I have little to add from the previous excellent responses to this unfortunate subject, particularly Richard's excellent (as usual) analysis. The shift in emphasis to defense should be readily apparent from the Goals for and Goals against stats for Harvard (or looking at the CHODR ratings), but unfortunately that doesn't necessarily translate into wins. I find it particularly odd given the offensive firepower this team (should have) had. Let me emphasize, as was mentioned before, the importance of the weakened power play this year. Last year's team lived off the power play...whenever the other team received a penalty early, it seemed to be the spark that got the Crimson going for the rest of the game, especially as they very often scored on those early power plays. I don't have the stats here, but I'd be interested in seeing what percentage of last year's goals were PPG's...I'll bet a disproportionate number. Anyway, the loss of McCann (and to some extent, Maguire) and their ability to hit the one-timer slapshot on the power play really hurt, I think. Nobody this year seemed confident in firing the cannon, and there was too much needless passing, perhaps looking for the 'perfect' opportunity. Coughlin was supposed to have the big gun this year, but I didn't see it very often, nor was it very accurate. With McCann low on the left and Martins on the right, last year's power play gave opposing defenses lots to worry about, giving folks like Farrell and Baird more room to operate down low and in the slot. During this season, they could concentrate on stopping Martins (who, to his credit, still was able to score quite a few PPG's). The goalie situation was possibly a big factor as well. Not only, IMO, was Israel the more consistent goalie, but this year Tracy got no rest...not being a goalie myself, I can't say how important having every other game off may be, but it may explain Tracy's erratic play this season. Not that the defense helped him any... So, last night I heard that Harvard has some top notch goalie recruit coming next year...anyone else hear similarly? Who else are the Crimson getting next year? Let's talk about the future now, and give us all something to hope for... Julian Chu / Gemini Consulting's C4 Lab \ | Phone: 617-252-0760 | | Fax: 617-252-3311 | \ E-mail: [log in to unmask] /