>>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

well after friday's game coach said the team needed to toughen up some, get over some adversity. They got it after being swept at home. Time to see how the team pulls together and responds

 

[ken66]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Canisius won tonight's game in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd period. They clearly dictated the pace of the game at that point.

The first goal was a simple, soft backhand that went over the stick, and between Watson's legs. I saw no rebound on the replay.

Is it just me, or were a couple of obvious interference calls not made on Canisius in the third period? Outrageous.

The flute players are clearly the best dancers in the band. Trombones are not bad. Is it really necessary to mic a 50-piece brass band? It sure is loud.

 

[jflory81]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Opponents top line kill us again. It's clear we don't have a good enough top pairing defensively.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Opponents top line kill us again. It's clear we don't have a good enough top pairing defensively.

I'm not sure I buy that. For years now we have all talked about how great Saracino is. Hell even now doesn't he lead the team in goals? Although the defense is not strong, I think it is on par with the last two years. Not having Shane there to pick up the pieces is the difference. I have yet to see any strong evidence to suggest either of these guys is a number 1. Watson is the better of the two but 4 GAA won't help us win too many games.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

The Tigers are playing like an all-star "team", without the "all-stars".

Personally, I don't even see much to be optimistic about. That bumpy road I mentioned just got a whole lot bumpier. Unless something amazing happens (I'll hold out some hope), this team is not going to finish in the top half of the AHA, and certainly not in the top four.

 

[WestsideTigersFan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

This team, quite frankly, isn't good. It's just not. And no matter how much the die hard optimists try to deny the truth, it won't change the reality.

As for who is at fault for this train wreck of a squad, there is plenty to go around. The players are ultimately responsible for themselves. These are DI hockey players from good Jr. hockey backgrounds. They should know by now that they are responsible for their own effort, mental discipline, etc. And right now, I just don't see a good level of energy and effort. Going through the motions is about the nicest way I can describe the effort of about 95% of this roster. No energy, no hustle, no heart and apparently no pride. The coaching staff isn't without blame here either, and an argument could be made that they are the ones primarily responsible for this squad. They recruited this bunch. And I can't say I've been exactly overwhelmed with the quality of the last 2 or 3 recruiting classes. Aside from 1 or 2 players, its been a lot of the same player, over and over again. Underachieving, physically outsized, out skilled and generally undisciplined in their play. That to me tells me 2 things: 1 the recruiting staff is not doing their jobs well at all, and the coaching staff apparently isn't able to find avenues to overcome these players shortcomings and develop them into useable pieces for the program.

The administration can't be happy to see this team quite frankly stink, and lose a ton of momentum a year before opening a new arena.

 

[RITProf]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

All while still attempting to raise funds to pay for that new arena (and cutting costs across campus). Is this the "recruiting momentum" from the frozen four run???

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

The Tigers are playing like an all-star "team", without the "all-stars".

Personally, I don't even see much to be optimistic about. That bumpy road I mentioned just got a whole lot bumpier. Unless something amazing happens (I'll hold out some hope), this team is not going to finish in the top half of the AHA, and certainly not in the top four.

Excellent way to put it.

I'm not sure I buy that. For years now we have all talked about how great Saracino is. Hell even now doesn't he lead the team in goals?

There is a difference being being a solid defender and scoring goals. It's only the very rare defenseman that can do both well. I still think he's solid but the rest of the D I'm not so sure about it.

All while still attempting to raise funds to pay for that new arena (and cutting costs across campus). Is this the "recruiting momentum" from the frozen four run???

I will reserve judgement on the current freshman class as it really is early. But I am concerned that a the Sophomore class isn't better or developing better at this time. These are the first two classes after a frozen four run that Wilson has had time to recruit and they should be the strongest that he has ever recruited. And right now they aren't. I'm not sure if that is a development issue or a recruiting issue. But it needs to be addressed. It seems like the rest of the AHA is upping their game and RIT is not.

 

[Downstate_RIT_Fan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

I'm hopeful that the team can turn it around against Holy Cross. If not, then the best we can hope for this year is hosting a first round playoff series and gaining momentum by advancing to the second round.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

A couple of comments...
First, from a selfish point of view; I've always looked forward to game day at home (like we all do!)... you know, the excitement of being at the Ritter with the high probability of winning and just getting caught up in the atmosphere. Those days will return, but right now I feel a little numb.
OK, with that out of the way, we've got to look at the bigger picture. No matter how we feel as individuals, we need to do our part as members of the "team". We have to be supportive. We don't know what's going on in practice... we don't know what's being said in the locker room... we don't know the internal struggles the team is going through. We can only make a good guess that with every losing game the team must be more down on itself. It's hard to dig yourself out of that hole when a team like C scores on you in the first 12 seconds of the game and everyone can't help thinking "here we go again". Let's rally behind our Tigers... I'm sure they're working hard to turn this around.

 

[komey1]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Well said RITFan. We need to be supportive if the team. That is OUR job in turning this around. Get the energy up and make the Ritter as rowdy a place as possible.

As for the TEAM.

What I saw last night was not necessarily a lack of effort. That part to me seems to be there.

However, there are clearly some problems. The defense is making too many mistakes, and it seems each time it's someone new. One night, Raibl is making the mistakes, the next night it's Noyes, the next next it's Nolan (gonna try to spell his name). The goalies have not been able to cover up the mistakes of the defensemen. The forwards are not forechecking and hitting more to cause problems for opposing offenses to make the defensemen's job easier.

