The Big Red took 3 of 4 points this weekend and solidified their position in
the ECAC standings.  The top six teams now stand as follows:
 
26  SLU
25  Vermont
23  Clarkson
22  Cornell
20  Colgate
19  Harvard
 
(that's from memory, but I think it's right)
 
All teams have 6 games remaining.
 
Cornell plays at Harvard and Brown, then hosts Union and RPI, before finishing
the season at Clarkson and SLU.  Scattered observations:
 
1.  The defense was outstanding against Vermont.  Take into account two key
injuries: Andre Doll (the center who always checks the opposition first line)
and Steve Wilson (a big presence on the blueline).  In their place, everyone
put forth a great effort, though special praise for Bill Holowatiuk, Geoff
Lopatka, Matt "if it's green, hit it" Cooney, and Chad Wilson.
 
2.  Eddy Skazyk had another great third period -- indeed, Cornell has had
amazing third period goaltending during their 5-0-1 stretch.
 
3.  Vermont is the best team I've seen all year.  Cornell is the second best.
Before I get flamed: I did not see BU, Colorado College, or Michigan State
(or Colgate, for that matter).
 
4.  Everything they told me as a freshman about the Lynah mystique is true.
It only took 15 seasons for it to all come together.  :-)
 
Prospects for this weekend look about as good as you could expect for a
roadtrip that has been a horrorshow for Cornell in recent years.  Cornell has
not won a game at Bright Hockey Center since 1985, and many of the losses have
been routs.  Cornell has also come into Cambridge (well, Allston) with bigtime
momentum before -- 1986 and 1991 come to mind -- and have been disappointed.
 
As far as Brown is concerned, they're on an even longer undefeated streak than
Cornell (in fact, the two teams may have the longest such streaks in Div. I.)
From all reports, they have been playing much better hockey, and are poised for
a serious run at Harvard and the teams immediately above them.
 
Cornell had a serious test on the road two weeks ago, when Princeton and
Yale played very tough -- but the Big Red grabbed 4 vital points against teams
well below them in the standings.  This week, they must repeat the feat against
solid opposition.  At least with the Ivy League championship safely tucked away,
there won't be that additional pressure (however slight).
 
After the show they put on against Vermont, I'm beginning to believe that
the Spirit of '86 has returned -- and not just behind the bench.
"A long, long time ago, I can still remember..."
 
Greg Berge
Let's Go Red!
 
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