Play the frosh goalie. Get the young kids out there. Sure RPI lost both games last weekend but you are starting to see the future is now for RPI hockey.
“Allen [York] was outstanding tonight,” said Rensselaer coach Seth Appert (per USCHO).
I really don't have much to say on the current state of affairs in Troy but will certainly be rooting for RPI to beat Clarkson on Friday. Of course, with the "everyone gets a ride on the village bicycle" playoff attitude of the ECAC, I will certainly be all over all playoff action coming up in 2 weeks (which in all likelihood will end Rippee's season). Until the end, I hope they at least split between Lange and York to keep seasoning the sauce for a very important season next year.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
And Now Comes The Part Of The Season If I Can Muster Up Any Interest
Last weekend was a bit of a back breaker for me, I must admit. 2 weeks left in the regular season and the lads are going for another C&C series this weekend. With 'Gate on the "upswing" (http://www.uscho.com/news/college-hockey/id,16682/ThisWeekinECACHockeyFeb192009.html) and Cornell in second place, I suffer no illusions about what awaits RPI this weekend.
So, the question is, how can I remain interested in RPI hockey when the season is so clearly circling the drain? I think for me, its all about the play of the young kids. Considering the highly ranked recruiting class and the over performing underclassman, the future is the key. Soooo, play all the freshman you can, play York all the time, may as well season them as much as possible because really, for me, next year is make or break for Appert.
As go the youth next year, so goes he.
Predicition: RPI loses both this weekend.
So, the question is, how can I remain interested in RPI hockey when the season is so clearly circling the drain? I think for me, its all about the play of the young kids. Considering the highly ranked recruiting class and the over performing underclassman, the future is the key. Soooo, play all the freshman you can, play York all the time, may as well season them as much as possible because really, for me, next year is make or break for Appert.
As go the youth next year, so goes he.
Predicition: RPI loses both this weekend.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Well That Sucked
Back to back losses against Union. Damn Appert, suckering me in like he always does. Sure next year's freshmen coupled with the youngsters aging a year might put RPI in national prominence a year or 2 from now but what about THIS YEAR?
Appert is also extremely infuriating in his press conferences. He always says the same thing (from USCHO): “There’s no tangible changes [to be made] ,” he said. “I think we’re playing pretty good hockey." ARRRGHHHH
This year my friends, well it looks like no home ice advantage and an early exit from the ECAC playoffs. I don't mean to be negative but couple this with a busy week at work (thus no posts) means I am in no mood to coddle this team for the remainder of the year.
The only thing that can pick up my spirits this year is that the Big Red Freakout is this weekend. I loved going to that game with my dad and the plastic horns. Color me blase for this year's incarnation.
Brown @ Rensselaer
With all due respect to the tradition, talent, and tenacity of Brown Hockey ... this just isn't their year. 4-1 Engineers.
Yale @ Rensselaer
Bulldogs wrest another road win (they're 8-1-0 on the road already this year), maintaining the status of top dog in the fight in the ECAC. 4-2 Yale.
Appert is also extremely infuriating in his press conferences. He always says the same thing (from USCHO): “There’s no tangible changes [to be made] ,” he said. “I think we’re playing pretty good hockey." ARRRGHHHH
This year my friends, well it looks like no home ice advantage and an early exit from the ECAC playoffs. I don't mean to be negative but couple this with a busy week at work (thus no posts) means I am in no mood to coddle this team for the remainder of the year.
The only thing that can pick up my spirits this year is that the Big Red Freakout is this weekend. I loved going to that game with my dad and the plastic horns. Color me blase for this year's incarnation.
Brown @ Rensselaer
With all due respect to the tradition, talent, and tenacity of Brown Hockey ... this just isn't their year. 4-1 Engineers.
Yale @ Rensselaer
Bulldogs wrest another road win (they're 8-1-0 on the road already this year), maintaining the status of top dog in the fight in the ECAC. 4-2 Yale.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Home And Home
I hate Union. The reasons are many but basically it stems from growing up an RPI fan and being entranced by their then current success (I grew up in the 80s) and their long history of success and the number of NHLers that came through their doors. Usually geographic rivalries are the most intense. Look at Michigan/Michigan State, USC/UCLA, Alabama/Auburn. No matter how good or bad either side of that equation is in a particular year, they always get up for the rivalry game.
Union is the closest D1 school to RPI and was always seen by me as a young upstart trying to get the respected hockey crown from RPI. Of course, it didn't help matters that over the last years of the Fridgen reign, Union was out recruiting and out performing RPI on the ice. The rivarly now had teeth that Union was competitive and in fact beating RPI at RPI's own game. Add the creation of the Governor's Cup where the main draw was the 2 teams squaring off in addition to their regular season games and for me, the rivalry has increased.
