Well the lads went 0-1-1 on their trip out to Minnesota. Considering that both games went to OT and RPI only being on the short end of the stick once, I say that is a good result.
Diebold was in net for the tie and Merriman was in net for the loss. I thought both played well so I am not going to rant about the rotation...yet.
The young guns continue to contribute adding in assists and goals over the weekend. If you said to me, after playing Minnesota State and Ferris State that RPI would be 1-1-2, I would take that in a heartbeat. As much as I love SA modeling himself after Tom Izzo and playing a really tough non-conference schedule to start the year, I find that the team can be put in a hole psychologically before ECAC play. This year, to be at .500 (and even "better" with the ties, which I consider wins against these teams) I think augers well for ECAC play.
Keep it up Cherry and White!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
10,000 Lakes, 2 Wins?
RPI has to be feeling good after last weekend, going 1-0-1 against an elite team like that. I know I sure am!
This week, Minnesota State, a tough test for RPI, they don't do well against WCHA teams but I think the lads might be feeling a little pumped up after last weekend and can certainly split the series, maybe even take it. At this early stage in the season with so many underclassmen at the forward positions, it really comes down to the veteran D and the goaltenders to help RPI through this weekend.
I have railed against SA's choices of rotating goalies over the years but I didn't realize until last weekend through WRPI's interview with him that this was what gave the University of Denver its success while SA was there. Still, with 3 goaltenders on the roster, I have a sneaking suspicion SA will be rotation heavy again. Whether that strategy serves the team in the long run or not, I am not sure.
I think RPI will split the weekend since its the first away series for such a young team but still if RPI can start the season 2-1-1 against these teams, I see a bright season ahead for them.
As always, here are USCHO's picks:
Rensselaer at Minnesota State 7:37 pm CT
Brian: 1-0-1? How’s that strike you, Engineers fans? Believe it or not, it has been six years since the ‘Tute made it to Game 3 without a loss (2006-07, also 1-0-1). Next up is a taxing road trip to Mankato, where the home side is also 1-0-1 after a double-dip at Alabama-Huntsville. RPI may have played a tougher opponent, but those games were in Troy. This is a whole new ball o’ wax. I’m taking MSU-M in the opener, 3-2 Mavericks.
Brian: 1-0-1? How’s that strike you, Engineers fans? Believe it or not, it has been six years since the ‘Tute made it to Game 3 without a loss (2006-07, also 1-0-1). Next up is a taxing road trip to Mankato, where the home side is also 1-0-1 after a double-dip at Alabama-Huntsville. RPI may have played a tougher opponent, but those games were in Troy. This is a whole new ball o’ wax. I’m taking MSU-M in the opener, 3-2 Mavericks.
Nate: Not much more to add to Brian’s insight. These two met for the time ever last season, splitting a series in Troy. Think that’s the same here, with the hosts taking the opener. Minnesota State 3-2.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/10/18/ecac-hockey-picks-week-3-2/#ixzz29krx1abZ
Rensselaer at Minnesota State 7:07 pm CT
Brian: I’m tempted to pick the Mavs again – home-ice advantage and all – but I’m going to put a little mostly blind faith in RPI to step it up a level and improve to 2-1-1 (or better). 3-2 Engineers.
Brian: I’m tempted to pick the Mavs again – home-ice advantage and all – but I’m going to put a little mostly blind faith in RPI to step it up a level and improve to 2-1-1 (or better). 3-2 Engineers.
Nate: Engineers should sneak home with a win Saturday night.RPI 3-1.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/10/18/ecac-hockey-picks-week-3-2/#ixzz29ks2mc3P
Sunday, October 14, 2012
I Will Take It
A 1-0-1 start to the season against last year's runner up NCAA champion? HECK YEA!
Friday night was a revelation, the boys were skating hard, got the lead and in my mind, never looked back. Diebold only made a mistake on the first goal and after that was rock solid.
Saturday was a different game. RPI looked lost, couldn't clear zones to save their lives and had too many "just get it out" passes that ended up being intercepted. However, the Sophomore Sensation line (dubbed by the WRPI crew) stepped up with 2 tallies and the game ended in a draw which was the best result RPI could've hoped for, given how they were playing on Saturday.
That being said, wow 1-0-1, amazing way to start off the year. Can't wait to see how they play next weekend in Minnesota Makato!
Friday night was a revelation, the boys were skating hard, got the lead and in my mind, never looked back. Diebold only made a mistake on the first goal and after that was rock solid.
Saturday was a different game. RPI looked lost, couldn't clear zones to save their lives and had too many "just get it out" passes that ended up being intercepted. However, the Sophomore Sensation line (dubbed by the WRPI crew) stepped up with 2 tallies and the game ended in a draw which was the best result RPI could've hoped for, given how they were playing on Saturday.
That being said, wow 1-0-1, amazing way to start off the year. Can't wait to see how they play next weekend in Minnesota Makato!
Friday, October 12, 2012
GO RPI!!!!
I haven't really ramped up the blogging this year for the Cherry and White but just wanted to drop in with a few thoughts.
