RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Great win last night. Sure there were a few points to pick about. Our only power play, would have been better off just holding the puck behind our own net for 2 minutes. The last 3+ minutes of not winning a single face off and not being able to get the puck out of the zone. But, we did not give up a short handed goal against during that power play and we did not give Cornell anything during that long 3:45 of extra attacker time at the end. And I beleive they may well be the best team playing 6 on 5 at the end that we ever see. They came back on us before with that extra man and you just have to give Big Mike credit for having his team play a system with the extra attacker that works and they believe in. We have not learned how to do that in spite of unfortunately having lots of opportunities to have to pull our goalie.
Otherwise, almost nothing to criticize. Kasdorf played like an NHL draft pick. he did everything right-every save, controlling rebounds, controlling tempo. holding the puck when needed. The defense moved the puck out of the zone quickly, cleared out in front of the net, hardly allowed any odd man attacks. The forward lines all contributed, either scoring, or just pressuring Cornell all night and keeping them in their own zone. Each line did what was necessary and kept them off balance. Taking only 3 penalties and scoring 3 goals against arguably the toughest defensive team and best goalies in the NCAA.
Now, all we have to do is perform this same feat about 17 more times and this could be a very memorable season(I could care less about a Mayor's game).

 

[engineerhockeyfan]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Great win last night. Sure there were a few points to pick about. Our only power play, would have been better off just holding the puck behind our own net for 2 minutes. The last 3+ minutes of not winning a single face off and not being able to get the puck out of the zone. But, we did not give up a short handed goal against during that power play and we did not give Cornell anything during that long 3:45 of extra attacker time at the end. And I beleive they may well be the best team playing 6 on 5 at the end that we ever see. They came back on us before with that extra man and you just have to give Big Mike credit for having his team play a system with the extra attacker that works and they believe in. We have not learned how to do that in spite of unfortunately having lots of opportunities to have to pull our goalie.
Otherwise, almost nothing to criticize. Kasdorf played like an NHL draft pick. he did everything right-every save, controlling rebounds, controlling tempo. holding the puck when needed. The defense moved the puck out of the zone quickly, cleared out in front of the net, hardly allowed any odd man attacks. The forward lines all contributed, either scoring, or just pressuring Cornell all night and keeping them in their own zone. Each line did what was necessary and kept them off balance. Taking only 3 penalties and scoring 3 goals against arguably the toughest defensive team and best goalies in the NCAA.
Now, all we have to do is perform this same feat about 17 more times and this could be a very memorable season(I could care less about a Mayor's game).

Doc, I agree with everything you said, but my biggest takeaway from this weekend, is that we played better in the second period and better than that in the third period of each game. I don't remember two games in a row where the team came out strong in the first period and got better as the game went along.
And where have the upperclassmen been all year. Did someone tell them that the season starts in January. Neal and Laliberte are finally starting to play the way I was expecting them to play all year.
Lets hope they can keep it up.

 

[fishcore12]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Doc, I agree with everything you said, but my biggest takeaway from this weekend, is that we played better in the second period and better than that in the third period of each game. I don't remember two games in a row where the team came out strong in the first period and got better as the game went along.
And where have the upperclassmen been all year. Did someone tell them that the season starts in January. Neal and Laliberte are finally starting to play the way I was expecting them to play all year.
Lets hope they can keep it up.

Everything this team does builds to January, February, and hopefully this year late into March. These tough non-conference schedules get us ready for the grind that is the ECAC schedule. Congrats to Coach Appert, and more importantly the upperclassmen who took charge this weekend.

 

[jstadts]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Great win last night. Sure there were a few points to pick about. Our only power play, would have been better off just holding the puck behind our own net for 2 minutes. The last 3+ minutes of not winning a single face off and not being able to get the puck out of the zone. But, we did not give up a short handed goal against during that power play and we did not give Cornell anything during that long 3:45 of extra attacker time at the end. And I beleive they may well be the best team playing 6 on 5 at the end that we ever see. They came back on us before with that extra man and you just have to give Big Mike credit for having his team play a system with the extra attacker that works and they believe in. We have not learned how to do that in spite of unfortunately having lots of opportunities to have to pull our goalie.
Otherwise, almost nothing to criticize. Kasdorf played like an NHL draft pick. he did everything right-every save, controlling rebounds, controlling tempo. holding the puck when needed. The defense moved the puck out of the zone quickly, cleared out in front of the net, hardly allowed any odd man attacks. The forward lines all contributed, either scoring, or just pressuring Cornell all night and keeping them in their own zone. Each line did what was necessary and kept them off balance. Taking only 3 penalties and scoring 3 goals against arguably the toughest defensive team and best goalies in the NCAA.
Now, all we have to do is perform this same feat about 17 more times and this could be a very memorable season(I could care less about a Mayor's game).

