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

[TigerFan86-87]

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

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

The Tigers have to score goals. I'm not sure what the problem is. What I didn't see was a lot of consistent pressure against Torf. Many shots were 1 and done and the puck was out. I don't recall a single flurry.

This.
No second chance opportunities through the first 55 or so minutes of the game. There were a couple in the last few minutes as the Tigers threw all they had at them trying to come back, but otherwise none.
I agree with Serratore that RIT "outplayed" AFA through a good portion of the game, but only territorially. Although the Tigers D actually limited the Falcons' quality scoring chances (I don't remember all that many killer saves needed by Ruby) and the offense possessed the puck a lot, nearly every shot was from a distance with either no rebound or no Tigers anywhere near the rebounds. Air Force's Defense's ability to control the crease and slot areas is something to behold (and something the Tigers certainly could have used in the first period of the UM game). They are well coached and very disciplined within their game plan. They're tough enough to beat even for a team that can finish. With RIT's knack of not capitalizing on quality scoring chances, a game where you can be assured of a very limited number of such chances presents quite a challenge.

 

[TigerFan86-87]

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

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

I will offer this, I don't dislike McGowan, Garbowsky, and Schuler I just don't see the talent compare to top lines of years pass. They have played 4 games together and scored 1 goal. If they don't start finding the back of the net, and I mean soon then its time to try someone else. Our top defenseman is a -3. We can feel sorry and say how tough it is, and yes it's not easy. If you want to win your top dogs need to produce.

When I suggested such ways of thinking last season, everyone on here jumped down my throat. In order to be a top team, your #1 line needs to be a couple notches better, preferrably elite level. RIT has not had such a line since 2011. The line you mentioned is the Tigers' best line, but maybe not a true "#1 Line", so to speak. There is talent and scoring ability up and down the depth chart which is great, but no stand outs that the other AHA teams have to be focused on and game-plan for. Without that Go-to, elite line to depend on in crunch-time, all you have are a bunch of 2nd and 3rd lines that can score but can't necessarily be depended on to score when you need it the most.
That being said, I'll say again that great goaltending would go a long long way to righting this ship (and covering for a lot of the defensive liabilities). Ruby is solid, which is a significant improvement over last season, but not "Great" yet. If he can develop like DeMichiel did it will bode well for the end of this season and/or next season, that's for sure.

 

[Tom Naeger]

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

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

FWIW...Red Berenson also said that RIT's goals during the Tigers' upset of Michigan in 2012 were all lucky, implying that RIT didn't deserve to win.

Now I like to see that quote because Colavecchi's goal was a pure highlight quality goal...

When I suggested such ways of thinking last season, everyone on here jumped down my throat. In order to be a top team, your #1 line needs to be a couple notches better, preferrably elite level. RIT has not had such a line since 2011. The line you mentioned is the Tigers' best line, but maybe not a true "#1 Line", so to speak. There is talent and scoring ability up and down the depth chart which is great, but no stand outs that the other AHA teams have to be focused on and game-plan for. Without that Go-to, elite line to depend on in crunch-time, all you have are a bunch of 2nd and 3rd lines that can score but can't necessarily be depended on to score when you need it the most.
That being said, I'll say again that great goaltending would go a long long way to righting this ship (and covering for a lot of the defensive liabilities). Ruby is solid, which is a significant improvement over last season, but not "Great" yet. If he can develop like DeMichiel did it will bode well for the end of this season and/or next season, that's for sure.

That because you unleashed it way to early. Also the numbers did not justify the statement last year. This year, all be it a small sample there is some cause for alarm. Last year's start was brutal and there was so many mistakes uncharacteristic of a Wayne Wilson team. Seeing some of the same story this year thus far is really disheartening. The way the team finished up along with the make up of what would be returning left you confident in saying that RIT would be better this year. I do have all the respect in the world for him, but this is something Coach Wilson needs to figure out and fast (And man am I glad I am not him). I do wonder if he is trying to hard to balance out the lines, but that is not really what he has done in the past with Favot and Brenner especially.

I would really like to see Colavecchi - Hamburg - Adam Mitchell top line, basically the line up would look like this... And yes you can add this to Coach Wilson Crazy suggestion box...

