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

[RITProf]

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

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

Rotolo put up a W. Really all that matters. And I would say the team played better in front of him (for whatever reason).

If his 4 on 30 is pedestrian against one of the top power plays in the country, then Ruby's 5 on 25 is clearly worse than pedestrian. I'd vote for riding the winning combination as long as it works. Of course, I have no vote!!

 

[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 Rotolo had put up a shutout or only allowed 1 goal I think it would be a more viable question regarding starting him. But he allowed 4 on 30 shots, which is very pedestrian. If Ruby put up that performance, I don't think we would have been screaming how great it was, but likely would have said that they won in spite of his performance.

The bigger thing is that the offense finally scored some goals. That's going to be the thing that helps turn around the season.

You have to look more at the GA though. Some goals are never going to be saved regardless of the goalie, and the RIT defense likes to give those up. Ruby gives up a lot of weak/soft goals that kill momentum. It's the same problem his former buddy Josh Watson had. At the end of the day, Rotolo has as many wins as Ruby in 9 less starts.

 

[jflory81]

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

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

If Rotolo had put up a shutout or only allowed 1 goal I think it would be a more viable question regarding starting him. But he allowed 4 on 30 shots, which is very pedestrian. If Ruby put up that performance, I don't think we would have been screaming how great it was, but likely would have said that they won in spite of his performance.

The bigger thing is that the offense finally scored some goals. That's going to be the thing that helps turn around the season.

Regardless of who's in net, this team can't rely on scoring 5 goals a night to win games. That's just not sustainable, no matter how good their offense is. They need to get better goaltending (or limit quality chances better, depending on your view). I was encouraged with Rotolo through two periods. He looked in control, on his angles (which Ruby can struggle with) and flat out bigger than Ruby. But the 3rd period certainly exposed that he has some work to do. I would like to see him work harder to see around/through screens for one, and that 3rd goal was just as soft as any Ruby's allowed this year.

That said, Ruby's been given his chance to take the job and run with it. I wouldn't be at all opposed to giving Rotolo some Saturday games and with solid performances a chance to win the #1 job because what we've gotten from Ruby simply hasn't been good enough aside on his whole body of work.

 

[blazer777]

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

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

Rotolo put up a W. Really all that matters. And I would say the team played better in front of him (for whatever reason).

If his 4 on 30 is pedestrian against one of the top power plays in the country, then Ruby's 5 on 25 is clearly worse than pedestrian. I'd vote for riding the winning combination as long as it works. Of course, I have no vote!!

If the offense put up 5 or 6 goals (hell, even 4) in the previous games, the Tigers would be 9-1-2 and Ruby would have a 8-1-2 record in net. 7-3-2 with only scoring 4 goals per game. Get the D to play better and score, Mortimer, score and the season can be turned around. No offense and D around the 'goalie de jour' will only lead to their current race to the basement.

 

[komey1]

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

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

I suspect we are going to see Ruby start both games against Sacred Heart. The Tigers have played their toughest stretch of games this season. I think if there was any doubt in Coach's mind about who the best goaltender on the roster was, there would have been a rotation. I think this was a matter of they played 3 games this week so they wanted to give Ruby a night off. If Ruby continues to struggle against weaker opponents, then I think the goaltending situation will be reevaluated.

As far as the offense, I think this team is capable of getting 4 or 5 goals a night more often than not. The first goal is the kind of goal that the Tigers need to get more of. I also think those kind of goals can ignite an offense. Let's see what the offense can do against the weaker teams.

 

[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 offense put up 5 or 6 goals (hell, even 4) in the previous games, the Tigers would be 9-1-2 and Ruby would have a 8-1-2 record in net. 7-3-2 with only scoring 4 goals per game. Get the D to play better and score, Mortimer, score and the season can be turned around. No offense and D around the 'goalie de jour' will only lead to their current race to the basement.

While factually accurate, this turns a bit of a blind eye to reality, I think.

