@ #18 Western Michigan (10/9)

[mbenecke]

Following an 8-2 drubbing of Mercyhurst, our Falcons find themselves ranked #20 in the USCHO poll heading into Tuesday night's match-up in Kalamazoo. Our opponent for this mid-week non-conference contest is Western Michigan, the #18 team in the country, and the Broncos come into this game following a 4-1 exhibition victory over the University of Lethbridge.

Last year, their starting goaltender for the lion's share of games was Ben Blacker, who finished the year with an overall record of 12-13-2. The current junior's GAA last year was 3.17, and his save percentage was .893.

This game will go a long way in determining how this year goes. It's only one game, but it's one that we absolutely must win if we aspire to make the national tournament this year. These types of non-conference games, especially against ranked opponents, will likely give us a huge boost toward an at-large bid in the PairWise rankings down the line, so we absolutely must focus, play hard, and bring this W home.

Leave your thoughts and predictions below. Go Falcons!

[BGFan]

I was less sure about this game prior to seeing us put the smack down on Mercyhurst. Yes, we were supposed to win that game but the total domination against a team that won their league last year was impressive. I know that they lost a lot to graduation last year but the game was more akin to playing an exhibition game against a Canadian school than a D1 school. Given that, I like our chances against WMU, especially if our fore check against them is as disruptive as it was on Saturday night. It definitely won't be an 8-2 victory but I do think we come out of there with close one. I'll say 3 - 2 BG.

[SeattleZam]

I agree we looked really good in the game against Hurst. The boys skated very well. One concern was at the start of the second, Hurst changed their game up or we started to relax a bit, we didn't look to good there for about 10 minutes but we found our step again and gained control of the game. We responded well when they scored with goals ourselves which I haven't seen to much in the past so I'm hopeful with this team. It's been some time since I predicted games but I would say 4-1 BG. Western is good and we struggle at their arena but this team is different.

I'm very hesitant to go all in until after Christmas break but if they can play a whole 3 periods like they did Saturday I think we are looking at a contender.

It's been sometime since I've posted, used to be MiniTech (Tech83 is the old man), honestly not even sure if I posted much as minitech...

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

On a whim I checked the pairwise ranking. We're 7th. Of course Anchorage is 10, LSSU is 4, and Arizona State is 2. Buckeyes are 23.

It was good for a chuckle...

[jpfalcon09]

Good test for the team. Mercyhurst game doesn't really offer a good litmus test, and recent history suggests BG will struggle in K-Zoo. I think WMU wins a close one.

[mbenecke]

Recent history certainly suggests a tough game tomorrow night.

Results @ Lawson:
2007-2008: W 3-2, W 2-1
2008-2009: L 5-2, L 5-3
2009-2010: No road game.
2010-2011: T 1-1, L 3-1
2011-2012: L 6-1, L 4-1
2012-2013: L 3-1, L 2-1
2013-2014: No road game.
2014-2015: No road game.
2015-2016: L 4-1
2016-2017: L, 8-2
2017-2018: L, 3-1

Yes, you read that correctly - we have not won at Western Michigan since the 2007-2008 season, when Scott Paluch was the man in charge behind the bench.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

It will come down to a few things. Can they break our forecheck and can we handle the odd man rush? Our backend vs. their forwards. They have two real talented lines but their goaltending is questionable. If we can force some turnovers in their end and make them pay we have a shot.

And we have to stay out of the penalty box. Nacho refs, not sure how they will call things. Gonna be a good test.

[mbenecke]

Interesting stat: Last year, at their place, they scored 1 minute into the game. Last year, at our place, they scored 1:58 into the game.

This game is so, so important. We need to start hot, or at least not allow them to jump out on us early.

Looking forward to the challenge tonight.

[sum1udontknow]

Would someone like to advise how we are suppose to watch away games this year from home? Saw WCHA paired with Flo Hockey.com but the website has select schedules already determined and it's a monthly cost. Not ala carte. Heavily disappointed unless someone is aware of other options?

[mbenecke]

Yeah, they changed it a bit, and I also find it disappointing that it can't go on a team by team basis.. My roommate and I are going to buy the monthly package for the rest of the year, but that won't begin until November, because the non-conference road games aren't a part of the package.

Last Saturday, I bought the stream from the AHC. Tonight, we purchased the stream from the NCHC.

Here's a link to purchase tonight's stream: https://www.nchc.tv/nchc/game/bowling-g ... n-10092018" target="_blank

[pdt1081]

Yeah, they changed it a bit, and I also find it disappointing that it can't go on a team by team basis.. My roommate and I are going to buy the monthly package for the rest of the year, but that won't begin until November, because the non-conference road games aren't a part of the package.

Last Saturday, I bought the stream from the AHC. Tonight, we purchased the stream from the NCHC.

Here's a link to purchase tonight's stream: https://www.nchc.tv/nchc/game/bowling-g ... n-10092018" target="_blank

Just as caution, I tried to watch last season's game (maybe the season before, can't remember) at Western and the feed didn't work. When I contacted NCHC.tv for a refund, they wanted to prorate it as if I was going to watch the rest of the month or whatever it was. Took some back and forth to actually get a full refund. Unless they changed it for this year, the subscription automatically renews.

[mbenecke]

Interesting.

We got the day pass, so I think we should be good.

[pdt1081]

Interesting.

We got the day pass, so I think we should be good.

I'm thinking it was two years ago with the Miami games the same month. Must have bought the month pass to watch all 3 games. After the first game didn't work, I said the heck with it and cancelled it all.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

Just saw on the lineup sheet that one of their best players, Wade Allison, is a scratch tonight. He's coming off an ACL injury in January and apparently is not ready to go. Still gonna be tough.

[Critical Thinker]

2 goals have been on Bronco powerplays, one goal on ours.

We're up 2-1.