Excellent post DOC. You seem to be rounding back into top posting shape. It is good to see. The only point I can add is how willing the team was to challenge the cornell Point men and block shots. Cornell had that human tree #9 I believe parked in front so sight lines had to be poor for Kasdorf but very few point shots made it to the goal. Excellent effort and defensive game plan. Most encouraging weekend in a long time.

 

[Beman]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

I Like Kenny G a ton of good players come out of Morrisville NC Most weigh less than 220

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

I Like Kenny G a ton of good players come out of Morrisville NC Most weigh less than 220

If most weigh less than 220 pounds, it probably takes at least ten to make "a ton of good players".
I apologize to Jericho in advance for the lousy pun.

 

[jstadts]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

I Like Kenny G a ton of good players come out of Morrisville NC Most weigh less than 220

He sure works hard.

 

[ServinisScores]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

one thing to really like, and is different from the last 3-4 years is they work hard, shift over shift. Very few taken off, even in the down games. /Keep up the good work! LGR

 

[jericho]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

If most weigh less than 220 pounds, it probably takes at least ten to make "a ton of good players".
I apologize to Jericho in advance for the lousy pun.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

i really believe what coach SA said in the post game. The 4th line was just phenomenal without getting on the score sheet. They forechecked and kept Cornell backing up all night. They kept the puck int he offensive zone giving our defense time to rest or reset in position and they gave Kazzie time to relax every so often. I do not care who you put on the line with Melanson, he will find them and they will get chances. Kenny G got a few good looks at goal and the ice just opens up when the other team has to contend with #25 and his speed and forecheck. I still like him on the line with Nanne and Miller(when he gets back) but you can put him anywhere and he will open up the ice and find the open man. The trick for our coaching staff is to find the right combinations to maximize what are now starting to develop-rhythm. Last 3 games total goals RPI 12 Ivy Opponents 3. Fells really good to look at that.
But-I am still very nervous about our faceoff numbers as Cornell hammered us there and with the extra attacker made the last 3+ minutes much more nervous than they needed to be.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Excellent post DOC. You seem to be rounding back into top posting shape. It is good to see. The only point I can add is how willing the team was to challenge the cornell Point men and block shots. Cornell had that human tree #9 I believe parked in front so sight lines had to be poor for Kasdorf but very few point shots made it to the goal. Excellent effort and defensive game plan. Most encouraging weekend in a long time.

Tough stretch for us here since late February 2014. Hockey just was not a priority and we have had a bit of a continuation of the losses even now. But time is a great healer of wounds and RPI wins are indeed a bit of therapy for us. Also helped greatly to get to baker Rink and see some of the RPI family. We have among the best fan following. Babo and CM-really missed you guys. And it sure helped Jenny to get to talk to some of the boys who were sitting out the game.

 

[lugnut92]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

He sure works hard.

He made a ton of great plays, especially on the forecheck to separate man from puck and create a chance. I do think that a couple of times when he took the puck, he wasn't really sure what he should do with it and the play never really developed, but if I were SA, I'd much rather start from the platform of a hard, effective forechecker that you just have to teach how to deal the puck than with someone unwilling or unable to provide a strong forecheck.

 

[jstadts]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

He made a ton of great plays, especially on the forecheck to separate man from puck and create a chance. I do think that a couple of times when he took the puck, he wasn't really sure what he should do with it and the play never really developed, but if I were SA, I'd much rather start from the platform of a hard, effective forechecker that you just have to teach how to deal the puck than with someone unwilling or unable to provide a strong forecheck.

Agree 100%

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

i really believe what coach SA said in the post game. The 4th line was just phenomenal without getting on the score sheet. They forechecked and kept Cornell backing up all night. They kept the puck int he offensive zone giving our defense time to rest or reset in position and they gave Kazzie time to relax every so often. I do not care who you put on the line with Melanson, he will find them and they will get chances. Kenny G got a few good looks at goal and the ice just opens up when the other team has to contend with #25 and his speed and forecheck. I still like him on the line with Nanne and Miller(when he gets back) but you can put him anywhere and he will open up the ice and find the open man. The trick for our coaching staff is to find the right combinations to maximize what are now starting to develop-rhythm. Last 3 games total goals RPI 12 Ivy Opponents 3. Fells really good to look at that.
But-I am still very nervous about our faceoff numbers as Cornell hammered us there and with the extra attacker made the last 3+ minutes much more nervous than they needed to be.

