Mark Rassell,
NORTHEASTERN, UNITED STATES ----
A tough two game road trip saw the Lions crossing borders (legally) and collecting tough road points (strategically). As expected, the big three lead the way both nights but it took some contributions from some depth players for the Lions to have the success they had this weekend.
Game One: Columbia @ STAC (8PM start time)
Final Score: 10-9 (Overtime) STAC
I spoke briefly (via twitter) with STAC coach Schuster and he said his main thoughts heading into Friday evenings match-up were not of the play on the ice but the man behind the bench. “While we don’t know who will win, Bruce Baker already wins best hair & best dressed coach in college hockey!” Captain Andy Dunn confirmed these comments by mentioning coach Bruce did have a sharp new three piece suit on for Friday’s game.
As for the on-ice play it seemed to be all Columbia early on as they jumped out to a 5-2 lead after one. It seems that STAC’s players used the intermission to have their eyes adjust to the brightness of coach Baker’s suit because early second period momentum allowed them to crawl back into the game. It was a back and forth affair in the third period as the game saw three lead changes, with the period ultimately ending tied at 9. Overtime was as electric as you would imagine it to be with Columbia stand-out freshman forward Dennis Franklin looking like he had the game on his stick only to be denied by STAC’s goalie. Immediately after a Columbia penalty, STAC went down the ice and scored the winner. Heartbreak for Columbia.
The highlight of the night for me came from goaltender Justin Paik, who in his first start of the season denied what looked like a sure goal off of a STAC 3 on 1. Another depth player that caught my eye was #29 Min Choi. Although Choi was held off the scoresheet, he was definitely a thorn in the STAC goalie’s side during his time on the second powerplay unit. The fan of the game was an unnamed STAC fan who could be heard audibly reminding STAC players that the point was open.
After the game STAC coach Schuster had this to say about keeping league leading scorer Andy Dunn to 0 goals: “He might not have scored a goal, but he was probably involved in most, if not all the goals for CU. Sometimes you don’t get the puck luck.” Behind the other bench Coach Baker had this to say: “How did you get into my house?”
The game was streamed live on Facebook by Columbia’s new Head of Multimedia Operations Chris Vasquez. Chris blames first game nerves for the first period being streamed sideways.
Game stats:
Dunn: 0 G 6 A
Vermette: 4 G 1 A
Franklin: 3 G 2 A
Goodman: 2G 2A
Foskett: 1 A
Game Two: Columbia @ WESTCONN (sometime in the afternoon, probably)
Final Score: 9-8 (Shootout) Columbia
Coach Baker was most likely elated after getting 3 out of a possible 4 points on the road this weekend. Especially with Columbia rookie forward Dennis Franklin out of the line-up for Sunday’s match. I’m not one to speculate but it was probably because he missed that glorious chance in overtime on Friday. Defenseman Chris Mendell was also inactive, as he lost track of time in an interview with Jimmy Fallon.
A come from behind win on the road is something a team can build a championship season around. And that is what happened last night in Danbury CT. “We were down the whole game. This team eats, drinks, and breathes resiliency, and it paid off for our group tonight” a clearly ecstatic Andy Dunn said post-game. Powerful words from a grizzled veteran who has seen his fair share of action in the MCHC.
Alex Killips got the start between the pipes last night and did everything he needed to do to earn the two points for his team. Killips turned aside three WestConn players and let Goodman and Dunn provide the offense to secure the win in the shootout.
The highlight of the game was definitely Killips magnificent glove save in the second period.
Game stats:
Dunn: 1 G 3 A
Vermette: 4 G 1 A
Goodman: 2G 3 A
Cardinale: 1 G
Lopez: 1 A
Goodman's 5 points may have been proof that he's the MCHC’s top defenseman this season. I know it's early, but this kid---known for wearing vests to any occasion---is undeniably lethal.
Vermette’s 4 goals last night bring him up to 12 on the season. Already surpassing his entire total last season. He set the bar high this season and is certainly exceeding it so far. If he continues this pace who knows how high he will go; somewhere in space, probably.
Mark Rassell is a Junior Reporter for the Columbia University Men’s Hockey Lions. Mark spends his lonely Friday nights watching Facebook streams of various MCHC hockey games. Please call me back, Shannon.
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