Re: RPI 2011 - 12 Part IV: We ain't Bailen on this season yet, Go Red!!
Interesting to hear what people thought of Bergin this weekend because I think he may be one of the main problems. He has been awful in most of the games I have seen. He gives up the puck constantly, takes too many bad penalties and talks and baits the opponents non- stop.
Maybe Coachhas finally seen Enough and taking over the team means that the C will not be on Bergin's sweater from here on out.
I have to agree. I told a friend on Thursday when I saw the lineup (which I liked and, other than the defensive issues, I still like) that the only way Appert could have been gutsier with it would have been to sit Bergin and put Dolan out there instead. I realize he's got the C, but most nights he feels like a liability more than anything. He's been a solid contributor over the last two seasons but I've lost track of the number of times he's put himself in bad situations, whether that's taking a foolish penalty or blowing a defensive assignment. At this point I almost hope he's ready to move on after the season's over (rather than use his redshirt season) and let Dallas try to figure him out.
I think Dolan's done a solid job overall this season - he's not the most talented blueliner or anything, but he's got a lot of hustle, is growing into the game nicely, and has a lot fewer defensive blunders than some of his teammates.
Leonard had some early bumps but wow has he ever settled in. Have to keep reminding myself that he is a freshman. Curadi seems to be on his way to the same stature although he still has a little more work to do. Almost night and day from early in the season.
The other defenseman I'd like to mention is Bailen. You can't sit him for obvious reasons - he's still an integral part of the offensive structure given the fact that he's still leading the team in scoring. I kind of wonder if he really needs to play that role, however. He's a tremendously talented guy, the best combination of experience and talent on the team right now. Problem is, he seems to be trying to be everything for everyone, almost like he's trying to do too much. My advice for him would be to relax a little and focus on making the defense work. Save the offense for power plays. I don't think the Brutlag solution works here, not only because we have only seven D-men on the roster but because when he's on, he's a very solid balance. I like to say that if he were in baseball, you'd call him a 5-tool player. He's not afraid to be physical, he's got speed, he's got a great shot, and (last year anyway) gives you solid defense. I know that's only four tools, but this is hockey.
He can't solve all of the team's ills by himself, so let's get him taking charge on the defensive end.
!)