The RMU Men's Ice Hockey team will face-off against the Niagara Purple Eagles tonight in the first round of the CHA playoffs at 7pm. Here are a few things to keep in mind for tonite's game:
Let's talk Hockey
RMU advanced to the CHA Final last year for the first time in school history, but fell 5-4 in an overtime loss to the Alabama Huntsville Chargers. RMU has an all-time record of 2-3 in CHA playoff action, but in the programs first two year, Niagara put a quick end to the Colonials' tournament run, knocking them off in both meetings.
RMU has an all-time record of 7-13-2 against Niagara, but in their last two games they have gone 0-2, with an overall record of 2-4-0 this season. The Colonials are 1-3-0 away from home against Niagara, and the Colonials have played against the Purple Eagles twice in the CHA Tournament and lost both games. Overall, RMU has an all-time record of 22-43-5 on the road, a record of 7-8-2 this season, putting them in the Finals, but only to fall short of the title.
Predictions
College Hockey News had this to say about their preview of tonite's match up:
"The Scoop: Robert Morris has been an inconsistent team this season, often scoring a lot of goals but then also giving up many as well. Case in point: the Colonials defeated Niagara 7-2 earlier this season but also lost to the Purple Eagles by scores of 7-2, 6-3, and 7-1. The defense for Robert Morris improved on the final weekend of the regular season, but Niagara may simply be too much for them to handle.
Prediction: Niagara wins"
USCHO.com had this to say:"No. 2 Niagara vs. No. 3 Robert Morris
The marquee game of the weekend no question. NU won the six-game season series with a sweep two weeks ago. RMU may not have lived up to expectations this year, but the tournament is a different animal. This game will come down to a battle of special teams and goaltending. The Purple Eagles have had success with both, but so have the Colonials. This game is hard to call, but the Purps end the careers of the 14 RMU seniors.
Pick: Niagara squeaks by."
My Views on the Game
Robert Morris has played strong in their final 10 games of the season, going 5-4-1 over that strecth (one loss came in an exhibition). This mark was much better than last season, as the Colonials went into the CHA Tournament on 4-5-1 record in their final 10 games, but only to catch fire against Bemidji State in the first round of the tournament, winning that game 7-5.
To do this right, the Colonials only have to improve on a few things, staying out of the penalty box, converting early on their power play opportunities, getting to the net more often then Niagara in the first period and consistent defense in front of Christan Boucher for the game. Clearing the puck on a PK, or on a strong offensive attack will be the key to this game for the Colonials.
Don't forget to watch the game LIVE on the B2 Networks. The game is about $6-$8, I will be tuning in, and I will have a full wrap up of the game once the final buzzer sounds.
LET'S GO COLONIALS!