Scouting next week's opponent

[FireKnight]

The Notre Dame-BGSU contest is currently on the NHL Network and supposedly tomorrow's game is as well. So far, after 1 period, the Irish lead the Falcons 1-0. The Falcons look a lot like Clarkson, speedy team that isn't creating a lot of scoring opportunities.

[Bill]

The Notre Dame-BGSU contest is currently on the NHL Network and supposedly tomorrow's game is as well. So far, after 1 period, the Irish lead the Falcons 1-0. The Falcons look a lot like Clarkson, speedy team that isn't creating a lot of scoring opportunities.
Game over ND - 3, BG - 1. ND with an empty net goal at the end.
BG hitting impressed me, although they were very careless with the puck, several turnovers at neutral ice and their own blueline. Goalie bailed them out several times. Games next week will be very tough on us in their building.
Also, ND did not look like the #1 team in the country toknight.

[FireKnight]

I'll agree Bill. Watching the whole game, I still think they look a lot like Clarkson. Similar speed, probably some more hitting, also a lot of careless stick work and turnovers. Should be an interesting match.

Agreed that Notre Dame did not look like a #1. They were outworked quite a bit along the boards and allowed BGSU to do a lot of skating in open ice. The Falcons had some better scoring chances in the 2nd and 3rd but just couldn't find the twine.

The game got a little chippy at the end and there was a bit of yapping from both teams. Should make for an interesting game in South Bend tomorrow. I'm betting the Irish come out and put up the first 3, but that's just me.

[Bill]

Saturday score ND - 4, BG - 3 in ND's building. BG went down 1-4 going into the 3rd, but scored 2 PP goals in the 3rd on 13 shots to come close.
If anyone thinks next week is going to be anything but very tough for us, think again.:(

[vicb]

Saturday score ND - 4, BG - 3 in ND's building. BG went down 1-4 going into the 3rd, but scored 2 PP goals in the 3rd on 13 shots to come close.
If anyone thinks next week is going to be anything but very tough for us, think again.:(

The fans of any team with a 2-8-3 record are dillusional if they think any game will be a leisurely Sunday Skate.

[Knights16Golden]

Don't short us that one point in the tie vs. Colgate :p....
2-8-4

[CLKnIgHts21]

Just so everyone knows this Friday's game will be televised on the NHL Network.

[Knights16Golden]

Friday's game starts at 7:05 and Saturday's starts at 5:05

[Bill]

BTW: If you think BG is going to be a tough go, the next opponent is the Redhawks, who wiped out RIP last weekend by 3-1 and 7-1. They are presently a top ranked (#4 or so) team, so it doesn't get any easier......:rolleyes:

[endtoend]

Where is all the senior leadership on this team? Injuries aside, somebody has got step up! This sitting around and feeling sorry for themselves stuff and having low confidence has got to stop. We have 8 NHL'ers on this team, more than most of our opponents have on average, but do not play like a team. It reminds me of some of the previous years USA World Junior squads which had some of the best talent on paper, but did not play like a team and came home with nothing. I know we lost a lot of talent from last years team but we still have very talented players, and our current upperclassmen must utilize what they learned from those departed players and start producing. I really think if this team does not turn things around in some fashion by the end of the Ohio Classic, that Coach Roll should start playing the Freshman and Sophmores predominantly and look to the future with an experienced well seasoned squad. What do we have to lose.......

[daredevilcu]

Everybody makes the playoffs in the ECAC. We can finish 12th and still make the NCAAs... it'll just be harder. Think back to 2003-2004 -- lowest finish in 30 years and came within 40 seconds of taking the ECAC Championship to overtime and possibly making the NCAAs, going through the HARDEST place to play in the nation at that time on the way. Hell, half of Cornell fans don't even admit that series happened. Anything can happen, and throwing in the towel is a sure way to guarantee that it won't come playoffs.