Colavecchi - Hamburg - A. Mitchell
Miller - Lynch - J. Mitchell
McGowan - Garbowsky - Schuler
Thompson - Smith - Reid

This team can still turn this around, but there has to be no excuses. Matt I disagree, I believe the talent is there. Enough is enough as Yoda would say, "Do or Do Not, there is no try"

 

[MattS]

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

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

Matt I disagree, I believe the talent is there.

I think maybe you misunderstood me or I was not clear enough. I didn't necessarily mean that RIT was getting "worse" talent. Although I think they could use a pure goal scorer, but then again who couldn't? I believe that the lower tier and mid-pack colleges in the AHA have stepped up their talent level and Wilson has not kept up. For example, say Bentley use to get C level recruits and maybe one or two B level recruits in the past while RIT recruited B level and one or two A level. Now, Bentley is recruiting more and more B level and maybe an A level, while RIT is still recruiting B level with an A level or two. See what I mean?

So maybe, and I am not sure I have seen enough to go on yet, but maybe the more level playing field (ice?) has shown a weakness in Wilson's coaching in terms of how he utilizes players and what said players can do against better competition on a nightly basis. I'm just throwing this out there. And again, I not sure I am correct, just speculating. Obvisously something has changed at RIT and it is more than "just an off year".

Enough is enough as Yoda would say, "Do or Do Not, there is no try"

I agree wholeheartedly!

 

[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 <<<<<

Now I like to see that quote because Colavecchi's goal was a pure highlight quality goal...

The quote was from last years game after Michigan's home opener loss to RIT. Here's the quote I believe TigerFan86-97 was referring to:

“You can’t give up unearned goals, and that’s what we did,” said Michigan coach Red Berenson. “I’ll have to look at them again, but they all looked pretty soft to me.”

 

[TigerFan86-87]

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

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

Now I like to see that quote because Colavecchi's goal was a pure highlight quality goal...

Not this year... Last year.

That because you unleashed it way to early. Also the numbers did not justify the statement last year. This year, all be it a small sample there is some cause for alarm. Last year's start was brutal and there was so many mistakes uncharacteristic of a Wayne Wilson team. Seeing some of the same story this year thus far is really disheartening. The way the team finished up along with the make up of what would be returning left you confident in saying that RIT would be better this year. I do have all the respect in the world for him, but this is something Coach Wilson needs to figure out and fast (And man am I glad I am not him). I do wonder if he is trying to hard to balance out the lines, but that is not really what he has done in the past with Favot and Brenner especially.

I would really like to see Colavecchi - Hamburg - Adam Mitchell top line, basically the line up would look like this... And yes you can add this to Coach Wilson Crazy suggestion box...

Colavecchi - Hamburg - A. Mitchell
Miller - Lynch - J. Mitchell
McGowan - Garbowsky - Schuler
Thompson - Smith - Reid

This team can still turn this around, but there has to be no excuses. Matt I disagree, I believe the talent is there. Enough is enough as Yoda would say, "Do or Do Not, there is no try"

Too early?? I had witnessed this phenomenon on this team for a season and a half before noting it on here. The same thing was happening (and even more noticeably up and down the lineup) in 2011-12, but Madolora's performance covered up such deficiencies for the most part.
And as I said last season, I am not proposing re-balancing (or unbalancing) the lines to create the best possible # 1 at the expense of the # 2, # 3, and / or # 4 lines. I just wish that our # 1 guys step it up a notch or two to become that true elite # 1 line that can make the difference while the rest of the team continues its balanced scoring. Other than that, they need need need the goaltending to become elite again, whether it be Ruby or one of the younger guys over the next couple seasons. A less pourous defense can only help too, but this hasn't historically been a defense-first team (goaltending notwithstanding). So expecting to have a defense like in 2009-10 and 2010-11 is maybe reaching a bit.

 

[Rochester]

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

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

Not this year... Last year.


