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

[blazer777]

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

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

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.

You'd sit the 3rd (tied with Noyes) and 5th (tied with Collavecchia) leading scorers on the team right now?

 

[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 <<<<<

You'd sit the 3rd (tied with Noyes) and 5th (tied with Collavecchia) leading scorers on the team right now?

It doesn't sound that crazy, nor is it unprecedented. RPI, who are also struggling to find consistency, just did that exact same thing this past weekend. The results weren't good, they lost again, but the message was clear for those players to step-up. In fact their thread on this board sounds exactly like ours (defensive issues) only the screen names have changed.

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/...509f21056ab59350329958.txt?viewmode=fullstory

 

[Bing]

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

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

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.

I don't think the problem is Saracino or Hartley, individually. I think the problem is that we have an ineffective forecheck (no one is as fast as Cornacchia or Knowles). We give up too many odd-man rushes (poor defense), and our goaltending is not strong enough to make up for a lack of good defense. Also, as Komey said, we have no one to replace McReynolds as our tough guy, but I think Kuqali could fill that role (I saw some intensity and aggressiveness from him last night).

That said, on a positive note, I've been really impressed with Colavecchia's intensity and Miller has been working hard too. We can turn things around, but I don't see us dominating the league this year.

 

[Jason6787]

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

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

This team is not that bad, and the problems can be fixed. I also see a lot of good individual play, but not great team play. Case in point are some of the defensive gaffes. The defensemen didn't play terrible last night - but they aren't getting help from the forwards. I counted several times where a D carried the puck deep into the zone, or pinched down, and none of the forwards rotated to the point to cover. There was one rush in particular - their third goal I think - where Saracino carried the puck into the zone deep with one other guy, and the other 2 forwards came down below the dots. What happened? The puck was taken away from him, and that led to a 2 on 1 that they scored on. That is happening a lot, and it's hard to fault the D for that - a forward needs to recognize the D deep in the zone and cover his position at the point. All 5 guys need to play defense and start helping each other out more.

The goalies aren't stealing games, but they aren't getting a lot of help either. I don't have stats, but it seems like shot blocking is way down this year. The GWG last night was Watson's fault, but I have a hard time blaming him for the others. That said, I'd like to see MacLean also.

Should we worry? A little, but not much. The team has skill, and the problems can be fixed. Goalie is a bit of a concern right now. Some things to keep in mind... This is a rebuilding year - we lost 8 guys with a lot of experience last year. Teams go thru this a lot, we are used to just reloading though. We have been spoiled as Tiger fans... And while winning early in the year and all is nice, the reality is our league has little shot at an at-large bid to NCAAs. Sooooo - all that matters in the AHA is how is the team playing in March. Sure, for us it would be nice if they had a good year and won home ice, but the reality is that this team can go 1-25-1 in the conference, then go 6-2 in the playoffs, and poof, you are in the NCAAs. And as we've seen, anything can happen.

Things will get better, I can feel it.

 

[komey1]

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 the problem is Saracino or Hartley, individually.

True - but if you sit guys like this, then you send a message to the rest of the team that anyone can lose playing time if they don't start playing better/smarter. Coach has done it before, and if things don't change soon - I'll bet he does something like this.

 

[jflory81]

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

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

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.

You need two solid defensemen to make a #1 pairing. It's a fact that the opposition's top line has scored a disproportionate number of goals against us this year (even taking into account ice time difference).

I'll also agree with RITFan. Leave the cynicism at the door. When you're in the Ritter, there's no room for negativity. I don't care how much my team sucks - and this goes for all sports - if you're in the building you're only doing the home team a disservice with your mutters, boos, etc.

 

[Tom Naeger]

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.

Complete nitpick, as I said everyone has a bad bounce from time to time, all though I'd like to take another look now, from what I remember it looked like the puck jumped on him, normally if it hits a wet spot it sticks...

On the idea of sitting someone, Wayne typically only does that after a player has a bad game or breaks a team rule and I am right with him on that. He sat a couple guys (including Burt if I recall correctly) against AIC a few years ago, and that caused some upset people on the board but the Tigers responded with a couple of wins after that... Wayne has a good feel, in the long run I think he will figure it out...

