Re: Maine Hockey 2013-2014 - Red Light District
Yeah, but Ouellette was kinda like this last year too, but didn't have nearly as much to show for it with TIMMAY-time happening in front of him.
Well, I think too much is attributed to Oullette for some reason. Now, I think he is a fantastic goalie. But, it seems to me, that any goalie is only as good as the team that plays in front of him. And on nights when the team can't minimize odd man rushes, or traffic in front, or power play positioned shots in the slot and between the dots... a goalie is going to look bad. On nights when the team minimizes those a goalie looks great.
From what I can gather from witness accounts of the game against BC, Maine allowed a lot of those bad things I mentioned. In particular, the traffic in front. If a goalie is screened and reacting to tipped shots and redirections he's gotta be some kind of miracle worker to compensate for it.
My guess is that a lot of elements were at play. First a mid week game put the team on a short week. Second, it was a short week where the team has to travel. Third, they are on a short week against a top D1 team and played them hard into overtime. Fourth, and after all that, they play another top D1 team that has an axe to grind on their home ice(given how Maine ran them on Maine's ice). This all adds up to a very severe challenge. So let's not get too down on it.
The team for all intents and purposes has a similar, albeit less severe, scenario this weekend. Tuesday game, travel to a solid team on their ice... happens to be the arch rival. UNH is a bit of a wounded animal. Should be interesting to see how the team responds. I am hoping to see them respond in the manner that goes along with the cliché... it isn't how hard to fall, it is how fast you get back up.
Looking forward to seeing the games this weekend.
