With only two games remaining in the season and a gap in points between both the teams behind and in front of them, the Red Army sealed up the sixth playoff seed in an 8-7 loss to Scissor Me Timbers. The season, which wraps up next Thursday, has been one that has many fans, and players, scratching their heads as postseason play nears. The game against Scissor Me Timbers may have been a microcosm (if I may cite NHL '08) of the season. A fast start, a relapse in defense, a lack of discipline, a 3rd period disappearing act by Mark, and a one goal loss when the final horn sounded. So let's break it down:
The Red Army may be the best first period team in the league. If games were 15 minutes long, Mother Russia would be undefeated (or be the best team in the first five minutes). If the soviets want any chance at some post season magic, which many fans think is possible, the players are going to need to piece together a full 45 minute performance.
Pat, whose 12 points is tied for third on the team with Brad, had another solid outing. As much as Mark can dominate shifts at times, his linemate of late has been doing the dirty work.
Steve the stickhandler? Is it me, or does this guy all of a sudden possess the hands of an angel? Maybe it's the unsuspecting d-men, but his bag of tricks seems to be getting deeper. We just wish he would shoot sooner, instead of trying to dangle outside into the parking lot and down 28.
Penalties. It's tough to win a game when you're shorthanded seven times. Stop it.
Tony has been using his big frame to his advantage lately. How soon until he chips in with another goal? Soon.
The one powerplay that the Red Army had was textbook puck movement. Mark took a feed from Brad to enter the zone. Mark waited, and waited, and waited, drew two players to him and fed Brad who fired one home. Nice.
That being said, how many none calls there be in one night. I know the Red Army has the reputation for taking penalties, but they also deserve more than one power play a night.
Ten bucks if you know what was too long on Sunday. Sex jokes aside, the right answer was shifts. Or "What are shifts?" if we were playing Jeopardy (also acceptable was "The homily"). Twice, goals were scored because players didn't change when they needed to. Mark was the guiltiest in the first period, but Chris saw 39 minutes in the final 2 periods. Do the math- impossible.
Kraus in net was... so so. Eh, he gave the team a chance to win and I suppose that's all you can ask for.
Jamie should push the puck more. The guy has some wheels. And shoot more. Skate and shoot more. There.
Andy played a relatively quiet game, which is a great thing for a defenseman. He has been steady as of late. It will be interesting what kind of offers he receives in this, his contract year.
Mark dominated for 30 minutes, then thought he was the hulk. He needs to focus on scoring and not on hitting or trash talking. His game was great, but all everyone is going to remember is his lame "Don't be a gay" line, and his miss with under a minute to go.
That being said, the shorthanded goal he scored in the first was monnnney. Cha ching.
That's it for today. We'll have more later in the week as well as a playoff preview. Keep it fresh, comrades.
No comments:
Post a Comment