Do the players get a sense of this? Heck, do even RPI fans have a sense of this? There was a thread this week on USCHO about how many RPI fans still view Clarkson as the main toe to toe rival (of course the 1 minute chant still remains).
Still, I am going with the importance of these 2 games, not just for the rivalry factor but because this is a huge weekend for the ECAC standings. RPI needs both of these games to keep marching towards home ice advantage during at least some of the playoffs.
I say that they sweep the home and home this weekend. Let's get it on!
USCHO's picks:
Union @ Rensselaer
In a matchup of average offenses and bad defenses, I'm going to play the odds and pick the home Engineers. The teams look very closely matched right now; 3-2 RPI.
Rensselaer @ Union
Home teams win in the travel-partner tango, 4-1 Dutchmen.
Union is the closest D1 school to RPI and was always seen by me as a young upstart trying to get the respected hockey crown from RPI. Of course, it didn't help matters that over the last years of the Fridgen reign, Union was out recruiting and out performing RPI on the ice. The rivarly now had teeth that Union was competitive and in fact beating RPI at RPI's own game. Add the creation of the Governor's Cup where the main draw was the 2 teams squaring off in addition to their regular season games and for me, the rivalry has increased.
Do the players get a sense of this? Heck, do even RPI fans have a sense of this? There was a thread this week on USCHO about how many RPI fans still view Clarkson as the main toe to toe rival (of course the 1 minute chant still remains).
Still, I am going with the importance of these 2 games, not just for the rivalry factor but because this is a huge weekend for the ECAC standings. RPI needs both of these games to keep marching towards home ice advantage during at least some of the playoffs.
I say that they sweep the home and home this weekend. Let's get it on!
USCHO's picks:
Union @ Rensselaer
In a matchup of average offenses and bad defenses, I'm going to play the odds and pick the home Engineers. The teams look very closely matched right now; 3-2 RPI.
Rensselaer @ Union
Home teams win in the travel-partner tango, 4-1 Dutchmen.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Oh You Third Period
How I hate you. How you ruin many a RPI game.
Why, RPI has taken many a lead or a tied game into the 3rd period before getting blown out. Is it conditioning of the body that needs to be stepped for THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE SEASON? Is it the conditioning of the mind?
Whatever the reason, it is clear RPI does not bring it in the third (consistently). Three goals were given up in the third period against the Big Green (who also managed to sweep the season series against the cherry and white). Man if this isn't a CONSTANT during the Appert time period, I don't know what is.
The only thing I can look forward to is the home and home this weekend against RPI's true rival, Union. Saw what you want to about Clarkson and the 1 minute chant but I have always considered Union as the whippersnapper upstart to RPI's long, storied tradition of a program. The fact that they have been getting the better of the lads over the last few years has not been lost on me and I am asking, no begging for a sweep!
Why, RPI has taken many a lead or a tied game into the 3rd period before getting blown out. Is it conditioning of the body that needs to be stepped for THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE SEASON? Is it the conditioning of the mind?
Whatever the reason, it is clear RPI does not bring it in the third (consistently). Three goals were given up in the third period against the Big Green (who also managed to sweep the season series against the cherry and white). Man if this isn't a CONSTANT during the Appert time period, I don't know what is.
The only thing I can look forward to is the home and home this weekend against RPI's true rival, Union. Saw what you want to about Clarkson and the 1 minute chant but I have always considered Union as the whippersnapper upstart to RPI's long, storied tradition of a program. The fact that they have been getting the better of the lads over the last few years has not been lost on me and I am asking, no begging for a sweep!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Darmouth
The only game on the sched is tonight at the Big Green. They have a surprisingly similar record home and away 5-3-1. 7-4-1 overall in the ECAC. 4th in the ECAC. All of these stats have "loss" written all over them but I think RPI is getting on a roll now. Its their only game for the next week and I think Appert will have the troops frothing at the mouth for this one.
Of course, as I said in the last column and sort of hinted at in previous columns, as goes the offense, so goes RPI. This is a team that cannot win a 2-1 game. Lange is good but his D in front of him is not. RPI really needs to score 4-5 goals to have a chance of winning the game and not imploding in the 3rd period. Will the youngin's step up? Will they go all out for 60 minutes? I think the answer is yes.
USCHO projects them losing 4-3 but I think if RPI can get 3 they have a good shot at a win.
Of course, as I said in the last column and sort of hinted at in previous columns, as goes the offense, so goes RPI. This is a team that cannot win a 2-1 game. Lange is good but his D in front of him is not. RPI really needs to score 4-5 goals to have a chance of winning the game and not imploding in the 3rd period. Will the youngin's step up? Will they go all out for 60 minutes? I think the answer is yes.
USCHO projects them losing 4-3 but I think if RPI can get 3 they have a good shot at a win.
Monday, January 26, 2009
.500 Here We Come!
