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!
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Sunday, March 07, 2010
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!
Friday, March 05, 2010
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!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
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!
Friday, February 26, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, February 19, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
#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.
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!
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.
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!
Friday, February 05, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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)
Speaks well of the upswing the program is on at the moment. Go RPI!
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!
Friday, January 22, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/01/14/sports/doc4b4eb1256600c347536890.txt
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
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!
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!
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.
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