Too early?? I had witnessed this phenomenon on this team for a season and a half before noting it on here. The same thing was happening (and even more noticeably up and down the lineup) in 2011-12, but Madolora's performance covered up such deficiencies for the most part.
And as I said last season, I am not proposing re-balancing (or unbalancing) the lines to create the best possible # 1 at the expense of the # 2, # 3, and / or # 4 lines. I just wish that our # 1 guys step it up a notch or two to become that true elite # 1 line that can make the difference while the rest of the team continues its balanced scoring. Other than that, they need need need the goaltending to become elite again, whether it be Ruby or one of the younger guys over the next couple seasons. A less pourous defense can only help too, but this hasn't historically been a defense-first team (goaltending notwithstanding). So expecting to have a defense like in 2009-10 and 2010-11 is maybe reaching a bit.

I am starting to think coaching. These kids aren't professionals. They still need that kick in the butt. Coach Wilson and team are not disciplinarians. I don't see Coach Wilson bringing RIT to the next level that RIT needs to get too.

I will give him credit where credit is due. He has done so much for this program. He has brought us from DIII to DI is style. RIT will forever be grateful for him.

But he was hired as a DIII coach and I don't think he has it in him to reach the next level.

 

[Tom Naeger]

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

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

Too early?? I had witnessed this phenomenon on this team for a season and a half before noting it on here. The same thing was happening (and even more noticeably up and down the lineup) in 2011-12, but Madolora's performance covered up such deficiencies for the most part.
And as I said last season, I am not proposing re-balancing (or unbalancing) the lines to create the best possible # 1 at the expense of the # 2, # 3, and / or # 4 lines. I just wish that our # 1 guys step it up a notch or two to become that true elite # 1 line that can make the difference while the rest of the team continues its balanced scoring. Other than that, they need need need the goaltending to become elite again, whether it be Ruby or one of the younger guys over the next couple seasons. A less pourous defense can only help too, but this hasn't historically been a defense-first team (goaltending notwithstanding). So expecting to have a defense like in 2009-10 and 2010-11 is maybe reaching a bit.

I just don't understand your logic. Last years team did not have trouble putting the puck in the net, compare to the year before they scored 24 more goals and they played one less game. In fact only Mercyhurst scored more and it was a 6 goal difference and the Lakers had 3 games more than the Tigers. There was no reason to mess with the forwards, the problems was all from the blue line in. I mean your talking about a group of forwards who scored more goals than Niagara did last season. And you wonder why people thought you might have had some extra crazy juice?

In fairness though I was more making the point that a lot of people hit the panic button early last season. Now there no doubt that for the first time in many years they had more justification. However one disappointing season doesn't ruin a program. What I am saying is now we are starting to see a disturbing pattern and that more of a rational reason to be concern.

 

[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 <<<<<

With all the concern on this thread about the slow start this season what would be your opinion on points this weekend to make you feel that RIT is heading in the right direction? Four, three, two points or is it still too early? I am thinking that two points from a win, (not two points from two ties.)

 

[RITProf]

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

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

One point would be heading the right direction!

Four points would make me truly believe it!

Somewhere in between is probably a realistic good outcome.

 

[RIT Winters]

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

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

With all the concern on this thread about the slow start this season what would be your opinion on points this weekend to make you feel that RIT is heading in the right direction? Four, three, two points or is it still too early? I am thinking that two points from a win, (not two points from two ties.)

I would estimate losing to Mercyhurst and beating Robert Morris.

 

[TigerFan86-87]

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

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

I just don't understand your logic. Last years team did not have trouble putting the puck in the net, compare to the year before they scored 24 more goals and they played one less game. In fact only Mercyhurst scored more and it was a 6 goal difference and the Lakers had 3 games more than the Tigers. There was no reason to mess with the forwards, the problems was all from the blue line in. I mean your talking about a group of forwards who scored more goals than Niagara did last season. And you wonder why people thought you might have had some extra crazy juice?

In fairness though I was more making the point that a lot of people hit the panic button early last season. Now there no doubt that for the first time in many years they had more justification. However one disappointing season doesn't ruin a program. What I am saying is now we are starting to see a disturbing pattern and that more of a rational reason to be concern.

