It went in Swan's favour.
The Blizzard let Magwood run their best players and didn't return the favour, yes Dusik and Gray both fought but it wasn't beating up their top guys like Swan did last night.
The game had a great pace for the first ten minutes when it was a skating game and the Blizzard controlled the play.
But when Magwood got out of the box and started taking runs, the game slowed down, became choppy and both teams were turning the puck over consistently.
It was a very slow game.
Justin McDonald played okay, not the spectacular Justin McDonald we've seen almost every night, but he can't be superman every time he plays.
TJ Constant showed well in his first game back, was a little slow but he'll be back into game mode shortly.
A few players had awful games last night, if you were at the game you know who they were.
I thought Jack Petrino played tremendously well as did his linemates Parker Sharp and Bradley Swampy.
I think we might see Mollard try Petrino out on that top line on Wednesday, the kid can fly.
Landon Noel Swan's new goaltender was not very impressive, his positioning is good but his rebound control is just awful. If the Blizzard had crashed the net more like they did on Petrino's goal they would have had plenty of opportunities.
All in all Swan didn't play very well, they're not a dangerous team, OCN just didn't get the bounces and missing three regulars from the lineup certainly didn't help.
Wednesday will be a fun game to watch.
Bring your boxing mitts, I expect OCN to even the tone from the opening draw.
do we really have the team that can go out and physically dominate another team. The last thing we need is for these guys to go out looking for revenge with nothing but fighting on their brains and then when games really count after Christmas we'll be be running into suspension problems. Dumais for one is almost there already and we need him on the ice ecery night not sitting out for fighting. Our D has good size but our group of forwards are on the smaller size, the Blizzards game is a skating game so they can't let other teams goat them into slowing things down by trying to goon it up.
ReplyDeleteI don't really think that is what Brad meant exactly. Think what we need to do is have someone like Fontaine set the tone 11 seconds in and end it there. Watched the game and Brad is right, they aren't a threat when we play our game. We have more speed and when we start cycling they can't keep up. We made their goalie look good and most shots were right on him. The boys seem ok and speaking with a couple of them, if they play their game of hockey on Wednesday guys like Magwood won't even be an issue. Can't wait. Hope our barn is full as I know Swan will be nervous for round two.
DeleteExactly, there are players on the team who have a certain role, fighting or sticking up for your skilled guys is one of them, and Fontaine would be one of those players. It's great that TJ, Gray, Grove, and Dumais are all able to fight and stick up for eachother, but the injury risk plus the fact that they sit in a box for 5 minutes helps no one.
DeleteWasn't at the game last nite, and wasn't able to listen to it, what 3 regulars were out of the lineup last night,, injuries??
ReplyDeleteCameron, Brady Constant and Kavanaugh were all kept home due to a suspension by the team.
DeleteCouldn't agree more Brad. We were at the game and you summed it up perfectly. Magwood was mouthing and running our top guys and sure got under everyones skin including mine. We had our chances but as you said the puck didn't bounce our way. Defensively we let our goalie down as he has stood on his head for us and when his game is off that is when we need to step up. Gray cleaned up on his fight. Wednesday will be different and Magwood better be ready to protect his top guys cause he set the tone last night but wednesday we will even it.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly should be. I know revenge is the word du jour for OCN. Both on the score board and with physical play.
DeleteDid the Stamps get TJ Fairall back from Alberta? Don't see the trade but it looked like him at game the other night in stands? They have a deep lineup, and getting better.
ReplyDeleteDon't underestimate them Bradley, 6 in a row and adding a top scorer is a concern.
TJ and Dumais can play against everyone but think we need to upgrade to match Swan's depth.
As for boxing mitts, that always sells tickets, but new rules means Coach needs to pick who does fighting.
I can't comment on whether or not Fairall is back with the stamps.
DeleteI'm not underestimating them, they're a decent club, but not that great.
OCN is much better in every facet of the game, it was just a stinker. No one on Swan stood out with any dazzling play, their goaltender was underwhelming considering all the hype.
People need to slow down. They lost one game and we need to hit the market? Patrino and Sharp are just getting use to the system the team is on. TJ hasn't played for a couple of weeks, which can affect a player in their first game.
ReplyDeleteIf there is somebody out there that is good for the picking then go after them. Otherwise stay patient
Other teams have or are closing the gap. The only reason we're in first right now is because we've played 4 more games than everybody else. How come Dauphin and Swan can pick up 20 year olds when they need one and we can't. Battleford just traded ex Norman Northstar Roger Tagoona to Estevan, he might have been a good fit for TJ and Wilson. Waiting until the deadline means you have to give up more for that player. Who knows maybe Fontaine has a player in mind or somthing in the works but you can't stand pat if the teams trying to catch you are constantly getting better.
ReplyDeleteListen to the Sport Report tonight at 8PM. Fontaine does have a trade in the works for a 19-20 year old player to put the puck in the net on that top line with TJ and Wilson.
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