RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Biggest movers in the PairWise since December 26:<a href="https://twitter.com/umichhockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@umichhockey</a> +22<a href="https://twitter.com/GopherHockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GopherHockey</a> +20<a href="https://twitter.com/SCSUHUSKIES_MH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SCSUHUSKIES_MH</a> +17<a href="https://twitter.com/RPI_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RPI_Hockey</a> +15<a href="https://twitter.com/QU_MIH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QU_MIH</a> +14<a href="https://twitter.com/MaineIceHockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaineIceHockey</a> +14<a href="https://twitter.com/AIC_Hockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AIC_Hockey</a> +13<a href="https://twitter.com/BSUBeaversMHKY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSUBeaversMHKY</a> +11</p>— Nate Wells (@gopherstate) <a href="https://twitter.com/gopherstate/status/1234167192045879296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Of course, we had a long way to go.

 

[CLKHockey]

Thank you and we would love to be there, too!
If the teams that have the bye next weekend make it to Placid, this could be a very well-attended event. RPI and Cornell fans travel well and of course there will be plenty of Clarkson fans there regardless of whether they make it there or not. Not so sure about QU fans.

How cool would that be? If RPI, COR, and CLK all make it, Placid is gonna be a fun fun weekend not only at the rink but around town.. The vibe was awesome last year with just us Clarkson/Cornell fans. I really am hoping for that. I have the luxury of being 1.5 hours from Placid so we go every year regardless. Really looking forward to it.

 

[turk181]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m really happy for the RPI players, all of them!<br><br>Recruited most of them<br><br>Some players I’ve known since 15 years old<br><br>To the players I recruited<br><br>I’ve always believed in you<br><br>I’m proud of you<br><br>&#55357;&#56394;&#55356;&#57340;<br><br>I watch closely <br><br></p>— N. Graham (@NGrahamer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NGrahamer/status/1233989793647747072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

As most of us know the RPI Men's Soccer team had a magnificent season and tournament run. The Men's hockey team we are following here and we are moving on to the second round of the ECAC playoffs in two weeks. But as i write this our Men's Basketball team is playing Ithaca College and the winner gets an automatic bid to the Division III NCAA Tournament with the announcement show scheduled for tomorrow for the seeding. What a time to be following RPI athletics!!!!!! Go Red!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Thanks Turk for posting -what a great celebration for the boys and you can feel the spirit and closeness this team has. as some have mentioned, not sure anyone wants to have play them at this stage of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's Go Red!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DavidNardolillo]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Couple thoughts from last night's game:

RPI looked decidedly mediocre except for the 4v4 where they scored twice, which was basically a clinic - but still won handily. In years past we probably lose that game 3-1 or 4-1 instead of winning it.

Dartmouth was significantly better along the boards and there were very few board battles where RPI came away with the puck. They totally squandered the 5v3 chance they had, quickly taking a penalty and eventually giving up Dartmouth's only goal.

Savory looked great again - the only goal he gave up was on a high quality chance off an odd man rush. Being the first time I've seen him live this season, I was super impressed by how calm and in control he appears even when the puck is loose and there's a scramble in front of him.

Great RPI fan presence at the game including the band which outnumbered Dartmouth's at least 2:1. RPI fans in general were pretty spread out so it was hard to gague their total number but I would estimate maybe 15% of folks there were RPI fans (more than that toward the end when many of the Dartmouth fans had elected to beat the traffic).

RPI needs to step up its promotions. It was senior night and fan appreciation night and they had free raffles through the entire game for all kinds of prizes, including but not limited to a $250 Amazon gift card, pairs of season tickets for basketball, football, and M/W hockey, round trip flights for two on Cape Air, and a ton of free pizzas.

I forgot how cheap concessions are at Thompson. A large soda and a big homemade cookie cost less than a regular soda at HFH.

Overall a fun night, and I'm glad to have decided to make the trip out. Reminded me why I have a habit of hopping in the car and driving out when we play there on a Sat night.

