbanks, Alaska)
If the Engineers can adequately adjust to the time difference, I think they can put away the almost-home team. 3-1 RPI.

Rensselaer @ Alaska
(Brice Alaska Gold Rush; Fairbanks, Alaska)
This time, it's the actual home team making the most of an immense home-ice (not to mention home-state, home-time zone, and home-latitude) advantage. 4-1 Alaska.