Ok, I'll try this one more time and then I'll just keep it to myself after that (I can hear you all cheering now - stop it!).
I have repeatedly acknowledged that the team's offense as a whole was perfectly capable of scoring last year and did that seemingly more than enough, ranking # 9 in the nation in goals (so you don't need to keep telling me that). My point has always been made and expressed accepting that the team's defense and goaltending were of primary concern. My concern was the one "chip in the armor" of the offense that I believe could make the difference between an 8th place finish and possibly contending for a first round bye, given that the goaltending and defense are not very good. The first time I brought it up was in a post that I made where I addressed ALL aspects of the team and what I thought as the issues that could have been causing the problems. Of course being on a message board, everybody focused on what they felt was fueled by "crazy juice" rather than the post as a whole.
So AGAIN...
The offense scores plenty of goals which is fine and they are not by any stretch the biggest issue, but... The fact remains that they rarely score a "Big" goal, i.e. late in close games or in critical power plays. The job of scoring such goals usually falls on that true elite # 1 "Go-to" line rather than one of the three reliable # 2 lines they have. This may not be a major weakness normally, but is greatly magnified when the defense is weak and the goaltending is not spectacular (or even just mediocre at times like last season). RIT is pretty much assured that the opposition is going to score goals, so the offense is going to be depended on to score goals, score many late close game goals, and take advantage of as many power plays as possible especially in the third period. It seems kind of unfair to say to the offense: "You're really good, but the rest of your team isn't very good so you need to be even better", but IMO that is kind of the situation they're in. What would be even better is if the defense and or goalies stepped up their games and let the offense do what it does, but it doesn't look like that's about to happen.

 

[komey1]

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

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

I don't think they NEVER score the big goal. After all, the 2 ties are come from behind ties in the third period. That they have not done so in a more consistant basis should be cause for worry (I dare say in the Michigan game it took a LOT of energy to come back to tie, only to see it drained with that critical 5th goal).

These are some important points to get in these next 3 games. They have to pick up some points here to not fall too far back like last year.

 

[Bing]

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

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

Pinner posted this video from 2012 that describes him as "The Comeback Kid." There's a highlight around the 6:10 mark of Pinner giving an assist to Tanev who scores when the were both playing for Chicago.

I don't think the embed video feature is working; here's the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuwuHAOPQM8

 

[lmg6841]

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

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

I wish I knew RIT was making its PA rounds this week. I've been in Pittsburgh for a few days on business... would have stuck around for the games :|

 

[TigerFan86-87]

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

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

I don't think they NEVER score the big goal.

Just for the record, I said "rarely", not "never".

 

[jflory81]

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

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

If the radio call was accurate on the Mercyhurst 2nd goal (that Smith stopped skating and turned to the ref before the play was over), I'd take him out of the lineup for tomorrow night's game. Inexcusable. Play to the whistle. That said, Wilson blamed Adam Mitchell (whose all around game I've never been a big fan of) for the turnover that led to that goal. Wilson also said that while Garbowsky and Colavecchia had good games, their linemates were "along for the ride" and to expect some shakeups in the top two lines.

I'm also convinced that until they upgrade in net, this team is not a contender - even in the AHA. The one soft goal yet again the difference.

 

[RIT Winters]

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

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

If the radio call was accurate on the Mercyhurst 2nd goal (that Smith stopped skating and turned to the ref before the play was over), I'd take him out of the lineup for tomorrow night's game. Inexcusable. Play to the whistle. That said, Wilson blamed Adam Mitchell (whose all around game I've never been a big fan of) for the turnover that led to that goal. Wilson also said that while Garbowsky and Colavecchia had good games, their linemates were "along for the ride" and to expect some shakeups in the top two lines.

I'm also convinced that until they upgrade in net, this team is not a contender - even in the AHA. The one soft goal yet again the difference.

It's such a bizarre thing though. Air Force beats us 2-0, gets drubbed 8-2 by Mercyhurst. We lose to Mercyhurst 3-2.

I think RIT is a really good team that is really struggling to get over the hump, which I think is mostly mental. Getting the first win is essential for confidence..

 

[komey1]

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

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

I would welcome some line shuffling. On paper, the lines seem to be what we would like but for whatever reason it's not working. The good thing about depth is that if you want to send a message and sit someone, you can. Coach is not afraid to sit top players to prove a point when he has bodies to do so.

 

[Rochester]

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

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

Rit is going to win tonight. I will take that to the bank. Period.