Survey Question -
This Friday night starts a two-game home series against lowly and winless Sacred Heart. After Sacred Heart this weekend, our schedule becomes much tougher. We have played 13 games thus far this regular season with 21 to go. We all know that all teams make the AHA playoffs, so we still have a chance to win the AHA playoffs and go to the NCAA tournament. So, no matter how we finish the regular season, technically, anything can happen.
Question:
Even though this weekend's games are not a "must wins" statistically, do we essentially need to get two wins (4 points) this weekend for us to have any "real world" hope or expectation that RIT has a chance to do well this season and in the AHA playoffs?
A.) - "Yes. RIT must sweep this 2 game home series to have any realistic chance of competing against the better teams in the AHA playoffs. Not that a sweep means we are a good team either though.
If they don't sweep S.H., the team should concentrate on developing players for next season instead of playing to win this season". This could mean: playing the freshman goalie (and/or Ruby) to get him/them experience for possibly starting next season; continuing to mix forward and defensive lines to find good combinations for next season; work on line/team chemistry and familiarity that will make us better next season; play the freshmen as much as possible to get them playing experience.
B.) - "Not really. If RIT gets at least 2 points this weekend, that will be good enough to show we still have a chance to be an elite team in the AHA. We can still be very competitive in the Conference and be successful in the Playoffs. As long as we see team improvement, two or three points will be good enough this weekend. We should make the goalie who does the best this weekend (assuming we platoon goalies) the starter for the rest of the season".
C.) - "No, the season isn't half over yet. We still have plenty of time to turn things around. We are just starting the season off really slowly. Even if we get 0 points this weekend, we can still go far in the playoffs if we get hot".
D.) - "It doesn't matter how we do this weekend. We are a mediocre team at best, that doesn't have a chance in the playoffs and has no business in the NCAAs. This season we should just hope for entertaining and competitive games, and some team improvement as the season progresses. Hopefully next season is much better".
E.) Other - make up your own answer...