Well RPI has righted the ship. Of course, in this sense, "righted" means the cherry and white are playing .500 hockey instead of getting blown out every weekend.
Expectations were mixed for me going into this season. Clearly there was talent on this team looking at it pre-Christmas break in 2007 and they promptly fell off the face of the map in all of 2008.
And yet,
Here they are at the start of 2009 they are 3-4-1. Not hugely impressive but much much better then their 1-6-0 November. We have to come to grips with the fact that .500 is about as good as RPI gets this year. Still, there are positive signs that this program is going in the right direction.
Exhibit 1 is clearly the 7-6 OT win over SLU, coming back from 5-3 in the third to take a 6-5 win. Polacek had 2 goals, the AG brothers had a great night and Tyler chipped in with an assist. All of these guys just mentioned are young. Very young. So you can possibly see good results next season from this core of scoring players (when is the last time you heard that in relation to RPI?, probably not since the CEO line).
The Clarkson game was another OT affair but sadly RPI was on the losing end of this one. Tyler got a goal and an assist and kudos to Appert for starting Lange 2 games in a row again. I really think consistency in net is as important as anything else and you can't get that with a constant rotation (no matter how much upside York has).
Next weekend just one game at Dartmouth. Let's see if we can't get it to 4 wins in January.
Expectations were mixed for me going into this season. Clearly there was talent on this team looking at it pre-Christmas break in 2007 and they promptly fell off the face of the map in all of 2008.
And yet,
Here they are at the start of 2009 they are 3-4-1. Not hugely impressive but much much better then their 1-6-0 November. We have to come to grips with the fact that .500 is about as good as RPI gets this year. Still, there are positive signs that this program is going in the right direction.
Exhibit 1 is clearly the 7-6 OT win over SLU, coming back from 5-3 in the third to take a 6-5 win. Polacek had 2 goals, the AG brothers had a great night and Tyler chipped in with an assist. All of these guys just mentioned are young. Very young. So you can possibly see good results next season from this core of scoring players (when is the last time you heard that in relation to RPI?, probably not since the CEO line).
The Clarkson game was another OT affair but sadly RPI was on the losing end of this one. Tyler got a goal and an assist and kudos to Appert for starting Lange 2 games in a row again. I really think consistency in net is as important as anything else and you can't get that with a constant rotation (no matter how much upside York has).
Next weekend just one game at Dartmouth. Let's see if we can't get it to 4 wins in January.
Friday, January 23, 2009
North Country Preview
Ahh Upstate New York. The general term for folks living there and used by anyone in Manhattan referring to the area North of Westchester. We Upstaters know the differences though. Western New York, The Southern Tier, Central New York, Capital District and then the North Country (or Adirondacks or whatever else you would like to term it).
This weekend, the boys from the Capital District travel north to the North Country to play SLU and Clarkson (1 minute to go and they STILL suck!). Both teams are below RPI in the current ECAC standings (http://www.uscho.com/standings/?type=d1&conf=6&gender=m) and with Union 1 point ahead of RPI, RPI could really make a movement in the standings with 2 wins this weekend. When isn't that the case but still, some separation would be nice.
I think the team can do it. Appert has them playing at least at a competitive ECAC level so I full expect 2 wins this weekend. With Lange being trusted to start back to back games last weekend, I fully expect Appert to do the same this weekend. Of course, if the team plays really well on Friday night, maybe look for York against the weaker Clarkson on Saturday.
This could be the weekend RPI starts to chart a different story in the ECAC this season and I expect them to come through. You?
This weekend, the boys from the Capital District travel north to the North Country to play SLU and Clarkson (1 minute to go and they STILL suck!). Both teams are below RPI in the current ECAC standings (http://www.uscho.com/standings/?type=d1&conf=6&gender=m) and with Union 1 point ahead of RPI, RPI could really make a movement in the standings with 2 wins this weekend. When isn't that the case but still, some separation would be nice.
I think the team can do it. Appert has them playing at least at a competitive ECAC level so I full expect 2 wins this weekend. With Lange being trusted to start back to back games last weekend, I fully expect Appert to do the same this weekend. Of course, if the team plays really well on Friday night, maybe look for York against the weaker Clarkson on Saturday.
This could be the weekend RPI starts to chart a different story in the ECAC this season and I expect them to come through. You?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Hit
Ok, I have now seen the hit and the resulting lack of a mid-ice handshake by Cornell players.
For those who have not seen it, please check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PnJ-KfBIkw
To me, this is clearly a check in continuation of a play. The reason why this caused so much controversy is due to the Cornell player going awkwardly into the boards, not the check itself. Of course, the check was more of a push but when I looked at it, I didn't see necessarily anything outside the bounds of when I grew up playing hockey (or now in rec league). Should he have gone in with the body rather than the hands? Probably but its the end result of the play not the play itself that always seems to be the focus.
