On Saturday, the Howell Rebels (10-3-4) will take on the Toms River North Mariners (6-10-2). Following a 15-day lay-off, it should be interesting to see how Howell will play. If you have a hard time remembering, the Rebels blew a late lead in an eventual 4-3 loss vs Middletown South, their fifth blown third period lead this season.
Against the Mariners, Howell will look to turn the tide, with many long-time fans fighting the urge to turn against them. Despite Toms River North being 6-10-2, the Mariners will look for something to be the highlight of their season--and defeating the defending Dowd Cup champs would be a perfect fit.
Despite the sub-500 record, Toms River North have a few solid players that could pose trouble for Howell. Much like Jay Malone of Toms River South, Mike Weltner and Joe Delvachio are terrific skaters who see the ice very well and have great hands--a defensive problem for teams all year, and will without a doubt be one to Howell.
As much as the Mariners are looking to win, this isn't exactly an 'all or nothing' game for them. Just as every opponent this season has, Toms River North will look to slow down Dave Ramos and Eddie Pyskaty, players who seem to be playing a bit worn-out as the season draws to a close. Because of that, the play of the second liners in Howell must rise. Nick Peras has to step up and become a playmaker and do his best to stay out of the box. Brandon Hodes, who has one, very important, goal this season will need to keep up the good work ad a defensive forward. But, with the big players a bit tired, the goals should come from two players who have scored all season: Billy Acquaviva and Mike Liero. These two have seen equal time on the first line, but if head coach Bill Daley puts them together, scoring chances may very well be at a premium.
Now, it's time to mention something that has been playing in the mind of several fans as an answer to Howell defensive woes late in games: implementing the neutral zone trap. For those of you who have never heard this term before, the goal of 'the trap' is to stop the opposing team from advancing the puck into their offensive zone (your defensive zone) by cutting off passing lanes between the blue lines. Although this strategy is used by teams who do not have as much offensive firepower as their opponents, it also a great scheme for protecting a late lead--something the Rebels clearly haven't done. If Bill Daley is willing to teach his boys how to play it correctly, there won't be a chance for mistakes in the defensive zone as there have been as of late.
As for post-season play, the Shore Conference Tournament should be interesting for Howell. If you can remember back to a year ago, the Rebels coasted all the way through the SCT, including a 10-0 win vs Red Bank Regional in the second round. This year, it won't be nearly as easy. Howell struggled enough in the regular season to understand that even advancing one round will be difficult. Still, they do have an advantage that some other teams don't: experience. Despite being in just their second season, they have been through this before and should use that to their advantage.
As for the State playoffs, several experts are expecting an early exit for Howell. Well, I'll tell you why those 'experts' are wrong. Everyone is aware of the skill all over the ice for Howell. They have two of the best finishers in the conference in Ramos and Pyskaty, solid skaters in Liero and Acquaviva, and a tested goalie in Peras. Still, with that, if Howell does want to advance further than last year, something will change: they have to want it. Late leads can't happen--in fact, they need to pull away late, not lose it. Whether it be a coach or player who speaks up, someone reading this blog, or it finally hits the players; something has to change. If it doesn't, you may be able to write off Howell early in states.
...I wouldn't write 'em off just yet, but hey, that's just me.
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