Ann Arbor, Michigan- Regardless of the sport, there are always teams or styles of play that cause a certain team trouble. For example, a team built on strength can be hampered by a team that is based entirely on speed. Tonight was an example of how one team's style can hamper another and cause the other problems. The Lindenwood Lions completed the season sweep over the Eastern Michigan Eagles with an impressive 4-1 victory, which matched the identical total from the night before.

The first period was bar none the most evenly played and the most entertaining period of the hockey game as it was filled with constant action, with both teams having several good opportunities to score. However, at the 17:49 mark, the Lindenwood Lions were able to put their mark on the game with an early goal to give them a 1-0 lead. The rest of the period, filled with penalties was one that showcased both teams passing the puck well and playing very well in killing off the penalties that were accrued by both teams. Just by the shot total of the periods for both teams being at 9-8 for the period in favor of Lindenwood was a great indication for the action. It was a period of free skating and excellent passing from both teams.

The second period was when the entire game's outcome was decided and turned. Lindenwood basically took the puck and continued to contain the Eagles in their own zone for long periods of time, giving themselves numerous opportunities to score. When the Eagles were finally able to get the puck out, the entire Lindenwood defense would be back almost instantly and always in proper position to intercept passes and possible scoring opportunities. Lindenwood was able to push the score to 2-0 lead, 11 minutes into the period on a goal from Ken Jacobsmeyer that was set up by 3 nice passes. The Eagles had done an excellent job in the previous eleven minutes defending the net and keeping the score at 1-0, and this goal seemed to shift the entire mood of the game. One minute later, Lindenwood extended their lead to 3-0 seeing that the Eagles were on their heels, and their captain Dan McNabb was the individual who scored. Lindenwood was able to with 1:18 left in the period was able to extend the lead to 4-0 on a nice poke in shot past Gresham, to push the score to 4-0 after two periods. The best way to describe the period was this. Lindenwood completely controlled the flow of the period and the Eagles were stuck in their own zone chasing around good passing opportunities and tons of good shots. The Eagles also during the course of this period committed several penalties which allowed for Lindenwood to keep control in the Eagles end, and to honestly frustrate the Eagles into committing even more penalties. I personally cannot remember watching the Eagles be so thoroughly dominated in a single period of hockey in my years of coming to EMU Hockey games, including some of the barrages from Penn State. It was just a thorough, frustrating to watch domination. All credit has to go to Lindenwood for this.

The third period however Eastern fought back valiantly. The period began with the Eagles down 5 on 3, but as was a consistent theme throughout the entire game, they were able to prevent the Lions from scoring with this advantage, despite numerous great chances. The Eagles then for the next 5 minutes were on the power play as it was Lindenwood's turn to take stupid penalties. Lindenwood's defense stood up really well, but not good enough to maintain the shut out. The Eagles were finally able to get on the scoreboard with their only goal on the night from Jeff Jepson, with assists to Steve Kardel and Kelly Koester at the 13:23 mark which concluded the scoring for the game at 4-1. However, after that goal the Eagles were able to maintain a lot more control of the puck and had several good opportunities to add another goal or two to the mix, but the Lindenwood defense and outstanding positioning was too much for Eastern on this night, and Lindenwood was able to leave the Ann Arbor Ice Cube with a sweep.

The Lindenwood Lions really impressed me with their performance in this game today. They were able to control the puck with ease and were moving the puck around the ice without any problems, as it seemed as if every single pass was tape to tape. Defensively they were able to get back into position almost at ease, and were always in the right position. They also did an excellent job in containing the puck in the Eastern end. However, there is something very interesting to think about when it comes to Lindenwood. They seem very well set up and organized to handle games filled with penalties and games that are entirely based on Special Teams. Today's game was one of those games as there were large stretches when penalties were called. I'll admit that they didn't score a ton on these opportunities in the game, but they had a lot of good opportunities set up by their style. Lindenwood is one of those teams that take you out of your game as they are putting enough pressure on you to force you to press, but then when you do escape the pressure they frustrate you with perfect positioning, or a simple steal of the puck. As I said in the period summary above, I haven't seen the Eagles get as thoroughly dominated in a single period of hockey in the manner in which it happened in that second period. Everyone in the stands after the period just sort of sat there, stunned in some ways, but almost more relieved that the onslaught was over with. It now makes a lot of sense at why this Lindenwood team is so highly raved about across the country, their style is excellent and I had to just sit there and be impressed with the way they just took control of the game.

It's not to say however, that Eastern played poorly on this day. Really, the Eagles were not that far from keeping this game 2-1 or 3-1. It was just that when the Eagles did receive opportunities in this game, they were unable to make them. They had two breakaways that were stopped by the Lindenwood Goaltender, Grahame Lippert and had numerous power play opportunities go by the way side without much pressure if any at all. Tom Gresham in net played outstanding again as well, as he kept the Eagles in it for a long time in the game. It's just that Lindenwood's consistent pressure and style of play played perfectly into getting the young Eagles frustrated and lead to the game getting out of hand at 4-0 after two. Not to mention that the game was filled with penalties on both sides that also fit right into the playing style of the Lindenwood Lions.

Simply put, it's a game that you just have to take as is. Lindenwood flexed their muscles today, and played an excellent game of hockey against the Eagles.

Looking Ahead:
The Eagles are now off next week. Their next hockey games will be coming the week of Jan. 27th and 28th, when the Eastern Michigan will have a home-and-home series with their in-state rivals in Kalamazoo, in the Western Michigan Stallions. The Friday game is in Kalamazoo, and the Saturday game is a 3:30 affair at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Come on out and support your Eagles!

Until Next Time,
Go Green!
-Kevin