Of course the ECAC has overreacted: http://www.ecachockey.com/men/2008-09/news/20092101_Burgdoefer_Suspension
There seems to be some debate on whether its a 2 or 3 game suspension. Unless I hear different, it seems doubtful that Burg will be back in action this weekend. With 4 points in 23 games, Berg is not an offensive juggernaut but he is one of our woeful D and leads the team in PIM with 72 (the next highest only has 46). Whether the PIM went up because of all the penalties assessed, well there might be some merit but RPI's D which has been soft is losing their guy with edge.
This season I have read more listserv and message board postings about the quality of the ECAC refs. I have not had a chance to see many RPI games due to my location so I ask you, is really that bad? Was this an overreaction by the refs and then the league?
For those who have not seen it, please check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PnJ-KfBIkw
To me, this is clearly a check in continuation of a play. The reason why this caused so much controversy is due to the Cornell player going awkwardly into the boards, not the check itself. Of course, the check was more of a push but when I looked at it, I didn't see necessarily anything outside the bounds of when I grew up playing hockey (or now in rec league). Should he have gone in with the body rather than the hands? Probably but its the end result of the play not the play itself that always seems to be the focus.
Of course the ECAC has overreacted: http://www.ecachockey.com/men/2008-09/news/20092101_Burgdoefer_Suspension
There seems to be some debate on whether its a 2 or 3 game suspension. Unless I hear different, it seems doubtful that Burg will be back in action this weekend. With 4 points in 23 games, Berg is not an offensive juggernaut but he is one of our woeful D and leads the team in PIM with 72 (the next highest only has 46). Whether the PIM went up because of all the penalties assessed, well there might be some merit but RPI's D which has been soft is losing their guy with edge.
This season I have read more listserv and message board postings about the quality of the ECAC refs. I have not had a chance to see many RPI games due to my location so I ask you, is really that bad? Was this an overreaction by the refs and then the league?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Another Promising Weekend
Well, 1-1 verus the C schools was pretty respectable. They certainly brought it against Colgate and well Cornell is ranked 5th in the country, what do you expect?
I have no comment on the end of game shennanigoats as I did not see the game and I only know from what I have read on the email chains. All I can say is that things happen in hockey, it can be a chippy sport. However the game ended, you should do the handshake. These kids (despite several being drafted) aren't pros yet. Let's make sure a sense of sportsmanship remains!
Once again, AG did some scoring and I was glad to see my boy Tyler back into the score sheet with 2 assists in the Gate game. Lange got it done again and only let in power play goals. RPI was once again 1-7 on the powerplay. They were also 0-5 on the power play against Cornell on Sat night.
For whatever reason, Appert has saved this season from complete failure. The question remains, can he get them back into the upper tier orbits of the ECAC? Can RPI actually have home games for the ECAC playoffs? Can this team, as young as it is, position itself for a hell of a run at the end of this year and next season? Only time will tell.
I have no comment on the end of game shennanigoats as I did not see the game and I only know from what I have read on the email chains. All I can say is that things happen in hockey, it can be a chippy sport. However the game ended, you should do the handshake. These kids (despite several being drafted) aren't pros yet. Let's make sure a sense of sportsmanship remains!
Once again, AG did some scoring and I was glad to see my boy Tyler back into the score sheet with 2 assists in the Gate game. Lange got it done again and only let in power play goals. RPI was once again 1-7 on the powerplay. They were also 0-5 on the power play against Cornell on Sat night.
For whatever reason, Appert has saved this season from complete failure. The question remains, can he get them back into the upper tier orbits of the ECAC? Can RPI actually have home games for the ECAC playoffs? Can this team, as young as it is, position itself for a hell of a run at the end of this year and next season? Only time will tell.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Finally a Winning Weekend!
1-0-1 is what the weekend scoreboard will say but really, it means much more to the RPI program. Too often this season and the second half of last season was 0-2-0 or 0-1-1. Hardly a way to climb up the standings in the ECAC and reestablish the RPI program which has been downtrodden for far too long (not a small task for Appert, admittedly).
RPI once again started out both games on fire. This time, they came away with a tie and win! They outshot the Q 9-7 in the first, and despite the letdown in the third (when have we heard that before), RPI managed to skate away with a tie. The next night in Jersey (my home hood), they put the hurt on Princeton 5-1. Once again, strong first outshooting their opponent 11-8.
One really has to talk about the play of Alex AG. This guy has been simply on fire over the last 6 games. Is this finally the indication that Appert can recruit for RPI successfully? Huge fan of Tyler (as people who read this blog know) but Alex AG has come out of nowhere in the first 10 games to really set the world on fire with scoring not just assists (which seems to be TH's provence).