I don't know what Coach can do. It's not like there are a lot of scratchs. Maybe it's time to give Brownell more of a look on defense. He has the size that I think is needed. He seems to play well in the rare times he has seen the ice. Maybe the team needs to pack the forwards back in down low to clog the shooting lanes. I don't know what the answer is - I just hope Coach can figure something out.

 

[Downstate_RIT_Fan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Agree with the above comments about supporting this team. There is a sense of frustration among many of the RIT fans, myself included, perhaps because we've been spoiled by many recent years of success and perhaps the recent excitement of the new rink. So let's hope for the best going forward. Holy Cross is next, whatever it takes, whether it's one series at a time, one game at a time, one period at a time, or one shift at a time. Be supportive. In the meantime, I've been posting pics of some of the games I've seen this year, I haven't figured out how to post a link yet, but the link should get you to my gallery. Some were taken with cell phones so by no means is this something special.

https://picasaweb.google.com/106694777939719199410?feat=email

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Well here is what little good news there is; I got a note from Bobby Valentine and the team most likely hit rock bottom last night… We hope…

I don’t see a lack of hustle; I definitely do no see any lack of talent. Actually I am very happy with the play of the 12 guys Wilson been sticking up on forward. They’ve been generating chances and enough goals to win games. I really see 75% of this team’s problem on the Blue line. You can hear it in the coach’s voice and read their body language when asked about it. This team is failing at hockey defense 101 stuff.

The only guy that has not got me ranting yet is Nolan Descoteaux, he been the most solid in my view and when he does make a mistake he been hustling his tail off to make up for it. Friday night it was Raibl who made two big time mistakes and they lead to goals early. I actually was going to give Raibl praise cause after his second mistake that lead to a goal, he played much better and I thought had a pretty good game last night.

However, they then try and put Brad Shumway on the top pair of defensemen and he just has the same sort of game. I know everyone fans on a pass from time to time, but boy did it hurt to fail behind 12 seconds into the game tonight. And very honestly I felt Shumway’s effort on the Taylor Law’s 3rd goal was no where close to good enough. Looked like he was in warm ups on that 2 on 1, at least hit the ice please and try to break up that pass.

The real worrisome item is that its no one guy each night it’s some one new back there on the blue line. And all the lack of focus mistakes are all adding to embarrassing loses. The icing on this manure cake was Greg Noyes getting out work behind the net on the game wining goal. I am sorry but if one of your best defenseman gets out worked like that when the game is on the line then your not going to win a lot of games. I think Shane Madalora should be thankful he did not come back this year cause he and anyone you put out there would be giving up at least 5 goals a night…

There is one true good piece of news. This is all fixable. There is the talent, this is all mental, and playing solid SMART 60 minutes of hockey is all it comes down too. These young men need take a hard look at themselves because at this point I do not believe that the coaches can do much more than maybe start sitting key guys. They need to rise to the level we expect at RIT Hockey or they will leave a very ugly mark that you certainly do not want as they build the new arena. They need to work their butts off till they have nothing left.

As frustrated as I am, I am not ready to give up on this team yet. There is way too much talent. Call me a foolish optimist if you want, but I do believe they will get it turned around. The question is will it be in time to save this season, given how early it is I do believe they have a chance…

I think the support at the arena has been great and even with the poor play the Crew has been giving the boys a hand. While we get into heated debates on the message board there is no doubt the team is playing poorly. But RIT is the kind of place where if the boys are winning or losing we give them a hand. It be tough, but if we can try and stay optimistic, maybe just a little it will help…

 

[cplinford]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

If its frustrating for us fans it has to be far worse for the guys on the team. I think we all need to get a little perspective on some of our criticisms. These are student athletes, we aren't talking about professionals not earning their multi million dollar contracts. I think the effort has been there but the Tigers got some young guys on D that are making rookie mistakes, and well so are some of the upper classmen The Tigers run an offensive based system which will expose lapses on defense. You could blame the coaches, that they need to adjust, and hopefully they will.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Is it really necessary to mic a 50-piece brass band? It sure is loud.

It is if you want to have any chance of hearing the woodwinds. =)


Powers &8^]

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Maybe it's time to give Brownell more of a look on defense. He has the size that I think is needed.

That's what I've been thinking too, but who, then, do you sit? Kuqali is doing fine and Coach seems high on Shumway. Descoteaux has improved a lot. Raibl?


Powers &8^]

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

I don't think we can blame just the defensemen for defensive lapses... it's the whole team that's not playing well in our own zone.

And I'm not even sure we're seeing more lapses than usual... but I think more of them are being capitalized on by opponents.


Powers &8^]

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

That's what I've been thinking too, but who, then, do you sit? Kuqali is doing fine and Coach seems high on Shumway. Descoteaux has improved a lot. Raibl?


Powers &8^]

I could see Raibl for Brownell. Brownell has played good in his limited time this year.

 

[lmg6841]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2012-2013 - Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Roar <<<<<

Not to nitpick, since I agree with what you're saying... but the guys on the broadcast said they thought his puck hit a puddle of water on the ice and it wasn't a fan on the pass. If this is the case I can't exactly fault Brad.

However, they then try and put Brad Shumway on the top pair of defensemen and he just has the same sort of game. I know everyone fans on a pass from time to time, but boy did it hurt to fail behind 12 seconds into the game tonight.

 

[Zyklon]

That's what I've been thinking too, but who, then, do you sit? Kuqali is doing fine and Coach seems high on Shumway. Descoteaux has improved a lot. Raibl?


Powers &8^]

Saracino, it would send a huge message to the rest of the team. I'd sit Hartley that same night too, if I wanted to send the message.