Statement game.
That's what this game was in every sense of the word for the OCN... not so much for the other teams but more for themselves.
After a lackluster effort against the Pistons where Steinbach clogged the middle of the ice very effectively the Blizzard came out strong against the defending champs right off the bat.
Just 45 seconds in Thomas Ward-Cardinal took the puck into the slot on the right hand side and the left handed shooting defensemen went over the glove of a hapless Adam Iwan who received zero support.
From there on it was all Blizzard.
OCN moved the puck very well, kept the majority of the Terriers 28 shots to the outside and allowed only 3-5 quality scoring chances on McDonald who was lights out once again.
Ward-Cardinal would pick up his second goal a little later on in the game while Wilson Dumais score off a rebound on the Powerplay. He picked up his second goal in the second frame as well.
Nathan Bruyere absolutely crushed a pass from TJ Constant on his off wing early in the 2nd.
Brady Constant's first MJHL goal was a beautiful piece of work between both he and Wilson Dumais as the Saskatchewan import gained the zone and slowed up allowing Brady to sneak in behind the defence. Dumais put the puck just a bit a head of Constant but the '94 born winger dove and turned it into a Crosbyesque goal.
Pretty good for his first goal in Jr.A.
The Blizzard controlled the play for the entire game, the PK was perfect once again (5/5) and on one sequence Grove and Gray each had breakaways about 45 seconds apart, unfortunately both were unable to convert.
The PP clicked again for the second time on this road trip as a shot off the side boards from TJ Constant was banged back in by Dumais who was camping out in front.
Before the road trip the Blizzard were trying to be too fancy with the man advantage, which can happen with that many skilled guys playing on the ice together, they seem to have figured out that most PP goals are ugly.
All in all a very successful road swing for OCN, taking 2 of 3 is pretty good on the first real road swing of the year. These points now will give the Blizzard a cushion should they falter later on this season, which is bound to happen at some point.
I think this roadtrip was just what they needed, a tough road win where they gutted it out in overtime on Friday against Winkler. A beat down to bring them back to reality in Steinbach, and a statement game to reassure themselves and prove to themselves that they are a good hockey club.
Should be an interesting weekend at the showcase as OCN will play Steinbach on Friday and Portage on Saturday.
Here is how last night's scoring broke down.
Period 1
OCN 0:45 - Thomas Ward-Cardinal (3) Assists: Brady Constant & Wilson Dumais
OCN 3:53 PP - Wilson Dumais (2) Assists: TJ Constant & Thomas Ward-Cardinala
OCN 13:29 - Brady Constant (1) Assists: Wilson Dumais
Period 2
OCN 1:18 - Nathan Bruyere (3) Assists: TJ Constant & Thomas Ward-Cardinal
OCN 13:15 - Wilson Dumais (3) Assists: Brady Constant & Tim Kavanaugh
OCN 15:18 - Thomas Ward-Cardinal (3) Assists: Tyler Grove & Josh Elmes
Period 3
PTG 16:03 - Matt Glowa (2) Assists: Kajon McKay & Justin Slobozian
It's a happy bus, I'm sure the coaching staff is looking forward to many more trips like this one.
Hope you all enjoyed the broadcasts.
Big thanks to Zac (sic?) Moore and Roy Personius for joining me in the booth to do colour, always greatly appreciated.
Enjoy your Monday!
-Brad-
Great road trip. Great start. watching all the games though we really need to be working on our systems and special teams. PK works because you have them playing the same system as last year. Breakouts, forecheck and back checking asignments are really needing work. Easier to get everyones attention coach when your winning.
ReplyDeleteListening to the post game interview with Mollard I think he realizes where and what they need to work on. I know we (fans) have complained for the past few years about our scoring chances and shots on net. Well this has improved drastically and we are getting goals as a result. Shots against is scary and I know they realize that and will no doubt be working on that as well.
ReplyDeleteThe game against Portage was really good to listen to. Shots against were down to a respectable 28 (apparently). Scoring chances for Ptge, were also down.
It's also easier to criticize then point out the positives. I think the coach is getting a grasp of this team and is aware of the teams deficiencies.
Good weekend Bliz
And lets not forget the Blizz jump from Honorable Mentions to 9th on the CHL top 20 list. Something we should also recognize.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Blizz
I think there is a definite difference between criticizing and an observation. No one is finding fault or blame only stating opinion. It's great that our team has had so much success and all of us fans wish this to continue. I am sure that our coaches see what our team needs to work on and hey if this fan actually travelled to watch our boys play, then even better. CHL top 20 is the confidence our young men need to push forward. Good luck this weekend boyz
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone on the team or coaching staff is delusional enough to think this team doesn't need work, the PP needs to start clicking, shots need to be cut down tremendously and consistency from shift to shift and a continuation of the energy that one line creates needs to improve.... but it's early, they have time to work on these things, if this is how this team performs on talent alone with a new coach and new system it will be exciting to see how they do come December.
ReplyDeleteHowever yes, it is a great start to the season.