Next weekend is the big test to see if RPI can come full circle this season and get back on the winning side. Colgate and Cornell await (thankfully in the confines of HFH) and we can see if the young guns can actually make it happen 2 weekends in a row.
RPI once again started out both games on fire. This time, they came away with a tie and win! They outshot the Q 9-7 in the first, and despite the letdown in the third (when have we heard that before), RPI managed to skate away with a tie. The next night in Jersey (my home hood), they put the hurt on Princeton 5-1. Once again, strong first outshooting their opponent 11-8.
One really has to talk about the play of Alex AG. This guy has been simply on fire over the last 6 games. Is this finally the indication that Appert can recruit for RPI successfully? Huge fan of Tyler (as people who read this blog know) but Alex AG has come out of nowhere in the first 10 games to really set the world on fire with scoring not just assists (which seems to be TH's provence).
Next weekend is the big test to see if RPI can come full circle this season and get back on the winning side. Colgate and Cornell await (thankfully in the confines of HFH) and we can see if the young guns can actually make it happen 2 weekends in a row.
Monday, January 05, 2009
New Year, New Results?
Sorry I have been away but with almost 2 full weeks off and lots of states/people to visit, there is precious little time to blog about the cherry and white.
Last weekend saw RPI get their lunch handed to them at the Denver Cup with a 6-2 loss to BU and a slightly closer 4-3 loss to Holy Cross. RPI did manage to outshoot HC 13-4 in the opening frame which has not happened often this season.
The HC game was also notable in that Appert pulled a "Paul Maurice circa 2007" and pulled York with 2+ minutes to go in the third period. For those who don't remember, when Toronto was trying like hell for the last playoff spot, Paul would pull the goalie about 5 minutes to go in the game. It worked in a few games but ultimately a lot of empty netters resulted.
Has Appert gotten desperate? What are we to make out of these 2 games? As one commentator of this blog noted, it is good to play top level talent and see where you are at. If that is the case, then RPI is certainly not in the same league as BU and kinda close to HC. I think they should challege themselves via scheduling (although I think it directly led to last year's midseason meltdown) but clearly the results are that RPI is a mid to lower level ECAC team.
Can we expect similar results in the second half of the season? Let's take a look at RPI's upcoming sched...
They lost 5-1 to the Q and 4-1 to Princeton in previous matchups. They will play the 2 C's again later in the season so we don't know how well they will do then. Clearly, if there is going to be any second half turnaround, RPI needs to score more than 1 goal and probably win a few of these games. I think the C's will be a lost cause if RPI can't step it up against the Gotham area teams. It was good to see Angers-Goulet turn it on as it is an affirmation of Appert's recruiting skills. He basically WAS the scoring out there in Denver and if the underclassmen can start turning it on, RPI might have something to build on for next year. Time will tell.
Last weekend saw RPI get their lunch handed to them at the Denver Cup with a 6-2 loss to BU and a slightly closer 4-3 loss to Holy Cross. RPI did manage to outshoot HC 13-4 in the opening frame which has not happened often this season.
The HC game was also notable in that Appert pulled a "Paul Maurice circa 2007" and pulled York with 2+ minutes to go in the third period. For those who don't remember, when Toronto was trying like hell for the last playoff spot, Paul would pull the goalie about 5 minutes to go in the game. It worked in a few games but ultimately a lot of empty netters resulted.
Has Appert gotten desperate? What are we to make out of these 2 games? As one commentator of this blog noted, it is good to play top level talent and see where you are at. If that is the case, then RPI is certainly not in the same league as BU and kinda close to HC. I think they should challege themselves via scheduling (although I think it directly led to last year's midseason meltdown) but clearly the results are that RPI is a mid to lower level ECAC team.
Can we expect similar results in the second half of the season? Let's take a look at RPI's upcoming sched...
| Fri. | 1/9/2009 | @ | Quinnipiac | 7:00 ET | |
| Sat. | 1/10/2009 | @ | Princeton | 4:00 ET | |
| Fri. | 1/16/2009 | Colgate | 7:00 ET | ||
| Sat. | 1/17/2009 | Cornell | 7:00 ET |
They lost 5-1 to the Q and 4-1 to Princeton in previous matchups. They will play the 2 C's again later in the season so we don't know how well they will do then. Clearly, if there is going to be any second half turnaround, RPI needs to score more than 1 goal and probably win a few of these games. I think the C's will be a lost cause if RPI can't step it up against the Gotham area teams. It was good to see Angers-Goulet turn it on as it is an affirmation of Appert's recruiting skills. He basically WAS the scoring out there in Denver and if the underclassmen can start turning it on, RPI might have something to build on for next year. Time will tell.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Was An Update Really Necessary?
I didn't post a Friday preview and I am at a loss of providing a recap of this weekend's action. I mean, did anyone expect a different result? This is a national program versus a frustratingly underachieving team and the result speak for themselves.
