Huskies having a look to rebound from remaining weekend’s defensive miscues in opposition to John Carroll
Beverly Buchinger
Sophomore defenseman Brandon Peters and sophomore goaltender Grant Goodson battle for ownership of the puck in entrance of NIU’s purpose right through a matchup in opposition to the John Carroll University on Sept. 16. The Huskies allowed seven photographs into their internet in a 7-1 loss to open their 2022 marketing campaign. (Beverly Buchinger | NIU Hockey)
DeKALB – The Huskies hockey crew (0-2, 0-0 MCH) glance to dance again from their season-opening collection loss to John Carroll University once they take on the DePaul University Blue Demons (2-0, 0-0 NCHL) in a home-and-home two-game collection Friday and Saturday.
The Huskies’ defensive zone protection used to be a catalyst for his or her season-opening losses remaining weekend. On the opposite aspect of the puck, the offense most effective discovered two targets within the two video games. Senior defenseman Luke Marks described the ones elements as focal issues at observe.
“We’ve really been focusing on defensive zone coverage, working on improving that.” Marks stated. “Improving our ability to score. Working on more odd-man rushes.”
Head trainer Brad Stoffers defined how the squad has been operating on the defensive zone scheme and detailed what they wish to do to generate offense.
“We talked about some of the defensive breakdowns,” Stoffers stated. “Taking care of the net front; the front of the house area (slot). So, I would say that was number one. Number two would be ways to put more pucks in the net … we’re gonna have to score some goals by getting traffic. Getting guys in the goaltenders’ eyes. Getting tips, rebounds, second opportunities and get goalies moving and try to capitalize on some chances there.”
Both aspects bringing the fireplace
The Blue Demons will carry prime power, as they opened their season with back-to-back wins in opposition to Bradley University remaining weekend. Stoffers stated that each and every crew performs with prime power this early within the season, and he expects his crew to be able for fast paced, tightly contested video games.
“They know we lost two games. They’re probably looking at a chance to start 4-0,” Stoffers stated. “So they’ll be excited … we’re kind of at a point where we’re still finding ourselves – trying to build off some stuff that we did well last weekend – so it should be a good series. I’m expecting a couple good games.”
Marks believes the crew’s force to end up doubters improper will carry their depth stage.
“We know they’re gonna be coming out there, trying to prove something,” Marks stated. “we’re going to be in the same boat, trying to prove something too. Trying to get our first wins of the season … show everyone that last weekend was a fluke and that we can actually play with some good teams.”
What’s subsequent
The Huskies will meet the Blue Demons at Canlan Ice Sports in West Dundee at 7:30 p.m. Friday. They will then trip to Johnny’s Ice House West in Chicago for sport two of the weekend set at 4 p.m. Saturday.
NIU scholars get loose admission with their OneCard. Anyone age 18 or underneath who wears a early life hockey jersey to Friday’s sport will even obtain loose admission. Tickets are $5 and will likely be to be had to buy on the door.