 

[Ed Trefzger]

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.

I'm not sure that was why or not. One of my compadres thought so.

 

[Sons of Vaval]

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

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

Strong crowd, as usual, coming to the Hart Center this weekend?

 

[kerwing7]

True - but if you sit guys like this, then you send a message to the rest of the team that anyone can lose playing time if they don't start playing better/smarter. Coach has done it before, and if things don't change soon - I'll bet he does something like this.

I don't think it makes sense to sit any player for anything but performance or behavior issues especially two seniors who happen to be your captain (Saracino) and an assistant captain. Doing so would undermine their leadership roles on the team. I don't see their performance as the problem specifically.

 

[kerwing7]

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

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

That preseason pole where we were predicted to finish fourth in the conference is looking pretty optimistic now... We've got a lot of work to do to be even that good.

 

[Sons of Vaval]

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

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

That preseason pole

I always knew RIT didn't have a strong English and writing programs. (Sorry, just had to)

 

[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 always knew RIT didn't have a strong English and writing programs. (Sorry, just had to)

Apparently neither does HC. Run along now.

 

[kerwing7]

I always knew RIT didn't have a strong English and writing programs. (Sorry, just had to)

Point taken and...right back at ya...
Thanks Downstate for the backup!

 

[RIT Winters]

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

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

I'll also agree with RITFan. Leave the cynicism at the door. When you're in the Ritter, there's no room for negativity. I don't care how much my team sucks - and this goes for all sports - if you're in the building you're only doing the home team a disservice with your mutters, boos, etc.

This is up for much debate. In fact, there is a sizable thread on this topic already roaming around the D1 Men's board here. Lots of valid points on both ends. I tend to believe that there is a difference between losing and playing poorly. You can lose and still play your heart out. Sadly, RIT just is not hustling and does not seem to be trying very hard. They then get on Twitter and talk about how no one should count them out, and how they are going to get it together for #2pts, then they come out flat.

At some point, as a paying customer, I have a right to be disappointed in the product on the ice. I think that our team is better than our record, and the only reason they're not there yet is themselves.

Mind you, I don't boo them. Ever. But it gets hard to chant "RIT, RIT, RIT" after we've given up a goal 30 seconds into the first two periods, and given up 5+ in all of our home games.

 

[Sons of Vaval]

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

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

Haha, touche touche. Just some friendly banter.

As pretty much the only HC fan on here, figured I'd drop by with RIT coming to Wootown this weekend. Despite RIT dropping a few games that you usually don't see them losing, I fully anticipate these two games to be real challenging for HC. We've played some fairly easy competition thus far, although Air Force, Clarkson, and Bentley are decent. Looking forward to the series!

 

[jflory81]

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

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

This is up for much debate. In fact, there is a sizable thread on this topic already roaming around the D1 Men's board here. Lots of valid points on both ends. I tend to believe that there is a difference between losing and playing poorly. You can lose and still play your heart out. Sadly, RIT just is not hustling and does not seem to be trying very hard. They then get on Twitter and talk about how no one should count them out, and how they are going to get it together for #2pts, then they come out flat.

At some point, as a paying customer, I have a right to be disappointed in the product on the ice. I think that our team is better than our record, and the only reason they're not there yet is themselves.

Mind you, I don't boo them. Ever. But it gets hard to chant "RIT, RIT, RIT" after we've given up a goal 30 seconds into the first two periods, and given up 5+ in all of our home games.

There's a very fine line between "not trying" and just being outplayed. In my experience the two look very similar. "Not trying hard enough" is what die hard fans say to convince themselves that their team has what it takes....they just have to play harder. This, of course, is bull****. One thing you can be sure of is that these guys are playing hard in the style that they have played all their lives and in a style that they have been effective in all their lives.

I just don't think this team is very good. But I'm not going to question their dedication or passion.

 

[mar7967]

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

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

Mind you, I don't boo them. Ever. But it gets hard to chant "RIT, RIT, RIT" after we've given up a goal 30 seconds into the first two periods, and given up 5+ in all of our home games.

