I expected the Giants to grab game one. Even though it was a 1 goal win, I get the sense that the game wasn't at close as the score may have indicated.
The Giants play such a strong systems game and rarely deviate off the plan. It's that structure that allowed for very few Cougars chances offensively last night, and had goaltender Real Cyr been sleeping at the wheel the score could have been worse.
When you play a team which plays such a structured game you need to score the opening goal to force them to open up.
If the Giants score first, like they did last night, it will be extremely tough for the Cougars to battle back.
The good news is the Cougars have been in this situation before having lost to Everett in the first two games before winning games 3 - 4 - 5 and 6. I am not saying they will lose game two tonight but they know how to play for behind.
Anything is possible, but the Cougars have to play error free hockey in this series, something they didn't necessarily have to do in rounds one against Kamloops and round two against the Tips.
I chuckled a bit at the comments from Tips GM Doug Soetaert about his team being the better team despite losing in 6 games to the Cougars in round two.
Individually maybe, but the last time I checked it takes an entire 'team effort' to win a game - a series and a championship.
Individualistic hockey, or individuals simply not showing up won't do it for you.
Soetaert should have heard this quote before:
"Success in the playoffs is 1 percent inspiration and 99% perspiration."
Often times it's not the team that has the most individual talent, but the greatest work ethic and desire that wins.
Tips forward Peter Mueller was asked in the same article if he wants to return next season? Let see...get paid big money and play in sunny Phoenix or go back to junior and ride the bus across Western Canada?
Tough decision - not!
I had a chance to watch a bit of the Shaw coverage of the Hitmen/Hat series last night.
What amazes me is that after Dan Russell has concluded his play-by-play duties on Shaw, he goes directly to his Sportstalk radio show heard across the province of BC.
With the game ending in the Hat last night just before 9, Russell quickly grabs a breath before putting on his radio headset and beginning his radio show. The time between the game ended and his radio show starting is like.....5 minutes max.
The amazing thing is Russell doesn't even show fatigue after calling a hockey game for 2 plus hours.
He's sounds fresh and prepared as he takes the radio airwaves, and the average listen would have no clue he had just spent the last 3 hours doing a junior hockey game.
I guess it shows how much of a pro he really is.
3 comments:
I saw Dan Russell at The Arena last night, and he was doing that radio show from that crappy little media room under the stands! I saw all his gear there before the game...
You'd think it would be a fancy high-tech set up... it was anything but. Our 3 year old has more impressive electronics in his bedroom!
Great work on the blog, man!
-KJ
Hey, nice to hear from you in the Hat.
Hope life is treating you well. Thanks for the input KJ.
I saw Russell's setup in K-Town when he did the show from Prospera Place after doing a Shaw game.
A can and a string is all you need!!!
It's amazing the little time he has though to go from one gig to the next...and he does it seamlessly. If the Shaw game goes into overtime, he usually has something pre-recorded or they go directly to the live play-by-play of the Giants game.
The fact he is able to keep two balls in the air at the same time is impressive though.
You must be loving playoff hockey in April?
Would be better if it was the Broncos though??
Take care and thanks for the positive words.
I have to admit Regan, that quote by Soetart was absolutley rediculous. This shows why many fans dislike Everett so much. Their entire organization, from the top dog, down to the antics of some players on the ice after a goal, are not becoming of a WHL franchise. I think a few terrible season will humble these folks and we can finally talk about the Tips organizations liek they are a genuine franchise
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