[zeke meister]

Everybody makes the playoffs in the ECAC. We can finish 12th and still make the NCAAs... it'll just be harder. Think back to 2003-2004 -- lowest finish in 30 years and came within 40 seconds of taking the ECAC Championship to overtime and possibly making the NCAAs, going through the HARDEST place to play in the nation at that time on the way. Hell, half of Cornell fans don't even admit that series happened. Anything can happen, and throwing in the towel is a sure way to guarantee that it won't come playoffs.

You can flunk all your prelims and midterms and still get an A at Clarkson, so I guess I see where you are coming from. :D

And on another note, when you mention throwing in the towel you seem to be giving the message board a bit more credit for the team's success (uh, sorry I mean failure) than it deserves.

That being said, would you like white terrycloth or a nice bleeding madras?

[vicb]

Sigh

The Good
At least we did not get shut out.
Injured players are back

The Not So Good
One goal a game is not gonna win anything
The return of the injured aren't making any difference in the end results.
4 goals given up again. Way too many. Where is the defense????

One more game left in 2008. Thank God.

[KnightsFan]

Where is all the senior leadership on this team? Injuries aside, somebody has got step up! This sitting around and feeling sorry for themselves stuff and having low confidence has got to stop. We have 8 NHL'ers on this team, more than most of our opponents have on average, but do not play like a team. It reminds me of some of the previous years USA World Junior squads which had some of the best talent on paper, but did not play like a team and came home with nothing. I know we lost a lot of talent from last years team but we still have very talented players, and our current upperclassmen must utilize what they learned from those departed players and start producing. I really think if this team does not turn things around in some fashion by the end of the Ohio Classic, that Coach Roll should start playing the Freshman and Sophmores predominantly and look to the future with an experienced well seasoned squad. What do we have to lose.......

In my opinion - a few of the NHL Draft picks are part of the problem and need to be sat. Certainly some come to play every game, but others are not putting in near the effort of the non-drafted players. You are all but guaranteed to see all eight in the lineup every night barring injuries, regardless of the prior nights performance. Its like they get a free pass while others don't. Clarkson has all the talent they need - but do not operate as a team. We do achieve some success but only as a series of spotty individual efforts. I would sit any player that did not show 110% effort on the battle for loose pucks and working the boards, regardless of draft status. Cornell really impressed me in this regard.

Although the defense looked poor last night, we can't win while only scoring one goal. We cannot maintain control in the offensive zone so the majority of the work falls to the defense.

Perhaps changes to Roll's systems are necessary. But to win in the ECAC - you have to work very hard in any system (think Brandon Defazio) and I'm not seeing that in many of the players.

[FireKnight]

While I understand what y'all are saying about leadership and agree that it seems we have none, what the HELL is going on on the ice. Sometimes bounces don't go your way, we all understand that, but these kids are skating around out there completely lost. Passes don't connect, the defense looks horrible, we aren't winning battles for the puck, and when the rare bounce does go our way, we aren't converting. Heck, we had a 2 on 1 last night and Bellows took the shot instead of passing. I think Adam has been one of our most improved players this year, but he should be the last one shooting on a 2 on 1.

There's not one aspect of the game that is working properly at this moment. You can blame that on senior leadership and a young team as much as you want, but at some point you have to look at the coaching. Maybe "the system" just isn't working or maybe it's too much for this team right now. Maybe they need to go to basics and then get better in baby steps.

[vicb]

Sigh

The Good
At least we did not get shut out.
Injured players are back

The Not So Good
One goal a game is not gonna win anything
The return of the injured aren't making any difference in the end results.
.

See the above from last knight Plus

The Not So Good
Healthy scratch: Shea Guthrie
Bowling Green Scores on a 5 on 3 PP within a few seconds of a faceoff
Clarkson goes 0-8 on the PP and has a full 2 min 5 on 3 and fails to register a shot on goal :rolleyes:

I must say from Bob's call of the game that the Referees did everything to try to give the game to Bowling Green. Numerous missed calls against Bowling Green and numerous Bogus calls against Clarkson. But this team is just snakebit, bad whatever you want to say. The longest non-winning streak in the history of the Clarkson program and it's not likely to be ended over New Years against Miami. Clarkson's locker room is closed after the end of the game and no interview with Coach Roll :( .