A spot-on summary of the game. I thought RPI was poor for long stretches of the game, perhaps expected to be a step slow after the physical and emotional output of the night before, but the guys hung in there in what almost became a nail-biter at a few stages. Dartmouth had some excellent chances to take a lead, but Owen was sharp again. A great accomplishment for the team, but RPI will need to be a level or two better than they were last night in two weeks.

One of the positive developments of RPI's game this year, which was demonstrated by the first three goals, is the ability of a larger number of RPI's defensemen to skate and handle the puck. Babichuck's puckhandling as the power play expired essentially created the space for RPI to maintain comfortable possession for Polino's shot from the point. Hallbauer and Reilly played key roles in the other two goals during the 4 vs. 4 period as they had more license to get forward into the play. We've got 5 or 6 defenders who are not only comfortable handling the puck, but can do so at a level that can create scoring opportunities. This is going to be a plus for RPI's game beyond this season.

 

[DavidNardolillo]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Will we hear rumors over the summer that Coach Smith is leaving for a vacancy at a higher profile school?

What jobs are likely going to be open? Vermont is the first one that comes to mind as definitely open.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

A spot-on summary of the game. I thought RPI was poor for long stretches of the game, perhaps expected to be a step slow after the physical and emotional output of the night before, but the guys hung in there in what almost became a nail-biter at a few stages. Dartmouth had some excellent chances to take a lead, but Owen was sharp again. A great accomplishment for the team, but RPI will need to be a level or two better than they were last night in two weeks.

One of the positive developments of RPI's game this year, which was demonstrated by the first three goals, is the ability of a larger number of RPI's defensemen to skate and handle the puck. Babichuck's puckhandling as the power play expired essentially created the space for RPI to maintain comfortable possession for Polino's shot from the point. Hallbauer and Reilly played key roles in the other two goals during the 4 vs. 4 period as they had more license to get forward into the play. We've got 5 or 6 defenders who are not only comfortable handling the puck, but can do so at a level that can create scoring opportunities. This is going to be a plus for RPI's game beyond this season.

Your last point is spot on and those 5 or 6 defenders should be able make some noise for us if and when we play on Olympic size ice. (Hopefully this year)

 

[RPI fan 4 life]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

How cool would that be? If RPI, COR, and CLK all make it, Placid is gonna be a fun fun weekend not only at the rink but around town.. The vibe was awesome last year with just us Clarkson/Cornell fans. I really am hoping for that. I have the luxury of being 1.5 hours from Placid so we go every year regardless. Really looking forward to it.

Question: Since I haven’t been to LP since 2002, and RPI does make it there, can you recommend any hotels in which to stay? And has the parking gotten any better there?

 

[DavidNardolillo]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

The NSYNC lyrical reference gave me a smile.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It might sound crazy, but it ain't no lie... &#55357;&#56395;&#55357;&#56395;&#55357;&#56395;<br><br>&#55357;&#56560; <a href="https://t.co/n05xp4YL3Y">https://t.co/n05xp4YL3Y</a><br>&#55357;&#56520; <a href="https://t.co/YFJvvH4hNN">https://t.co/YFJvvH4hNN</a><br>&#55356;&#57253; <a href="https://t.co/aMXMKd1Hqq">https://t.co/aMXMKd1Hqq</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RPIHockey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RPIHockey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECACHockey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECACHockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/ccnDYpHxzM">pic.twitter.com/ccnDYpHxzM</a></p>— RPI Men's Hockey (@RPI_Hockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPI_Hockey/status/1233964444142755840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[DavidNardolillo]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

Come say hi, I’ll be up in the press box, but will be around at some point

I think I got there a little too late to catch you before you had to prepare for the game. Sorry

 

[fr. joe]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m really happy for the RPI players, all of them!<br><br>Recruited most of them<br><br>Some players I’ve known since 15 years old<br><br>To the players I recruited<br><br>I’ve always believed in you<br><br>I’m proud of you<br><br>����<br><br>I watch closely <br><br></p>— N. Graham (@NGrahamer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NGrahamer/status/1233989793647747072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Turk, Thanks for sharing Nolan's twitter feed!

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Question: Since I haven’t been to LP since 2002, and RPI does make it there, can you recommend any hotels in which to stay? And has the parking gotten any better there?

