Cornell 6 UQTR 3

[Trotsky]

I saw the puck skated into the offensive zone much more regularly than in the past where we would dump and chase. Same for the power play.

This seems to be the case in the exhibition games every year.  I don't know whether it's superior skill or conditioning.  If we're still doing in against UNH, well, OK then. ::rock::

[Towerroad]

I saw the puck skated into the offensive zone much more regularly than in the past where we would dump and chase. Same for the power play.

This seems to be the case in the exhibition games every year.  I don't know whether it's superior skill or conditioning.  If we're still doing in against UNH, well, OK then. ::rock::

Agreed

[ajh258]

I saw the puck skated into the offensive zone much more regularly than in the past where we would dump and chase. Same for the power play.

This seems to be the case in the exhibition games every year.  I don't know whether it's superior skill or conditioning.  If we're still doing in against UNH, well, OK then. ::rock::

There was more puck carrying in the offensive zone but there was a lot of dump and chase too. I would say the ratio of carry to dump is about 45-55, which is considerably more than last season. Also, it should be noted that most of the carrying happened during the first period when we outscored our opponent.

In addition, I don't think Schafer is going to let the team do this much carrying against UNH or ECAC opponents, but he might - we have to wait and see. The difference between the traditional style and being aggressive is evident in our scoring. I just hope that coach realizes sometimes a good offense actually makes up for a less than spectacular defense.

[Beeeej]

...we are definitely in the running for a top 4 finish in the ECAC, and perhaps another chance at defending the Cleary Cup.

Another chance at what, now?  The Cleary Cup is for a first-place regular season finish, something we haven't done since 2005.  The Whitelaw Trophy is what we won last season by spanking Union.

[ajh258]

...we are definitely in the running for a top 4 finish in the ECAC, and perhaps another chance at defending the Cleary Cup.

Another chance at what, now?  The Cleary Cup is for a first-place regular season finish, something we haven't done since 2005.  The Whitelaw Trophy is what we won last season by spanking Union.

::doh::

[Jim Hyla]

I saw the puck skated into the offensive zone much more regularly than in the past where we would dump and chase. Same for the power play.

This seems to be the case in the exhibition games every year.  I don't know whether it's superior skill or conditioning.  If we're still doing in against UNH, well, OK then. ::rock::

There was more puck carrying in the offensive zone but there was a lot of dump and chase too. I would say the ratio of carry to dump is about 45-55, which is considerably more than last season. Also, it should be noted that most of the carrying happened during the first period when we outscored our opponent.

In addition, I don't think Schafer is going to let the team do this much carrying against UNH or ECAC opponents, but he might - we have to wait and see. The difference between the traditional style and being aggressive is evident in our scoring. I just hope that coach realizes sometimes a good offense actually makes up for a less than spectacular defense.

But as had been mentioned, UQTR also changed their tactics, and I think that as much as anything changed the flow of the game.

[Trotsky]

I think we have a fairly good idea of what Schafer teams are. ;-)  He's not going to change significantly, ever.  It's build out from the net and open it up only to the degree that you are still secure behind the puck.  That's the girl what brung us.

[Towerroad]

I think we have a fairly good idea of what Schafer teams are. ;-)  He's not going to change significantly, ever.  It's build out from the net and open it up only to the degree that you are still secure behind the puck.  That's the girl what brung us.

It is hard to disagree. The "Schafer System" is what it is and it is unlikely to change, ever. It has brought us to where we are but I think there is a real question about whether it will keep us there or permit us to advance. It appears to me that the game is evolving and placing a higher emphasis on puck handling and speed. If we keep on doing what we have done so successfully in the past we risk standing still while others begin to play a new game.

[underskill]

I thought this convo was reserved for the end of year after disappointing NCAA loss.

[redice]

It appears to me that the game is evolving and placing a higher emphasis on puck handling and speed. If we keep on doing what we have done so successfully in the past we risk standing still while others begin to play a new game.

From my perspective, Cornell has evolved (somewhat) from the mid-90's.   The players we're seeing now are much much better puckhandlers than we were watching early in Schafer's tenure.   Think back to the first period of the Thursday night game...And, remember that that was the first period of the first game of the year...The puckhandling was pretty damned good...And, they definitely showed a lot of speed.   Granted, the opposition will not be confused with any of the great NCAA programs.   But, Cornell showed that they can throw the puck from player to player quite nicely.

[scoop85]

It appears to me that the game is evolving and placing a higher emphasis on puck handling and speed. If we keep on doing what we have done so successfully in the past we risk standing still while others begin to play a new game.

From my perspective, Cornell has evolved (somewhat) from the mid-90's.   The players we're seeing now are much much better puckhandlers than we were watching early in Schafer's tenure.   Think back to the first period of the Thursday night game...And, remember that that was the first period of the first game of the year...The puckhandling was pretty damned good...And, they definitely showed a lot of speed.   Granted, the opposition will not be confused with any of the great NCAA programs.   But, Cornell showed that they can throw the puck from player to player quite nicely.

I'm with you.

[Towerroad]

I will freely admit that this conversation is a bit premature and even silly. I was also impressed with the speed in the first period. After the first period though something changed. Either UQTR adapted to what we were doing or there was a conscious decision to revert to more standard Cornell Hockey.

Let's see what the first few weeks bring to see if there is any change in philosophy. Schafer is a very good coach and adapting with the game and even making other adapt to you is the hallmark of a great coach. Time will tell.

[Tom Lento]

I think we have a fairly good idea of what Schafer teams are. ;-)  He's not going to change significantly, ever.  It's build out from the net and open it up only to the degree that you are still secure behind the puck.  That's the girl what brung us.

It is hard to disagree. The "Schafer System" is what it is and it is unlikely to change, ever. It has brought us to where we are but I think there is a real question about whether it will keep us there or permit us to advance. It appears to me that the game is evolving and placing a higher emphasis on puck handling and speed. If we keep on doing what we have done so successfully in the past we risk standing still while others begin to play a new game.

People have been saying this for at least 10 years (although the incessant complaining around these parts didn't start until about 5 years ago, and it didn't get ridiculous until 2-3 years ago). They're partly right. The game has gotten faster. Skill levels have increased. The thing is, that's *also* happened at Cornell. You might not notice it because you watch the team every year, but you'll see it if you compare last year's ECAC title winning team to the 96-97 ECAC title winning team. The 96-97 team, as great as it was to watch, and as well as they executed, would have gotten crushed in the ECAC final four this year. If you don't believe me, look at how many of last year's players are in the AHL right now, and compare that with the total number from the 96-97 team. College hockey has gotten a lot better and a lot faster in the last 15 years, and Cornell is still competitive at the NCAA level. This should tell you something about what the coaching staff has accomplished since 1995, and whether or not "the system" works in a faster and more skilled version of the game.

If I were to believe the fans around these parts, the last 5 years has been a period in which the speed and skill of the game have been rapidly increasing to Cornell's detriment. In that span, the Big Red have been to 2 NCAA regional finals and made 1 additional NCAA tournament appearance. Two of those NCAA trips were in the last two years. Why don't we wait until Schafer actually, you know, fails before we start calling his approach to the game a failure?

[Robb]

Three of those NCAA trips were in the last two years.

Wow, I knew Schafer had a good system, but that IS quite an accomplishment!

[kicksave]

So whats the story with Chris Moulson?  His father says he's better than Matt was at this stage and two healthy scratches.  He scored in the Red/White scrimmage as a freshman and got very little playing time last year.  He looked good again in Red/White scrimmage and again no game time.  Is he on Schafer's s***-list?