Preview: RPI vs. Providence
The Engineers host a talented Providence team looking to rebound off a sweep
RPI dropped a pair at the Field House last weekend against an improved Miami Redhawk team and welcomes in even steeper competition this weekend in the form of BC and Providence. This is the return trip from 2023 when RPI played these two programs on the road. Dave Smith’s teams generally played an Atlantic Hockey heavy non-conference schedule, but 2023 was the exception to that. A lot of the return trips were scheduled for ‘25, which is why we have seen such a stacked lineup of programs coming to the HFH this fall. This probably isn’t how Coach Lang would have drawn it up given he has so many new faces to assimilate, but the stiff competition should get the team more than ready for ECAC play in two weeks. Let’s take a look at the matchup and how RPI stacks up to this Providence team.
Providence Outlook:
Providence finally got back over the NCAA tournament hump last season, a feat that had alluded them since their 2019 team that made the Frozen Four. The team was largely built around VGK 1st-rounder Trevor Connelly, who mostly flopped in his year in Friartown. Providence graduated its top 4 defensemen, namely CBJ pick Guillaume Richard and Chicago pick Taige Harding. Senior D Austen May left for Northeastern, leaving PC with just one remaining regular from last year’s defense. Nate Leaman attacked the CHL hard to fill these gaps and pretty much avoided the transfer portal entirely. As a result, this year’s team looks a lot younger than in year’s past, but it likely boasts more talent than before. This inexperience was on display last weekend as the Friars dropped two at home to Michigan somewhat uncompetitively.
Providence’s roster looked fairly solid heading into the summer, but their cornerstone piece fell into place late, as Roger McQueen announced his commitment in August. McQueen went 10th overall to the Anaheim Ducks in this year’s NHL draft, which is the highest draft pick in program history. He was somewhat quiet last weekend but keep an eye out for his big 6’6 frame on the ice if only because you may see him in the big show very soon.
John Mustard is probably the 2nd most prolific piece on the roster behind McQueen, and he lit the lamp twice last weekend. He is a 3rd-round pick of Chicago and looking to build on his strong freshman campaign (20 points). Providence is very talented up front with a wealth of NHL draft picks like Hudson Malinoski, Logan Sawyer, and Julius Sumpf leading the attack. RPI will need to shore up its defensive troubles from last weekend to hang with this group. Philip Svedeback is the lone senior on the roster and has been the starter all 4 years of his career at PC. He got the victory against RPI 2 years ago and is one of the better goaltenders in Hockey East. I expect him to be in net given it is PC’s only action this weekend.
RPI’s Keys to the Game:
1. Possess the Puck (Again)
Brendan did a great piece on Tuesday breaking down how improved RPI’s puck possession has been in the first 3 games of Eric Lang’s tenure. Frankly, I care more about this than almost anything else this year. Seeing a system where RPI keeps shots and chances near even against top programs like BU makes me feel confident about what the staff is putting into place. Goaltending and finishing will come in more recruiting cycles, but puck possession is an important baseline to build off of. I’d like to see them sustain it against top competition this weekend.
2. Special Teams
There were very few whistles blown in the past two weekends (a very, very welcomed sight), but RPI is -2 on special teams to my count thus far. Obviously, BC and PC will have star-studded PP’s, but RPI is not good enough to spot them 2 a night in specials. Have to keep this even or win if they want a chance to win.
3. Hard-Working Team or Hardest Working Team?
Early front runner for my favorite Eric Lang phrase. “Never let ‘em know” is a close 2nd. I promise you, RPI won’t out skill a team full of NHL draft picks. This weekend is a great chance for the group to play with their hair on fire and wreak havoc all over the ice. Protect home ice and show that a new culture is being taught in Troy.
I am keeping a super big-picture view to the 2025-26 season, the first with Coach Lang at the helm. The program is going through an incredible amount of change, and we must be patient for results. Under the hood, it is very, very clear that a new day has dawned in Troy, but that is slowly trickling out onto the ice. This weekend will be a tall task for RPI, but it is a great chance for the group to fight hard on home ice and give the fans something to get excited about. Let’s look for the team to continue the progress with possession and underlying metrics, and improve finishing/goaltending for a successful weekend. Make sure to get out to the Field House this weekend, and let’s go red!