Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

We've mentioned Graber struggling here, but how about Matt Baker? For all that chemistry on that line, we need him to start scoring, too. He was an invite to a pro camp this summer. But 5 points this year and 1 goal in the last 2 months is simply not good enough from him.

Not to pick on him, as it's not like Baker is doing nothing--he is gritty and I like his style of play. But he has shown flashed of being a dynamic finisher, and right now, Jasiek is carrying the vast majority of the scoring weight for that line.. I'm hoping Baker and Rutherford as well find themselves on the scoresheet more often in the next 5 weeks (and beyond). That'd be huge, especially with the Timber Line struggling.

Imagine if they both break out of their funks at the same time......

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

We've mentioned Graber struggling here, but how about Matt Baker? For all that chemistry on that line, we need him to start scoring, too. He was an invite to a pro camp this summer. But 5 points this year and 1 goal in the last 2 months is simply not good enough from him.

Not to pick on him, as it's not like Baker is doing nothing--he is gritty and I like his style of play. But he has shown flashed of being a dynamic finisher, and right now, Jasiek is carrying the vast majority of the scoring weight for that line.. I'm hoping Baker and Rutherford as well find themselves on the scoresheet more often in the next 5 weeks (and beyond). That'd be huge, especially with the Timber Line struggling.

Imagine if they both break out of their funks at the same time......

100% agreed! Not one player is exempt or gets immunity here. Flat out, Baker has under-performed. Matter of fact, one can be a case that Baker was better last year. In my mind, he is not a center as he doesn't read and recognize enough to make plays, especially on that line that you mentioned. Whereas Jasiek and Rutherford are the opposites, smallish skilled players that can make plays in O zone. However, like you also aptly stated, Baker is useful as he provides that sandpaper grit necessary to complement those other two guts. Baker is a north/south guy where everything is fast, faster,and fastest. At bare minimum, given his skill set, Baker should be getting those greasy goals in front to complement the perimeter of the other two. And yes, he needs to start producing if BG wants to go deep.

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Not to put any added pressure but without a doubt, tonight's game at Harvard is by far the BG's biggest game of the year and many fronts and pretty self-explanatory! Quite simply, the 4-point outcome (unless they tie) will either put the BG near the top of the mix or at the bottom of the mix of the clutter.

Keys to the game:

Stay out of the box as Harvard always torches the BG kill with great Grade A looks even when they are not putting pucks in the net
Stay out of the box as BG must be disciplined and not take that "lazy and stupid" penalty that drives coaches absolutely crazy
Stay out of the box as Clark must outperform his counterpart

Finally, have fun playing 5 on 5! You have got this BG...let's GOOOOOOOOO!

 

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Finally, have fun playing 5 on 5! You have got this BG...let's GOOOOOOOOO!

Big Green can stay 3 or under PPs allowed they win. If not. they don't. I think it comes down to that.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

I thought you guys outplayed us for the most part last night. There's a strange stat regarding your team. When you outshoot the opposition, you've only won four times this year. And you outshot us by a wide margin.

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

I thought you guys outplayed us for the most part last night. There's a strange stat regarding your team. When you outshoot the opposition, you've only won four times this year. And you outshot us by a wide margin.

Yes weird stat for sure! It proves a couple of things. We do not have the finishers like you guys have ie ZG, Walsh, Fox, etc and a couple of mistakes are capitalized on for the winning margin.

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

BG loses to Harvard in a game which I believe they were the better team. They neutralized Fox at best they can especially on the PP and even an a full 2 minute 5 on 3. Matter of fact, the two best players on the ice were Yau and Lackey. Lackey outplays Clark for the W. In a tight battle, Jasiek's creates a TO by stepping up (nice job in not pummeling Harvard player) where Yau gets it at the blue line and moves to his right and puts a harmless fluttering wrister that finds the back of a lot of net. I would have to think that Lackey did not track this shot at all. BG outshoooting and outplaying Harvard in the first. Then Harvard comes out hard in the second and and capitalizes on a BG D zone mistake. Demler follows the puck up to the circle wide and only to leave ZG all alone. He backhand bats (nice hand to eye) the puck into the net. Clark gave up a juicy rebound here. Then remaining second becomes entertaining as Harvard kills off a 5 minute major while later in the period BG kills off a 2 minute 5 on 3 with two units. Walsh must have missed short side on all his bomb one-timers, but Yau and Graber had alot to to with that getting in the shooting lane. The third starts off with Clark not being able to control (catch) a rebound and Floodstrand wins the battle for the loose puck to tuck it home. Then Roth gets on the wrong side of his man and Donato shoots one five hole on Clark.

