A little late, but I was unable to get into my account on Sunday, and
crises at work had me a little busy earlier today.
 
Well, the Engineers got a weekend sweep, but it was not easy.
 
St. Lawrence and Clarkson are 2 different teams.  Clarkson is offensive
minded, St. Lawrence is not.  And therein lies the nature of the game
on Saturday.
 
The keys for RPI:
 
1) Do not let the big team intimidate and be more physical.
 
2) Score early, and make SLU chase
 
3) Hold up the SLU forwards in front of Mike Tamburro
 
Playing St. Lawrence was like playing Merrimack and Army.  All three
teams are physical, and larger, and not as fast as the Engineers.  Therefore
the use of the trap through center ice against the Engineers.
 
St. Lawrence played it well at the beginning.  They jumped out to a 2-0
lead becasue the Engineers took penalties trying to stop the Saints in
front of the goalmouth.  2 power play goals and it looked like SLU
was on a roll, but then the Engineers came back.  A goal by Wayne Clarke
on the power play, and then a nice 3 on 2 that Ken Kwasniewski
scored upon tied it.  Then the Engineers took the lead.
 
Then SLU came back.  What a see saw battle, as SLU gave it everything
they had.
 
St. Lawrence's keys:
 
1) Do not let RPI skate.  Hold them up at every opportunity.
 
2) Get an early lead, and make the Engineers scramble
 
3) Just score
 
SLU had only scored 7 goals in their 4 games prior to the contest
against RPI.  Burke Murphy led them with 3 goals.  He was thoroughly
stopped by the Engineers, but other guys found their rhythm.  Guys
like Derek McLaughlin, Scott Stevens and Derek Ladouceur came through
for them.  McLaughlin scored twice and Stevens scored twice.  SLU
capitalized on the power play where Clarkson did not suceed.  Why?
Because SLU was able to camp a man in front of the goal whereas Clarkson
wasn't.
 
In the end it was the Engineers speed that killed the Skating Saints.
Eric Healley with a breakaway goal, and Bryan Richardson with the feeds,
and Wayned Clarke beating the Saints to a puck.  It doomed SLU.
 
Engineer notes:
 
1) The play of the freshmen. Who has impressed?  Eric Healey and Bryan
Tapper.  Healey needs to be mobile, but is getting it done.  Tapper
needs to hit more, but offensively and handling the puck he seems at ease.
Battaglia is still adjusting, and looks to be doing it well.  Pat Brownlee
is tough to tell, but seems to be comfortable with the puck, and has a
good movement sense.  Chris Aldous still looks very shaky.  He has not
adjusted well to the college game as of yet.  But give him time.
 
2) A lot of first timers this weekend.  The first career goals by
Healey (CU), Kwasniewski (SLU), Battaglia (SLU).  First point by
Pat Brownlee (SLU).  Kwasniewski got an assist Friday as well, so he
triples his career point total. Chris Maye also got a goal and assist
on Fridya against Clarkson.
 
3) The play of the line of Kwas-Kiley-Maye worked very well on Saturday
against SLU.  I was very impressed.  Shows you what guys can do when given the
chance.
 
4) This team still needs work.  It needs to continue to gel offensively.
And defensively more.  Injuries need to be worked out (Jeff Brick and
Jeff O'Connor both sat out the weekend).  We'll see.
 
See you at Tully on Saturday, come over for a visit!
 
*****************************************************************************
* Jayson Moy  RPI '89 '93  *  One of the Voices of Rensselaer Engineer      *
* [log in to unmask]             *  Hockey, Baseball, Football, and Basketball    *
* The "Asian Invasion"     *  on Crystal Clear 91.5FM  WRPI, Troy *EASM*    *
*****************************************************************************