Antonio114 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:49 amMayyybe if MD was not even sending a hint of a slide Spallinas way throughout the game I would be more fine with the use of the word "dominate" but that is just not how it went down man. That "barely released" assist you mention was with Spallina getting leverage topside from 10 yards out. The D was not comfortable with him there and slid. It was Spallina getting to his spot that lead to the goal, even if he could barely get energy on the pass with Zappitello draped on his arm. Very similar play on the Sam English goal that made it 7-6 cuse. Watch that tape. I assure you these are not just fanboy interpretations.keno in reno wrote: ↑Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:10 pmHonestly, any attacker in a good offense could have had more goals and points in any game. Terps fans can say the same thing about Erksa, Malever, Maltz etc.Antonio114 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:17 pm All very well said! Would just point out that Cuse is also down two projected guys in their top 4 ssdms. Max Rosa injured in Michigan scrimmage and Landon Clary injured against Colgate.
Spallina drew slides throughout the game. He went 1-2, but also was the main reason for the Sam English goal since he got free to move to the goal after Spallina drew a slide and passed it to him. Could have easily had a couple more if Finn Thomson was able to finish from point blank range. Had a couple additional solid looks at cage 1v1 but McNaney swallowed them up. Actually one of those where he got his best look may have been with #50 on him, not Zappitello. As you mention, there have been far worse performances against Zappitello, even from decorated stars. I thought McNaney was MVP for MD. Set the tone early and intimidated our shooters. He has a way of making tough saves look effortless. Makes excellent reads on the location of shots. Shocked we were not able to pull out the victory outshooting MD by 20.
Spallina is an excellent player and may have the best stick skills and instincts of any D1 player, but he is not athletic. A non-fanboy could easily say that his 1 goal was only because of a miscommunication on a pick, and one of his assists was barely released and bounced after he was shut down. Zappitello dominated him. Zappitello dominates almost everyone, so it's not the end of the season for him, but I think most unbiased observers and opposing coaches appreciate Spallina's skill while realizing he's not exactly unstoppable like Jared Bernhardt was (or Shellenberger and O'Neill).
Unstoppable Shellenberger also went 1-2 against the matchup last time the two teams played. Eerily similar 1-7 shooting too. Pat Kav 1-2 on 1-9 shooting. There are more ways to be elite than insane speed and athleticism. But I am sensing we are deep in agree to disagree territory here.
Shoulda, coulda woulda argument. Spallina did fine but he did not stand out at all like he does when he plays Manhattan. Go fanboy on Syracuse forum