>>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

It's been gut-check time for a while. RIT has to win games to hang on for a home playoff series. The reality is that someone below them will gain points every game from here on out thanks to being in pod play.

So, so, so, sad but yet so, so, so true.

 

[Downstate_RIT_Fan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

A positive that could be taken from last nights game is that if you could "steal" a tie, I think that's what Rotolo did. It looked like RMU had the better of the chances towards the end of the game and Rotolo came up big time and time again, first preserving the lead, and then preserving the tie. Haven't seen that since Madolora. RIT can build on that performance.

 

[Rochester]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

A positive that could be taken from last nights game is that if you could "steal" a tie, I think that's what Rotolo did. It looked like RMU had the better of the chances towards the end of the game and Rotolo came up big time and time again, first preserving the lead, and then preserving the tie. Haven't seen that since Madolora. RIT can build on that performance.

Wilson really hurt Rotolos confidence by pulling him as the #1 goalie so quickly... Hopefully he has learned from that mistake.

 

[komey1]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Rotolo clearly stole that point for RIT. However, with a late power play at the end of regulation and the power play at the end over overtime I would have thought they could have come away with a much needed 2 points. It helped that Sacred Heart knocked off Holy Cross last night to have a 2 point lead on 8th. But I think they really have to come up with a win tonight.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

It appeared like the Tigers were playing with a lot of heart last night. Yes, there were mistakes made, but the effort was there. Rotolo saved us from a loss... and there were also several times when our D saved Rotolo (as is should be). If they play with the same effort tonight, I'm excited to go to the game.

 

[Downstate_RIT_Fan]

Rotolo clearly stole that point for RIT. However, with a late power play at the end of regulation and the power play at the end over overtime I would have thought they could have come away with a much needed 2 points. It helped that Sacred Heart knocked off Holy Cross last night to have a 2 point lead on 8th. But I think they really have to come up with a win tonight.

Agree that a win is critical tonight. This team has crazy good skills, they just need the confidence to get on a roll down the home stretch.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Agree that a win is critical tonight. This team has crazy good skills, they just need the confidence to get on a roll down the home stretch.

I agree that a win is critical tonight, but that's only if you expect that we will really be able to do anything in the post season. I don't think it's going to happen looking at the reality of the situation. I don't think they have "crazy good skills"... but I think the potential is there. A team with high level skills would not permit the number of turn-overs and mistakes that often result in goals by the opposition.

 

[komey1]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I agree that a win is critical tonight, but that's only if you expect that we will really be able to do anything in the post season. I don't think it's going to happen looking at the reality of the situation. I don't think they have "crazy good skills"... but I think the potential is there. A team with high level skills would not permit the number of turn-overs and mistakes that often result in goals by the opposition.

There are several skilled players. It's scary to think what would have happened if Coach Wilson did not recruit as many players as he did with all the injuries. It almost feels like the last couple years are "payback" for going to the Frozen Four.

I think this team is capable of making a playoff run. Maybe not to the championship, but with a little "puck luck" they could make it to Blue Cross.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

There are several skilled players. It's scary to think what would have happened if Coach Wilson did not recruit as many players as he did with all the injuries. It almost feels like the last couple years are "payback" for going to the Frozen Four.

I think this team is capable of making a playoff run. Maybe not to the championship, but with a little "puck luck" they could make it to Blue Cross.

Yes, the skill depth has helped... we could be at the bottom of the conference. Our most skilled players, however, have made many of the mistakes that have cost us goals which have kept us from the top of the conference. I just can't see our level of play changing much for the rest of the season based on recent performance. I could be wrong... and I hope I am. That being said, I plan to attend the rest of the home games (except for Valentine's Day!) and enthusiastically support our team and expect them to not let down their effort in any way.

 

[MattS]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

It appeared like the Tigers were playing with a lot of heart last night. Yes, there were mistakes made, but the effort was there. Rotolo saved us from a loss... and there were also several times when our D saved Rotolo (as is should be). If they play with the same effort tonight, I'm excited to go to the game.

I agree. I thought they played well last night. There was some lapses and a couple of plain dumb penalties, but overall they were competitive and certainly had a chance to win. They could have folded after RMU tied the game but they didn't. Maybe finally they are gaining some mental toughness. It too early to tell for sure but it I am encouraged.

I said it before and I will say it again, there is zero reason outside of injury that Rotolo doesn't start every game from here on out. He's making good saves, I think they rest of the team has confidence in him, and he's giving the team a solid chance to win.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I said it before and I will say it again, there is zero reason outside of injury that Rotolo doesn't start every game from here on out. He's making good saves, I think they rest of the team has confidence in him, and he's giving the team a solid chance to win.

Amen.

 

[jflory81]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

There are several skilled players. It's scary to think what would have happened if Coach Wilson did not recruit as many players as he did with all the injuries. It almost feels like the last couple years are "payback" for going to the Frozen Four.

I think this team is capable of making a playoff run. Maybe not to the championship, but with a little "puck luck" they could make it to Blue Cross.

I have no idea what you've seen in this team to think that all they need is "a little puck luck" to beat one of the conferences top 4 teams on the road in two out of three games.

Robert Morris and St. Lawrence are the only good teams they've beaten this year. They lost three consecutive games at Bentley and at UConn (two very possible round 2 opponents - if they manage to get past round 1 where they'll likely be traveling given that it's pod play the rest of the way) by a combined score of 18-5. Niagara looms as a possible 8-9 matchup as well...and all we did against them was tie in horrible conditions and get smacked up and down the ice in a home and home to the tune of 8-1.

