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Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

KrbFlint said:
Probably SOME validity to that. However, when they’re “on”, you might be down 4-0 before they make a mistake!

I’m concerned about the frequency with which the Cadets allow the opponent to score first. So far, it hasn’t been a big deal, as they do have the firepower to overcome deficits. But, I’m worried about giving powerhouse teams a lead and trying to come back.

Nonetheless, the Cadets are 14-2-2 , in the NEHC driver’s seat, and headed back to the Berg.
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I think the fact of them not scoring first is the reason we feel like the offense is so lackluster. Statistically speaking, with the notable exception of the 2017 championship team, they're averaging about the same number of goals as years past (3.1/3.2 - 2017 was 4.3). But, I think there's two things going on for us fans:

1) As Krb said, it seems like those three goals are always coming late. At least not in the first period so it feels like the team is always fighting back.

2) We all had very high expectations for this team. I think this team is still a title contender, and maybe even a favorite. There's no dominant team like UWSP was last year or SNC has been in years past. I think this team has as good a shot as anyone, we're just used to our championship teams steamrolling through people like they did in '10 and '17 (and I assume '00 and '03, I was a kid back in the Midwest at that point though). Times have changed.
 
PrezdeJohnson09 said:
In today’s NEHC, I’ll take 3 points on any weekend. Home or away.

I’ve been preaching this for three years now that there are 40 good teams in Division III hockey and most of the NEHC teams fall within that.
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You and George are both absolutely right, but it’s still possible to objectively examine some things. In no way am I trying to be negative; this team only has TWO losses (none to anyone outside of VT)! My point is, spotting USM or Plattsburgh a lead is one thing, but I don’t want to be playing catch up when March rolls around and every single goal matters.
 
NU Pastime said:
I think the fact of them not scoring first is the reason we feel like the offense is so lackluster. Statistically speaking, with the notable exception of the 2017 championship team, they're averaging about the same number of goals as years past (3.1/3.2 - 2017 was 4.3). But, I think there's two things going on for us fans:

1) As Krb said, it seems like those three goals are always coming late. At least not in the first period so it feels like the team is always fighting back.

2) We all had very high expectations for this team. I think this team is still a title contender, and maybe even a favorite. There's no dominant team like UWSP was last year or SNC has been in years past. I think this team has as good a shot as anyone, we're just used to our championship teams steamrolling through people like they did in '10 and '17 (and I assume '00 and '03, I was a kid back in the Midwest at that point though). Times have changed.
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I know Stevens Point went undefeated last year and was the first team to do that, but that was a truly special special team. They lose their goaltender early to transferring and a couple other players and look what had happened this year.

The days of “steamrolling” are far gone I feel like. Just way too many good teams that can beat anyone on any given night.
 
KrbFlint said:
You and George are both absolutely right, but it’s still possible to objectively examine some things. In no way am I trying to be negative; this team only has TWO losses (none to anyone outside of VT)! My point is, spotting USM or Plattsburgh a lead is one thing, but I don’t want to be playing catch up when March rolls around and every single goal matters.
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Whole heartedly. Certainly playing from behind is not ideal. My point was not take the points and be happy. Clearly there are still things to sort out with this team.

The offense will most likely need to be a bit more consistent down the stretch to beat teams like Hobart, Babson and evening though they are .500 right now, UMass Boston is a darn good team that just doesn’t quite have the same goaltending as the other top NEHC teams.

Braedyn Aubin has been stepping up and finding his niche lately as a freshman which has been good to see.

Let’s not forget, the team is still missing Maxime Borduas, who is one of their top offensive sparks. If they can get him back for the stretch run, could be a huge boost, especially to that lethal top PP unit.
 
PrezdeJohnson09 said:
Whole heartedly. Certainly playing from behind is not ideal. My point was not take the points and be happy. Clearly there are still things to sort out with this team.

The offense will most likely need to be a bit more consistent down the stretch to beat teams like Hobart, Babson and evening though they are .500 right now, UMass Boston is a darn good team that just doesn’t quite have the same goaltending as the other top NEHC teams.

Braedyn Aubin has been stepping up and finding his niche lately as a freshman which has been good to see.

Let’s not forget, the team is still missing Maxime Borduas, who is one of their top offensive sparks. If they can get him back for the stretch run, could be a huge boost, especially to that lethal top PP unit.
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I keep thinking the same thing; it’s gonna be nice to have Max back.
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

I too will take the 3 points this weekend and agree the Cadet's played a better game on Sat than they did Friday night. Still can't figure out the scoring issue, the shots are there, the set ups are there, what is making the big difference? I guess maybe it is true that all the teams in the NEHC have improved greatly and we are certainly seeing more blocked shots and very nice defensive play by our opponents. I still say the passing game could be improved, sometimes the guys pass so hard the puck reception is out of control. Most of our games we have dominated play which brings up a point that I think all can agree upon. Norwich does not give up and they don't run out of gas. That's the reason why this team can recover a game in the third period. I really felt like that was the decider in the NEC game.