BG just find find that second goal as the are scoring-challenged; hence, more dependent of D and goalie. BG played well and deserved the W but until they learn to minimize their D zone mistakes there will remain the gap between Harvard and them. Travel partner nemesis for sure but the gap is getting tighter on the ice although the outcome hasn't really changed. Still and long way to go!

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

More Random Thoughts: Two Days After

Tree Line line looked better than it has been but still didn't get on the score sheet; played below goal line plenty but nothing dangerous
Hesler's line is a mess with Losurdo AWOL and O'Connor still figuring out college defenses although very talented; they should be better with C Hesler
Baker's line is good and will get better once Baker starts producing but love his tenacity and grit
Grind Line although matched up against top line is not good now as they have trouble getting out of their zone; hands are not good on that line

Have to infuse some new blood/energy something to get this offense going; start changing and mixing is in must order for these forwards
Why not bring in a S Hesler and/or LeSeur and you know what you get with Blankemeir; also Ernsting can spark the O if given opportunity
With Rutherford and Jasiek, they can be and should be more creative in O zone ie criss-crossing drop pass, far pad shot/pass, etc

Yau/Matthews are the best D pair offensively and one could argue defensively as well; they probably spend the least time in their D zone
Demler/Markell gets matched with top line and plays tons but leaks are starting to appear more with Demler with unforced D zone TO's such as leading to Harvard's second goal and also D zone coverage is getting iffy at times
Roth/Less's play is very uneven right now; which pair are you going to get on a given night? straighten those out and get Less back to where he was last year

Quite simply stated, need more offensive production out of D core; Yau/Matthews have the abilities/capabilities to do so
The other pairs can chip in while still playing solid D; Han (scratched lately) can spark from the back end

Clark has battled consistency issues and it seems like in big games; is it nerves? Again he has been very good but needs to be more consistent and I would love to see him "steal" a game vs a top notch opponent and maybe a "must win" game scenario

I think Ferguson/Shatzer should get a chance sometime here although beit very little chance

Thoughts GreenBear? Please chime in!

 

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

No way will we see Ferguson or Shatzer this season barring injury or blowout. And Sam Hesler is reportedly hurt, so that's likely the reason we haven't seen him.

I thought similarly to you. Dartmouth was equal to Clarkson and Harvard but they haven't been able to finish. The guys who are their scorers haven't been scoring.

If they get that sorted, that'll go a long way toward a decent playoff run. If they don't, I see another 2nd round exit, as I don't think Clark can compensate. He's solid, but not consistent enough and hasn't been "great" nearly enough this season.

So hopefully 10, 28, 14 and 26 especially begin to find the scoresheet more often. 18, 11 and 17 have done their part--the rest have to step up and make themselves seen on the scoresheet.

 

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Looking ahead, Nick Unruh has committed to Dartmouth. Listed as a 6'2, 205 pound left defenseman who has good offensive numbers over 2 years in the BCHL--65 points and counting in 2 seasons. I don't get too ahead of myself with stats, but that's a very good league and it's encouraging that he's putting up points there as a Dman. Big Green could certainly use a puck-moving offensive threat on their blueline right now, but he's reportedly not coming until 2020 so he's a couple years away.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Looking ahead, Nick Unruh has committed to Dartmouth. Listed as a 6'2, 205 pound left defenseman who has good offensive numbers over 2 years in the BCHL--65 points and counting in 2 seasons. I don't get too ahead of myself with stats, but that's a very good league and it's encouraging that he's putting up points there as a Dman. Big Green could certainly use a puck-moving offensive threat on their blueline right now, but he's reportedly not coming until 2020 so he's a couple years away.

Unruh is a forward.

 

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Unruh is a forward.

I've never seen him play, so if you have you're probably right. I just saw it on this site which had him listed as LD. https://collegehockeyinc.com/commitments.php

Too bad: Looks like a nice player regardless but I'd really love that offensive Dman we're missing for the Big GReen's PP. Haven't had one of those in a while.

EDIT: Team's media says forward so I'm inclined to believe them + Ralph and conclude that College Hockey Inc made a mistake.