I'm an annual LP attendee and can offer some info and a few ideas. To start, while it's worth a call, most of the very nearby (closest to rink) hotels are very likely already booked- i.e. Crowne Pkaza , Golden Arrow etc. Also, if wherever you do book, you'll need to book a two night stay. At this point I'd suggest a few of the hotels on saranac avenue , but first you should absolutely try Art Devlin's. It is NOT fancy or modern, it IS clean comfortable and close to the rink...and a downhill walk AFTER the games . Re: parking, I'm not telling you any locals secrets ...but like any resort village , the car is your enemy. Park it and forget about it. PS: as soon as the final 4 teams are decided, (literally that night) you should circle back with some of the main hotels. If SUNY Ithaca or CCT flame out, some rooms will very likely open up. Hope this helps.

 

[Wicked Slappaahs]

Turk, Thanks for sharing Nolan's twitter feed!

BIG Stick tap to Nolan and his beautiful family. He absolutely is a big part of RPIs run. I hope he is doing well in his recovery.

 

[jericho]

I think I got there a little too late to catch you before you had to prepare for the game. Sorry

No worries. Glad to see fans making the trek. that showing made me realize why I got into broadcasting when I was a student. Maybe see you in Lake Placid. BTW, when my father and I went, we stayed in Saranac Lake. Much cheaper. He also worked for Verizon so he was able to park in their lot for free.

 

[lugnut92]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I remember a few weeks ago when I was like "hey we do actually have a legit shot at a tie here" and everyone was like don't think about that, just get home ice and be happy with it, and now we have the bye and it's great. We're pretty likely to have a tough quarterfinal series with Harvard, but we've shown that we're more than capable of taking them and other better-than-average teams down.

 

[sezenack]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

A few general observations:
- We achieved our highest league point total since the ‘12-‘13 season, where we also finished with 27. That team also had 27 points, via a 12-7-3 record. This team managed one more win than that.
- Six of our top seven point producers are seniors. The exception: Ture Linden. Of all the things I wouldn’t have guessed this season, Ture having 21 regular season points might be at the top. He was our leading conference scorer with 20 league points! He obviously benefitted from playing with Burgess most of the year, but he deserves a lot of credit in his own right. Not a flashy player, but does a lot of the little things well. Has a good set of hands. Him stepping up was a real key to our overall success this season.
- Very curious what the 4th line looks like assuming Dubinsky and Leppanen return. I’d go Herrman/Jerry/DiGrande, think they play fast. Lacka and Mashie will be very important for us next season, but don’t feel they are best suited for a bottom line roll.
- Lets get to LP!

I agree with you on all your observations. I think Mahshie and Lacka will be big parts of our future, but I think the forward line combos should be:

26-19-17
11-9-8
12-14-29
16-20-18

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I remember a few weeks ago when I was like "hey we do actually have a legit shot at a tie here" and everyone was like don't think about that, just get home ice and be happy with it, and now we have the bye and it's great. We're pretty likely to have a tough quarterfinal series with Harvard, but we've shown that we're more than capable of taking them and other better-than-average teams down.

I think the "be happy with it" is an exaggeration. I would have been happy with a high home ice seed (5 or 6) but certainly felt the team should shoot for more.

The only things saying that we had very little chance for more were your simulations.

 

[Ralph Baer]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I agree with you on all your observations. I think Mahshie and Lacka will be big parts of our future, but I think the forward line combos should be:

26-19-17
11-9-8
12-14-29
16-20-18

By my calculation, those four lines have 59, 46, 54, and 13 points respectively. That's spreading scoring among three lines quite equally; probably a good idea. Also, each of the first three lines has exactly 34 penalty minutes, certainly equal.

 

[DrDemento]

Re: RPI Hockey 2019 - 2020 Part II: Moving on with 2020 Vision!

I agree with you on all your observations. I think Mahshie and Lacka will be big parts of our future, but I think the forward line combos should be:

26-19-17
11-9-8
12-14-29
16-20-18

And the jersey numbers add up to 62, 28, 55, 54 which is also fairly equal!