10 games is a significant sample size for a goalie. In 10 games this year, Ruby is stopping .889% of shots coming at him, and allowing 3.67 goals a game. That means that in order for RIT to even have a chance to win with him in net, on average, they need a bare minimum of 4 goals, and most likely that will only get them to a tie. RIT has a good offense, but this is not midget hockey, and scoring that much every game is asking a lot out of an offense.

Sure our defense is not great, but at some point you have to stop using that as an excuse. Our defense was not world-renown in front of Madolora, either. At some point Ruby has to be the difference maker...that's what a top flight goalie is supposed to do.

Last year in 21 games Ruby managed a very mediocre .911% in Atlantic Hockey, not bad but not good, and he was still giving up just over 3 a game. He also, in 35 games has not managed a shutout, something that even Josh Watson pulled off twice last year.

I'm not saying either of our backups are better - though I think Rotolo has shown us some glimmer of hope - I'm simply stating that at some point RIT is going to have to find out if they are or not, and I hope that point isn't next season or after Ruby graduates. Everyone seems to be waiting for the "ah-ha" moment with Ruby where he turns the corner and turns into the stud prospect he was supposed to be, but I'm not sure we can afford to wait until he plays 40, 50, or 60 games for us..

 

[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 <<<<<

I suspect we are going to see Ruby start both games against Sacred Heart.

Interesting discussion on our goaltenders now that Rotolo has a win under his belt. My take on the upcoming weekend is that if Ruby can't get a win on Friday we will see Rotolo on Saturday. Sacred Heart can score goals and can play from behind (I watched them last Friday at Tate go down 3-0 to Army only to storm back and tie, then go down again 5-3, only to score 3 in the last period to come away with a 6-5 win). They will not lie down for RIT. RIT has to be firing on all cylinders in all facets of their game if they want a much needed 4 point weekend. Basically don't overdue the Turkey on Thursday...

 

[lmg6841]

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

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

While factually accurate, this turns a bit of a blind eye to reality, I think.

10 games is a significant sample size for a goalie. In 10 games this year, Ruby is stopping .889% of shots coming at him, and allowing 3.67 goals a game. That means that in order for RIT to even have a chance to win with him in net, on average, they need a bare minimum of 4 goals, and most likely that will only get them to a tie. RIT has a good offense, but this is not midget hockey, and scoring that much every game is asking a lot out of an offense.

This is a sad and accurate description of our defensive problems.

 

[komey1]

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

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

The backup goalie is always the most popular player on the team when he wins a game. I don't think we have a goalie controversy - YET.

There were no easy games in this first stretch of games, so I don't think it's fair to judge Ruby from that standpoint. Prior to the games against Canisius at the end of the year where the whole team laid an egg, he was playing very well to give RIT a chance for the bye. It was hardly his fault that they could not beat Niagara in the playoffs either.

 

[lmg6841]

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

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

There were no easy games in this first stretch of games, so I don't think it's fair to judge Ruby from that standpoint.

What? I'm sorry, but did we play some NHL teams? No, we played other D1 NCAA teams. If we can't hold ourselves to NCAA caliber and expect to be successful, then why are we even here?

 

[MattS]

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

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

What? I'm sorry, but did we play some NHL teams? No, we played other D1 NCAA teams. If we can't hold ourselves to NCAA caliber and expect to be successful, then why are we even here?

Exactly. So RIT played tough competition that lets them off the hook for playing poorly? I don't think so. That an excuse for poor performance.

I do agree with Komey that the backup goaltender is always a fan favorite after picking up a win and with the starter struggling. However, it's not like Ruby has put on a superior performance at anytime this season and most of last season. It's not like were talking about replacing an all-time great. I'm not sure I would change things up quite yet, but if a sub-standard performance is given by Ruby on Friday, then I think a serious evaluation has to taken at that position.

 

[Tom Naeger]

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

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

Okay... Time for fairly Blunt Tom to come out...

