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!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, December 07, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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?
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?
Friday, November 27, 2009
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).
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).
Friday, November 20, 2009
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).
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).
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, November 06, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, October 30, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 23, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, October 16, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Ok, Ok, I have been slow
Whoops, RPI goes INTO UNH and gets a win and now I am blogging about it 5 days later? Yeesh BlackCap, what the hell is going on?
Its been a weird couple of months but I swear I am back into the swing of all things Cherry and White.
In USCHO's preseason preview, they indicated this season will hinge on "Goaltending will be a question mark to start, but things seem to be on the upswing in Troy following a disastrous ’08-09 campaign."
And certainly Rippee's York is making it happen. I mean 37 saves on 38 shots?!? Awesome start to the season. And can I just add that my favorite RPI player of the last few season, Tyler Helfrich had 2 assists? Can RPI keep this up? Well, if I can actually get some pre-game previews going again, I will answer that question tomorrie!
Its been a weird couple of months but I swear I am back into the swing of all things Cherry and White.
In USCHO's preseason preview, they indicated this season will hinge on "Goaltending will be a question mark to start, but things seem to be on the upswing in Troy following a disastrous ’08-09 campaign."
And certainly Rippee's York is making it happen. I mean 37 saves on 38 shots?!? Awesome start to the season. And can I just add that my favorite RPI player of the last few season, Tyler Helfrich had 2 assists? Can RPI keep this up? Well, if I can actually get some pre-game previews going again, I will answer that question tomorrie!
Friday, October 09, 2009
Now the Season Can Commence
Well, that was a little rough last night against Mass eh? Glad to see by boy Tyler get into the scoring mix early with a goal and an assist. Also, good job by the boys putting up 30 shots "for". Still, York, what is up with that save percentage my good sir? 5 goals on 26 shots?
Still, I can't get too down on the lads, its early in the season and this is Hockey East opponents after all. I am really reserving judgment until after the Alaska games.
So, I am not going to grind my teeth about tomorrow's game against UNH. I think RPI keeps it close but ultimately falls. Either way, I am glad hockey is back!
Still, I can't get too down on the lads, its early in the season and this is Hockey East opponents after all. I am really reserving judgment until after the Alaska games.
So, I am not going to grind my teeth about tomorrow's game against UNH. I think RPI keeps it close but ultimately falls. Either way, I am glad hockey is back!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Welcome Back!
Wow, has it really been since March since I posted? Lazy, lazy man that I am, sorry!
However, the season is now beginning. Puck drop in two days! And I am back on the RPI bandwagon.
Is this a make or break year for one particular coach? I say yes. This RPI team you will see before you is Seth's team, his recruits, his playing style. There were flashes shown of RPI's potential last season. The goaltending kept them in games their defense was actively trying to lose. York is back and now is the time to see why he was a draft pick and prized recruit. Can everything come together for a run to at least the final four of the ECAC?
The polls say no (what do they know?). USCHO has RPI 8th in the coaches, 10th in the media. Based on past performance, I can't say they are wrong initially. I think this team will be better, I think they will be faster and better scorers.
The first game occurs against UPEI. They are Canadian, can probably play hockey pretty well and will offer a good test to see how RPI is doing on O, D and in net. I really have no idea how PEI will fare but I can't wait to find out what RPI does.
Let's get it on!
However, the season is now beginning. Puck drop in two days! And I am back on the RPI bandwagon.
Is this a make or break year for one particular coach? I say yes. This RPI team you will see before you is Seth's team, his recruits, his playing style. There were flashes shown of RPI's potential last season. The goaltending kept them in games their defense was actively trying to lose. York is back and now is the time to see why he was a draft pick and prized recruit. Can everything come together for a run to at least the final four of the ECAC?
The polls say no (what do they know?). USCHO has RPI 8th in the coaches, 10th in the media. Based on past performance, I can't say they are wrong initially. I think this team will be better, I think they will be faster and better scorers.
The first game occurs against UPEI. They are Canadian, can probably play hockey pretty well and will offer a good test to see how RPI is doing on O, D and in net. I really have no idea how PEI will fare but I can't wait to find out what RPI does.
Let's get it on!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Good, Bad, Ugly
Ok, so the season is over. One of the worst win loss records in memory and yet an almost magical playoff run that basically made the season a "draw" in my mind. I could go over the season in huge recaps but I am a lazy, lazy man. Instead, I will give you the good, bad and ugly of the season as a recap.
The Ugly:
Shots on Goal. RPI played 34 regular season games. Guess how many times they out shot their opponent? 8, 8 times! In fact, RPI was out shot 1047 to 858 (RPI). RPI averaged 25 shots a game sure but their defense gave up 30 or more shots in a game 17 times! In fact, opponents averaged 30 shots per game. Clearly the defense needs to step up big time to rectify this ugly statistic from the season.
The Bad:
Next to last in lots of categories. The ECAC is a 12 team league. RPI was 11th in PPG, power play percentage, goals against and GAA. 10th in goals, assists, goals per game and empty net goals against. As anemic as the defense was, the offense was worse.
The Good:
Finally, here we are at the good. What can be taken away from this season that puts a smile to your face? Allen York. As a freshman (drafted in 2007) York posted a save percentage above .900. He also recorded the only shutout of the season. Oh, and did I mention he was a freshman? Couple that with the top 4 scorers being either freshmen or sophomores and the future looks bright indeed for the cherry and white. Polacek 14th in the league in scoring. Not so great in individual categories but I think they have the young guns to change that in the next few years.
The Ugly:
Shots on Goal. RPI played 34 regular season games. Guess how many times they out shot their opponent? 8, 8 times! In fact, RPI was out shot 1047 to 858 (RPI). RPI averaged 25 shots a game sure but their defense gave up 30 or more shots in a game 17 times! In fact, opponents averaged 30 shots per game. Clearly the defense needs to step up big time to rectify this ugly statistic from the season.
The Bad:
Next to last in lots of categories. The ECAC is a 12 team league. RPI was 11th in PPG, power play percentage, goals against and GAA. 10th in goals, assists, goals per game and empty net goals against. As anemic as the defense was, the offense was worse.
The Good:
Finally, here we are at the good. What can be taken away from this season that puts a smile to your face? Allen York. As a freshman (drafted in 2007) York posted a save percentage above .900. He also recorded the only shutout of the season. Oh, and did I mention he was a freshman? Couple that with the top 4 scorers being either freshmen or sophomores and the future looks bright indeed for the cherry and white. Polacek 14th in the league in scoring. Not so great in individual categories but I think they have the young guns to change that in the next few years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)