Gaterrooter
Registered Raider
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Plenty to say but nothing good.
Plenty to say but nothing good.
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Colgate 2010-11
- Thread starter sshablak
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TheGreenCoat
Registered User
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Listened to game and feel like we're in the sequel of "Ground Hog Day"...9 SOG in last two periods and fourth line seemed to be the best...unfortunately finishing 12th doesn't give us a #1 pick in next year's draft either...some of us did see this coming 3-4 years ago and it won't get any better until some fundamental changes are made in the way our dear alma mater approaches BOTH basketball and hockey; and the responsibility starts at the very top. Personally I'm fed up with a litany of excuses from almost everywhere and everyone regarding the embarrassing performance of the men's winter sports teams. And it won't matter much even if we beat Princeton. What's even more upsetting is that the acceptance of mediocrity as a goal is apparently just fine. And guess what folks, when you accept mediocrity you'll be lucky to achieve even that level (without three years of Dekanich this program would be tangibly worse than it has been since 2006). It's time to call a few people and let off this serious mood I've got working...
Listened to game and feel like we're in the sequel of "Ground Hog Day"...9 SOG in last two periods and fourth line seemed to be the best...unfortunately finishing 12th doesn't give us a #1 pick in next year's draft either...some of us did see this coming 3-4 years ago and it won't get any better until some fundamental changes are made in the way our dear alma mater approaches BOTH basketball and hockey; and the responsibility starts at the very top. Personally I'm fed up with a litany of excuses from almost everywhere and everyone regarding the embarrassing performance of the men's winter sports teams. And it won't matter much even if we beat Princeton. What's even more upsetting is that the acceptance of mediocrity as a goal is apparently just fine. And guess what folks, when you accept mediocrity you'll be lucky to achieve even that level (without three years of Dekanich this program would be tangibly worse than it has been since 2006). It's time to call a few people and let off this serious mood I've got working...
Re: Colgate 2010-11
So, the season has fallen below expectations and we've been on the short end of the stick more than most. Clarkson and RPI had their shortcomings for a few seasons, and look at how far they've come. It's all cyclical and someone has to be last. I'm past being disappointed and know the guys are playing hard and better than I ever could. Looking ahead to the playoffs, we could probably beat any team on any given night (and hopefully two!), so why not save the best for last? We beat heralded Yale in OT at Ingalls, and we flipped #1 Clarkson at Cheel in three. Brown did something similar last season so anything is possible. However, if our playoff series includes SLU, I plead the 5th! Until then, hoping we can play spoiler to a team or two.
Have never been confident with Evin and prefer Bessette in goal for the rest of the season.
Go 'Gate!
So, the season has fallen below expectations and we've been on the short end of the stick more than most. Clarkson and RPI had their shortcomings for a few seasons, and look at how far they've come. It's all cyclical and someone has to be last. I'm past being disappointed and know the guys are playing hard and better than I ever could. Looking ahead to the playoffs, we could probably beat any team on any given night (and hopefully two!), so why not save the best for last? We beat heralded Yale in OT at Ingalls, and we flipped #1 Clarkson at Cheel in three. Brown did something similar last season so anything is possible. However, if our playoff series includes SLU, I plead the 5th! Until then, hoping we can play spoiler to a team or two.
Have never been confident with Evin and prefer Bessette in goal for the rest of the season.
Go 'Gate!
TheGreenCoat
Registered User
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Tchr Bill...yes, Dekanich came up HUGE in Potsdam almost three years ago. However, the ot win against Yale was one day AFTER they had clinched everything in the ECAC in March of 2009...OTHER than that great series against Clarkson in 08 it is difficult to name signature win over the last several years against any opponent, ECAC or otherwise. This is, in essence, the problem...look at our record vs. Cornell over the past five years. And when was the last time we beat a quality non-ECAC team. Two years ago a bad Robert Morris team notched more non-conf quality wins in one weekend (a weekend sweep at Maimi you may remember) than Colgate has had in a decade.