You can always tell its the preseason why RPI plays Arcadia. This is what the 53rd year in a row we have played them? Also you can generally tell the pulse of the team depending on how well they played. Certainly a 6-2 win augers well for the team going into the ECAC season.
RPI starts off their campaign against Ferris State at home. This is a tough early test, which is in keeping with SA's tough non-conference schedule. Ferris is 11th in the preseason polls, a tough tough test for a very young squad.
Seriously young, so many frosh and sophomores! And 3 goalies to boot!
To be honest, I have no idea what to expect from this team. I am hoping for .500 and then gelling to make a deep run in the playoffs but really they can come out guns a blazing or not, we will see.
As always, Go Red, Go White!
You can always tell its the preseason why RPI plays Arcadia. This is what the 53rd year in a row we have played them? Also you can generally tell the pulse of the team depending on how well they played. Certainly a 6-2 win augers well for the team going into the ECAC season.
RPI starts off their campaign against Ferris State at home. This is a tough early test, which is in keeping with SA's tough non-conference schedule. Ferris is 11th in the preseason polls, a tough tough test for a very young squad.
Seriously young, so many frosh and sophomores! And 3 goalies to boot!
To be honest, I have no idea what to expect from this team. I am hoping for .500 and then gelling to make a deep run in the playoffs but really they can come out guns a blazing or not, we will see.
As always, Go Red, Go White!
Friday, March 09, 2012
Playoffs Part Duex
This is what it is all about right here. Union has been the perpetual cross town rival of RPI's. They are the younger program and infuriatingly they have had more success over the last 15 or so years (or at least better seasons). They are also the number 1 team in the ECAC this year. No question about it. They also have beat up on RPI, going 3-0 and outscoring them in bunches (see USCHO's recap of the statistical horrors below).
However, RPI is peaking, they are riding high. They had a strong finish to the season and really put the pedal down against Clarkson. They are a team which every playoff team should fear, because they are a HOT team. Union meanwhile split their last 2 games against the C's and haven't played in 2 weeks. Yes, they are 14-4 in the ECAC but if RPI keeps up its hot play, they may fall in game.
Game 1 Prediction: RPI 3-1
Union is going to knock the rust off eventually, they are just too good so I expect them to bounce back and beat up on RPI, maybe 5-2 in the second game.
The third game, that is for all the marbles. Call me crazy but I have confidence that RPI will keep skating hard and because they ARE playing Union, will give them that extra edge and I think they will actually down the number one seed.
Game 3 Prediction RPI 3-2
I think the lads are really on to something and despite going up against one of the best teams in the nation, much less the ECAC they have momentum on their side. If they can keep up the intensity, they can definitely win.
GO RED, GO WHITE!
As always, here are USCHO's picks:
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/03/08/ecac-quarterfinal-picks-march-9-11/#ixzz1odSBYdqO
However, RPI is peaking, they are riding high. They had a strong finish to the season and really put the pedal down against Clarkson. They are a team which every playoff team should fear, because they are a HOT team. Union meanwhile split their last 2 games against the C's and haven't played in 2 weeks. Yes, they are 14-4 in the ECAC but if RPI keeps up its hot play, they may fall in game.
Game 1 Prediction: RPI 3-1
Union is going to knock the rust off eventually, they are just too good so I expect them to bounce back and beat up on RPI, maybe 5-2 in the second game.
The third game, that is for all the marbles. Call me crazy but I have confidence that RPI will keep skating hard and because they ARE playing Union, will give them that extra edge and I think they will actually down the number one seed.
Game 3 Prediction RPI 3-2
I think the lads are really on to something and despite going up against one of the best teams in the nation, much less the ECAC they have momentum on their side. If they can keep up the intensity, they can definitely win.
GO RED, GO WHITE!
As always, here are USCHO's picks:
No. 10 Rensselaer at No. 1 Union
Both Union and RPI fell victim to Colgate’s playoff run last season, yet each team still made the NCAA tournament thanks to an at-large bid. There’s no way the Engineers get in this year without winning the Whitelaw trophy, and they’ll have to go through a Dutchmen team that’s gone 3-0 against them this season, outscoring them by an aggregate of 15-4.
Interesting to note that RPI is staying at a hotel, according to Ken Schott of the Schenectady Daily Gazette, despite the fact that Union is their closest league rival. By doing so, they’ll look to avoid any distractions and focus solely on their play on the ice, something that’s helped RPI turn it around in the second half. But they’ll need more than that to take down a tough Union squad. Union in 3. ( 4-2, 1-2 (OT), 4-1).
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/03/08/ecac-quarterfinal-picks-march-9-11/#ixzz1odSBYdqO
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Wowy Wow Wow
Unreal, unbelievable, un(in)conceivable! RPI, my hat is off to you. You lads, you have been struggling all year. You might have read my disheartened posts or others on the blogosphere about the start to the season but man, you proved us all wrong over the last three days.
Your foot was firmly on the accelerator. All the games, all the periods, you lads came out firing and never let up. Game 1, 5-1 win. Then taking Clarkson to multiple overtimes, outshooting them all around but bitterly losing. Then, not taking any period off in the third and deciding game but winning in 4-1 fashion.
