Air Force opened its shortened 2020-21 season with a 3-1 loss to American International at Springfield, Mass., on Friday afternoon.
Alex Schilling made 22 saves and freshman Will Gavin scored a goal on his first NCAA shift – just 1:28 into the game – for the Falcons, who play the Atlantic Hockey rematch Saturday afternoon.
The Falcons twice gave up late-period goals – one they’d surely like to have back – as well as a late empty-netter.
Here are three thoughts on the opener:
Zoning in
Getting the puck out of their zone was a persistent problem for the Falcons. Time and again they had opportunities to advance the puck and either turned it over or sent a pass where no one was home. That led to sustained AIC attacks, and its first goal was one the Falcons undoubtedly will hear about. Luka Maver got a pass virtually alone on Schilling’s left doorstep, and facing away from the goalie, spun around and backhanded it into the net with. 1:54 to play in the first. The Yellow Jackets brought more pressure as the game went along, but Schilling almost always was up to the task.
Special teams
Speaking of sustained pressure, the Falcons only generated it in short stretches. When that happens it’s clear that Air Force is going to have to win the special teams battle to win games, and Friday that didn’t happen. The Falcons took three second-period penalties among their five overall, and AIC made them pay on the third. Chris Theodore sent a circle-to-circle pass from left to right that Tobias Fladeby fired past Schilling with 4:14 to go. Schilling had no chance on it.
Details, details
Take away AIC’s overall shot edge (52-37) and shots on goal advantage (25-16), and the Falcons pretty much held serve. Face-offs were an even 29-29, as were blocked shots (14-14). AIC controlled more of the play, but the Falcons hung close against AHA coaches’ pick to win a third consecutive league title.
The bottom line
Schilling was a great equalizer when he needed to be, and it says something that a Falcons lineup that included seven freshmen had a chance to tie the score in the game’s closing minutes. Still, it seems like offense is going to be an issue for a while.
MORE AFA: My Air Force season preview appeared on Colorado Hockey Hub this week.
©First Line Editorial 2020