Tchr Bill...yes, Dekanich came up HUGE in Potsdam almost three years ago. However, the ot win against Yale was one day AFTER they had clinched everything in the ECAC in March of 2009...OTHER than that great series against Clarkson in 08 it is difficult to name signature win over the last several years against any opponent, ECAC or otherwise. This is, in essence, the problem...look at our record vs. Cornell over the past five years. And when was the last time we beat a quality non-ECAC team. Two years ago a bad Robert Morris team notched more non-conf quality wins in one weekend (a weekend sweep at Maimi you may remember) than Colgate has had in a decade.
Re: Colgate 2010-11
i'm the one with rare optimism so don't rain on my parade ;-) i second everything you're saying, but the win over Yale was a great, great, underdog win, regardless. the cornell series is the one that stings the most. it's the pinnacle of the season and our adrenaline - both on the ice and in the stands - is unparalleled. and we still find a way to lose again and again and again. this year it may be different. we're the obvious last choice but the big red aren't having a stellar season by any means. maybe it's because we get so hyped that we have such a meltdown?
and don't get me started on the OOC games. i have been waiting to play a HE opponent like BC, Maine, or BU for decades. when we finally do, they're #2 in the country and we're #54. At least we gave 'em a good fight
still waiting for the second season come playoff time. forget the hex of albany - we've brought it back to hamilton
i'm the one with rare optimism so don't rain on my parade ;-) i second everything you're saying, but the win over Yale was a great, great, underdog win, regardless. the cornell series is the one that stings the most. it's the pinnacle of the season and our adrenaline - both on the ice and in the stands - is unparalleled. and we still find a way to lose again and again and again. this year it may be different. we're the obvious last choice but the big red aren't having a stellar season by any means. maybe it's because we get so hyped that we have such a meltdown?
and don't get me started on the OOC games. i have been waiting to play a HE opponent like BC, Maine, or BU for decades. when we finally do, they're #2 in the country and we're #54. At least we gave 'em a good fight
still waiting for the second season come playoff time. forget the hex of albany - we've brought it back to hamilton
TheGreenCoat
Registered User
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Tcher Bill...we all bleed Maroon abd I'll be seated in front of my tube on Sunday, watching ESPNU, PRAYING for a win...I wish I could share your optimism - I really do...I'm 60 and very, very cranky these days...and other than Joey Wilson I don't see much coming next year (2012 does look better)...we'll see...
Tcher Bill...we all bleed Maroon abd I'll be seated in front of my tube on Sunday, watching ESPNU, PRAYING for a win...I wish I could share your optimism - I really do...I'm 60 and very, very cranky these days...and other than Joey Wilson I don't see much coming next year (2012 does look better)...we'll see...
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Post #999, and all I have to say about last night's game was that Bessette was probably our best player. I hope he gets another start (tomorrow maybe?).
I did indeed get to see the game in person, and we looked flat offensively. On our 3rd period power play, I did notice Larkin playing forward with Day and Bourdon (they played the 1st minute of PP time). Then in the 2nd minute of PP time, we went with one defenseman (Price), and 4 forwards (Smith, Brisebois, Bartliff, and Wagner). We were able to keep the puck in the offensive zone for the most part, but didn't really shoot the puck on net much. I say we try these PP combo's again, and hopefully they'll come together as a unit. But can we get on a winning streak? On my way to the rink last night (I unfortunately arrived late b/c of the snow), listening to the Qpac radio announcers, they mentioned that even though we were without a league win, we were consistently losing by 1 goal and that eventually we'll "explode" with a handful of W's. It sucks that it didn't happen last night.
And to make matters worse, on my drive home I hit a 30-mile stretch where it was snowing heavily. The roads were unplowed and I couldn't go over 20 mph. Then I had to pull over just to clean my car, because if I kept going I wouldn't have been able to see anything
. But thankfully not long after that the roads cleared up and the snow stopped, and I was able to make it home alive and well (and without an accident!). Though I've decided I won't be making another long trip for at least a month.
Post #999, and all I have to say about last night's game was that Bessette was probably our best player. I hope he gets another start (tomorrow maybe?).