Whew! Applause, whistling, stomping of feet. No matter what else happens in this ECAC playoff, NO ONE can take this series, this weekend away from you. Bathe in it, enjoy it, you earned it.
Sincerely,
One VERY happy RPI fan!
Your foot was firmly on the accelerator. All the games, all the periods, you lads came out firing and never let up. Game 1, 5-1 win. Then taking Clarkson to multiple overtimes, outshooting them all around but bitterly losing. Then, not taking any period off in the third and deciding game but winning in 4-1 fashion.
Whew! Applause, whistling, stomping of feet. No matter what else happens in this ECAC playoff, NO ONE can take this series, this weekend away from you. Bathe in it, enjoy it, you earned it.
Sincerely,
One VERY happy RPI fan!
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Playoffs!
After blowouts suffered against the Q and Princeton, RPI bounced back last weekend with wins over Colgate and Cornell. Since January of this year, RPI's record has been 7-6-3, decidedly a .500 record but much, much better than most of the season.
In a similar timespan Clarkson, RPI's opponent in the upcoming ECAC playoffs, have gone 6-6-1, a very similar record. Head to head Clarkson has had the better of the Cherry and White going 2-0 and outscoring RPI 7-3. Still, it seems that RPI has at least righted itself in this storm of a season and will prove competitive against Clarkson, who any RPI fan knows, still sucks.
RPI also has some other bright spots to look at. This playoff series is on the road where RPI has had a much better record than at home (6-8-1 away, 4-10-2 at home). Clarkson, however has been dominant at home, 10-3-2. This dominance is surprising considering that Clarkson actually scores less goals than their ECAC opponents over the course of the season (Clarkson averaged 2.59 goals for but a crazy 2.79 goals against).
Looking at all of these stats can make you go cross-eyed but clearly Clarkson has the edge overall. Still, with RPI's improved play, you have to give them a puncher's chance in this series, especially with the goaltending and offense finally coming alive. I will never bet against RPI, I am officially predicting they will win this series but if they drop it 2-1, it wouldn't surprise me either.
As Always, Go Red, Go White!
In a similar timespan Clarkson, RPI's opponent in the upcoming ECAC playoffs, have gone 6-6-1, a very similar record. Head to head Clarkson has had the better of the Cherry and White going 2-0 and outscoring RPI 7-3. Still, it seems that RPI has at least righted itself in this storm of a season and will prove competitive against Clarkson, who any RPI fan knows, still sucks.
RPI also has some other bright spots to look at. This playoff series is on the road where RPI has had a much better record than at home (6-8-1 away, 4-10-2 at home). Clarkson, however has been dominant at home, 10-3-2. This dominance is surprising considering that Clarkson actually scores less goals than their ECAC opponents over the course of the season (Clarkson averaged 2.59 goals for but a crazy 2.79 goals against).
Looking at all of these stats can make you go cross-eyed but clearly Clarkson has the edge overall. Still, with RPI's improved play, you have to give them a puncher's chance in this series, especially with the goaltending and offense finally coming alive. I will never bet against RPI, I am officially predicting they will win this series but if they drop it 2-1, it wouldn't surprise me either.
As Always, Go Red, Go White!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Another Weekend
So what has happened over the last few days of RPI hockey? Well RPI got blown the heck out by Colgate, 8-3 (during the Freakout nonetheless) but bounced back to tie Harvard and beat Dartmouth. RPI is definitely leveling out to a .500 team but the terrible start (and let's face it terrible middle) of the season still has them near the bottom of the ECAC with very little opportunity to get home ice for the upcoming ECAC playoffs.
This weekend includes a Senior Night on Saturday as well as RPI hosting 2 teams, the Q and Princeton. Princeton has the same anemic win percentage as RPI (.317) and is definitely within RPI's sights given their better play recently. The Q is a .500 team and has motivation to try and leapfrog Harvard and Clarkson for the coveted 4th slot in the ECAC. Based on record alone, I am predicting a split weekend for the Cherry and White with a loss to the Q but rallying for senior night to beat up on the Tigers.
This has been a tough season for this RPI watcher but I will always be cheering on the lads no matter what. Next week is the end of the regular season, we will see if the guys can end on a high note!
As always, here are USCHO's picks.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/02/17/ecac-hockey-picks-feb-17-18/#ixzz1mer5aIOt
This weekend includes a Senior Night on Saturday as well as RPI hosting 2 teams, the Q and Princeton. Princeton has the same anemic win percentage as RPI (.317) and is definitely within RPI's sights given their better play recently. The Q is a .500 team and has motivation to try and leapfrog Harvard and Clarkson for the coveted 4th slot in the ECAC. Based on record alone, I am predicting a split weekend for the Cherry and White with a loss to the Q but rallying for senior night to beat up on the Tigers.
This has been a tough season for this RPI watcher but I will always be cheering on the lads no matter what. Next week is the end of the regular season, we will see if the guys can end on a high note!
As always, here are USCHO's picks.
