The Rochester Rattlers (5 – 5) head to Columbus in the second half of a home-and-home series with the Ohio Machine (6 – 4). The Rattlers are coming off a tough loss at home to Ohio, where the Machine’s electric offense on top of excellent defense and goal-tending helped propel them to a commanding 17 – 12 victory. Possibly the biggest factor in their win however was the domination of Greg Puskuldjian at the FO dot. Since signing the Adelphi University graduate, the Machine have been 6 – 2, with him winning 56% of his draws.
If Rochester wants to avoid a three game losing streak, they must look to stop any semblance of last week’s first quarter match in New York, where Ohio put up seven goals in the first quarter. You can bet all eyes will be on Marcus Holman, who put up five goals in that game.
2014 Defensive Player of the Year Mike Manley, who Rochester has been 0 – 2 without, seems to be out for the season. His impact on the field has shown to be more of a problem than even Rochester has realized, as the defense is seemingly of sorts in the six on six. John Galloway in cage has not helped make matters better. Letting up 11 goals in the first half alone, Galloway’s inconsistent play this season has become a major bugaboo for this otherwise talented squad, who has allowed 49 points to be scored on them in just two games.
If there is one thing Rochester seems to have a bright spot on, its offense. However, even that needs help. Despite scoring a hat trick, in the last time out, Ohio’s slide and recovery packages limited the touches of one of the two league’s leading scorers in the dynamic No. 32.
The problem with the Rattlers offense is what I highlighted a couple of articles ago. The switch from midfield dominance to being attack heavy has left them vulnerable, and when Wolf is (partially)-contained, the offense seems to lose their identity. Look for a different schematic when approach one of the league’s best defenses in Ohio.
Lastly, an answer at the X is needed. Jordan MacIntosh is not a FO specialist, no matter how many draws he wins. Rochester needs the ball on offense. Their subpar performance their might ultimately come from a lack of actually having the ball. Trading for Mike Poppleton helped in the early games. Barring injury, look for him, along with Joel White and John Locascio to try to limit Puskuldjian at the Face-Off.