Merry Christmas everyone and may Santa bring some goals to the team in the coming year.

[FireKnight]

I didn't stick around to the end because I had a Christmas Party to get to, but another "good" seems to be LaVeau's play in goal. I don't know if he's going to be strong enough to become a tandem with Karpowich like we had with Currie and Rogles, but he's definitely no slouch between the pipes.

[ursaminor]

Merry Christmas everyone and may Santa bring some goals to the team in the coming year. You do still have two games left with RPI. They may turn out to be the same snorefests that the MTU-NMU series was this weekend. :(

[Stemmer]

True, we lost a lot of talent in last year's senior class. But far more important than that is the true leadership we lost.

This team is showing a lot of negatives, the kinds of things that you see in losing teams who just don't embrace what it takes to win. Until that attitude changes, all the NHL draft choices in the world won't help us get back on track.

GK, one thing here on the 2 on 1. Making the pass on a 2 on 1 is not always the best play, regardless of the shooter's strength of shot. There are more factors to consider. Bellows did not necessarily make the wrong play. ;)

[Stemmer]

You do still have two games left with RPI. They may turn out to be the same snorefests that the MTU-NMU series was this weekend. :(

Not sure if I'm gonna brave the weather to make my almost annual trip to the 'Tute. :rolleyes:

[vicb]

From todays Watertown Dailey Times article about the season:

"We haven't learned how to win yet," Roll said. "If we don't soon, it's going to be a long season."

Coach, it already is a looooooooooooooooooong season. :(

[Loveforknights!]

Where is all the senior leadership on this team? Injuries aside, somebody has got step up! This sitting around and feeling sorry for themselves stuff and having low confidence has got to stop. We have 8 NHL'ers on this team, more than most of our opponents have on average, but do not play like a team. It reminds me of some of the previous years USA World Junior squads which had some of the best talent on paper, but did not play like a team and came home with nothing. I know we lost a lot of talent from last years team but we still have very talented players, and our current upperclassmen must utilize what they learned from those departed players and start producing. I really think if this team does not turn things around in some fashion by the end of the Ohio Classic, that Coach Roll should start playing the Freshman and Sophmores predominantly and look to the future with an experienced well seasoned squad. What do we have to lose.......

Hi there endtoend,
I think what you are saying is partially true, one or two people can not carry the team. Don't sit there and blame it on the seniors. No one, not even me can fully judge this team because you aren't out there. From my stand point, we are the peanut gallery and are fortunate to have a place for our opinion. I think if you want to judge and point the finger I better see you lacing up next game. You say the freshmen should be played more frequently, what do you think they are going to do? Like do you think they're going to turn around the team? If you think that, you definitely have another thing coming right at you. And when you say, what do we have to lose, you have nothing to lose at all, in all fairness, but how about you stop being so selfish and think of the team. Think of the seniors or juniors who have numbered games left with Clarkson, they are the ones who are going to lose. I know for a fact you'd be really ticked off if a team as a whole was doing poorly and people blamed it on you and said to sit you and finished it off with what do we have to lose. Like seriously don't be so selfish, and start thinking of others. They have a lot to lose, just think about it.

[lindsayrose]

Hi there endtoend,
...Don't sit there and blame it on the seniors. No one, not even me can fully judge this team because you aren't out there...And when you say, what do we have to lose, you have nothing to lose at all, in all fairness, but how about you stop being so selfish and think of the team. Think of the seniors or juniors who have numbered games left with Clarkson, they are the ones who are going to lose. I know for a fact you'd be really ticked off if a team as a whole was doing poorly and people blamed it on you and said to sit you and finished it off with what do we have to lose. Like seriously don't be so selfish, and start thinking of others. They have a lot to lose, just think about it.

For someone not judging, you sure are judging a lot. Endtoend's (valid) point is that if the upperclassmen cannot play as a team, then we should look to the future of the Clarkson hockey program and start developing the younger players. The good of the program is what matters, and those guys should know that. If their playing time is more important, that's "selfish" and they don't belong on a team.

Coach Roll needs to determine what will get us winning again. If that means sitting juniors and seniors who can't seem to play well with others, so be it.

