Re: SLU - Summer of 2010
A few more thoughts on the game....
First, something I wish I could say about ECAC hockey but so rarely find it appropriate, the officiating was very good. Maybe a few more they could have called each way...I actually think Pat Raley got hit from behind in the third, but it was very even, they made the right calls when they needed to, it was even and they didn't stick it to the visitors as you sometimes expect in the WCHA, CCHA or, actually, any league other than the ECAC where familiarity breeds contempt and they stick it to the ECAC team. Didn't have the angle to see Matt Raley's major but was told that it was a good call because he had his arm up and pushed the kid into the boards....from where I was it looked like hip on hip.
Goaltending....first the ice was awful for both teams. You could tell it was soft and the puck was bouncing a bit. Moss made some incredible stops, especially in OT, and he had maybe a couple of goals that he would want back. He seemed back in his net for a couple...hopefully, he adjusts on that and plays with some more confidence. They came out hungry in the third and kind of caught us standing around. Their goalie had no chance on most of them. A very good job by our D-Men to get pucks through for deflections and some beautiful passes especially S. Flanny to Bogo and Drewiske to Mobley.
D - Hard to tell a lot considering we lost Matt Raley five minutes in and Baker got injured in the middle of the second and didn't return. Everyone else played well. Hughes and Child are a solid pair and Hughes just gets better and better. Was really impressed with Pat Raley. Not flashy, but covers the ice well, makes smart plays, can drill the puck and is strong as an ox.....all of our D had some tough stretches in the third, but I think they were gassed and some are just learning. Pat had some very nice hits and one beautiful hip check, but also struggled a few times at D. Jordan Dewey is not even recognizable from the same player a year ago. So much better...skating better, passing better...in one years time I would say he is the most improved.
Forwards the Bogo -Flanny squared line was extremely good and they pretty well dominated when they were on the ice. They compliment each other well. Kyle can sure make plays. The line of Carden - Drewiske and Mobley got better as the game went on. They made some nice plays and got a beautiful goal. I'd say they were about 50/50 in terms of zone time. The freshmen line of Essery, Wick and Carey was dominating at times and also got hemmed in at times....kind of what you expect from Freshmen I guess. They make smart plays. Carey had the puck deflected over his stick or he could have had a couple. He is just in the right place a lot. (Noticed his old linemate Jooris had a hatrick for Union last night). Wick....just a good clean, honest player that hits everything skates well and has good skills. Essery is a very solid two way player. It says something that these guys were on the ice with 1.5 minutes left in the game. They will put up some points and deliver some exciting hockey. The Pitsi - Armstrong - Keller line had some good shifts and some rough shifts. But I give them a pass because their line was broken with Keller's injury. I actually thought Army played a pretty strong game, but clearly that line had some struggles.
All in all, a great first game. We got some nice special teams play going 3 for 4 to start (ended 3 for 5, I think). We got a very nice kill on the major to Raley. We played with the lead, we came from behind, we battled in OT. Other than the injuries, I'd be happy with the tie. Given the fact we were short handed and the ice was soft, we should run out of there and be thankful for the tie. MSU has some very good players and they skate well. They looked young too, but they have some talent. Even though that is my take away, we did have some good chances to win it in both regulation and OT. A very good, even, battle is a nice game on the road at this time of the season. I think MSU might come after us a bit tonight more than they did. Tonight should be tougher and tighter...we'll see how it goes.
I sure hope for good news with Keller. That just is not fair if he is injured. Hoping it is just a scare. This is the part of the game I don't like. Keep your fingers crossed for him. Baker I think will be fine. When he got hit I thought "oh crap" but seeing him after the game I wouldn't be surprised if he plays tonight. He actually came back out to start the third but did not play. Glad he seems to be alright, he did get drilled squarely into the boards on a cheap shot....guys have to let up in that situation. It could have been a lot worse. He can play too though. Moves the puck well and makes good decisions.
That is it. It is hot and humid here again and thunderstorming at the moment. This weekend last year it snowed in Omaha. Not really sure why Mankato feels like Phoenix, but it does.
Let's hope for a win tonight.