As I mentioned awhile back, RPI has to make itself a top tier team in the ECAC. I appreciate Appert wanting the team to play against the best (like Izzo at Mich State bball) in the early going but the true test is can RPI hang with its conference.
Once the program gets to that level then the question can turn to, can they compete on a national level. As "What About Bob" taught us, its all about baby steps. This last weekend had nothing to do with that.
As I mentioned awhile back, RPI has to make itself a top tier team in the ECAC. I appreciate Appert wanting the team to play against the best (like Izzo at Mich State bball) in the early going but the true test is can RPI hang with its conference.
Once the program gets to that level then the question can turn to, can they compete on a national level. As "What About Bob" taught us, its all about baby steps. This last weekend had nothing to do with that.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
A Turning Point?
As soon as I write off RPI's season they go and put up a 7 spot in the Saturday day. Couple that with 3 goals in the first period Friday night and could we be seeing an offensive resurgence that offsets the horrendous defensive play?
I am going to cop out and say wait a while to see what happens. Clearly RPI has demonstrated that it CAN score and Appert seems to be feeling the oats a little bit:
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2008/12/08/sports/doc493cb50c15e2d640046301.txt
“We gained some confidence in the fact that we created a lot of scoring chances on Friday (in the 7-3 loss at Yale) in both the first and the periods,” he said. “There’s no question we can gain confidence by finally getting some offensive success.
“I wasn’t worried about curtailing any of their exuberance,” he said. “I’ll make sure that their attention is focused on, while the goals and the win are good, we still have a long way to go to make that our norm and not the exception.”
The question remains, can the lads sustain this effort? Their defense isn't getting any better as they gave up 7 goals to Yale. As I have argued before, you need to increase the scoring if the D is going to be this lackadaisical and it looks like someone over at HFH has gotten the message.
On a sad note, it looks like the Governor's Cup is going the way of the dodo bird. I was always disappointed in the crowds that turned out for the event but I would always schedule time to go to it. Having it in the Knick was a great event and has great potential.
Someone on the USCHO message boards mentioned getting a tourney underway with SLU, Clarkson, Union and Ripee and I think this is a tremendous idea. These truly are the rivalrly teams for RPI and having them all come together would be tremendous. Of course, if the event was held in Lake Placid or somewhere north of the CD this could cause travel issues for the casual fan during the winter time but I am all for trying to keep something like the GC going in the future.
I am going to cop out and say wait a while to see what happens. Clearly RPI has demonstrated that it CAN score and Appert seems to be feeling the oats a little bit:
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2008/12/08/sports/doc493cb50c15e2d640046301.txt
“We gained some confidence in the fact that we created a lot of scoring chances on Friday (in the 7-3 loss at Yale) in both the first and the periods,” he said. “There’s no question we can gain confidence by finally getting some offensive success.
“I wasn’t worried about curtailing any of their exuberance,” he said. “I’ll make sure that their attention is focused on, while the goals and the win are good, we still have a long way to go to make that our norm and not the exception.”
The question remains, can the lads sustain this effort? Their defense isn't getting any better as they gave up 7 goals to Yale. As I have argued before, you need to increase the scoring if the D is going to be this lackadaisical and it looks like someone over at HFH has gotten the message.
On a sad note, it looks like the Governor's Cup is going the way of the dodo bird. I was always disappointed in the crowds that turned out for the event but I would always schedule time to go to it. Having it in the Knick was a great event and has great potential.
Someone on the USCHO message boards mentioned getting a tourney underway with SLU, Clarkson, Union and Ripee and I think this is a tremendous idea. These truly are the rivalrly teams for RPI and having them all come together would be tremendous. Of course, if the event was held in Lake Placid or somewhere north of the CD this could cause travel issues for the casual fan during the winter time but I am all for trying to keep something like the GC going in the future.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Appert, Myopia
Before I get to the Appert interview in this week's USCHO ECAC roundup, let's get to the games this weekend.
RPI vs. Yale/Brown
If I had not watched the games last weekend I would have thought this was a split. However, its clear to me that the problems that RPI faces this year will not be overcome and I foresee a bunch of back to back losses. Brown should be a win but until RPI actually wins (and scores more than 1 goal doing it) I am penciling in 2 losses for this weekend.
USCHO Article:
Here are some selected quotes from SA in USCHO.
Right now we need to be consistently focused on being a better defensive team,” said the coach, reiterating past assessments that RPI is not “a four-goal-a-game team” right now.
Really? No kidding? The defense was terrible last weekend at the HFH but you couldn't escape the feeling that RPI would be in it if they had the potential of scoring more goals to counteract the bad D. When you are only capable of scoring 1-2 goals a game you can't be giving up 3-4 in the first period. However, I see potential on the offensive side. There are scorers, there are passers, they are just not converting. I think it is going to be more difficult to fix this defense than to get the offense going and there has to be a way to increase the GAA of opposing goaltenders.
