What to Watch For: Struggling SHU comes to Hamden

What to Watch For: Struggling SHU comes to Hamden

By Mark Spillane, QBSN Staff Writer

The Sacred Heart men’s ice hockey team comes to Hamden Friday at 7 p.m. fresh off of a 10-4 home loss to the Robert Morris Colonials last Saturday. On the season, the Pioneers are a dreadful 1-14-1, including a 0-9 record on the road with their only win coming against Yale at home on Nov. 22. 

As one might imagine, Sacred Heart sits in last place in the Atlantic Hockey Conference, with a goal differential of -47. Other negative statistics that jump out are the Pioneers’ goals against per game and the lack of productivity on special teams.  Thus far, they have allowed a whopping 5.18 goals per game, while converting on just under 10 percent of their power plays, and allowing goals on over 25 percent of their penalty kills.

Junior goalie Steven Legatto has a goals against average over five and a save percentage below .900. His defense, however, hasn’t helped him, as he has faced over 30 shots per game this season.

A couple of bright spots for the Pioneers are two upperclassmen forwards and Manitoba natives in senior Matt Gingera and junior Eric Delong. Each has 13 points on the year, with Gingera leading the team with eight goals, while Delong is tied for the team lead with his seven assists. The duo is supported by freshman Brian Sheehan, whose seven assists tie him for first with Delong.

Coutesy: quinnipiacbobcats.com

In what might seem like a tune-up for Sunday, the Bobcats come into this game winning two of their last three, including a thrilling victory over RPI last Saturday on a missile off the stick of Yuri Bouharevich (Montreal, Quebec). Quinnipiac is looking to carry that momentum into this very winnable game against the Pioneers.

The Bobcats are off to a strong start in December, with a 1-0-1 record at home, improving their home ice record to 6-1-2 on the year. It will be interesting to see whether the Bobcats will have their twin offensive stars, sophomores Connor and Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia). Knowing the Pioneers struggles, particularly on the road, Bobcats head coach Rand Pecknold may elect to play it safe and let the brothers rest, but a return would certainly bolster an offense that seems a bit less explosive without them.

Key For the Bobcats:

The Bobcats need to stay out of the box and play their game at even strength. It is clear who the stronger team is, and there is no reason for Quinnipiac to offer any extra opportunities to the struggling Pioneers. The Bobcats also need to get out to a fast start and get on the board first; allowing Sacred Heart to keep it close could result in a surprising outcome, but an early lead could crush the Pioneer morale and force them to give up mentally.

Key For the Pioneers:

The Pioneers need to capitalize on every equal or man advantage opportunity that presents itself. The Bobcats have the ability to overpower them in so many ways, and chances will not be very abundant. Like Quinnipiac, the Pioneers must avoid the penalty box, as they will find it difficult enough stopping the Bobcats offense five-on-five, let alone on the penalty kill. The third and final key for Sacred Heart is to keep the game close. As mentioned, the Pioneers may crack if they fall behind early; however, keeping the score within reach will keep them motivated to steal their first road win this season.