Charles writes:
> I was surprised to see that recent discussion of prize ECAC rookie
> goalies contained no mention of Clarkson's Dan Murphy.  In the last 10
> games Clarkson is 8-0-2, with eight of these games on the road.
> CU's road record is 7-0-1.  In a home tie against RPI, CU was
> outshot significantly; Murphy was the difference between a really
> bad loss and a point in league standings.  CU has put up some big numbers
> against some of the players who were mentioned.  Too bad opposing coaches
> and players rarely post to this list -- I'm sure Murphy would have
> been mentioned.
 
Amen.
 
My sister was at the Clarkson-RPI game. She told me exactly what Charles
said. Murphy was the reason that Clarkson tied instead of losing big time.
The Golden Knights were quite lucky to end up in a tie.
 
I am mildly surprised at the job that Murphy has done. I knew he was a good
goalie, but I am impressed with his performance so far. I guess it's
partially because the first game I saw him (at RPI -- ECAC opener), he was
the typical black hole (not that Clarkson's defense was helping him much!).
The next night against Union, he stood tough and played well. Ever since,
I haven't heard much in how badly he has played.
 
This brings up a question, however. How many teams that have made it to the
Phinal Phour with freshman goalies? I'm not guaranteeing that Clarkson will
make it, though. I keep asking myself (after each Clarkson win and good night
for Murphy) how far can a team go with a freshman/rookie goalie?
 
Just something to ponder....
 
Andy