Quinnipiac at Rensselaer
Nate: The last match between these two team’s was decided by a last-second goal by Yuri Bouharevich, who was left wide open thanks to mental lapse by the Engineers. RPI has turned it around a bit since then, while Quinnipiac has split the last two weeks. This is a big one if the Bobcats have their sights on a bye, but I like RPI on their home ice. RPI 3-2
Brian: Do I pick the stingy, low-scoring home team or the brutally inconsistent grab bag of offensive flair that is visiting Quinnipiac? Goodman’s suspension doesn’t hurt QU much on the stats side of things, but he’s a big boy who’s not afraid to mix it up every now and again. I think that may become a factor against RPI’s big, banging defense, and for lack of a better reason to pick ‘em, I’ll throw in that hockey karma might be against the Bobcats for the time being. 2-1 Engineers.
Princeton at Rensselaer
Nate: It’s at home, it’s senior night, and RPI has been playing fairly well over the last month. RPI 4-3
Brian: Princeton has surrendered 16 goals in its last five games. So has RPI. The distribution of those goals, however, has been far more consistent by the Tigers. I’ll take the Engineers’ frequently stalwart defense and goaltending in a tight one, 3-2.
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/02/17/ecac-hockey-picks-feb-17-18/#ixzz1mer5aIOt
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Not Too Shabby
The lads seem to be playing with a vigor and some vim recently. The North Country swing led to a 1-1 result as RPI actually trounced St. Lawrence 4-0 and then lost a close one to Clarkson 3-2.
Last night was a hard fought tie against Cornell with RPI absolutely dominating the 3 period coming all the way back from a 2-0 deficit. Patrick Cullen who has been racking up a lot of points recently added a helper on the tying goal. Also in that third period, RPI outshot Cornell 12-4.
This third period was a nice surprise because for whatever reason, SA's teams typically fold in the third period and to see them turn it on not just in the third period but over the last 10 games has been great to see. This team has a lot of grit to it and we are seeing it on display now.
Tonight is the battle against another ECAC "C" school as RPI plays Colgate. 'Gate is a solid home team but rather .500 on the road so RPI has a good chance at HFH. Their penalty kills is just under 80% and I think that's where RPI can take advantage and put in some goals.
Regardless of what happens, I will be cheering on the Cherry and White tonight!
Last night was a hard fought tie against Cornell with RPI absolutely dominating the 3 period coming all the way back from a 2-0 deficit. Patrick Cullen who has been racking up a lot of points recently added a helper on the tying goal. Also in that third period, RPI outshot Cornell 12-4.
This third period was a nice surprise because for whatever reason, SA's teams typically fold in the third period and to see them turn it on not just in the third period but over the last 10 games has been great to see. This team has a lot of grit to it and we are seeing it on display now.
Tonight is the battle against another ECAC "C" school as RPI plays Colgate. 'Gate is a solid home team but rather .500 on the road so RPI has a good chance at HFH. Their penalty kills is just under 80% and I think that's where RPI can take advantage and put in some goals.
Regardless of what happens, I will be cheering on the Cherry and White tonight!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Home Against The North Country
St. Lawrence and Clarkson (who still sucks) comes into the HFH this weekend. And what a weekend it could be. As everyone is aware in Cherry and White land, RPI is on a bit of a roll and going up against StL which has been mired in the ECAC's basement along with RPI and is 0-4-1 in its last 5. If RPI wants to keep its roll going, this is the team to do it against.
On Saturday, RPI faces off against Clarkson and this will be a tougher test. Clarkson is playing about .500 hockey but beat Yale last weekend. What is working in RPI's favor though is that the majority of Clarkson's wins this year have been at home and their record is pretty spotty away. If RPI really takes it to StL then I think they should definitely continue their roll over Clarkson for another 4 point weekend.
That is my prediction and I am sticking to it! Go Red!
As always, here are USCHO's picks:
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/01/26/ecac-picks-jan-27-28/#ixzz1kftUMmIm
On Saturday, RPI faces off against Clarkson and this will be a tougher test. Clarkson is playing about .500 hockey but beat Yale last weekend. What is working in RPI's favor though is that the majority of Clarkson's wins this year have been at home and their record is pretty spotty away. If RPI really takes it to StL then I think they should definitely continue their roll over Clarkson for another 4 point weekend.
That is my prediction and I am sticking to it! Go Red!
As always, here are USCHO's picks:
St. Lawrence at Rensselaer
An RPI win would move them out of last place and into a tie with the Saints. The Engineers were the only team to get four points last weekend, while St. Lawrence is mired in an 0-4-1 rut. What the heck…make it three in a row for RPI. RPI 3-1
Clarkson at Rensselaer
Don’t look now, but another RPI four-point weekend couple with another winless Yale weekend would make the two teams dead even. Of course, that’s looking too far ahead, as the Engineers still have to get by the Golden Knights, who emerged from a holiday slump to go 2-0-1 over their last three. Clarkson 2-1
Read more: http://www.uscho.com/ecac-blog/2012/01/26/ecac-picks-jan-27-28/#ixzz1kftUMmIm
Monday, January 23, 2012
I Know I Know
I have been a bad RPI fan this month. Not many blog posts, not much analysis, not much of anything.
