Cornell-Harvard ECAC title post-game thread

[Dafatone]

Our current power play strategy works when you have the pieces.  Last year, Cook developed an accurate slapshot, and Hynes was very effective in moving the puck around.  We don't have anyone to replace Cook's shot (O'Byrne and Bitz can't put the puck on net often enough.)  And Bitz, while improving greatly, doesn't move the puck like Hynes.  Maybe we need to shake up the lines about, though it's far too late to do so.  Put Mccutcheon on the first PP line?  He can create, move, and shoot.

Also, the charging call on Bitz was iffy.  Bitz was almost standing still before he delivered the hit.  But for a guy his size, he needs to learn to hit better.  He basically leaves his feet and dives at the player he's hitting, which draws crosschecking or charging calls often.  He should be lowering his shoulder and ramming someone, not diving at the guy.  His method is effective at knocking the opposing player down, but it draws too many penalties.

[Harrier]

When you get beat to the puck consistently, like CU did against Harvard, the other team will get the calls 100 percent of the time.  It is really that simple.  You can't dissect every call - the calls will go against you just as quickly as they aften go for you when you are dominating in the offensive zone.

Everyone should hope for Chris Abbott and the checking line return this weekend...if not it will be a very difficult fight to emerge from this bracket.

[cmoberg]

Harvard was very successful at stacking the area in front of the net. A big goalie and 2 defensemen left few shooting lanes. That allowed the other  2 Dmen to focus on us up high.  If our two outside low men do not charge the net from time to time, we will face this kind of defensive alignment more often.  That said, Scott did make some runs as did Molson.

We need to finish plays. Lots of good setup in the game, just no closer.

Chris

[nyc94]

[quote Dafatone]Another big factor were the NHL blue lines they have in Pepsi Arena.  Those favor the offensive game, which isn't us.  [/quote]

Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere.

INCH says that the Albany ice surface will be repainted for the regional.  They specifically mention removing the River Rats logos and advertising.  I assume they will put down college lines.

[Josh '99]

[quote nyc94][quote Dafatone]Another big factor were the NHL blue lines they have in Pepsi Arena.  Those favor the offensive game, which isn't us.  [/quote]

Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere.

INCH says that the Albany ice surface will be repainted for the regional.  They specifically mention removing the River Rats logos and advertising.  I assume they will put down college lines.[/quote]Are they gonna fix the boards?  ::rolleyes::

[KeithK]

The team was undisciplined in the first period.  McKee did not play well.  Harvard capitalized on their chances and in particular got the back breaker goal late in the second when we had gotten back in the game.

I suspect the team will play with a lot more poise on Saturday.  There's plenty of NCAA experience on the squad, so there shouldn't be much in the way of nerves and we're not playing a hated rival, so emotions should be under control.  One important thing will be reading the officials early to get a sense of what will be allowed.  We can't afford to get called for a bunch of early penalties trying to control Sertich and crew.