RPI made a statement Friday night by thrashing Clarkson, 7-1. It wasn't
even that close.
A few points I have to make:
1 -- Clarkson's defense/goaltending
Virtually nonexistent would about sum it up. The Golden Knights were
awfully sluggish. The defense didn't perform as they should have and
RPI did the right thing and took advantage of it. Dan Murphy started
in the net, but after goal #5 a few minutes into the second period,
Mark Morris pulled him, for about 45 seconds. Apparently, Morris' little
chat did the freshman Murphy some good, as he straightened himself
out and played more solid for the rest of the game.
2 -- Mike Tamburro
The final score could have easily been 7-5. Clarkson's offense woke
up midway through the second period, but Tamburro stoned them, making
several sprawling, reaching, saves, along with a few flashy glove saves.
He not only survived the test of the (not-so) Golden Knights, he passed
with flying colors.
3 -- Penalties
I don't know how many there were, but they were abundant. There were
several different coincidentals, a few 5-on-3s for both teams, a few
4-on-3s, etc. The night was topped off with a couple of 10 minute
misconducts.
However, the story of the game was Clarkson's (lack of) defense. RPI really
didn't dominate, but the defense of Clarkson let them walk in on Murphy, who
didn't show up soon enough. You can also make a case for Mike Tamburro.
Certainly one of the better goalie performances I've seen when a team needed
one. I think when a goalie gets an assist, he's had a pretty good night!
Like I said, RPI made their statement. They may have lost a lot to graduation,
but they won't give up on their chances yet. Clarkson will be back. I still
think the preseason coaches poll is accurate. Clarkson is a notorious slow-
starter, but also a big finisher. Both teams must realize that it's only
November. Wait until March to decide anything
I'll put up the box tomorrow.
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Andy Weise
SUNY Potsdam '93 Let's Go Tech!!
Union College '95? Let's Go U!!
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