Looks like he'll have a chance to keep his number if/when he's with the Big Green: Cam Strong graduates next season so #12 would seem to be open.

https://www.saobserver.net/sports/s...ive-college-offer-player-of-the-week-mention/

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

I've never seen him play, so if you have you're probably right. I just saw it on this site which had him listed as LD. https://collegehockeyinc.com/commitments.php

Too bad: Looks like a nice player regardless but I'd really love that offensive Dman we're missing for the Big GReen's PP. Haven't had one of those in a while.

EDIT: Team's media says forward so I'm inclined to believe them + Ralph and conclude that College Hockey Inc made a mistake.

Looks like he'll have a chance to keep his number if/when he's with the Big Green: Cam Strong graduates next season so #12 would seem to be open.

https://www.saobserver.net/sports/s...ive-college-offer-player-of-the-week-mention/

And I got all excited! If he can play it doesn't make a difference if he's a F or D although D would have been sorely needed.

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Its Game Day / Weekend! Well, the BG failed the test last week in their loss against Harvard although they did ply fairly well. However, at this juncture of the season, playing well and not getting the W, just isn't enough. So with that said, this weekend games are a must 4-pointer as they get back to home-cooking. The entire team up and down the lineup need to step up their offensive production. Let's GOOOOOOO BIG Green!!!

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

BG ties RPI late to scratch out a point. However, this has to be a downer as a W would have obviously put them in better position in the standings. IMHO BG lost this game in the first where they thoroughly outplayed RPI only to have RPI scored the first goal (really their only look and chance) to go in tied after one. After that, the game was dead-even although I should point out that RPI never trailed and BG having to rally each time.

Again Yau was BG's best player. And if Yau is their best player then BG is in trouble. This has absolutely nothing against Yau as he is undoubtedly playing his best hockey but more of an indictment on the rest of the players which I will get into later. Savory outplays Clark to get the W. Han also looked very good on the offensive end from the D position.

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

I mentioned in previous post about a line up change but I did not think it would be this radical:

Graber sits, probably hurt but I stated he has not been playing well of late; is that because he indeed is hurt?
Roth sits, probably more of a rest and taking a look from the stands; he will and should be back in line up
Blankemeir in which he played is usual game, not hurting but in on forecheck and winning board battles
Ernsting in but limited minutes and didn't show much
DiMaio in and struggled with puck management and having a hard time getting out of D zone

Matthews struggled last night which is surprising as he has been playing well
Markell and Demler is still on the ice when goals are scored; Yes they are on against top lines; they have a problem protecting the "house"
Forman showed something last night, maybe without Graber with elusiveness and close to impact playing but still loses too many battles
O'Connor needs to let the puck do the work and use his gifted skating ability; try a pass and go/support
Han was very good activating being a 3 or 4 man in O zone find open ice and being a dangerous option; pair him with Demler
Clark was OK but still loss the battle of goalies
Baker does not have the hands to be a center or the play-making ability as his game is N/S

 

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Apparently, flu has been a big issue with Dartmouth and other teams this weekend. Some of the players likely were out for that reason, but I haven't had a chance to ask specifically which ones.

I've figured out Clark: he is solid but usually has one marginal goal per game. Not all of these are "bad" goals, but they're tweeners that you want your goaltender to step up and make. Clark this year has been reliable but hasn't made as many big saves at key times as you'd like to see as a Dartmouth fan. An example of that big save: see Savory's save last night in the 3rd period on the 2x1. That by all rights should have been a goal and 2 points, but Savory saved the game. Clark isn't coming up with those. He stole a couple of games/points last year but you can't point to a game this year where he's done similarly. But as we both agree--he's been solid. It'd just be nice to see him move up to the next tier of "excellent". "Elite" is too much to ask or expect (and I don't think anyone expects it on a night-in, night-out basis)

Shane Sellar played well last night, too. I actually liked the trio of Sellar-Baker-Foreman though I bet it doesn't last when Graber gets back. I'd be intrigued by Baker at the wing on with Rutherford at center (perhaps w/ Jasiek) to see what they could do.

Gotta throw out Yau's name. He was excellent last night. I think he's been so good and so reliable that a good night for him has become routine, but he was again the BG's best defenseman, and was very good all around. (EDIT: You pointed that out two posts ago and I am just seeing that now.)

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Apparently, flu has been a big issue with Dartmouth and other teams this weekend. Some of the players likely were out for that reason, but I haven't had a chance to ask specifically which ones.