Last I checked, Colgate is not an ivy league school.

Faceoff numbers could definitely use some work. One thing that also needs some work (and may have already been addressed), and you may have noticed it if you actually read my game resets, is the amount of icings that RPI takes. The Colgate goal was a direct result of an icing call. Icing gives the other team confidence, not only because you're not allowed to change your players, but you expose a lack of control in the ability to play the puck.

 

[engineerhockeyfan]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

I Like Kenny G a ton of good players come out of Morrisville NC Most weigh less than 220

As I watched him Saturday night, all I could think of was how great it was going to be watching him for the next three and half years.
He reminds me of a more intense CJ Lee. (if that is possible).

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Kenny G is certainly playing a good support role. Why do I get this weird feeling that he'll get his first goal on Steve Perry...

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Last I checked, Colgate is not an ivy league school.

Faceoff numbers could definitely use some work. One thing that also needs some work (and may have already been addressed), and you may have noticed it if you actually read my game resets, is the amount of icings that RPI takes. The Colgate goal was a direct result of an icing call. Icing gives the other team confidence, not only because you're not allowed to change your players, but you expose a lack of control in the ability to play the puck.

Colgate would love to be considered one. You are right about the icings. Once they made the rule that the team icing cannot change players, it has become a much poorer decision. In the old days it often was wise to buy time defensively or for your goalie. I had not focused on it but did note it happening more often. Faceoffs on the other hand are killing us and need to be addressed. I can't blame the disparity on this but the linesmen I have seen lately are atrocious at dropping the puck. Either they have been instructed to do it differently or they have not been instructed in the proper way at all. It has often not been our strong suit to begin with, but it has gotten more easily noticed. Not sure how you teach this or even practice it but we sure could use an Oates or a St Hillaire or going way back, a Brinkworth or Kearns.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

Colgate would love to be considered one. You are right about the icings. Once they made the rule that the team icing cannot change players, it has become a much poorer decision. In the old days it often was wise to buy time defensively or for your goalie. I had not focused on it but did note it happening more often. Faceoffs on the other hand are killing us and need to be addressed. I can't blame the disparity on this but the linesmen I have seen lately are atrocious at dropping the puck. Either they have been instructed to do it differently or they have not been instructed in the proper way at all. It has often not been our strong suit to begin with, but it has gotten more easily noticed. Not sure how you teach this or even practice it but we sure could use an Oates or a St Hillaire or going way back, a Brinkworth or Kearns.

As much as I would track face-offs, the "winner" can be somewhat subjective, and it's a bit tough to track on the radio. Same reason why I don't track SOG (unless, of course, you've had a few gimlets ). The saddest thing is, though, that one of the worst face-off administrators (shorty- er baldy- er Emanatian) also does it in the AHL; makes me wonder if the faceoff quality is based on pay.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

As much as I would track face-offs, the "winner" can be somewhat subjective, and it's a bit tough to track on the radio. Same reason why I don't track SOG (unless, of course, you've had a few gimlets ). The saddest thing is, though, that one of the worst face-off administrators (shorty- er baldy- er Emanatian) also does it in the AHL; makes me wonder if the faceoff quality is based on pay.

It is hard to track face offs and many times difficult to even decide who won control. I normally do not even consider the ones held in the center ice area between blue lines. I just watch the ones in the circles at either end. We lost almost every one of them against Cornell in the last 4 minutes and they were all in our zone. Overall made no difference as none of them led to goals. But so many times this year clean losses in our zone have led to quick goals. A bit more understandable on the road when you cannot change lines and put out your best face off teammates(in case one gets thrown out) but at home when you have the last change, it is just so important to have two decent face off men out there when you are a few yards in front of your goalie. When short handed and defending a penalty or against an extra attacker, it is doubly important. How many times over the past years have we had a 2 man advantage either 5 on 3 or 6 on 4 and lost the face off only to have the other team clear the puck down the ice and kill much of the valuable time?

 

[lugnut92]

Re: RPI Hockey 2014-2015: Dedicated to Rich Curadi

We lost almost every one of them against Cornell in the last 4 minutes and they were all in our zone.

I'm pretty sure we lost every faceoff after Cornell pulled their goalie. If we did win one, we lost control almost immediately.