Air Force is a hockey team that typically follows the formula of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Yet every postseason offers opportunities for individuals to stand out. Think of the Falcons’ recent runs to the NCAA Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons of 2017 and ’18. Kyle Haak had five points in two NCAA Regional games in the former. The next season, Billy Christopoulos stopped 63 of 66 shots in two Regional games and Air Force knocked out top-ranked St. Cloud State.
If the Falcons are going to build on their late-season momentum and go on a run in the Atlantic Hockey playoffs, you can bet there will be individuals who raise their games at the most opportune times.
We know the top two lines have picked up steam, but where else might the Falcons find a spark?
Here are some candidates to do just that:
Defenseman Jake Levin
The senior co-captain has six points in his 11 games and is capable of making an impact at both ends of the ice. He will be especially important on special teams.
(Note: Senior defenseman Zach Mirageas, earlier profiled here, is not listed on the Falcons’ pregame line chart and is not expected to play).
Forward Marshall Bowery
Another of the great mysteries of this season is how the senior forward could go from 16 points and a team-high 10 goals to just two assists. He seems to have settled into a third-line center role, and linemates Will Gavin (eight points, three goals) and Ty Pochipinski (two goals in the past three games) have been productive. Bowery’s effort level has been there, so it would not surprise me at all if that translates to the scoresheet.
Goaltender TBD
When asked about which of senior Zach LaRocque or junior Alex Schilling would start the playoff game last week, coach Frank Serratore said he hadn’t decided. (Note: LaRocque is listed first on the pregame line chart). One would have to think LaRocque’s performance this season (1-2-1, 2.24 GAA and .911 saves percentage) has given Serratore some pause about automatically going with Schilling (2-7-0, 4.42, .848), even though the junior was lights out last season when he went 12-11-6 with numbers of 2.39 and .903 and won the team MVP award. Frankly, having two qualified goaltenders is a nice problem to have. Whichever one gets the call will have to turn in a gem for the Falcons to move forward.
©First Line Editorial 2021
