It’s not exactly breaking news that Air Force has an excellent penalty kill.
The Falcons kill off nearly 90 percent of opponents’ penalties (89.7 percent), and have had one of Division I’s top PKs for the past several years. The combination of the Falcons not taking many penalties (just more than four minors per game) and only allowing 15 power-play goals in 34 games is one reason they find themselves hosting Niagara in an Atlantic Hockey Conference quarterfinal series this weekend. In fact, take away the four games in which they’ve allowed two power-play goals, and they’ve given up just seven man-advantage tallies in the other 30 games.
The other side of the equation shouldn’t be sold short either. Air Force is 17th in power-play efficiency at 21.3 percent. And if one throws out the six unsightly shutouts the Falcons have endured, they have 30 power-play goals in the other 28 games.
Clearly, both sides of special teams are crucial for a team that has been at times – to put it politely – goal starved. The Falcons’ 2.47 goals per game are the fewest among AHC teams.
“Special teams are extremely important going into playoffs,” senior assistant captain Kyle Haak said. “There are a lot of one-goal games that can be determined by a power-play goal or having a PK shut down a team for an entire game. That can make a difference in one game or a three-game series.”
The center identified a few reasons for the power play’s ability to generate some timely goals.
“This year we’ve had quite a bit of success,” Haak said. “It’s been a combination of some steady units, some consistency and (assistant) coach (Andy) Berg puts his different plays and suggestions in, and we’re able to take that and run with it make the plays we can on the ice. It’s been a really good combination.”
A big part of the equation has been the experience on both special teams, with Haak and fellow seniors Dan Bailey, Evan Feno, Evan Giesler and Matt Koch playing key roles. And they have the ultimate penalty killer in net in senior Billy Christopoulos, who was selected first-team All-AHC on Thursday.
“We have pretty good systems, and we learned them well since Killer (former assistant Steve Miller) came in my freshmen year and put them in,” Feno said. “We’ve been fine tuning them to a T. They’ve really helped out.
“We’ve found a bit of a knack on the power play, we’ve found some things that work. We stick to five-on-five principles, but we’ve got one more guy and can generate more chances.”
Kyle Haak. Photo courtesy of Paat Kelly / Pengo Sports and Air Force Athletics
The power play lost some stalwarts to graduation last season, but some of the remaining parts are finding success in new places. Haak, for one, now often finds himself stationed somewhere around the slot, and the results (a team-best six power-play goals) speak for themselves.
“There’s always a bit of chance involved, which is great,” he said. “And I’m playing a different position on the power play so there’s a lot of pucks coming through the middle, rebounds that come there. I get to pick up some garbage goals and some high tips and some shots from the slot.”
Feno, who is back after missing all but one game last season because of a torn ACL, usually finds himself positioned to his off-wing side. A skilled playmaker who skates well and is a center by trade, the move has been a good fit for him as well. He has three PPGs and numerous assists.
“It allows me to see the ice more and make plays where they are,” Feno said. “I can set guys up to score and sometimes get shots myself. It’s an adjustment, but it suits my skill set well.”
As important as the special teams’ units performances are, both seniors said it’s how they can change the tone of the game that really is impactful.
“In the playoffs you don’t necessarily have to score on a power play, but you can get momentum if you get the other team on their heels,” Haak said. “That momentum can translate into a goal two or three minutes later after a power play has expired.”
Added Feno, “We know how much it means and we want to capitalize on the opportunities. It’s a big momentum-swinger if you can kill of a penalty. It can have a huge effect on the game.”
And bear in mind, with these Falcons there is a clear line of demarcation for goals for and goals against.
Score one or fewer goals, and they’re 0-12 this season. Get two and they’re 2-0-3. Hit three goals, their odds go through the ceiling; they’re 14-1-2 when that happens.
“It’s not like we have to put up five, six goals to win or re-invent the wheel,” Feno said. “That boils down to scoring goals at timely instances. Maybe if it’s 1-1 we get a late goal.
“It’s not all about putting up huge numbers, it’s a lot of game management. If we get those goals at big times, it usually goes our way.”
And more often than not, the Falcons’ special teams have a big say in those big goals.
©First Line Editorial 2017-19