[Loveforknights!]

For someone not judging, you sure are judging a lot. Endtoend's (valid) point is that if the upperclassmen cannot play as a team, then we should look to the future of the Clarkson hockey program and start developing the younger players. The good of the program is what matters, and those guys should know that. If their playing time is more important, that's "selfish" and they don't belong on a team.

Coach Roll needs to determine what will get us winning again. If that means sitting juniors and seniors who can't seem to play well with others, so be it.

Im not judging at all, im just replying. I understand where you are coming from as well and I know that the team as a whole isnt playing well, and thats the thing with collegiate hockey, they have years like that, but no one complained about them last year, its just that they dont gel, and there really isnt anything anyone can do about it right? If you dont gel with someone, or some people its just not going to work. Its hard to watch them lose, but there's nothing we can really do about it from our standpoint. Also, I think its important to stay out of the penalty box, its like a second home for some of them.

[endtoend]

For Love of the Knights,
Just so you know, I have "laced up the skates" in my lifetime and often thought that anyone who has not done so, probably should never criticize any players on the ice because they can not understand what it is truly like to be out there. That said , You missed the point of my post. Only the Coaches judgements are the ones that matter anyways and thus my thoughts have no real bearing as to who plays and who does not, with no "selfishness" intended as you might deem. Overall, I understand that the upperclassmen in the lineup are essential to success in most college programs . I think there all great guys, especially on paper, and would defend any them on most aspects. The unfortunate thing is at this level (D-1), it is like a "JOB" for these players and as such occasionally get treated to some harsh realities at times. As this season dwindles down the coaches have got to stop pushing the panic button every week and try and restore some continuity to the lineup and allow some players to step up whether that be seniors, juniors, sophmores, or freshmen. A majority of scoring has come from the underclassmen and that is why I looked at maybe starting to turn this thing around with them . I never said stop playing the seniors, I believe my choice of words pertaining to the underclassmen was predominately and not exclusively. Obviously our Star players, seniors or not will be in the lineup the majority of the time as we truly can not afford to be with out them. This all said we still need to find leadership. Sorry for another long winded post......

[Loveforknights!]

For Love of the Knights,
Just so you know, I have "laced up the skates" in my lifetime and often thought that anyone who has not done so, probably should never criticize any players on the ice because they can not understand what it is truly like to be out there. That said , You missed the point of my post. Only the Coaches judgements are the ones that matter anyways and thus my thoughts have no real bearing as to who plays and who does not, with no "selfishness" intended as you might deem. Overall, I understand that the upperclassmen in the lineup are essential to success in most college programs . I think there all great guys, especially on paper, and would defend any them on most aspects. The unfortunate thing is at this level (D-1), it is like a "JOB" for these players and as such occasionally get treated to some harsh realities at times. As this season dwindles down the coaches have got to stop pushing the panic button every week and try and restore some continuity to the lineup and allow some players to step up whether that be seniors, juniors, sophmores, or freshmen. A majority of scoring has come from the underclassmen and that is why I looked at maybe starting to turn this thing around with them . I never said stop playing the seniors, I believe my choice of words pertaining to the underclassmen was predominately and not exclusively. Obviously our Star players, seniors or not will be in the lineup the majority of the time as we truly can not afford to be with out them. This all said we still need to find leadership. Sorry for another long winded post......

Yes I totally understand what you mean and I agree. I think its just frustrating for a lot of them, I know its frustrating for me when nothing goes right on the ice. I just pray that in the next couple of games Clarkson will turn it around and we'll see a good rest of the season.
And there's nothing wrong with a long post.
Happy Holidays :)

[Knights16Golden]

Look on the bright side....
Last time we played Miami we beat them 4-2 at Cheel.

LET'S GO TECH!!!!

[Bill]

I never said stop playing the seniors, I believe my choice of words pertaining to the underclassmen was predominately and not exclusively.
Well, I did note that Guthrie was a healthy scratch for last Saturday Knight's game, so someone must agree with some of what you say.......

