Re: The University of Notre Dame Hockey: 09-10. Let's Live It Up!
On top of Brad Phillips getting the goalie kudos, we should be giving century kudos to Kevin Deeth. Once again, he quietly (isn't that an ironic thing to say about him?
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) has 5 points in the first 6 games thus far, which gives him an even 100 on his career. Here's to another 30 or so points to tack on for good measure!
Deeth is joined by Ben Ryan (6 points), Calle Ridderwall and Billy Maday (5 each) as the leading scorers on the team in the early going. ND's is averaging 2.33 goals/game. Not really likin' that. They give up an average of only 1.67 goals/game. Likin' that. Notre Dame has 14 guys who've registered at least a point so far after 6 games.
ND is still averaging more penalties than their opponents (though I expect that to change soon). They average 6.3 penalties/game. ND's PP is slipping. It's effective 15.8% of the time now. Their PK, though, is still strong at 93.5%. 5 different players have PPG's, led by Ridderwall (duh).
The biggest question mark will be in net... My guess is that Phillips (2.27 GA, .918 save %) will get at least one night. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mike Johnson though.
OSU, who has also played 6 games, is led by Sergio Somma, Shane Sims and Zac Dalpe, who each have 4 points. OSU is averaging 2.17 goals/game, while they give up 2.5 a game. They have 16 guys who have at least a point.
OSU also takes more penalties than their opponents; however, they are averaging only 5.7 penalties/game. OSU's PP is anemic at 8.8%. Their PK isn't much stronger. It's working 83.3% of the time. They have 3 players who each have a PPG.
OSU has split time in net between Dustin Carlson (3.04 GA, .908 save %) and Cal Heeter (1.68 GA, .947 save %). Heeter earned the shutout win against Denver, so he's no slouch. My guess is the two continue to split time in net, at least this weekend. IIRC, Carlson was a slow starter, but finished strong for them last year.
Each team has a "signature win" and some less-than-stellar losses.
(Remember that Halloween's game is at 5:00.)
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't...either way, you're right. Let's come out strong, boys.