Re: RPI 2010-11 Part II: RPI, the Other Team, the Refs -- We're outnumbered 10 to 6.
Went to last nights game, and some of my thoughts are...
- I actually didnt think that the refs called that bad of a game. They were mostly out of the play and let the kids play.
- I though RPI play very well and that we controlled good parts of the game
- The breakout was much much better than in the past. Getting out of our end has been an issue, and didnt seem so much so last night.
- Both of the BGSU goals were kinda fluky. For the life of me, I have no idea how the first one got in. York had not shot on the 2nd as a deflection of a slapper off what looked like the shaft of a stick into the top of the net.
- WE NEED TO SCORE MORE. We have a ton of scoring talent, but 17 shots and 2 goals against BG last night with the way we played is just not enough. I said in a previous thread, if we score a minimum of 3 per game we will be a tournament team (ECAC and NCAA).
- Bailen played great and was happy to have him get a goal. I think he was surprised breaking out of his end that they gave him room to skate and he just balsted it by the goalie. Some big hits and great defensive play as well.
- Koudys and LeBoeuf....I'm big fans of the both and thought that they played great games.
- Brutlag. What else can you say....they kid hustled more than anyone else, always uses the body, and generally makes himself known on the ice. his hard work was rewarded with the OT goal. Great for him. He is quickly becoming my favorite.
- Rogic. I thought that the kid had a great game. He's a smallish freshmen, give him time. The kid has speed to burn and consistently used the body last night. He is clearly doing things he has never had to do before, and he's dong them so he can play. He's making the commitment, and its great to see. They had him on a penalty kill and he tied up the puck for a good 20 seconds against 3 BG guys and the entire RPI bench was standing and bangning the boards and yelling "Johnny". I was happy and proud of the kid - hes been benched this year, presumably for lack of effort and intensity, and to be put on the penalty kill and then have the team respond to his effort is more than admirable.
- AAG. Same as Brutlag...the kid hustles and plays much bigger than he is. No fear. Into the corners with everyone and uses the body multiple times every shift. It is great to see guys like him and Brut lead my example with the effort and intensity and commitment to compete.
york - the kid is great and in some ways i just find him funny. He had a save on some BG guy who skated by and gave him a little stick and he kinda tossed the puck over his shoulder at the guy like "get yourself and this junk outta here...". Love the attitude.
We laid some HUGE hits last night and I dont think that this BG team was a pushover by any means. They were quick and seemed to have very good team speed. this was a great win for the boys - with everything from the night before (CJ, and then coming back to win), and then getting tied with 9 sec left in the game, to win was big. This team is learing to win those close games and it looks like they have the expectation to win. They also seem to be extremely close and proud of the program and see the future as being bright. Its not lost on me how I feel and I just follow the team...imagine what it would be like now to be a member. The world is full of possibility. These kids are great kids, supportive of each other, and just fun to watch. I also think that this is an absolute reflection of our coaching staff. The world is good.