Cornell @ Clarkson 2017-02-18

[Trotsky]

The persistent penalty bug notwithstanding, why is it that we repeatedly seem to go into scramble/collapse/panic/survival (take your pick) mode in period number three??

::thud::

It is pretty sweet, though, that despite not playing well the only thing between us and beating a decent team on the feared North Country trip on their senior night with our defense devastated by injury was one failed clearing pass.

I know we didn't play well, but in past years anything short of a perfect effort would have caused us to be blown out under those circumstances.  We've come a long way in a short time.

[Hooking]

I was not able to see this game and the comments on the game do not give a clear picture of why Cornell did not defeat Clarkson when they defeated a ranked opponent the previous night? All the numbers and statistics indicate Clarkson should not have been so even a match. Did any one problem stand out, such as defensive strategy, offensive strategy, short depth, or conditioning? It's not possible to address a problem until you identify it, and problems by definition repeat themselves.

[Beeeej]

I was not able to see this game and the comments on the game do not give a clear picture of why Cornell did not defeat Clarkson when they defeated a ranked opponent the previous night? All the numbers and statistics indicate Clarkson should not have been so even a match. Did any one problem stand out, such as defensive strategy, offensive strategy, short depth, or conditioning? It's not possible to address a problem until you identify it, and problems by definition repeat themselves.

I think our comments on the game paint a very clear picture. Our defensemen literally fell down once and literally handed over the puck once, leading to two Clarkson goals, and that's the difference.

[andyw2100]

I think our comments on the game paint a very clear picture. Our defensemen literally fell down once and literally handed over the puck once, leading to two Clarkson goals, and that's the difference.

Is it just me, or did McCarron make a mistake in trying to pick up the puck carrier when Kaldis fell, leaving his man completely open to receive the backdoor pass, and leaving Gillam hung out to dry? I realize it was a split-second decision, so I'm not posting to berate McCarron. It just seemed to me that the "correct" play in that situation would have been to stay on his man, and give Gillam a chance to block the shot if the puck handler takes it.

[Beeeej]

I think our comments on the game paint a very clear picture. Our defensemen literally fell down once and literally handed over the puck once, leading to two Clarkson goals, and that's the difference.

Is it just me, or did McCarron make a mistake in trying to pick up the puck carrier when Kaldis fell, leaving his man completely open to receive the backdoor pass, and leaving Gillam hung out to dry? I realize it was a split-second decision, so I'm not posting to berate McCarron. It just seemed to me that the "correct" play in that situation would have been to stay on his man, and give Gillam a chance to block the shot if the puck handler takes it.

Yes, the standard in a 2-on-1 situation is the goalie stays focused on the primary potential shooter and the defenseman stays with the other forward to try to cut off a pass or one-timer. That goal was a total defensive breakdown.

[RichH]

I was not able to see this game and the comments on the game do not give a clear picture of why Cornell did not defeat Clarkson when they defeated a ranked opponent the previous night? All the numbers and statistics indicate Clarkson should not have been so even a match. Did any one problem stand out, such as defensive strategy, offensive strategy, short depth, or conditioning? It's not possible to address a problem until you identify it, and problems by definition repeat themselves.

One thing that came to mind during the game was how few grade-A scoring chances both teams had. It's almost like the two coaches had a rather deep knowledge of each other's plays, styles, and tendencies for some reason...

I like what Cornell showed me in the 3rd as they found a way to get the two late goals they needed. But they still couldn't kill off the last 3:00 to seal it. Someone missed a good chance to clear the zone and deHaas made a textbook ECAC deflection shot right after it. I like our odds of locking down the final minutes with a lead more often than not, but this year hasn't been as automatic as in past years. Thin defensive corps?

[Dafatone]

I think it's the d-line injuries.  Defensemen falling over left and right, bad clears.  Looks like they get tired.

