More of the same as far as how the teams played.  OSU took better advantage
of their opportunities to beat Miami in the first game.  Although both teams
played a bit better, they still have the same issues I saw on Friday.  For the
Redhawks, if they do not find a sniper, it is going to be a very frustrating
season for them.  They had plenty of chances, but could not put the puck in the
net.  OSU played a better game than Friday, cashing in some chances to skate
to a relatively easy win.  Steckel is the heart of this team (2 goals), but
unless he gets some help, better teams will key on him and shut him down.

The second game was in truth, not a huge surprise.  Denver is faster, more
skilled and plays a good team game.  They came out flying and pressed SLU very
hard in the beginning of the first period.  Although they did not score, it set
the tone.  Denver controlled play, allowing SLU only sporadic counter
attacks.  Denver finally scored on a broken play late in the first (in fact all three
goals were due to defensive errors of one type or another).  Both teams
played good team defense backed up by good goaltending.  Ackley for SLU saw way too
many shots again, but did well to hold the Saints in the game.  The
difference in the game was that Denver got a couple good bounces that they scored on,
while SLU missed on their few opportunities.  The lack of a scoring threat from
SLU was very apparent.

In the final analysis of the weekend, I must say that the hockey at this
year's McFadden was better than last year.  As for the teams, I project that Miami
is going to have to work to make the top half of the CCHA, while OSU will be
a bit above them, but probably not a threat to the top tier.  Neither team
seems to be NCAA material at this point.  SLU will be in the mix in the ECAC, if
only because they will stay in most of their games.  If they win a few of
them, they could be a home ice team, but if they do not find some offense, they
will not challenge the top of the ECAC.  Denver, unlike the others, is
definitely an NCAA caliber team.  They will be in the mix for a top seed in the WCHA if
not for the McNaugton Cup itself.

My view from the Nutter center,
William Sangrey
Cornell '87 & '94
Let's Go RED!!!!