I've figured out Clark: he is solid but usually has one marginal goal per game. Not all of these are "bad" goals, but they're tweeners that you want your goaltender to step up and make. Clark this year has been reliable but hasn't made as many big saves at key times as you'd like to see as a Dartmouth fan. An example of that big save: see Savory's save last night in the 3rd period on the 2x1. That by all rights should have been a goal and 2 points, but Savory saved the game. Clark isn't coming up with those. He stole a couple of games/points last year but you can't point to a game this year where he's done similarly. But as we both agree--he's been solid. It'd just be nice to see him move up to the next tier of "excellent". "Elite" is too much to ask or expect (and I don't think anyone expects it on a night-in, night-out basis)

Shane Sellar played well last night, too. I actually liked the trio of Sellar-Baker-Foreman though I bet it doesn't last when Graber gets back. I'd be intrigued by Baker at the wing on with Rutherford at center (perhaps w/ Jasiek) to see what they could do.

Gotta throw out Yau's name. He was excellent last night. I think he's been so good and so reliable that a good night for him has become routine, but he was again the BG's best defenseman, and was very good all around. (EDIT: You pointed that out two posts ago and I am just seeing that now.)

Great point with Sellar...I thought about highlighting him but maybe I am expecting too much out of him from last year's stellar performance. Like I said, he is the BG's best puck retriever and has great net front presence as shown last night being the agitator in front of Savory. As you aptly pointed out, he also made that great pass to Baker on that one-timer that Savory stoned. If Baker, gets that up, its a goal.

 

[GreenBear]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Woulda. Shoulda. Coulda. Again.

Outshot Union, outplayed them for a lot of the night, but outside of Baker's pretty finish on the breakaway, couldn't buy a goal. Certainly had chances, but no finish.

A top 4 finish is out of the question, most likely. Dartmouth will probably finish in the 2nd 4. My gut feeling is 8th and RPI in the 1st round. But they could conceivably drop to 9th and a road game, although I think they grabbed enough points at the start of the year to limp across the finish line.

Maybe I'm just down about another game the Big Green could have won, and a 1 point weekend when I was thinking 2+, but this is setting up to be a really disappointing end to the season considering the way last year played out.

 

[BIG Green]

Re: Dartmouth BIG Green Hockey: 2018-19 Season : Failure is NOT an Option...SUCCESS

Bang on GreenBear as i was thinking the same thing...maybe I over-valued (expectations) the BG based on last season's finish. Regardless, while playing well, they are not getting the points as the two previous weekend's outcome shows. Brown (maybe the hottest ECAC team) jumps them in the standing and Union right behind. If not with some freshmen juice, BG would be in trouble this year as many of the players with so-called career years last season have flat-lined. And even so the freshmen are not even the same players as they were at the beginning of the season but they get the benefit of the doubt for being freshmen.

Now onto last night's game. It played out pretty similar to the previous night's vs RPI. BG comes out hard with many scoring chances only to be tied at zeros after one. Then Roth stretches and beautiful seam pass to a fast -moving and cutting Baker who comes in composed and shelfs a goal. This is probably one of BG's best goals when accounting for quick strike ability. However, in did not last long as Union counters with Matthews inadverdently deflects Union goal off his stick. The scores stays this way with BG getting the better of the play to no avail as Hanson stands on his head (getting to be a broken record against BG). It would only be fair to say that he was matched by Clark as well although not as many chances. The with less the 4 minutes to play and a D zone FO with Baker. He loses it clean to Union and a lefty shoots and it either beats Clark short-side or five hole. Either way, that save has got to be made. It looked like he wasn't quite ready and possibly screened a bit but saveable. The with a EA BG gets O zone time but between Graber and Yau they fail to shoot and trying to do a interchange at the blue line turns it over. With pressure that high. that puck has got to go to the half boards with un-pressured support. Or maybe a forward has to support as a bumper but it shouldn't get in that position the first place if puck properly managed by Graber. Of course O blue line breakaway EN for Union. I really thought that BG might score there just like last night and force overtime.

In the end, either the opposing has BG's number or BG's lack of finishing skills come back to bite them, probably a combo of both. Additionally, the read and recognition of BG is not up to par. For example, Kilistoff comes on a clear-cut 3 on 2 with F3 being the trailer but he forces the puck to F2 and it gets negated. This is not even counting the correct read and the execution goes awry. Unfortunately, Hanson bests Clark. This league is becoming very clear that the league is top heavy (Red and Q) although on any given night they can be beaten as shown but they have been the most consistent. It is from 3- 8 or 9 where it gets a little fuzzy. Come on BG hunker down and dig deep(er). You can bounce back!