Swoop Zone Recaps

Eagles Hang Tough With Windsor For A While:

TEAM:	FIRST PERIOD	SECOND PERIOD	THIRD PERIOD	FINAL SCORE:
Eastern Michigan	2(10)	1(8)	1(10)	4(28)
Windsor University	2(14)	3(8)	2(15)	7(37)

Ann Arbor, MI- In the first game of the new year, the Eagles of Eastern Michigan fell to the Windsor Lancers 7-4, in a very two-sided game. This was the Eagles chance to get back into the winning mood, but it didn't turn out that way.

The first period started off very well for EMU as they scored two goals in the first 11:00 of the game. They looked a lot sharper and quicker than they did at the end of 2001. The play seemed inspired, seemed very impressive and I figured that EMU was in a good position to win this game. I was wrong. Windsor then started to press Eastern Michigan with constant pressure and scored two goals to tie the game up very quickly. Eastern was on their heels at the end of the first period, but were still tied 2-2.

The second period saw Windsor take two more goals off of starting goalie Jake Pruss. Jake Pruss was then replaced with Sam Horton for the rest of the game. I could only blame one goal as his fault. The EMU defense was on their heels and allowed for Windsor to get several shots directly in the slot. Horton made a lot of wonderful plays. Eastern did score one goal to get the game to 4-3, but Windsor made it 5-3 before the period was up.

The third period saw some very lackluster action except for some wonderful saves by the EMU Goalie and the Windsor goalie. EMU then scored their 4th and final goal of the evening on a wonderful deflection directly in front of the net by Mike Kellermeyer. The puck was shot directly at the net, and he just redirected it in. It seemed like EMU was on the comeback trail. Then disaster struck. =( One of the two VanderGeest brothers shot the puck directly in front of the blue line and the puck snuck right by Horton, to give Windsor their insurance goal. Windsor added a seventh for good measure.

Eastern early on seemed very intrigued in this game, and seemed like they had the chance to really gain control. It was a much better form of strategy for the Eagles since they finally scored a goal in the first period! They need to continue to maintain this aggressiveness for the rest of the year, and gain a quick lead. However, this aggressiveness must be maintained throughout the ENTIRE GAME. Eastern for the rest of the game looked to be in a shell, perhaps in awe of the Windsor speed and amazing passing.

This was a very sharp team from Canada, and Eastern hopefully learned a few lessons from it. I did not see much wrong with the way they played, and the VanderGeest's just dominated at periods throughout the game. Impressive. Eastern will hopefully show some more fire and willingness to fight against their in-state rivals of Western Michigan.

Looking Ahead:
Eastern Michigan looks to get off the 2 game losing streak against Western Michigan up at the Optimist Ice Arena in Jackson, Michigan tomorrow.

Until next time, Go Green.

Kevin's Grades-

Offense- B-
Reasoning: The offense did a lot of really creative things. The second goal for Eastern Michigan was one of the most beautiful plays they've done all year. The Eastern player brought the puck up to the goal and passed it to the corner, where they struck at the net banging it home. However, the passing was still not as crisp at it should be. There were also several instances in which Eastern was setting up their plays for the opponents or my favorite player, the one that doesn't exist. They just didn't seem in sync again, but their creativity is to be commended.

Defense- C-
Reasoning: The defense didn't protect the goalies at all. The best defense on this evening was played by the goalies. Disappointing. I also noted several different instances in which three EMU players would converge on one point, with Windsor just simply passing the puck to the slot and Windsor would have a free shot on the goal. It seems that EMU needs to be worried about trying to intercept the passing lanes that their opponents were using. This could lead to fast break and breakaway opportunities for Eastern to strike on the goal. Also, the area in front of the crease of the goal was NOT protected, the two defensemen should be protecting it. Just a couple of things I noticed, but bottom line it's simple: The Defense MUST Improve.

Power Play/Penalty Kill- C-
Short Handed Goal.. Two Short-Handed Goals Given Up. Not good.

Goalkeeping- B+
Two goals were given up that shouldn't of been, but again the goalies weren't the fault of this game.

Overall: C+
Reasoning: Thank god it was an exhibition game.

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