Great for Rotolo to get a win, but still more I have to see if he is going to be the starter when Ruby leaves...

I am not thrilled either about the start of the season, but there was tough games and a lot of them on the road so we should at least give this team a chance to prove itself with the meat of the schedule coming up. We will have an idea by Christmas what kind of chance they have...

Also since AHA teams are now 9-51-5 (Or around there) in OOC games, is the OOC games are not as important debate still over?

 

[blazer777]

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

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

Exactly. So RIT played tough competition that lets them off the hook for playing poorly? I don't think so. That an excuse for poor performance.

I do agree with Komey that the backup goaltender is always a fan favorite after picking up a win and with the starter struggling. However, it's not like Ruby has put on a superior performance at anytime this season and most of last season. It's not like were talking about replacing an all-time great. I'm not sure I would change things up quite yet, but if a sub-standard performance is given by Ruby on Friday, then I think a serious evaluation has to taken at that position.

Um, you guys remember Ruby's play at the beginning of the season last year when he and Watson were rotating in and out, he sucked! It was only when Watson lost his composure in net that Ruby was subbed in for good and put up some decent numbers. Rotolo's four goals against isn't stellar and if not for the offensive explosion, the game may have ended in a tie or another loss. I think Ruby' knows that Wilson's not afraid to bench him if he doesn't perform better but don't think this is happening in the near future.


Looking at Air Force's numbers, they have 38 goals for and 32 against ( I did the math earlier and forgot the exact numbers but that's close) while RIT is 29 goals for and 42 goals against. It's clear that if you want to have a winning record in this league, you need to get your numbers more in line with each other with 'goals for' being the higher of the two numbers. That's what it's going to take for this team, regardless of who the goalie is to start moving up the standings.

 

[MattS]

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

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

Um, you guys remember Ruby's play at the beginning of the season last year when he and Watson were rotating in and out, he sucked! It was only when Watson lost his composure in net that Ruby was subbed in for good and put up some decent numbers. Rotolo's four goals against isn't stellar and if not for the offensive explosion, the game may have ended in a tie or another loss. I think Ruby' knows that Wilson's not afraid to bench him if he doesn't perform better but don't think this is happening in the near future.

So what you saying is that Ruby wasn't playing well. Rotolo not did perform great in his one start but did get a win. And that if Ruby doesn't perform better he could get replaced. Yeah, that completely different from what I wrote!

Looking at Air Force's numbers, they have 38 goals for and 32 against ( I did the math earlier and forgot the exact numbers but that's close) while RIT is 29 goals for and 42 goals against. It's clear that if you want to have a winning record in this league, you need to get your numbers more in line with each other with 'goals for' being the higher of the two numbers. That's what it's going to take for this team, regardless of who the goalie is to start moving up the standings.

So in other words RIT has to score more goals than their opponent. Shocking!

 

[blazer777]

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

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

So what you saying is that Ruby wasn't playing well. Rotolo not did perform great in his one start but did get a win. And that if Ruby doesn't perform better he could get replaced. Yeah, that completely different from what I wrote!

I figure you like hearing your thoughts over many times!


What I'm saying is Rotolo got the win but giving up 4 goals does not make him great either. The talk of switching up goalies should not be based off one game where the team got the win but the performance in net was, okay but not great.

So in other words RIT has to score more goals than their opponent. Shocking!

Now you get it, so glad I could help you get over that hump

But yes, the problem the team is having is they don't score enough to overcome the higher number of goals they are giving up.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[LtPowers]

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

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

So here's a question: Why Rotolo instead of MacLean?