[Jim Hyla]

I was not able to see this game and the comments on the game do not give a clear picture of why Cornell did not defeat Clarkson when they defeated a ranked opponent the previous night? All the numbers and statistics indicate Clarkson should not have been so even a match. Did any one problem stand out, such as defensive strategy, offensive strategy, short depth, or conditioning? It's not possible to address a problem until you identify it, and problems by definition repeat themselves.

One thing that came to mind during the game was how few grade-A scoring chances both teams had. It's almost like the two coaches had rather deep knowledge of each other's plays & styles...

I like what Cornell showed me in the 3rd. They found a way to get the two late goals they needed, but couldn't kill off the last 3:00 to seal it. Someone missed a good chance to clear the zone and deHaas made a textbook ECAC deflection shot right after it. I like our odds of locking down the final minutes with a lead more often than not, but this year hasn't been as automatic as in past years. Thin defensive corps?

Very thin!!!!! It will be our problem for the rest of the year.

Interestingly, it looks like we can skate offensively with the rest of the league (Out of league it's tough to say. We didn't play the best teams, but I'd guess we can't stay with the top offensive teams.), but defensively we've got problems. I think it's due to the thin ranks,  but how do you know?

In years past, when we had a clamp down defense, I thought we had a chance against the top teams. Now the question will be, can the defense play well enough to give the offense a chance to win.

Regardless, they are generally fun to watch.

By the way, what's happened to all those coach must go, he can't change, complainers. Have they really seen the light?

[Johnny 5]

I think it's the d-line injuries.  Defensemen falling over left and right, bad clears.  Looks like they get tired.

Maybe the forwards need to work on skating backwards??

::whistle::

[marty]

I think it's the d-line injuries.  Defensemen falling over left and right, bad clears.  Looks like they get tired.

Maybe the forwards need to work on skating backwards??

::whistle::

As opposed to drinking down at "The Creaker"? Maybe you have some drills to suggest too?

I think it's amazing the D is doing as well as it is. As for my skating advice, I'm wondering if someone can help me tighten the laces. ::O:

[Johnny 5]

I think it's the d-line injuries.  Defensemen falling over left and right, bad clears.  Looks like they get tired.

Maybe the forwards need to work on skating backwards??

::whistle::

As opposed to drinking down at "The Creaker"? Maybe you have some drills to suggest too?

I think it's amazing the D is doing as well as it is. As for my skating advice, I'm wondering if someone can help me tighten the laces. ::O:

Twelve ounce curls do wonders for the forearms, but make skating backwards a bit problematic.

::drunk::

[Hooking]

I still do not understand why the Cornell defense prevailed against a superior team and allegedly broke down against a considerably weaker team 24 hours later? I also read here that the Cornell offense was unable to cope with the Yale forecheck and was unable to deal with a similar Clarkson forecheck. If accurate, these reports indicate organizational rather than individual problems.

[Beeeej]

I still do not understand why the Cornell defense prevailed against a superior team and allegedly broke down against a considerably weaker team 24 hours later? I also read here that the Cornell offense was unable to cope with the Yale forecheck and was unable to deal with a similar Clarkson forecheck. If accurate, these reports indicate organizational rather than individual problems.

Before I dive head-first into the trap of actually answering your question, let me make sure I understand it:

You are unable to comprehend how the results of a game are not always in line with the mathematical expectations based on results of prior games? Is that about right?

[Dafatone]

Trolling and ridiculousness aside, Clarkson's a pretty solid team this year.

[Al DeFlorio]

I still do not understand why the Cornell defense prevailed against a superior team and allegedly broke down against a considerably weaker team 24 hours later? I also read here that the Cornell offense was unable to cope with the Yale forecheck and was unable to deal with a similar Clarkson forecheck. If accurate, these reports indicate organizational rather than individual problems.

Before I dive head-first into the trap of actually answering your question, let me make sure I understand it:

You are unable to comprehend how the results of a game are not always in line with the mathematical expectations based on results of prior games? Is that about right?

Best answer. Question was nonsensical.