“When looking at our record, it’s frustrating, no question about it … but we’ve played five league games. We have more than 75 percent of our season ahead of us.”
Past results indicate future returns. If RPI can't beat Bentley and can't beat the current incarnation of Mercyhurst, what chance do they stand against the ECAC teams? Sure the ECAC is traditionally one of the weaker conferences in the US (compared to the CCHL and the WCHL) but there has been nothing to indicate RPI can rise up against in-division competition. Of course Appert can't bag on the season but there has to be some indication of change. I don't know if RPI fans can take "75%" of the remaining season to go like the first 25%.
RPI vs. Yale/Brown
If I had not watched the games last weekend I would have thought this was a split. However, its clear to me that the problems that RPI faces this year will not be overcome and I foresee a bunch of back to back losses. Brown should be a win but until RPI actually wins (and scores more than 1 goal doing it) I am penciling in 2 losses for this weekend.
USCHO Article:
Here are some selected quotes from SA in USCHO.
Right now we need to be consistently focused on being a better defensive team,” said the coach, reiterating past assessments that RPI is not “a four-goal-a-game team” right now.
Really? No kidding? The defense was terrible last weekend at the HFH but you couldn't escape the feeling that RPI would be in it if they had the potential of scoring more goals to counteract the bad D. When you are only capable of scoring 1-2 goals a game you can't be giving up 3-4 in the first period. However, I see potential on the offensive side. There are scorers, there are passers, they are just not converting. I think it is going to be more difficult to fix this defense than to get the offense going and there has to be a way to increase the GAA of opposing goaltenders.
“When looking at our record, it’s frustrating, no question about it … but we’ve played five league games. We have more than 75 percent of our season ahead of us.”
Past results indicate future returns. If RPI can't beat Bentley and can't beat the current incarnation of Mercyhurst, what chance do they stand against the ECAC teams? Sure the ECAC is traditionally one of the weaker conferences in the US (compared to the CCHL and the WCHL) but there has been nothing to indicate RPI can rise up against in-division competition. Of course Appert can't bag on the season but there has to be some indication of change. I don't know if RPI fans can take "75%" of the remaining season to go like the first 25%.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Positives
Ok, so I saw the lads for the first time when I went up to the CD for Turkey Day. I thought I should list the positive attributes of the team rather than dwell on the losing and their terrible play.
1) Zarbo is a great puck moving defenseman. Fast on the rush, great dekeing skills, I love to watch this kid move the puck out.
2) Polacek has a hell of a shot. Heavy and fairly accurate.
3) Fans know I am a big rooter for Tyler Helfrich. While a bit on the smallish side, he has great hands and a nose for the net. He consistently is at the top of scoring for the cherry and white and a valuable recruit.
4) Goaltending. I believe, I really do. A lot of the goals I witnessed this weekend came from bad D not poor goaltending. I think Lange, while jerked around during the Alford year last year, is a valuable goaltender and while York has been inconsistent, I wouldn't be surprised if he rounded into a top goalie in his sophomore year.
5) RPI fans. Still there despite the losing. Still singing "RED" on the nat anthem and Clarkson cheers. Despite all the technology and recent national acclaim, this hockey team is THE identity for the Institute which brings together the students, the alumni and the hockey loving community of the CD. It was great to see everyone out despite the holidays and the general suckiness of the team.
1) Zarbo is a great puck moving defenseman. Fast on the rush, great dekeing skills, I love to watch this kid move the puck out.
2) Polacek has a hell of a shot. Heavy and fairly accurate.
3) Fans know I am a big rooter for Tyler Helfrich. While a bit on the smallish side, he has great hands and a nose for the net. He consistently is at the top of scoring for the cherry and white and a valuable recruit.
4) Goaltending. I believe, I really do. A lot of the goals I witnessed this weekend came from bad D not poor goaltending. I think Lange, while jerked around during the Alford year last year, is a valuable goaltender and while York has been inconsistent, I wouldn't be surprised if he rounded into a top goalie in his sophomore year.
5) RPI fans. Still there despite the losing. Still singing "RED" on the nat anthem and Clarkson cheers. Despite all the technology and recent national acclaim, this hockey team is THE identity for the Institute which brings together the students, the alumni and the hockey loving community of the CD. It was great to see everyone out despite the holidays and the general suckiness of the team.
Friday, November 14, 2008
More Games At Home
The one positive thing about RPI's losing ways to start the season is at least they are in the friendly confines of the HFH and the home environment might help inspire them for a few more wins to help them get over this rough stretch of the season. This weekend is no different as RPI looks to build on last weekend's 1-1 stretch with games against Princeton and Quinn.