I did indeed get to see the game in person, and we looked flat offensively. On our 3rd period power play, I did notice Larkin playing forward with Day and Bourdon (they played the 1st minute of PP time). Then in the 2nd minute of PP time, we went with one defenseman (Price), and 4 forwards (Smith, Brisebois, Bartliff, and Wagner). We were able to keep the puck in the offensive zone for the most part, but didn't really shoot the puck on net much. I say we try these PP combo's again, and hopefully they'll come together as a unit. But can we get on a winning streak? On my way to the rink last night (I unfortunately arrived late b/c of the snow), listening to the Qpac radio announcers, they mentioned that even though we were without a league win, we were consistently losing by 1 goal and that eventually we'll "explode" with a handful of W's. It sucks that it didn't happen last night.
And to make matters worse, on my drive home I hit a 30-mile stretch where it was snowing heavily. The roads were unplowed and I couldn't go over 20 mph. Then I had to pull over just to clean my car, because if I kept going I wouldn't have been able to see anything
. But thankfully not long after that the roads cleared up and the snow stopped, and I was able to make it home alive and well (and without an accident!). Though I've decided I won't be making another long trip for at least a month.'Gate Radio
Registered User
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Just to comment on the goaltending issue.
If you look at the records, Evin is the only one with a win this season while Mihalik and Bessette are a combined 0-6-0 though not for a lack of effort and solid play.
That said, Bessette is playing well right now and I'd expect him to continue in net until he loses that spot to either Evin or Mihalik. Since the graduation of Mark Dekanich, the staff has pretty much gone with the hot hand and eventually someone has won the job - Long in 2009 and Evin in 2010.
As for Alex and his struggles numbers-wise this year. It's extremely unfair to blame all of the problem on him. Really, there were nights in the first half of the season where mental lapses, defensive breakdowns and turnovers left him on an island. Would a save here or there have helped? Sure, but it's unfair to dislike him simply because the guys in front of him weren't making good decisions and smart defensive plays. I think he takes the blame simply because he's the guy in net. Even Dekanich had bad nights and other nights he'd be hung out to dry.
The team defense just has to be better as a whole.
Just to comment on the goaltending issue.
If you look at the records, Evin is the only one with a win this season while Mihalik and Bessette are a combined 0-6-0 though not for a lack of effort and solid play.
That said, Bessette is playing well right now and I'd expect him to continue in net until he loses that spot to either Evin or Mihalik. Since the graduation of Mark Dekanich, the staff has pretty much gone with the hot hand and eventually someone has won the job - Long in 2009 and Evin in 2010.
As for Alex and his struggles numbers-wise this year. It's extremely unfair to blame all of the problem on him. Really, there were nights in the first half of the season where mental lapses, defensive breakdowns and turnovers left him on an island. Would a save here or there have helped? Sure, but it's unfair to dislike him simply because the guys in front of him weren't making good decisions and smart defensive plays. I think he takes the blame simply because he's the guy in net. Even Dekanich had bad nights and other nights he'd be hung out to dry.
The team defense just has to be better as a whole.
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Re: Colgate 2010-11
Being in attendance on Friday night one readily noticeable thing about the game was that our third and fourth lines never seem to play. Which seems unfortunate because when they DO play they seem to be productive. Does anyone have an explanation for this?
Not much to say beyond that; another desultory result.
Although, Rainman, if that was you in the Colgate sweatshirt standing in the first row looking stressed out, I met you briefly at the end of the game(I was the bearded guy in the Colgate tie whose optimism has been altogether sapped). And if you think your drive home was tough I had to ride home with the family sitting behind you(my friend and her three kids) through the same unplanned roads. . .
Being in attendance on Friday night one readily noticeable thing about the game was that our third and fourth lines never seem to play. Which seems unfortunate because when they DO play they seem to be productive. Does anyone have an explanation for this?
Not much to say beyond that; another desultory result.
Although, Rainman, if that was you in the Colgate sweatshirt standing in the first row looking stressed out, I met you briefly at the end of the game(I was the bearded guy in the Colgate tie whose optimism has been altogether sapped). And if you think your drive home was tough I had to ride home with the family sitting behind you(my friend and her three kids) through the same unplanned roads. . .
