We need to win tonight.
by wearendhockey (2019-02-02 09:55:43)

No, the chances for an NCAA bid will not evaporate if the Irish fall short again in Columbus. No one in the league is so bad that wins won't improve our RPI, but other than Ohio State the rest of the B1G is mediocre enough right now that losses will have a pretty deleterious effect on our standing in the PWR. But I really want to see a win because I want to know the team can beat a really good team that is playing well. OSU is now 8-1-2 in their last 11 games, and good teams playing well is what you run into in late March. A loss tonight and my optimism about this team's chances beyond the regular season won't be too evident.

By my count we've only played 7 games against teams in front of us in the PWR and we're only 2-5 in those games. Confidence goes a long way and the Irish need to know they can beat a very good team. Unless and until the NCAAs are in the future, OSU is far and away the best team -- and the only really good team -- left on the docket. With Cam Morrison and Cal Burke back in the lineup the team is as complete as it will be the rest of the year. Tonight needs to be the night we see what the potential is.

It won't be easier either as the Saturday night half of the OSU goalie tandem will be between the pipes, and while Sean Romeo is a good goalie having a pretty good year, Tommy Nappier is 2nd in the NCAA in GAA, and save and winning percentage. He's lost just once all year and given up more than 2 goals in a game just 2 times all year. The good new? He gave up 4 goals in his most recent start. And that loss? It was to Notre Dame.


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