Luiz hit it right on the head: it's amazing what good coaching can do.
The only significant difference between this year's and last year's
team is Mike Schafer.  Mike must have the inside track on ECAC
coach of the year, with only SLU's Joe(?) Marsh as competition.
Kyle Knopp's excellent weekend strengthens his position in the
battle for ECAC rookie of the year, although I am sure there
are other worthy candidates out there.  Still: when was the last time
you saw a freshman win a game with a natural hat trick in an
important, late-season contest, on the road?
 
Cornell played identical games at Harvard and Brown.  Race out to a
two goal lead, give up three quick goals to fall behind, and then
blow the host out of their building.
 
The Big Red have now come from behind to tie or win 6 straight games.
Their undefeated streak has stretched to 8 (7-0-1).
 
BTW, note to Rich Hungerford - I didn't think the Harvard game was
boring.  This may come with a slightly different perspective... :-)
 
Cornell also had 4 more ppg at Harvard and were a combined 13/14 in
penalty kills, thus improving both special teams' percentages.  Indeed,
the Big Red powerplay is lethal -- Union, who gave up 5 man-up tallies
in the first meeting, should take note (ever notice our games with the
Dutchmen are unusually, um, physical?).
 
This weekend should be a strong indicator of the team's focus and
character: to challenge for second (or, if Vermont hits a bump, first),
they must sweep Union and RPI -- teams they should defeat but which
stole 3 of 4 points in the Capitol District.  The temptation is to
overlook this weekend in preparation for that enormous North Country
trip that closes the RS.  Obviously, they cannot afford to do this:
the pair of 3-goal spurts this past weekend show that Cornell is vulnerable
when they aren't paying attention.
 
"Just play 'em one game at a time, and the good Lord willin', things
will work out."  -  Crash Davis
 
Greg R. Berge
Editor, TBRW?
Let's Go Red!
1995-96 UNDEFEATED Ivy League Champions
 
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