A few random thoughts ...
Watching the game, I did not think Spallina played particularly well. He was stripped of the ball at least twice and seemed unable to beat his man 1v1. That said, I look at the score sheet after the game and he led the team in scoring with six points. Credit to him for finding ways to influence the game when he's struggling in other facets. Plus he only took four shots, so he didn't take away from his teammates. Not sure what it will take for him to be a guy who is constantly beating his man, but he's shown to be a very smart and crafty player regardless. He had a ton of pressure entering the season and I'd say he's playing about as well as anyone could have hoped.
Credit to Richiusa for winning 10-17 face-offs. They didn't play particularly strong teams, but the one thing the Bonnies did pretty well coming into the game last night was win face-offs. I think they were winning in the high 50s before last night. Richiusa went on a run in the third quarter and, what do you know the Orange offense put the game away.
My first time watching extended minutes of Billy Dwan. He got beat once for a goal early in the game, then the following possession was beat again, though the Bonnies failed to score. He'll have to improve in that area, but overall you have to be excited by a defender with that kind of build. Nick Caccamo played well last night - credited with three caused turnovers including two in which he just dismantled the opposing attackman. He was averaging about two caused turnovers a game last year, this year he only has 12 in nine games. Hopefully he can boost that number as the season progresses.
John Cohen did indeed have himself a game. I think I have this right, but his first four touches of the game led to one goal, two assists and drew at least one penalty. You can't be any more productive than that. And his goal was darn good as well. Yes it was at the end of a lopsided game, but if he were a hotshot freshmen, or even a kid who stood above six feet tall I'm sure we would all be clamoring for him to get more playing time. No idea if he will or not. Jacob Buttermore scored three goals at the end of a blowout win over Colgate years ago and parlayed that into more playing time the next year.
