When the Red Army won their...errr...game the other night, they won easily, as they have done a few times this season. In fact, it seems that Mother Russia knows how to win only two ways: by blowout or by one goal (usually in overtime). The old adage is right though, "a win is a win is a win", and boy have there been plenty this season. So the question must be asked, "What gives?"
Going into tonight's game (which will be previewed in a bit), the Red Army is 8-2-1 and tied for 2nd place in a division with 12 teams. They are two points behind the first place Cryptic Stench, whom they defeated in dramatic "It's-not-over-til-it's-over" fashion. They have already eclipsed the 16 point mark, a feat they did not accomplish until the season finale last year. They have a league best seven game winning streak despite playing with short benches for most of those games. They are flirting more and more with the 100 goal total for the season, a benchmark never before reached even when all four of the Hendricks brothers laced up the skates. They are doing a lot of things, and they are doing them well. But still, what gives? Let's take a look at a few contributing factors:
Offseason Aquisitions: After the departures of Neal and Brian Hendricks, Chris Duhaime, Jamie Simek, and Ben Breiterman, Mother Russia needed to dip in the free agency pool. They brought back seasoned veterans Ryan Odell, Scott Hoefer, and Jerrod Funk, all of which are defensemen. Odell and Funk are puck moving defensemen that are a threat to score at anytime, while Hoefer provides the stability of a stay at home guy, though he has chipped in with a pair of tallies the past few games. After a sluggish start to the season, the Red Army welcomed back Breiterman. Breiterman solidified the defense as one of the best in the league. As we all know, offense wins games, but defense wins.... wait, can't say it. Still, with the losses of the Hendricks twins and Duhaime, there was a void in the offense. Salvation came in the form of...
Secondary Scoring: The Soviets have received a lot of scoring from Mark Hendricks and their defense this year, but the emergence of Pat King as a certified sniper adds an entire new level to the Soviets' game. After a four goal explosion (career high for the King) on Sunday night, Patrick Hatrick now has 13 goals and 6 assists, all while playing in only 6 games. That's more than 3 points a game. Sure, much of that can be attributed to playing on the top line with Hendricks, but look at Hendricks' numbers: 25 goals and 21 assists in 11 games. That is a career high for him as well. The two of them (as well as Breiterman and sometimes Hoefer) work well together in the offensive zone. The other team seldom touches the puck when the four of them are on the same page. Well, they do touch the puck when they fish it out of their own net. Maybe the Rocket Richard winner plays on that top line, but how about the Selke?
Tony Horton: Putting the Big Rig from defense to offense was equally as important as bringing in the four defenseman. Horton's speed and willingness to backcheck makes him invaluable to the Red Army. His big frame intimidates even the shiftiest of skaters, and he also chips in with timely goals. Let's not forget, this is the guy that led the team in scoring for a few games last year while playing defense. There is no doubt that the Aryan Racer can score, but who could have guessed he could prevent scoring so well? His ability to be the third man back allows King and Hendricks to poach a little bit. It doesn't show up on the scoresheet, but the backchecking Horton supplies is just as pretty as a cross crease pass from Odell to Hendricks.
Hendricks Career Year: (You didn't think I'd compliment everybody else without a shoutout to myself, did you? I'll keep it short.) 11 games, 25 goals, 21 assists. I think it is safe to say that this guy is turning a corner. He is passing more this season and creating more opportunities for the players around him. That being said, 25 goals also shows he isn't shy from pulling the trigger (both on the rink and while hovering inches above a dormatory toilet at VA Tech). This team used to only go as far as Hendricks would take them. That is not the case anymore, but it certainly doesn't hurt that he seems to be scoring at will these days.
The Schram Man's Versatility: Goalie- check. Offense- check. Defense- check. Yep, Andy the Mandy has enjoyed more positions than Breiterman's rented date on prom night did. He boasts an undefeated record as a goalie, but it is his ability to accept any mission the coaching staff wants him to fulfill that makes him a great player. There is a reason he wears that "A". Last game he was put on offense for the first time in over a year. How did he respond? By screening the bejesus out of a loaned Kraus and creating havoc in front of the net. It's also no mystery that he makes it a living hell for opposing forwards to try and interfere with his goalie.
Those are a few of the reasons that this team is succeeding right now. Throw in the return of the Captain in the coming days and the secondary scoring may receive another boost. Still though, just how high can the Red Army climb? Three games remain in the season: Tonight's matchup against the rival Shockers, Sunday's tilt with the fourth place Strangers, and the season finale against their 2nd place counterpart Prestige Worldwide. In season's past, with that schedule, I'd be content with 3 points. Today, I feel greedy. Six points. Let's make the Stench sweat a little. Eh, Comrades
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