The reason is the 2011 version of this team wore me down. They struggled mightily against the non-conference foes and ECAC alike. So what have they done in the month of January? Only have gone 3-2-1 with a weekend sweep against Brown and Yale ON THE ROAD.
Is up down? Black white? I though RPI was about a .500 team this year and it seems like they are finally playing like it, and yes, that is a good thing!
There are some great positives to take away for the last few weeks. First and foremost, scoring. RPI is averaging 2.1 goals in wins and losses which is great. The juniors and seniors are starting to lead the team in points and while I am a firm believer in the future is now and we should play the youngin's as much as possible but having the tested Cherry and White step to the forefront midway through the season is welcomed.
Also welcomed is Merriam increasing his save percentage as well as lowering his GAA over the last few weeks. This team is rounding into form and makes me much more interested in the season. This is my 248th blog post over the last few years and I have to admit to some Engineers fatigue over the last few months. That being said, this team is re-energized and has re-energized me and I can't wait for this weekend. Previews coming up!
The reason is the 2011 version of this team wore me down. They struggled mightily against the non-conference foes and ECAC alike. So what have they done in the month of January? Only have gone 3-2-1 with a weekend sweep against Brown and Yale ON THE ROAD.
Is up down? Black white? I though RPI was about a .500 team this year and it seems like they are finally playing like it, and yes, that is a good thing!
There are some great positives to take away for the last few weeks. First and foremost, scoring. RPI is averaging 2.1 goals in wins and losses which is great. The juniors and seniors are starting to lead the team in points and while I am a firm believer in the future is now and we should play the youngin's as much as possible but having the tested Cherry and White step to the forefront midway through the season is welcomed.
Also welcomed is Merriam increasing his save percentage as well as lowering his GAA over the last few weeks. This team is rounding into form and makes me much more interested in the season. This is my 248th blog post over the last few years and I have to admit to some Engineers fatigue over the last few months. That being said, this team is re-energized and has re-energized me and I can't wait for this weekend. Previews coming up!
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Halo RPI-Verse!
Well, I took a couple of weeks off for the holidays. What did I miss? Oh yea, 3 more losses. At least RPI is stepping it up in the offensive category and scoring a a 2 goal a clip game but the defense has completely abandoned the lads having let up 15 goals in 3 games.
We have to face facts as the team turns in January, it just isn't very good. The goaltending isn't helping either. Merriam is 2-11 but his save percentage is at least above .900 which is better than the frosh Diebold. The mantra should be "the future is now" when it comes to goaltending and the rest of the team. 4 of the top 5 scorers on the team are the freshmen and sophomores.
There are 16 games left and I am a diehard Cherry and White as you guys know but I think at this point we have to play for next year and that means major minutes for the youngs.
On the plus side, RPI will be on the NBC Sports Network this Friday night as they go up against the Big D. Also on tap this weekend is Harvard with both games at the HFH. Of RPI's 4 wins this season, 3 have come at home. I would love for the lads to suck it up and sweep the weekend. We will see if they do.
As always, GO WHITE!
We have to face facts as the team turns in January, it just isn't very good. The goaltending isn't helping either. Merriam is 2-11 but his save percentage is at least above .900 which is better than the frosh Diebold. The mantra should be "the future is now" when it comes to goaltending and the rest of the team. 4 of the top 5 scorers on the team are the freshmen and sophomores.
There are 16 games left and I am a diehard Cherry and White as you guys know but I think at this point we have to play for next year and that means major minutes for the youngs.
On the plus side, RPI will be on the NBC Sports Network this Friday night as they go up against the Big D. Also on tap this weekend is Harvard with both games at the HFH. Of RPI's 4 wins this season, 3 have come at home. I would love for the lads to suck it up and sweep the weekend. We will see if they do.
As always, GO WHITE!
Friday, December 09, 2011
Festivus o Festivus!
Tournaments have come and gone over the years as I have followed the ECAC. RPI had its historic "Holiday Tournament" which I have reminisced about many a time, mainly due to them giving out souvenir mugs with drink orders. I miss those mugs, I really do.
Then of course there was the Governor's Cup. There wasn't anything spectacular about the Cup other than it allowed RPI to play Union at the Knick (I refuse to call it anything else). That was always a fun with two large fan bases intermingling. I have good memories of the Cup.
Alas the Cup went the way of the Holiday Tournament and now the ECAC is trying something new, Lake Placid. Having held several Halloween tilts over the last few years, LP is now hosting the Festivus Tourney which will feature, of course, RPI vs. Union.
How are the "young" upstarts fairing this year? Well Union is middle of the pack of the ECAC with a 7-3-5 record overall. Their power play is just a shade under 25% in efficiency and they are outshooting their opponents by over a 100 shots which translates into their goals for to be 3 and their GAA to be 1.93. In other words, they are having a pretty good season.
RPI on the other hand, as we know, is struggling to put it together this year. Can we get a Festivus miracle and pull off a win in the North Country? RPI broke out of its goal slump and seems poised to be able to hang in a track meet with teams, which is exactly what Union is offering. If Diebold is in net, RPI might just have the chance to hang around with Union but ultimately I think Capital District B will be the stoopidhead winner.
