Greg writes:
 
>And McCutcheon couldn't find an offense with two hands and a
>map... he's not a bad offensive coach - he isn't one AT ALL.  Since
>his first day at Cornell, he has proceeded on the assumption that
>being assured of holding your opponent to 2 goals is a more
>successful strategy than being assured of scoring 4 yourself.
>
>Whether or not you agree with his premise, there's no denying
>that this is the reason for Cornell's low scoring.  It's just Brian.
 
I don't agree with this premise.  The problem or loop hole with
this reasoning is that sometimes (most?) a good offense is your
best defense.  What I'm implying is that it is awfully hard to
win games when most of it is being played in your own end of the ice.
Therefore, you need an offense that will be able to advance the puck up
ice after your defense and goaltending has done its job.  So you don't
necessarily need a "high powered" scoring machine (ie Maine '92-'93)
to have a good offense.  If you can consistently move the puck out
of your own end and play the game in the other teams end of the ice then
your bound to win more than you lose.  Of course, good forechecking could
also accomplish this when your defense or goaltending is suspect.
 
Bottom line, if you want to pursue the aforementioned "McCutcheon strategy"
you must have forwards that can consistently move the puck out of their
own zone.  OTW, your goalie will face 40 shots a night and your own
scoring chances will be diminished.
 
Here's hoping the Big Red figure out how to keep the puck out of their
end over the holiday's in Minnesota!
 
BTW, Happy holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New year to everyone on
the list!
 
Eric Hoffman
Cornell '88
SUNY-Albany ??
Let's Go Red!!!!