Speaking of Maxime Borduas, what is the chance we will see him soon? Miss watching him play. Also what is the scope with Adam Mercer, he has a lot of potential, or at least it seemed that way last season.

Keep hustling Cadet's, your conditioning and desire will always make the difference.
 
KrbFlint said:
In no way am I trying to be negative; this team only has TWO losses (none to anyone outside of VT)!
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To me, that's the worst part. I know, I know, it's worse to lose league games. But I'd rather lose a league game than lose to Middlebury. The rivalry may have been a little slow, but in no way do I think Norwich is going to be a Top 5 team for decades and decades and Middlebury is going to maintain mediocrity. Even Alabama football has down periods. Point being, let's pile up the wins against the Panthers while we can.

Maybe Castleton was due one...
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

Great PP tonight guys and an overall good game. Jordan Hall takes a "licking but kept on ticking"! Can someone explain to me how Felix Brassard got a goal with an assist to himself? Did he pass it off the boards to himself??? I don't doubt that it can occur b/c Pres was the score keeper, (I think), however, I don't recall ever seeing that before.

Never mind, I guess it was a mistake b/c it has already been changed to credit Downs and Chicione which was who I suspected should have been given the assists. Thanks anyway.
 
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Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

Well that was a gutsy effort in the final five minutes to add the extra insurance goal and then block 10 shots in a span of three minutes with that group completely gassed on the ice for probably a full two minute shift.

Aubrun gets his sixth shutout of the season and the 12th of his career to tie Braeden Ostepchuk for the most in program history.

Five straight wins vs. Hobart and a huge four-point weekend sweep to keep Babson 4 points down (Babo has played one less game) heading into a huge showdown with the Beavers on Friday night down there.
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

PrezdeJohnson09 said:
Well that was a gutsy effort in the final five minutes to add the extra insurance goal and then block 10 shots in a span of three minutes with that group completely gassed on the ice for probably a full two minute shift.

Aubrun gets his sixth shutout of the season and the 12th of his career to tie Braeden Ostepchuk for the most in program history.

Five straight wins vs. Hobart and a huge four-point weekend sweep to keep Babson 4 points down (Babo has played one less game) heading into a huge showdown with the Beavers on Friday night down there.
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Just got home from the Game
Could this have been the most complete game played all year long?
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

Have I ever mentioned that besides never giving up, the Cadets are extremely tough and BRAVE! Wow, that was some game and I am sure there are some bruised bodies in the training room tonight...Jack Griffen for one. Hope everyone is okay.

Very good offensive play, best I have seen in awhile, and the defense...Aubrun played his heart out and the rest of the team blocked as many shots as they could while not giving an inch to any Hobart player to get near to the blue ice.

Well deserved wins this weekend and a critical 4 points on top of that. Keep it up next weekend guys, I am liking the trend of hard fought wins you are giving us.
 
KrbFlint said:
It was a good win, as they all are this time of year!
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Cadets get atleast a point tonight they’ll put themselves in a great spot to wrap up #1 seed for playoffs. They’d be 4 points up on Babson with 3 games left to Babson’s 4 and would hold tiebreaker.
 
The Real Georgia Peach said:
Just win baby, don't go into the game willing to accept a tie.
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If you think any of the players or coaching staff give two craps about what I or anyone else says on this board, you’re sadly mistaken.

I don’t think Coach Ellsworth is making his game plan around the fact I said getting at least a tie tonight would be beneficial in trying to lock up home ice.

Simply providing context to how the playoff race is shaping up.
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

PrezdeJohnson09 said:
If you think any of the players or coaching staff give two craps about what I or anyone else says on this board, you’re sadly mistaken.

I don’t think Coach Ellsworth is making his game plan around the fact I said getting at least a tie tonight would be beneficial in trying to lock up home ice.

Simply providing context to how the playoff race is shaping up.
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Yep
Big 4 POINT Game
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

Big 2nd by Norwich in which they seemed to be playing against the refs as well....honestly some pathetic calls and non-calls there. Keep it going Cadets, finish them off in the 3rd!
 
Re: Norwich Hockey 2019-2020 ... The Road to Buffalo

4-0 final for the Cadets on the road, pretty much locks up the home ice advantage throughout the conference playoffs. But what is the deal with Castleton? They're a mediocre team that comes up big against the top teams, took Babson to OT early this season and played Hobart, UMB, and Norwich tough, (beating the Cadets at home). If they stay ahead of Suffolk for the final playoff spot it will make things interesting.
 
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