In any event, hope you get up to Lake Placid for the festivities and GO RPI!
As always, here is USCHO's take on the game:
RPI vs Union
It's the opening game of the Festivus Faceoff, and RPI has plenty of grievances to air in the season's early going. While Union has suffered little hangover from its early NCAA exit, the same can't be said for the Engineers. RPI finally started scoring some goals, but simply made too mistakes and turned the puck over too much against Quinnipiac last weekend. Look for the Dutchmen to take this one in Lake Placid
Union 4, RPI 2
Then of course there was the Governor's Cup. There wasn't anything spectacular about the Cup other than it allowed RPI to play Union at the Knick (I refuse to call it anything else). That was always a fun with two large fan bases intermingling. I have good memories of the Cup.
Alas the Cup went the way of the Holiday Tournament and now the ECAC is trying something new, Lake Placid. Having held several Halloween tilts over the last few years, LP is now hosting the Festivus Tourney which will feature, of course, RPI vs. Union.
How are the "young" upstarts fairing this year? Well Union is middle of the pack of the ECAC with a 7-3-5 record overall. Their power play is just a shade under 25% in efficiency and they are outshooting their opponents by over a 100 shots which translates into their goals for to be 3 and their GAA to be 1.93. In other words, they are having a pretty good season.
RPI on the other hand, as we know, is struggling to put it together this year. Can we get a Festivus miracle and pull off a win in the North Country? RPI broke out of its goal slump and seems poised to be able to hang in a track meet with teams, which is exactly what Union is offering. If Diebold is in net, RPI might just have the chance to hang around with Union but ultimately I think Capital District B will be the stoopidhead winner.
In any event, hope you get up to Lake Placid for the festivities and GO RPI!
As always, here is USCHO's take on the game:
RPI vs Union
It's the opening game of the Festivus Faceoff, and RPI has plenty of grievances to air in the season's early going. While Union has suffered little hangover from its early NCAA exit, the same can't be said for the Engineers. RPI finally started scoring some goals, but simply made too mistakes and turned the puck over too much against Quinnipiac last weekend. Look for the Dutchmen to take this one in Lake Placid
Union 4, RPI 2
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
We'll Take It
Well RPI got close but no cigar this weekend going 0-2 against the P&Q's. While this season from a standings perspective is probably going downhill with a bullet, the team PLAYED better and well, considering what has come before, gave us Cherry and White fans an offensive explosion.
RPI scored 5 goals over 2 games. This is sadly the same amount of goals they scored in the previous SIX games so this offense was a welcomed site. In some ways I don't even care if they won because of the goal/shot totals. Also, Diebold played well in the loss to the Q and as the season becomes more of a "learning experience" than a quest for the ECAC crown, I think having the younger guns play and gain experience for the next season should probably be the way to go.
We will see what happens over the Christmas break. RPI has several games beforehand of course and we will cover them all here at RPIHockey. Go Red!
RPI scored 5 goals over 2 games. This is sadly the same amount of goals they scored in the previous SIX games so this offense was a welcomed site. In some ways I don't even care if they won because of the goal/shot totals. Also, Diebold played well in the loss to the Q and as the season becomes more of a "learning experience" than a quest for the ECAC crown, I think having the younger guns play and gain experience for the next season should probably be the way to go.
We will see what happens over the Christmas break. RPI has several games beforehand of course and we will cover them all here at RPIHockey. Go Red!
Friday, December 02, 2011
Connecticut Swing
I used to live in Jersey (ssshhh, don't tell anyone) and always anticipated the RPI swing through to Princeton and then up to the Q. Now living on the West Coast it is all the same to me as I follow RPI by Internet and by box score.
Not just for selfish reasons but I also enjoyed the swing because RPI traditionally has played well against Princeton and has taken their fair share of games from the Q during the SA era. This year will be a bit different as RPI has been "struggling" while P and Q have been bouncing along. Still, I think there is a gleam in RPI's eye after the last two weekends. Perhaps this team is finally rounding into form.
While the start of the season was certainly disastrous, most of those games were NC games and if RPI can put together a little run with in the ECAC, then be in decent position for the playoffs. I have nothing to base this on, no statistics, no W-L arcs but I think the lads in Cherry and White will split this weekend and get them back into all things ECAC.
As always, here is USCHO's take:
Rensselaer at Princeton
A last place finish entering December wasn't the way RPI was looking to start after making the NCAA tournament last year. Princeton hasn't been much better, but I'll take the home team here. The Tigers are led by a junior class that has accounted for 14 of their 22 goals.
Princeton 3, RPI 2
Not just for selfish reasons but I also enjoyed the swing because RPI traditionally has played well against Princeton and has taken their fair share of games from the Q during the SA era. This year will be a bit different as RPI has been "struggling" while P and Q have been bouncing along. Still, I think there is a gleam in RPI's eye after the last two weekends. Perhaps this team is finally rounding into form.
