Providence's Skill and Structure Are Making It Tough to Defend

The Providence Friars finished out their opening weekend 2-0 with a 6-2 win over St.Lawrence and a 4-0 win over Clarkson. 

They scored 10 goals across the two games while allowing just two. Several players contributed, with Julius Sumpf, Logan Sawyer, Jonathan Fauchon, Blake Zielinski, and Ryder Cali all scoring.

Providence looks effective because they aren’t trying to force a difficult play on every possession. The team makes simple decisions, moves the puck into high-danger areas, and uses low-to-high puck movement to create space for offensive opportunities.

The puck battles have been a key piece of their offensive success. Winning possession along the boards and below the goal line allowed Providence to extend shifts in the offensive zone, move defenders around, and create opportunities as the puck moves back toward the points and open areas, which is something they did at a very high level this past weekend. 

Freshman Ryder Cali and his line were a true standout against both teams: he, Zielinski, and Fauchon were very consistent and, quite honestly, dominant. 

They hunt pucks, they have skill, and they’re willing to play in the tough areas of the ice. They did a great job of working the slot, net-front, and goal line to generate their chances. 

Cali, especially, was intriguing. Including their exhibition game against Stonehill, Cali has won 76% of his faceoffs and has won 56% of his puck battles, and he’s spent 47% of his ice time in the offensive zone. 

He scored this amazing goal where he displayed his ability to find small pockets in the ice and ripped the puck off a catch-and-release. The Florida Panthers' second-round pick from this past draft is looking like a true difference-maker already at the college level. 

Even outside of that line, Sumpf had six assists across the two games; Sawyer had three assists against St. Lawrence, and players like John Mustard put the defense on their heels and opened the game up for others. 

Providence has Union College next week and will have another chance to prove that they’re not just a good team; they’re legit contenders.