I think RPI continues to play .500 hockey with a terrible PP this weekend and I mirror USCHO's take on the games.
Princeton @ Rensselaer
Can RPI bounce back at home? Princeton's a tough task; I'll save my upset pick for another time. 4-1 Tigers.
Quinnipiac @ Rensselaer
QU is certainly vulnerable, and if the Engineers can play as though they have nothing to lose ... well really, what do they have to lose? 3-1 RPI.
I think RPI continues to play .500 hockey with a terrible PP this weekend and I mirror USCHO's take on the games.
Princeton @ Rensselaer
Can RPI bounce back at home? Princeton's a tough task; I'll save my upset pick for another time. 4-1 Tigers.
Quinnipiac @ Rensselaer
QU is certainly vulnerable, and if the Engineers can play as though they have nothing to lose ... well really, what do they have to lose? 3-1 RPI.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Predicting .500
1-1 this weekend. A win over Harvard and a loss to Dartmouth (USCHO got it right!). Lange with the win, York with the loss. I am NOT a fan of switching goalies (see all of last year's posts) and I think its time for Appert to settle in with Lange for the stretch run.
I don't think RPI is horrible but they are clearly not a good team. I think last weekend will be a precursor of things to come and they will finish about .500 but with no home ice advantage. Something tells me SA is slowly turning the ship around but to do so, he must get the offense working EVERY night and stop with the damn goalie platooning already!
I don't think RPI is horrible but they are clearly not a good team. I think last weekend will be a precursor of things to come and they will finish about .500 but with no home ice advantage. Something tells me SA is slowly turning the ship around but to do so, he must get the offense working EVERY night and stop with the damn goalie platooning already!
Friday, November 07, 2008
Get Ready For Some Hockey!
Ok folks, it is ECAC weekend at the Houston Field House. I am hoping to be in attendance for the Dartmouth game and cheer on the lads in person.
RPI v. Harvard:
They killed us in shots but their power play was just as terrible as RPI's. The thing in RPI's favor is the Blackout will be this Friday night which is a great new annual tradition and should pump up the boys even more. Its really a make or break game for RPI as ECAC play gets underway in earnest. Personally, I don't think our offense is up to the challenge and I see RPI falling 3-1.
USCHO disagrees:
Harvard @ Rensselaer
Hunch pick: RPI guts out a desperate win in front of a blacked-out crowd, 3-2.
RPI v. Dartmouth:
Growing up, I always remember Dartmouth as the team scheduled against RPI for the Freakout because the program was so anemic. Its tough to tell about them this year as they are only 0-2 and lost a close game to Vermont. Still I am thinking RPI hands them their hat in a bounceback game 4-2.
USCHO disagrees:
Dartmouth @ Rensselaer
Call it a Houston (Field House) Hangover: RPI can't make it four points this weekend. 3-2 Green.
Through the RPI listserve, here are some articles on the games from the local fish wraps:
RPI v. Harvard:
They killed us in shots but their power play was just as terrible as RPI's. The thing in RPI's favor is the Blackout will be this Friday night which is a great new annual tradition and should pump up the boys even more. Its really a make or break game for RPI as ECAC play gets underway in earnest. Personally, I don't think our offense is up to the challenge and I see RPI falling 3-1.
USCHO disagrees:
Harvard @ Rensselaer
Hunch pick: RPI guts out a desperate win in front of a blacked-out crowd, 3-2.
RPI v. Dartmouth:
Growing up, I always remember Dartmouth as the team scheduled against RPI for the Freakout because the program was so anemic. Its tough to tell about them this year as they are only 0-2 and lost a close game to Vermont. Still I am thinking RPI hands them their hat in a bounceback game 4-2.
USCHO disagrees:
Dartmouth @ Rensselaer
Call it a Houston (Field House) Hangover: RPI can't make it four points this weekend. 3-2 Green.
Through the RPI listserve, here are some articles on the games from the local fish wraps:
http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=20191249&BRD=1170&PAG=461&dept_id=665
218&rfi=8
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=737246&category=COLLHOCKEY
http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/nov/07/1107_collpucks/
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
1 for 10 Equals Loss
On Election Day, Harvard cast its ballots and RPI was in no position to ask for a recount. 1 for 10 on the powerplay left RPI with a 4-1 loss in ECACHL play.
There is something wrong there on the hill. Perhaps it is 36 shots against. Perhaps it is the terrible powerplay. Perhaps it is the coaching.
In any event, these are depressing times for fans of the Cherry and White. I am at a loss this morning of what needs to be done with this program.
There is something wrong there on the hill. Perhaps it is 36 shots against. Perhaps it is the terrible powerplay. Perhaps it is the coaching.
In any event, these are depressing times for fans of the Cherry and White. I am at a loss this morning of what needs to be done with this program.
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