While the start of the season was certainly disastrous, most of those games were NC games and if RPI can put together a little run with in the ECAC, then be in decent position for the playoffs. I have nothing to base this on, no statistics, no W-L arcs but I think the lads in Cherry and White will split this weekend and get them back into all things ECAC.
As always, here is USCHO's take:
Rensselaer at Princeton
A last place finish entering December wasn't the way RPI was looking to start after making the NCAA tournament last year. Princeton hasn't been much better, but I'll take the home team here. The Tigers are led by a junior class that has accounted for 14 of their 22 goals.
Princeton 3, RPI 2
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
FINALLY!
Whew, that was quite the catharsis wasn't it? RPI scored more than 1 goal, two in fact and beat RIT 2-0 on RIT's home rink!
Diebold played great and had a shutout and RPI scored twice on the powerplay. Also, RPI managed 28 shots on goal which is a big step up over the last few weeks. Its small steps with this team and I think that finally, this is a step in the right direction. That makes it 2 wins in the last 3 games and I think things are looking up for RPI.
Diebold played great and had a shutout and RPI scored twice on the powerplay. Also, RPI managed 28 shots on goal which is a big step up over the last few weeks. Its small steps with this team and I think that finally, this is a step in the right direction. That makes it 2 wins in the last 3 games and I think things are looking up for RPI.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Back In Action
Halo RPI Fans. Did you enjoy Turkey Day and the food related comas we are all in at the moment?
Well time to WAKE UP out of those comas and support the lads in Cherry and White as they take on the RIT Tigers. It will be a tough test as the game is in Rochester and while RIT is currently 5-3, they are 5-1 at home. RPI conversely is 0-5 on the road.
Still, RPI has to take advantages and wins where they can and with RIT allowing exactly the same number of goals against as goals for (an amazing 2.60 GAA and 2.60 GFA) and they give up a similar number of shots that they take to shots that they make (sounds like a Beatles song).
What I am trying to say is that the games they play seem to be close and RPI isn't winning any game 5-1 at the moment so we need a team that allows other teams to shoot a lot (check) and keeps the scoring close so we have a chance (check).
Do I think RPI has a shot this weekend? Of course! This team might be in the statistical bottom of college hockey but they have talent, they have good goaltending, they just have to start putting together some offense and there is no time like the present to start. I think the lads will actually kick it up a notch and get their first road win of the year. GO RED!
Well time to WAKE UP out of those comas and support the lads in Cherry and White as they take on the RIT Tigers. It will be a tough test as the game is in Rochester and while RIT is currently 5-3, they are 5-1 at home. RPI conversely is 0-5 on the road.
Still, RPI has to take advantages and wins where they can and with RIT allowing exactly the same number of goals against as goals for (an amazing 2.60 GAA and 2.60 GFA) and they give up a similar number of shots that they take to shots that they make (sounds like a Beatles song).
What I am trying to say is that the games they play seem to be close and RPI isn't winning any game 5-1 at the moment so we need a team that allows other teams to shoot a lot (check) and keeps the scoring close so we have a chance (check).
Do I think RPI has a shot this weekend? Of course! This team might be in the statistical bottom of college hockey but they have talent, they have good goaltending, they just have to start putting together some offense and there is no time like the present to start. I think the lads will actually kick it up a notch and get their first road win of the year. GO RED!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
3 More Games In The Books
That Tuesday game threw me for a loop with regular posting as RPI played Union the other night. After splitting the weekend series 1-1 (as predicted here!) RPI faced dreaded rival Union and got blown out 5-1.
Apparently SA pulled the goalie midway through the 3rd period as an attempted spark. This reminded me of the Toronto Maple Leafs a few years ago who were so terrible that they started pulling their goalie midway through the third and actually started to play BETTER! I think they only gave up a few goals 4 on 5.
Whether SA, look again at another 4-1 score decided it wasn't enough and let's lose 5-1 but at least get some energy out of the lads.
Regardless who is in net, regardless what is going on with the D, this year's RPI team starts and ends with the offense. Over the last 3 games, they are averaging less than a goal a game. In 12 games, they have 11 goals. I don't care if you had in-his-prime Dominick Hasek in net, less than a goal a game is not going to get it done.
I honestly don't know at this point what should be done. A few posts ago I suggested playing the young ones. At this point, with 1 win on the season and averaging the goals for and goals against, why not?
May as well shake it up somehow and someway. I will always cheer for the Cherry and White and hopefully the team gives us something to cheer about for the rest of the season. GO RED!
Apparently SA pulled the goalie midway through the 3rd period as an attempted spark. This reminded me of the Toronto Maple Leafs a few years ago who were so terrible that they started pulling their goalie midway through the third and actually started to play BETTER! I think they only gave up a few goals 4 on 5.
Whether SA, look again at another 4-1 score decided it wasn't enough and let's lose 5-1 but at least get some energy out of the lads.
Regardless who is in net, regardless what is going on with the D, this year's RPI team starts and ends with the offense. Over the last 3 games, they are averaging less than a goal a game. In 12 games, they have 11 goals. I don't care if you had in-his-prime Dominick Hasek in net, less than a goal a game is not going to get it done.
