Saturday, January 13, 2018

Niskayuna-Schenectady @ LaSalle (hockey), 1/13/18

"It was a pretty good crowd for a Saturday."--Billy Joel, "Piano Man", 1973.

Indeed, Robert Conway Arena at Hudson Valley Community College was nearly full as LaSalle closed a 3-game homestand by entertaining Niskayuna-Schenectady tonight. As was the case Tuesday vs. "Guilderville", the skating Cadets had to feast on an opponent at the bottom of the CDHSHL to gain some momentum headed into a rematch next week vs. Shenendehowa.

About 6 1/2 minutes into the first period, senior forward Sam Brendese gave LaSalle the only goal they'd need, as he beat Mohawks netminder Jack LoRe to put the defending Section II champions up, 1-0. After a scoreless second period, the Cadets came roaring out of the gate in the third, scoring three times in 64 seconds.

First, it was Taylor Nitz beating LoRe, just 24 seconds into the period. 11 seconds later, Tom Ryan tallied his 11th goal of the season, but it came at a cost, as Nitz slid and crashed into the boards just as the goal was scored. Nitz was helped off the ice and didn't return. Have to assume he was undergoing concussion protocols, and as such, his status for the road game at Shen is questionable at this time. Then, nearly half a minute later, Christian Rudd lit the lamp to make it 4-0. Ryan Murray added an insurance goal, and senior goaltender Casey Boone registered a shutout, as LaSalle ran its winning streak to 3 in a row, 5-0.

If there is an Achilles' heel to the Cadets, it's a lack of discipline. Throughout the homestand, the disparity in penalties called was ridiculous. Tonight, the Mohawks were 0-6 on the power play, but LaSalle only had two power play chances, the last coming with under 10 seconds left in the game. As it is, LaSalle allowed only one power play goal in the three home games, that coming against "Guilderville" on Tuesday. The Cadets' penalty-killing unit has been spectacular, a big reason LaSalle entered play tonight 2 points behind front-running Bethlehem.

Up next for LaSalle will in fact be Shenendehowa on Wednesday night before returning home next Saturday for Cadets For Vets night vs. Shaker-Colonie. Face-off time will be a half-hour earlier than normal at 6:45, and all proceeds (tickets, concessions, etc.) will benefit the Albany Housing Coalition's House For Veterans.

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