I don't understand why the corner 'cheers' for them at all when they let in a goal. If you want to remind them that the fans are behind them, wait for faceoff and then start, but I think it looks ridiculous for the corner crew to cheer RIT as soon as the other team scores a goal.

 

[RIT Winters]

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

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

There's a very fine line between "not trying" and just being outplayed. In my experience the two look very similar. "Not trying hard enough" is what die hard fans say to convince themselves that their team has what it takes....they just have to play harder. This, of course, is bull****. One thing you can be sure of is that these guys are playing hard in the style that they have played all their lives and in a style that they have been effective in all their lives.

I just don't think this team is very good. But I'm not going to question their dedication or passion.

Eh, maybe. Every team at every level of every sports does not put in a consistent effort every game. Sometimes they play up or down, or just different. I know we lost a bunch of seniors, but we still have a lot of guys from last year, including the leading scorer and our #1 D guy. I refuse to believe that our team skill level has fallen collectively low enough to be unable to beat Canisius or take 4 points from AIC. We're not as good as previous years...we're not a first place group this year. But right now we're in the bottom four....

 

[MattS]

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

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

I tend to believe that there is a difference between losing and playing poorly. You can lose and still play your heart out. Sadly, RIT just is not hustling and does not seem to be trying very hard. They then get on Twitter and talk about how no one should count them out, and how they are going to get it together for #2pts, then they come out flat.

I agree. Any team can play well and lose. The other team can simply have more talent. It happens.

This past weekend, I'm think overall that the RIT players were hustling for the most part. I question the consistency of their effort and the focus of it. I thought effort level seemed to be at different heights at different times throughout the games. For long stretches the effort was as good as could be asked for, then it would drop for a few shifts, and then reappear at a high level. Also, I really feel that the energy is unfocused. It looked like lots of players skating around playing "hard" but very little cohesion as lines.

At some point, as a paying customer, I have a right to be disappointed in the product on the ice. I think that our team is better than our record, and the only reason they're not there yet is themselves.

Mind you, I don't boo them. Ever. But it gets hard to chant "RIT, RIT, RIT" after we've given up a goal 30 seconds into the first two periods, and given up 5+ in all of our home games.

Agreed. I have never ever “booed” a college team I support. But that doesn’t mean I cannot be disappointed in the team. And it doesn't mean I am going to write on a fan forum that everything is fine and smelling like roses when its not. And I too think the RIT chant immediately after an opponent’s goal is odd. Always have.

I don't think it makes sense to sit any player for anything but performance or behavior issues especially two seniors who happen to be your captain (Saracino) and an assistant captain. Doing so would undermine their leadership roles on the team. I don't see their performance as the problem specifically.

Totally disagree here. If a player is not performing up to their potential and other avenues have been tried to rectify the situation without success, then I have absolutely no issue in setting said player. I don’t care if it is the 6th defenseman or the captain of the team. If any captain or assistant captain can’t keep their play at a reasonably high level then they probably can’t lead and shouldn’t have that position on the team. I am not saying I believe this of any of the RIT captains but to say they can’t be scratched because of the C or A on their uniforms is wrong.

There's a very fine line between "not trying" and just being outplayed. In my experience the two look very similar. "Not trying hard enough" is what die hard fans say to convince themselves that their team has what it takes....they just have to play harder. This, of course, is bull****. One thing you can be sure of is that these guys are playing hard in the style that they have played all their lives and in a style that they have been effective in all their lives.

I just don't think this team is very good. But I'm not going to question their dedication or passion.

I’ll say it. I think some of the players on this team are “taking shifts off” and/or are ill prepared at the start of the games. There is no discrepancy of talent that should lead to so many goals being scored right after the start of a period. But I also do agree that at this time, the talent level of the team appears to be decreasing. I think it is a combination of the two that has lead RIT to the situation that it is in.

I don't understand why the corner 'cheers' for them at all when they let in a goal. If you want to remind them that the fans are behind them, wait for faceoff and then start, but I think it looks ridiculous for the corner crew to cheer RIT as soon as the other team scores a goal.

Agreed.