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Molloy skates into playoffs

By Dylan Butler

“That was when we realized we had depth,” Stanners' coach Richie Rodgers said. “That's when we realized we could be pretty good this year.”Molloy finished the regular season with a 9-6-1 record and, as of Monday, was one of three teams – first place and undefeated Fordham Prep and Iona Prep being the others – to clinch a berth in the CHSHL 'A' division playoffs. A major accomplishment considering Molloy is a co-ed school, therefore limiting the potential player pool, and is the only 'A' school not to field a junior varsity squad.”All things considered, I think the guys did a very good job,” Rodgers said. “They were great.”The key, Rodgers said, has been depth, which is remarkable considering the school slashed its male population from 1,600 to 800 in 2000.”We've had three very good lines and the fourth line isn't too shabby,” Rodgers said. “We're very fortunate to have a strong defense and a very good goaltender.”A year after finishing one game out of the playoffs, Molloy will be one of four teams in the postseason. Rodgers figures his team will likely finish second or third with the regular season wrapping up this week.As for his team's chances in the playoffs, Rodgers likes them. Molloy beat Iona Prep and Monsignor Farrell two out of three meetings each, lost twice and tied Stepinac once and dropped both meetings with Fordham Prep.But the Rams, which finished 14-0-0, defeated Molloy, 4-0, in the first meeting and the Stanners had a 1-0 lead five minutes into the third period before falling 4-1 in the second game.”It wasn't 12-0,” Rodgers said. “We were close enough on both occasions.”And if the adage of goaltending wins playoff games rings true, Molloy might play for the 'A' title.”In the eight years of the program, he's the best goalie we've had,” Rodgers said of senior Mike Oseback. “He has passion, he's really matured. He has the ability to really bail us out if we need it.”Fordham Prep clinched the regular-season title and is the top seed. The Rams' best-of-three semifinal series is scheduled to start Sunday at 6:20 p.m. against an opponent to be determined.If Molloy finishes second or third, its best-of-three series has yet to be announced.Reach Sports Editor Dylan Butler by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 143.