I honestly don't know at this point what should be done. A few posts ago I suggested playing the young ones. At this point, with 1 win on the season and averaging the goals for and goals against, why not?
May as well shake it up somehow and someway. I will always cheer for the Cherry and White and hopefully the team gives us something to cheer about for the rest of the season. GO RED!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Home Cookin
Another weekend of college hockey is upon us and RPI hosts 2 games this weekend at the good ol HFH.
First up is Yale. Yale surprisingly hasn't had much of a N/C schedule and instead sits at just 2-1-1 at this date in November. Special teams seems to be their strong suite as they have a 23% power play and a 92% penalty kill. They are being slightly outscored by their opponents 2.25 to 2 goals a game. The fact that its low scoring works in RPI's favor. RPI has to try and stay out of the penalty box (they seem to put up snowmen in that category most games) and if so, maybe we can steal one at home.
Then Saturday night is the perpetually challenged Brown. Like Yale, Brown has foregone the N/C schedule and sits at 2-2 at this point. Their games seem to be wide open affairs as the goals for/against averages are above 3 and the shots are above 25 for them and their opponents. RPI has the wheels to compete in a wide open game and over the years SA has had them playing that style (whether they had the personnel to play that way or not) so perhaps RPI can really open it up against Brown.
If RPI keeps it tight with Yale, I think they take it. If Brown puts up a lot of shots, I think RPI is going to bite it. Still a 1-1 weekend would be an improvement and hopefully right this ship. I will be cheering on the lads today and tomorrow no matter what, go RPI!
First up is Yale. Yale surprisingly hasn't had much of a N/C schedule and instead sits at just 2-1-1 at this date in November. Special teams seems to be their strong suite as they have a 23% power play and a 92% penalty kill. They are being slightly outscored by their opponents 2.25 to 2 goals a game. The fact that its low scoring works in RPI's favor. RPI has to try and stay out of the penalty box (they seem to put up snowmen in that category most games) and if so, maybe we can steal one at home.
Then Saturday night is the perpetually challenged Brown. Like Yale, Brown has foregone the N/C schedule and sits at 2-2 at this point. Their games seem to be wide open affairs as the goals for/against averages are above 3 and the shots are above 25 for them and their opponents. RPI has the wheels to compete in a wide open game and over the years SA has had them playing that style (whether they had the personnel to play that way or not) so perhaps RPI can really open it up against Brown.
If RPI keeps it tight with Yale, I think they take it. If Brown puts up a lot of shots, I think RPI is going to bite it. Still a 1-1 weekend would be an improvement and hopefully right this ship. I will be cheering on the lads today and tomorrow no matter what, go RPI!
Monday, November 07, 2011
State Of The Team
Here are the bleak numbers this Monday morn:
RPI is averaging 1 goal a game. RPI's opponents are averaging 3.00 goals a game. RPI is averaging 24 shots a game and their opponents are averaging 27 shots a game. RPI seems really to be beaten up in second periods as they have been outshot 88 to 62 and outscored 7 to 4. Special teams are no source of consolation as the penalty kill is below 90% at 88% and the power play has yet to crack double digits and sits at 6%.
Still both goaltenders are over .900 in their save percentages and 2 or just a little over in their GAA's. I really think if the offense gets clicking and the D helps out by blocking a few more shots, RPI is back to a .500 team. It doesn't sounds like much but .500 can go a long way in the ECAC and if RPI can position itself there, it might win a berth into the NCAA's.
I still think this team is a year away from serious contention which doesn't do the seniors on this team like AG, Bergin or Burgdoerfer any good as they have sweated and bled for this program through some pretty rollercoaster times. But the horses are clearly the freshmen and its clear they are not ready yet to step up for this team.
I am not a doom and gloom guy and at the end of the day these guys are just college kids and no matter what, I cheer them on and thank them for play for the Cherry and White. Hopefully SA can get the offense loose here and get RPI back into some games.
Go WHITE!
RPI is averaging 1 goal a game. RPI's opponents are averaging 3.00 goals a game. RPI is averaging 24 shots a game and their opponents are averaging 27 shots a game. RPI seems really to be beaten up in second periods as they have been outshot 88 to 62 and outscored 7 to 4. Special teams are no source of consolation as the penalty kill is below 90% at 88% and the power play has yet to crack double digits and sits at 6%.
Still both goaltenders are over .900 in their save percentages and 2 or just a little over in their GAA's. I really think if the offense gets clicking and the D helps out by blocking a few more shots, RPI is back to a .500 team. It doesn't sounds like much but .500 can go a long way in the ECAC and if RPI can position itself there, it might win a berth into the NCAA's.
I still think this team is a year away from serious contention which doesn't do the seniors on this team like AG, Bergin or Burgdoerfer any good as they have sweated and bled for this program through some pretty rollercoaster times. But the horses are clearly the freshmen and its clear they are not ready yet to step up for this team.
I am not a doom and gloom guy and at the end of the day these guys are just college kids and no matter what, I cheer them on and thank them for play for the Cherry and White. Hopefully SA can get the offense loose here and get RPI back into some games.
Go WHITE!
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