It isn’t quite a Dennis Green “They are who we thought they were!” type of moment, but Air Force offered plenty of clues as to how it will find success this season.

Coming off a weekend in which it was outscored 12-2, Air Force tightened up at Cadet Arena over the weekend. It also remained poised against a Lindenwood team that came in after nearly sweeping Wisconsin.

Here are three observations from the Falcons’ compelling sweep against the Lions that evened their record at 3-3.

Air Force Got Outstanding Goaltending

It has to start in net. Senior Guy Blessing played his two best (statistically at least) games of the season, allowing just three goals on 49 shots. His .938 save percentage for the weekend was far better than his .817 number against Minnesota and UMass at the Ice Breaker Tournament.

Of course, it’s never about one person with the Falcons. And their team defense was noticeably better all weekend. The highs and lows are to be expected from a young roster, but Blessing can be a great equalizer. He was just that against Lindenwood.

Hedden Heats Up for Falcons

Chris Hedden scored tying goals in both games. The junior defenseman has the ability to be a one-man wrecking crew at times, but it’s a double-edged sword. Try to do too much offensively, and it might put the Falcons in situations where they give up odd-man rushes.

When Hedden is going well, however, it opens up a lot of opportunities for his teammates at even strength and especially on the power play. It’s also no coincidence his three best games have been the three games the Falcons have won.

We’re also beginning to see the emergence of two sophomore defensemen — Nolan Cunningham and Will Staring. Each now has three assists and is logging major minutes. Staring played xx games last season and was steady throughout. Cunningham is a bit flashier due to his excellent agility, which helps him buy time with the puck.

This is the group I expect to demonstrate the most improvement because so many young players are getting key minutes right off the bat.

Playing Catch-up Doesn’t Cost Air Force

Chasing the scoreboard typically isn’t sound strategy for any hockey team, yet that’s what Air Force did all weekend. However, three times they rallied to tie the score and they took the lead twice when it counted.

The Falcons accomplished it in part due to their power play doing its job. Both game-winners (Mason McCormick on Friday and Ethan Ullrick on Sunday) came in the third period on the power play. Ullrick’s goal was the first of his career.

The special teams good news didn’t end there. The penalty kill went 4-for-4, a double positive. The Falcons didn’t give up a power-play goal, but just as big, they didn’t give the Lions many opportunities to get a power-play goal.

Next up: The Falcons travel to Springfield, Mass., for Friday and Saturday matinees against AIC, which knocked it out of the Atlantic Hockey playoffs in March. Both games start at 11 a.m. MDT due to the Yellow Jackets sharing a rink with an American Hockey League team.

©First Line Editorial 2024