Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Norwich @ Plattsburgh 3/12
The thing I appreciate about this game most is the respect both the teams and fans on both sides of their respective state border seem to have for one another. Clearly for both—any road to Minneapolis—cuts right through Stafford Arena on Saturday night.
Forty years back-- it was only Middlebury that drove our Cadets nuts but underneath it all there was deserved deference given to the Panther’s team and program. And while I have been following the NU and Plattsburg games for over a decade now—I just looked on them as just another tough competitive game. But I really came to appreciate the Cards and their fans last year in Lake Placid. A first class bunch—who support a first class program. That is why I am looking forward to this game so much.
As for this specific match up I do agree with what NU Prof said on another thread about the two earlier season's games impact on this one, e.g. “
Not blaming, just pointing out something that has changed. My biggest concern with Dubois is his tendency to wander and get out of position. He's a bit too aggressive chasing the puck.”
I agree with Prof. I had every hope for DuBois early in the season but he scared the heck out of me.
Like most of you, I have seen Parker Carroll in most of his games and he has changed the dimensions of things. Besides not wandering about like DuBois—Carroll just seems more focused, cooler and more quickly able to go back to work even after surrendering a goal. It just seems logical that a good goalie has to treat a score as mental rebound that has to be immediately handled. I am certainly no expert but Parker Carroll has to have also given the rest of NU defensive unit more confidence not only in their own defensive skills but also in their ability to look up the ice to make plays in support their offense. It just seems like obvious linkage to me--but again I am no expert.
On a different level, after the ECAC-E playoffs I inquired about the amount of time NU players had collectively spent in the penalty box during the year. I learned—that as a team--the Cadets (among all Div III teams) were near the bottom of the heap with the least amount of time in the penalty box. BUT...I was also told that Plattsburg was at the very bottom. What I am getting at is this will hopefully be one very well disciplined game—with few cheap shots and even fewer cheap opportunities.
We know this is no Prime Link for North Country/VT border bragging rights “thingy” or a non-conference game in early winter. This is for all the marbles and the last thing either team is thinking about right now is what happen earlier in the season.
At least I hope Norwich isn’t... but hope Plattsburg is tuned out and resting on the laurels earned with earlier season victories
But more likely both squads are focusing on doing what they did that got them to this defining moment in their season.
What a great game this should be.
But naturally, I will be looking for a well deserved, Cadet victory. 
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I look forward to watching the webcast this evening on a widescreen with my family.