 

[RIT Winters]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

At this point there's really no point in even hoping for a late season surge. The amount of injuries is staggering. Colevecchia wasn't in the lineup tonight...didn't hear why but if he's also injured then that pretty much is the deathknell to our offensive output.

 

[Downstate_RIT_Fan]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

At this point there's really no point in even hoping for a late season surge. The amount of injuries is staggering. Colevecchia wasn't in the lineup tonight...didn't hear why but if he's also injured then that pretty much is the deathknell to our offensive output.

I agree, again we were all pulling for a win tonight, if we on this board could will a win, I think we would, but it is not going to happen this year. I do not see another win this year during the regular season and if we do I will be pleasantly surprised. I think all we can hope for now is to be somewhat healthy going on the road for the playoffs. Sounds gloomy I know but it is what it is, and it ain't pretty.

 

[RITFan67]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

I agree, again we were all pulling for a win tonight, if we on this board could will a win, I think we would, but it is not going to happen this year. I do not see another win this year during the regular season and if we do I will be pleasantly surprised. I think all we can hope for now is to be somewhat healthy going on the road for the playoffs. Sounds gloomy I know but it is what it is, and it ain't pretty.

Yeah, you're right... it is what it is. Getting healthy and holding the team together are the most important things right now. As hard as it is, keep playing with determination and commitment and work like hell to make some noise in the post season.

 

[LtPowers]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

At this point there's really no point in even hoping for a late season surge. The amount of injuries is staggering. Colevecchia wasn't in the lineup tonight...didn't hear why but if he's also injured then that pretty much is the deathknell to our offensive output.

From what I heard, Reid and Miller were out Friday with injuries suffered in practice this week. Miller was back in for Saturday, but Colavecchia and Perron-Fontaine were injured Friday (apparently both by #44, the same guy who broke Garbowsky's wrist back in November, and the one against whom Rotolo retaliated Saturday) and had to sit out.

Garbowsky, Mitchell, and Colavecchia would make a pretty decent top line, so effectively we were playing just our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lines on Saturday, plus McMullen and Hamburg (neither of whom got much ice time). Any team is going to struggle down their top line.


Powers &8^]

 

[Scott Biggar]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

At this point there's really no point in even hoping for a late season surge. The amount of injuries is staggering. Colevecchia wasn't in the lineup tonight...didn't hear why but if he's also injured then that pretty much is the deathknell to our offensive output.

All six players out of the lineup on Saturday were because of injuries. And there were at least three players in the lineup Saturday that were playing with injuries that we were aware. I'm sure there were others playing with at least niggling injuries that are not publically known. While I know Coach Wilson will never use injuries as an excuse, the hurts have just been piling one upon another the last few weeks.

If you total up the scoring potential that is out of the lineup right now, this is one of the top five worst hurt teams I have seen in the 30 years I have been following college hockey (not just RIT but across the sport). Everyone knows I am the "glass half full" guy on the radio but even I can't figure out how to put a nice bow on this one. It is very depressing as we look forward to the next few weeks.

 

[blazer777]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

All six players out of the lineup on Saturday were because of injuries. And there were at least three players in the lineup Saturday that were playing with injuries that we were aware. I'm sure there were others playing with at least niggling injuries that are not publically known. While I know Coach Wilson will never use injuries as an excuse, the hurts have just been piling one upon another the last few weeks.

If you total up the scoring potential that is out of the lineup right now, this is one of the top five worst hurt teams I have seen in the 30 years I have been following college hockey (not just RIT but across the sport). Everyone knows I am the "glass half full" guy on the radio but even I can't figure out how to put a nice bow on this one. It is very depressing as we look forward to the next few weeks.

WITR's Sales and Marketing guys have got to be thinking 'WTH Scott?'

It is what it is but it's still hockey and as the sun starts to stay up a little longer and the temps start to climb, we've got to enjoy the game that's played and hold out hope (just like the Bill's fans) that something good can come out of all this.

Keep the faith!

 

[Tom Naeger]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

The team is iffy enough, but add the injuries and it's a pure disaster at this point. I don't see this team holding down a 1st round home playoff spot and their chances of getting out of the first round look just as bleak. RIT has to try to get points from Mercyhurst, Air Force, Canisius. AIC has Sacred Heart to play, hope there is Sacred Heart has scored some upset latley. The hopefully they spilt with Holy Cross and get beat up by Bentley. Holy Cross should lose most points against UCONN, but finishes the season against Army. I am with Scott, I'd like to hope, but even without the injuries I'd say it's a 50/50 chance of anything happening. Just not sold that with out the injuries they would have been better than last year. They might have, but I don't think by much. We are definitely seeing the darkest days of D-I to date, which is sad given the new arena about to open, but the good news is that arena is opening next season and I do believe will help big time on the recruiting trail where we can actually show recruits our new arena instead of talking about it. There is the silver lining I can find...

 

[Chris Lerch]

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

Re: >>>>> RIT TIGERS 2013-2014 - Rocking The Ritter One Last Time <<<<<

The way I see things shaking out with six games left is RIT traveling in the first round to either Holy Cross, AIC. Niagara or Canisius. I think they need to win four of their next six to assure a home playoff game, and I don't see that happening. A bye is out of the question at this point.

In the 10 year history of the AHA, only twice did a road team win a playoff series. It was Canisius both times - several years ago at Mercyhrust and last year at Air Force.