I had guessed that Coach Wilson might have been thinking about redshirting Rotolo, since he came to RIT a year earlier than originally planned due to Watson's departure. But that theory went out the window when he got the start over MacLean. Was it just because the weekend series was a Rochester-area reunion? Even McMullen got into both games. =)


Powers &8^]

 

[unscarred76]

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

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

Bottom line is you have to be mentally tough and have thick skin to be a goalie, especially in Division 1. Ruby is a head case and has confidence issues, as soon as he gets scored on once or twice, very weak goals follow. Madolora was confident and cocky, and he played that way. Demichel was one of the fittest players when he played, he owned some of the tiger den training records and he also had the confidence. Ruby has routinely let in terrible goals. That 5th goal from Michigan was going wide and he decided to play it and deflected into the net himself! Its stuff like that which happens routinely it seems which kills the Tigers momentum and causes a letdown. Putting Rotolo in, while he is still unproven, gave them a spark it seemed. I say ok play Ruby Friday night, if he doesn't get a win, go with Rotolo or Maclean until/if they start to slump. The game is very mental, and confidence comes from the goaltender outward. If he is shaky and you don't have confidence in him/her, that ripples throughout the team's play.

 

[RIT Winters]

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

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

So here's a question: Why Rotolo instead of MacLean?

I had guessed that Coach Wilson might have been thinking about redshirting Rotolo, since he came to RIT a year earlier than originally planned due to Watson's departure. But that theory went out the window when he got the start over MacLean. Was it just because the weekend series was a Rochester-area reunion? Even McMullen got into both games. =)


Powers &8^]

Most likely Rotolo looked better in practice. I doubt Wilson would start him just because he's from Rochester, there will be plenty of opportunities to do that in the next 4 years at home...and with the team struggling I'm sure it wasn't such a trivial choice.

Bottom line is you have to be mentally tough and have thick skin to be a goalie, especially in Division 1. Ruby is a head case and has confidence issues, as soon as he gets scored on once or twice, very weak goals follow. Madolora was confident and cocky, and he played that way. Demichel was one of the fittest players when he played, he owned some of the tiger den training records and he also had the confidence. Ruby has routinely let in terrible goals. That 5th goal from Michigan was going wide and he decided to play it and deflected into the net himself! Its stuff like that which happens routinely it seems which kills the Tigers momentum and causes a letdown. Putting Rotolo in, while he is still unproven, gave them a spark it seemed. I say ok play Ruby Friday night, if he doesn't get a win, go with Rotolo or Maclean until/if they start to slump. The game is very mental, and confidence comes from the goaltender outward. If he is shaky and you don't have confidence in him/her, that ripples throughout the team's play.

This is pretty much perfectly put. Besides not having great technique, you can read his body language like a book and that's a sign of weakness as a goalie.

 

[Tom Naeger]

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

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

So here's a question: Why Rotolo instead of MacLean?

I had guessed that Coach Wilson might have been thinking about redshirting Rotolo, since he came to RIT a year earlier than originally planned due to Watson's departure. But that theory went out the window when he got the start over MacLean. Was it just because the weekend series was a Rochester-area reunion? Even McMullen got into both games. =)


Powers &8^]

Just a feeling that I want to say I have no inside info on, but I just got the feeling they hope bring in another, let say highly sought goaltender. Just being honest I think it plain to see Ruby is the guy until he leaves or someone else comes in...

I don't feel Ruby lacks any confidence and I also have yet to meet a goaltender who is not a bit of a headcase. You have to be to play that position or you soon will be after playing it for awhile. I share some frustration on Ruby, reminds me of that one line in Miracle where Herb Brooks tell Jim Craig "...I know there's a lot more in you, a whole other level, that for some reason you just don't want to go to".

 

[lmg6841]

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

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

Mike is a big boy. Work on some of his reaction and positioning, and he's going to be a frustrating goalie to play against.

So here's a question: Why Rotolo instead of MacLean?

I had guessed that Coach Wilson might have been thinking about redshirting Rotolo, since he came to RIT a year earlier than originally planned due to Watson's departure. But that theory went out the window when he got the start over MacLean. Was it just because the weekend series was a Rochester-area reunion? Even McMullen got into both games. =)


Powers &8^]