Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2017-18 Season
So much for that "winnable" game! I am at lost for words as I have always been a proud proponent/advocate of Big Green hockey as they "laid they the proverbial egg" last night. Let's start out with the lineup last night...notably missing were top goalie in Buffalo and top D pair in Yau/Matthews. They are either sick, injured, or rested as I cannot foresee that they were "sat" for ineffective play. There was just no energy last night as the two teams played even, the more reason to come out with a W. However, 70 seconds in the 2nd period was the beginning of the end as the Big Green let up 3 goals finally chasing Clark. As they say "you can win if you can't score" costing the Big Green dearly. As I have stated many times, they lack the big-time offensive player to impact/influence a game...now you can see that they really miss Crema from last year as no player(s) has stepped up. The names are silent in viewing and in the box scores. Kalk has not caught fire, the line of Kilistoff/Warpecha/? has dried up, Strong who scored some last year, is in and out of the line up. To exemplify this, Kalk was carrying the puck in on the left circle for a 3-1 and for some explicable reason he did not move the puck (thus moving the d or goalie) and settling for a shot on goal from the lower left circle which the goalie saved and not giving up a rebound. That underscores our ineptitude to score goals. Quite simply, while the goaltending and D are effective and decent, they cannot outright "steal" a game for you. There is just too much pressure on them to pitch a shut out. Mind you, I am not blaming the offense as a good defense leads to a good offense in transitions/counters, support, etc. The PP is still atrocious starting with the entries, leading to less set-up zone time. If their PK is holding the blue line puck retrieval on their back side is essential but winning puck battles for possession have been difficult. Ok enough ranting.
The positives for last night was Less on the D end...this kid is not afraid to mix it up and play the body yet have enough skill to either carry or first pass break out. On the O end was Baker as he was getting behind their D.
As they say, what is done is done and let's collectively regroup and refocus for next week as it certainly does not get any easier, going to Denver next weekend. I f you haven't watch them play... it is a sight to behold. Their offensive system is downright offensive (literally and figuratively). Talk about puck possession and 5-man play with and without the puck; parts are interchangeable. I probably should note that they have the horses to accomplish that along with the coaching. GO BIG GREEN...I am with you through thick and thin!