[FireKnight]

Obviously I don't sit and watch practice and even less so do I know what's going on on the ice, but each point of view mentioned in this thread has its merit. I haven't coached or played hockey, but having coached youth baseball, I can tell you what I would do with a losing team. I would sit them down and tell them that there are no "givens" in the lineup. They have 2 weeks now to prove themselves and when they hit the ice on January 2, the 20 hardest working kids would be on the ice. If there are kids out there going through the motions in practice or during games, they will take a back seat to the kids who are putting forth the best effort.

There is something to the phrase, "I can lose with you, I can sure as heck lose without you." And there is also something to be said about the effort that high energy players bring to the ice. Last year, I thought that player was Dan Tuttle, lost amongst the stars of the 2007-08 team full of stars and a great senior class, Danny's effort could be seen on the ice every shift and he went from a role player/scratch to an important part of our PK and even some PP time. I've seen the same type of effort from Marshall this year in limited playing time.

[goldenknighter]

FireKnight, this is the entire problem with this chat board. You say that everyone's input has merit. Well you just showed us that you have no merit by telling us that you have never once played or coached a single ice hockey game. Then you go around on the chat board and criticize players all of the time. What allows you to say who is good and who isn't or who is working and who isnt. College hockey is a much different game then coaching youth baseball. You need to understand that you are a paying fan who sits and watches, that is what you are supposed to do JUST SIT AND WATCH, you don't need to be on here criticizing people that you don't know or know anything about what they are doing

[FireKnight]

FireKnight, this is the entire problem with this chat board. You say that everyone's input has merit. Well you just showed us that you have no merit by telling us that you have never once played or coached a single ice hockey game. Then you go around on the chat board and criticize players all of the time. What allows you to say who is good and who isn't or who is working and who isnt. College hockey is a much different game then coaching youth baseball. You need to understand that you are a paying fan who sits and watches, that is what you are supposed to do JUST SIT AND WATCH, you don't need to be on here criticizing people that you don't know or know anything about what they are doing

If you don't like it, you are free to leave. You are correct, this is a chat board and that's what we are here to do. With the possible exception of dumb off the ice incidents, I have never criticized a player's personality or his commitment. With the exception of the few players that I've actually met and talked to, I know very little about them personally. I'd say 99% of our hockey graduates have become fine men in whatever field they choose and are great ambassadors for the University, and for that I am proud.

However, I have watched enough hockey where I can make a lot of criticism and a lot of compliments. I have every right to my opinion that (for example) we take too many dumb penalties. I can generally tell good plays from bad plays; I can also generally discern effort from lack thereof.

Of course, I have been wrong and I have been corrected on here by those that know a lot more than me about the game. Sometimes we even argue. I've had some arguments with endtoend, but I'm quite certain he knows more about the game than I do but our opinions don't necessarily meet.

If you don't agree with my opinion that we need something to change this team and that changes come from energy, then tell me you don't agree and what you think might help. I'm just saying that sometimes the 20 most talented players may not be the 20 best players for the ice on any particular night.

[endtoend]

I've had some arguments with endtoend, but I'm quite certain he knows more about the game than I do but our opinions don't necessarily meet.

Fireknight - I would like to think of them as "friendly disagreements":D -and that we have come to respect each other's opinions, even if, as you say, our opinions aren't always the same

[BonesawIsReady]

Do we even have enough healthy players on the team for Coach Roll to sit the ones he feels aren't putting enough effort in?

[Drew]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Players, Parents, Alumni and fans of Tech.
Peace,
Drew

[Todd '86]

I second that, Drew. Merry Christmas!

[ecacwatcher]

Is Santa delivering another goalie or will the Knights go with two?

[FireKnight]

Happy holidays to everybody here and the entire Clarkson family. We can put aside everything for a couple of days and just be glad for all the things we have. Then, we can hope for that click and a second half where we kick butt all the way to DC. :D

[vicb]

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good Knight.

[ursaminor]

Happy holidays to everybody here and the entire Clarkson family. We can put aside everything for a couple of days and just be glad for all the things we have. Then, we can hope for that click and a second half where we kick butt all the way to DC. :D

Dartmouth College? :D