Union loses important game at Cornell

Well, all hopes of making it into the National Tournament are smashed with the loss to Cornell. Union is now on the outside looking in the PWR in a tie for 18th. I don't know if it's possible for the Dutchmen to jump back into the Top 16, but it is possible something drastic will probably have to happen.

From what people have been saying and from looking at the box score it seems like Union played a good game, but Cornell was opportunistic and had a great defense. The Big Red scored on their only man-advantage last night and only threw 15 shots at Keith Kinkaid. This sounds exactly like what Cornell Hockey has been for years, and this is why I feel they are the best team in the ECAC. Yes, Yale has the top offense in the nation (4.29 goals per game), but Cornell has the second best defense in the nation (2.11 goals allowed per game) and most of the time a great defense will beat a great offense. And this why I predict that Cornell will win the ECAC tournament and each game they will play from the quarterfinals on will be by the scores of 2-1 or 3-2.

Union will finish in third place in the ECAC this season, no matter what happens tonight. But, it is very important that the Dutchmen pick up a win so they can head into the playoffs on a high note, and so they can break the Starr Curse.

Also, congratulations to 'Super' Mario Valery-Trabucco who broke Jordan Webb's program record for most goals in a career. Mario's lone goal last night was the 56th of his career. He is also just one goal away from breaking Union's single season record for goals in a season. He currently has 20.

For more on last night's game check out Ken Schott's Blog, Union Athletics.com, Daily Gazette.com, Times Union.com, and post-game interviews courtesy of Ken Schott.