Last night's RPI/Colgate game provides an opportunity to discuss the progress
of the team to date.  In reviewing the aspects of last night's game, I'll look
to see whether they are suggestive of the team's status to date.
 
Let's start with the most important element: goaltending.  Last night Bryan Massott [D [ [C [
Masotta allowed six goals by a Colgate offense that was supposedly sputtering.
The first goal was soft, as soft as the first one against BC.  After that, he
was mediocre; he didn't let in any easy ones, but didn't come up with the BIG
saves that could keep a team in a game.  He did manage to stablize his game and
kept the Red Raiders from scoring in the third period.
 
Overall diagnosis: he needs seasoning.  No need to give up on him yet, he may
yet become a big stopper for the team.  Teammate Mike Tamburro is the better3goa
goalie at present, but he doesn't come up with the BIG saves either, the kind
that could launch the Engineers into a contender.
 
Next subject: defense, or the rather the lack of defense.  Last night the defense, espec
defense, especially down low, at times seemed non-existent.  Colgate forwards
would skate down the slot at will, with the Engineer defensemen politely stood at a
by and watched the Raider forwards wind up and shoot.  RPI has yet to shake the defensive bugaboos that plgued th e
defensive bugaboos that plagued the team last year.  The added depth at the blue
line has certainly been a welcome addition.  But freshmen need experience, and
leadership from the upper classmen is paramount.  Adam Bartel in particular is a
mystery.  He doesn't seem to be playing with the authority that is expected from
a captain.  I keep screaming for Bartel to step up into the offensive zone, but
usually he prefers to meet the puck when it arrives back at his station in the
center zone.
 
Overall the defense suffers from a lack of physical play.  Freshman Bryan Tapper
seems to be the only D willing to muscle out forwards in front of the net, or
ride attackers off the play.  Unfortuantely I think he needs a little weight
training before he is able to assume the role.  Fellow freshman Pat Brownlee
has a lot of heart... Other freshman Aldous hasn't impressed.  Last night I
can't remember seeing him the entire third period.  Unless he incurred an injury,y
his absence is telling.  Most improved defenseman: Pat Rochon, who is developing
into an offensive defenseman, his natural role.  Only D to venture into the
corners in the offensive end.
 
Offense: last night RPI managed "only 3 goals, with 2 of them coming when the
outcome was already settled.  This was not a characteristic outing.  The only
team that has throttled the RPI forwards was Maine.  Last night the forwards
often missed the net with their shots, or, in one case, failed to get off a shot
on a 2 on 1 break.  Craig Hamelin, who has been on a tear lately, suffered one
of his worst games.  Brian Richardson, a genuine offensive talent, managed only
one assist.  Eric Healy, who know what to do around the net, went scoreless,
despite logging significant ice time.  And I don't believe the shot totals in
the box: 52 shots for the Engineers?  Along with awarding phantom assists, the
RPI statisticians seem to enjoy fabricating shot totals to help the goaltenders'
save ratios.
 
Coaching--Dan Fridgen is a freshman.  Last night I could not give a description
of who was on what line.  Eric Healy, who doesn't seem to even have a line,
skating with different faces every shift.  Similarly Brian Richardson was rarely
united with his accustomed linemates of Jeff Brick and Tim Regan.  The first
line--I don't know who IS the first line.  And while the fourth line was seeing
some action earlier in the year, Maye, Kiley and Kwaz have disappeared from the
line-up.  Granted the loss of Kelly Askew to a hip injury limited Fridge's
choices last night.  But I think the forwards would benefit from knowing who
they are supposed to play with, particularly Eric Healy.  Fridge should have
an idea of the chemistry by now.
 
Motivation-wise, Fridge seems to be doing all right.  Morale seems positive, and
I think the team is gaining confidence in itself.  Fridge must imbue consistency
into the team however.  I actually wouldn't mind seeing a couple of 3-2 or 2-1
games in the RPI win column.  But teaching a team how to win the close ones is
probably the most daunting of all coaching tasks.  The key will be whether
Fridge can get the freshmen to the point where they can be looked upon to insert
a spark into the team's play.
 
Outlook: they should win tonight, regardless who is in goal.  A healthy Tamburro
is essential if they are to start a streak and grab first place in the ECAC.
*******************************************************************
Brian Morris                   Go RPI!
[log in to unmask]      Apoligies to Ken, err Kurt
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