ColSkate65
Signer of '65 Arena first beam.
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Thanks for the report, Rainman. Sorry you had the tough drive home; snow happens. I take it you won't be going to the Princeton game? Congrats on reaching 1,000...
Thanks for the report, Rainman. Sorry you had the tough drive home; snow happens. I take it you won't be going to the Princeton game? Congrats on reaching 1,000...
Gaterrooter
Registered Raider
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Here is to hoping we come to play today before a national audience.
Here is to hoping we come to play today before a national audience.
Re: Colgate 2010-11
With one win ever at Starr, I'd be surprised and disappointed if Union overlooks Colgate. In fact, admittedly without doing any research, I'd guess that the Colgate / Cornell roadtrip is the worst historically in Union's D-1 record.
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Same sentiment here, which is why I brought up the "losers average losers" quote 15 pages back.
Same sentiment here, which is why I brought up the "losers average losers" quote 15 pages back.
Gaterrooter
Registered Raider
Re: Colgate 2010-11
After watching that game on TV it is clear that either the players have tuned out the coach or that the coach is not coaching. To have a tie game in the 3rd and have 2 times where the D men are behind the Princeton net is a joke. 2 on 1's and 3 on 1's should not be happening with the regularity that they did.
After watching that game on TV it is clear that either the players have tuned out the coach or that the coach is not coaching. To have a tie game in the 3rd and have 2 times where the D men are behind the Princeton net is a joke. 2 on 1's and 3 on 1's should not be happening with the regularity that they did.
Re: Colgate 2010-11
Hate seeing our losing trend continue, but it's tougher to take when it's on national television.
I seriously doubt Union is overlooking us, but trends change. We had Brown's number at Starr for years, and look at them now. Let's face it, Starr is more the visiting team's advantage than the home team's. We had our troubles at Cheel for the longest time, and now look at us in that Emerald City!
Was very disappointed to see Evin in goal today, regardless of being outshot 2:1 and being down a man so often. Solid goalies step up to the plate. You'd think he'd be getting better practice by now, lol...and yes, there is obviously more to any team than its goalie.
I tend to agree with you GreenCoat...am usually cautiously optimistic, even in very good years. But the season was done before the ice even got cold and instead of lamenting in it, try to look at something that still has meaning to the players. We won't capture the reg. season title but damage can still be done in March
Sorry about your travels, Rainman. We've all been there...me on Route 20 more times than I can remember (and one of them was during the 2003 football playoffs, which I wouldn't trade for anything). Guess the weather Gods wanted to bring a little piece of Hamilton to you on the road!
Hey, we scored 4. Imagine what we could do if we stayed out of the box for a change! Can't imagine attendance will be rockin' at Starr anytime soon. When do students return?!?!
Go 'Gate!
1-2-3...we want 4!
Hate seeing our losing trend continue, but it's tougher to take when it's on national television.
I seriously doubt Union is overlooking us, but trends change. We had Brown's number at Starr for years, and look at them now. Let's face it, Starr is more the visiting team's advantage than the home team's. We had our troubles at Cheel for the longest time, and now look at us in that Emerald City!
Was very disappointed to see Evin in goal today, regardless of being outshot 2:1 and being down a man so often. Solid goalies step up to the plate. You'd think he'd be getting better practice by now, lol...and yes, there is obviously more to any team than its goalie.
I tend to agree with you GreenCoat...am usually cautiously optimistic, even in very good years. But the season was done before the ice even got cold and instead of lamenting in it, try to look at something that still has meaning to the players. We won't capture the reg. season title but damage can still be done in March
Sorry about your travels, Rainman. We've all been there...me on Route 20 more times than I can remember (and one of them was during the 2003 football playoffs, which I wouldn't trade for anything). Guess the weather Gods wanted to bring a little piece of Hamilton to you on the road!
Hey, we scored 4. Imagine what we could do if we stayed out of the box for a change! Can't imagine attendance will be rockin' at Starr anytime soon. When do students return?!?!
Go 'Gate!
1-2-3...we want 4!
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