Watson has 3.6 goals against average and the team has an expected Goals against of 3.7, so statistically Watson is basically playing at an average level. Basically, has been the case his whole career, he was excellent his freshman year on a team with good defense, average last year with average defense, and then this year. I don't see a case where a HE or other top conference team is knocking his door down to come start.
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RPI 2023-24 (Part II): The Search for Special Teams Excellence
- Thread starter Ralph Baer
- Start date
Watson has 3.6 goals against average and the team has an expected Goals against of 3.7, so statistically Watson is basically playing at an average level. Basically, has been the case his whole career, he was excellent his freshman year on a team with good defense, average last year with average defense, and then this year. I don't see a case where a HE or other top conference team is knocking his door down to come start.
Recent ones - UConn, Sacred Heart, Augustana, Colorado College - have all seemed to take 18-24 months from groundbreaking to opening. Not sure how many of those involved a knock-down of an existing structure, but think RPI's would be more complicated because of dismantling the Field House and clearing the site. So I'd think being ready for construction in March 2025, with designs, permits, etc., in place could be really tight.
Problem is, there aren't many other options without having to significantly reconfigure other sports fields or facilities.
Would be curious for what size rink they'd think is right. The HFH is well below capacity right now, but you'd like to think that building a smaller rink would be off the table.
I wonder how much it would cost to significantly renovate the stage end with a tier or two of boxes/suites and better facilities behind/underneath that - maybe even going out the back of the building toward or into the hill.
Wicked Slappaahs
I miss Tie Domi
I think this is a reasonable time line. The only site I could think that might possibly make sense is the Upper Renwyck Field in the Detroit Drive and Georgian Terrace parcels. It looks like there's ample room there for a new build and it would save a TON of hassle as it keeps within the campus footprint (no residential neighbor issues) as well eliminating the need to arrange for 2 years worth of practice and game ice time somewhere else. Possibly the parcel where the Nuclear building is off of Tibbetts ....the last time I was thru there those buildings looked like they needed to be razed.... LOL
Wicked Slappaahs
I miss Tie Domi
Most goalies play better and of course, have better stats when they play in front of good defenses. Watson has faced more than his fair share of Grade A shots, uncontested shots, back door tap-ins , etc. that simply are not high save percentage opportunities. It would not at all shock me if he departed for another program....but certainly hope I am wrong.
That is why I provided the analytic that builds in the quality of shots he faces, but your right that only time will tell if he departs
RPI Hockey Guy
New member
If it's worth anything in the debate for a new stadium, the RPI Polytechnic published an article with an interview with President Schmidt. Two relevant questions and his response:
Q: Can the RPI Pep Band be restored to the stage behind the goal at Houston Field House?
A: “I know that the Zambonis are there right now so that means building a stage. You know, we are looking at improvements we can make to the field house, so maybe that should be on the
Q: Can the RPI Pep Band be restored to the stage behind the goal at Houston Field House?
A: “I know that the Zambonis are there right now so that means building a stage. You know, we are looking at improvements we can make to the field house, so maybe that should be on the
- ".
Q: Any plans to renovate Houston Field House?
A: “Yeah, there are some things, the ice needs to be replaced. And then I think there are some improvements that are absolutely necessary to improve accessibility. And longer term, I would like to see us make some more sustainable improvements.”
RPI has one of the best architectural schools in the world, surely they could employ (not the typical definition in this sense) some students to design a new, or renovations to the, Field House. I just ask that the press box be about two feet larger than it is now.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Why is it that we have had several goalies on the women's team who have played very well on teams that are otherwise not that good, but on the men's team that does not seem to be the case?
Wait didn't you say at one point that the teams 1st half woes were because they didn't have there #1.
Yes I did. And that take checks out, they’re 7-7-2 with him and 2-11-1 without him. I overestimated improvements I thought would come from the easier opponents of the second half, and they have not improved like I hoped. That part has been a disappointment. He also was 1-2 when he went out so they’re actually 6-5-2 with him in net after his return, so nice trap but they actually are significantly better with him in net
Then why wouldn't anybody want him, which you said. Believe me, if he hits the portal, he'll get takers.
Because it can be simultaneously true that our defense is terrible, our backup goalies are also really bad, and Watson being in net gives them the best chance to win. My thesis in December was that some of the defensive kinks would be worked out, we would be playing worse teams, and Watson returning to health would lead to a better product. It is true that we have a better chance to win when he plays than when Miller or Cherepak do, but that doesn't mean he is guaranteed a starting job at a better program. He has a 3 goals against over 3 years, that does not get you a guaranteed starting job in a better conference. Certainly, teams would want him, but I can't see him being guaranteed a starting job so I think he will stay.
engineerhockeyfan
PUCKMAN RULES!!!
None of our goalies are as bad as their statistics.
We have the worst defensive team I have ever seen. We consistently give away the puck in our defensive zone creating great scoring opportunities for the opposition.
We have the worst penalty killing team in the nation. That is not all on those goalies.
And one last thing watch how often they cannot get the puck over our defensive blue line. It is like they don't understand how important it is to get the puck our of our end.
The goalies have not been great this season, but Watson has kept us in most of the games he has played in in spite of the defense in front of him.
Bravo - Could not agree more. Before the season started I had said this team will live and die with special teams and defense. Well, we have all seen what has occurred game after game. Rather simplistic to say, but put one all ECAC defenseman on this team (perhaps one Brian Pothier or one of the 1985 D-men) and a lot of what you listed goes away. You get a more consistent solid defense in front of our goalie, you get a quarterback for the power play, you perhaps get someone who knows how to and can clear the puck out of our end past the blue line, and maybe you get a point man who can keep the puck in the offensive end when the opponent is trying to clear the puck out against our offensive pressure. No, we do not become BC or BU with one more player. But the games would be far less frustrating to watch and we might not have to focus on all the other aspects that we have been picking apart.
Perhaps it is is just the glass half full part of my thinking but just maybe we are only one or two defensive players away from being far more competitive. Just my thoughts from suffering through much of this season.
Watson isn’t the problem. The horrendous defensive play is the problem. Watson is a decent goalie nothing spectacular but a solid dude who can get you some wins when you have a half competent team in front of him. We don’t have that. I’m sure Watson is getting offers to play elsewhere as the starter. I can’t imagine he’s having much fun playing goalie for Dave smith.
Hopefully smith leaves as well. I can’t watch another season like this year.
you know it’s bad when you beat brown and Princeton then we celebrate like we won the national championship. It’s an embarrassing mess to watch. I’ve lost interest in this debacle on the hill.
This was literally my original point before it got spun into me being a Watson hater. Simply that the analytics imply he is roughly at even value with what he would be expected to give up given the porous defense. I really like JW he has done a lot of good stuff here, all i disagreed on was the notion that he would be guaranteed a starting job in a better conference.
Yeah I’m more or less agreeing with you. Watson had a rough year last year but overall he’s been good. I don’t think anything is guaranteed but I could see him at maybe a AIC or sacred heart. He would have a chance to win a conference tittle and make the NCAA. I don’t know how much he would get out of staying another year at RPI. Other than being under duress constantly and more frustrated. If he does bounce my question is who the hell is going to be our goalie? Sanborn is not even remotely ready for D1 hockey. Smith better start working the phones for a transfer otherwise we’re looking at yet another terrible year.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
I suspect that Smith recognizes the defensive weakness of this team, and that is why he brought in Goffredo midseason. Goffredo seems to be showing sparks of talent, but he certainly isn't a Pothier, Hammond, Friday, Dark, or Robinson.