Norwich 2022-23 Back to Normal (ish)

[802Hockey]

I would imagine Norwich has played the most or close to the highest number of games against teams in the NCAA field.

Curry, Endicott, Plattsburgh (2), Hobart (2)

3-3 record vs. that crew too. Not too shabby.

Who would’ve thought the first game of the season would be so instrumental in helping Norwich (hopefully) make the NCAAs. I like the non-conference schedules and how Norwich likes to keep that first matchup a strong contender.

This is where I totally get your point of Middlebury needing the possible axe from the schedule. A win does close to nothing whereas a loss puts you down bad.

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Who would’ve thought the first game of the season would be so instrumental in helping Norwich (hopefully) make the NCAAs. I like the non-conference schedules and how Norwich likes to keep that first matchup a strong contender.

This is where I totally get your point of Middlebury needing the possible axe from the schedule. A win does close to nothing whereas a loss puts you down bad.

I would love nothing more than for Middlebury to become a good men’s hockey team again. Those early Midd/Norwich games while I was at NU were awesome when Norwich did the whiteout games vs. them and Mulvey capped the PrimeLink tourney comeback vs. them in 2012.

I know Norwich already plays a ridiculously hard conference schedule, but I just think they could find more meaningful matchups right now than what that game has become.

[802Hockey]

I would love nothing more than for Middlebury to become a good men’s hockey team again. Those early Midd/Norwich games while I was at NU were awesome when Norwich did the whiteout games vs. them and Mulvey capped the PrimeLink tourney comeback vs. them in 2012.

I know Norwich already plays a ridiculously hard conference schedule, but I just think they could find more meaningful matchups right now than what that game has become.

Oh that’s the preferred alternative for sure. Not looking promising as of now. Miss the level that the Midd/Norwich rivalry used to bring.

[17'sfanNU]

Couldn't be happier that Norwich made the last at large bid. Now shake off the tournament jitters or whatever it is that causes the Cadets to come out flat and shoot the net of it's moorings. I am positive this team has the potential and can be more offensive minded. Hopefully 2 weeks off and lots of practice will improve the goal count.

[PuckVoice]

I am thrilled!
Had the guys buried a week ago but never so happy to be wrong!
My bet is at Plattsburgh next Saturday.


Also how about the women???
NEHC Champs!
Could it be a doubleheader next. week at Stafford???

[jerrynu26]

Interesting turn…… the SUNYAC’s defensive player of the year is Alex Monteleone.

[17'sfanNU]

That is interesting, was he a graduate student there because I thought he'd graduated last year. I suppose he had another year of eligibility left. To be quite honest, I thought he was a so so player, made a lot of turnovers and didn't do much offensively. Glad he found his niche.

[KrbFlint]

That is interesting, was he a graduate student there because I thought he'd graduated last year. I suppose he had another year of eligibility left. To be quite honest, I thought he was a so so player, made a lot of turnovers and didn't do much offensively. Glad he found his niche.

Yes, he graduated from Norwich last spring.

[PrezdeJohnson09]

That is interesting, was he a graduate student there because I thought he'd graduated last year. I suppose he had another year of eligibility left. To be quite honest, I thought he was a so so player, made a lot of turnovers and didn't do much offensively. Glad he found his niche.

I strongly disagree with this...I like Monteleone a lot for what he was. A very good defensive defenseman. He was rarely, if ever out of position. Had incredible stick presence. He was an important member of the 2020 team that was going to win the national championship and part of that awesome D corps that was so good in front of Aubrun.

Didn't take many penalties.

He almost went to Plattsburgh too so clearly had a top-end team looking at him for the 5th year covid eligibility he had.

[Bog Hockey]

Flint, what are your thoughts going into the Plattsburgh game? Do you expect anything to change or will it be much of the same? I hope they take advantage of this opportunity. Thanks.

[KrbFlint]

Flint, what are your thoughts going into the Plattsburgh game? Do you expect anything to change or will it be much of the same? I hope they take advantage of this opportunity. Thanks.

Word is the boys are energized to have this second chance, and eager to face a team they know full well they can beat.

I expect to see some shuffling of the lines, and I think we’re going to see a more aggressive offensive approach. I anticipate a lot of bodies crashing the net for rebound opportunities. If you look back at both NEHC tourney games, there were a ton of juicy rebounds left with no one home to cash them in. I think we’ll see improvement there on Saturday.

IMO this bracket is wide open, although I gotta think Hobart is the favorite (Utica has to prove they can win an NCAA game before I even consider them). I wouldn’t be surprised if Norwich reaches the final four (despite the thoughts of some posters, I think NU’s defense and goaltending gives them a chance against anyone) and I wouldn’t be shocked if the season ends Saturday. What cannot happen, IMO, is going down early. The NEC game notwithstanding, Norwich isn’t a team built to come from behind. All in all, I feel good about this weekend.

Side note: the ultimate irony would be winning the whole thing with nothing but 2-1 wins lol

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Word is the boys are energized to have this second chance, and eager to face a team they know full well they can beat.

I expect to see some shuffling of the lines, and I think we’re going to see a more aggressive offensive approach. I anticipate a lot of bodies crashing the net for rebound opportunities. If you look back at both NEHC tourney games, there were a ton of juicy rebounds left with no one home to cash them in. I think we’ll see improvement there on Saturday.

IMO this bracket is wide open, although I gotta think Hobart is the favorite (Utica has to prove they can win an NCAA game before I even consider them). I wouldn’t be surprised if Norwich reaches the final four (despite the thoughts of some posters, I think NU’s defense and goaltending gives them a chance against anyone) and I wouldn’t be shocked if the season ends Saturday. What cannot happen, IMO, is going down early. The NEC game notwithstanding, Norwich isn’t a team built to come from behind. All in all, I feel good about this weekend.

Side note: the ultimate irony would be winning the whole thing with nothing but 2-1 wins lol

2-1 wins beat 5-4 losses any day of the week.

I too think the tournament is wide open. Norwich has good defense and good goaltending which should keep them in pretty much every game. However, if they fall behind by two, that's probably a death sentence.

Plattsburgh has had a very strong season and Norwich has had two excellent hockey games with them so far this year, but this will be the first at Stafford. The Cardinals have forever been a very tough beat inside the Stafford for many teams. The size of their ice surface and neutral zone are very difficult to get used to for people that haven't played there before.

I think Norwich can win, but I also think their season could very easily end on Saturday. This tournament truly is a toss up. I think Hobart is/has been the favorite all year. They returned a loaded lineup and have gotten great goaltending all year.

Luke Aquaro IMHO is the best player in the country and I'd build my team around him 100 times out of 100.

[PuckVoice]

Norwich can certainly win on Saturday but it is gonna be very tough. Plattsburgh has been on fire since the Holidays ... They are way better than when we saw them and their goalie is top shelf.

[jerrynu26]

If Norwich comes out slow like they did the first game, it will get ugly quick. Plattsburgh is better now. If NU comes out like they did the second game, and maintains or increases their tempo, it will still be close, but can be a win.
They’ve seen the difference the start makes, they should be rested and healthy.

[LakerEagleLover]

For what it’s worth, Platty is a very different team now than it was 3 months ago - playing their best hockey at the most crucial time of year - I have not clue where Norwich is on this scale, but the Birds played a solid rivalry game in a tough atmosphere - as the Prez knows all too well, things never are what they seem this time of year…underestimate the Cardinals at your own peril. Good Luck Cadets!