-Ken Dryden
The Wranglers managed 49 shots through the game but only got TWO goals. How does a team make 49 shots (23-15-11) on goal and only get 2 goals? The Tomahawks mustered 58 shots (12-22-24) and got 10 goals. Wait a minute... how do the Tomahawks get 58 shots on goal and score 10 goals?
Wrangler scoring went as such, Guzman (assisted by McCormack & Abera) got a goal in the start of the 2nd period giving us some hope that we'd see a game. But then the T-hawks shot back with 6 goals which put an end to any Wrangler chances. Abera (unassisted) put in a 3rd period goal for some respect but it was too late. Again I ask, "58 shots, 10 goals, what the...?"
The answer is, as per yesterday's post, M-I-S-T-A-K-E-S, and lots of them. I thought the Wrangler "D" did not play it's game, sure there were one or two defensemen that played up, but for the most part no. So many times I saw a T-hawk standing in front of the net, and nobody touched him. So many times I saw a T-hawk skate up to the net and be freely allowed to shoot. On one 2nd period goal I actually saw one Wrangler "D" back off and let him move across the slot, shoot and score. What the...hit him!? There were too few big Wrangler hits on T-hawk forwards. The T-hawks owned the Wrangler zone. 58 shots means there was no defense.
On the offensive side, the T-hawk "D" was not too impressive either, but the T-hawk forwards would come back and make life difficult for any Wrangler trying to score. Perhaps it was the bright yellow pads of the T-hawk goalie, but almost every Wrangler shot was right at the T-hawk goalie. It was like his jersey or pads said, "Shoot here." Banger. So many times a Wrangler would position themselves at the "back door" the pass would come and all that was needed was a touch or richochet the puck into the empty net; but no, the Wrangler would catch the puck, stop it, set it, look at the net, then shoot. This all takes time, meanwhile the goalie has repositioned himself to stop the shot. Banger. Some Wrangler forwards still think they can skate with the puck down the ice and not pass. Banger. Some Wrangler forwards are afraid to hustle after the puck, instead waiting for the puck to get to them. Banger. A few Wrangler forwards are afraid to make a hit and be tenacious for the puck. Banger. Last night Abera was a scorer with an assist and a goal.
Let's talk goalies. On the T-hawk side, sure there were some missed opportunities of scoring, sure there were some great goalie saves, but Boyd the T-hawk goalie is not that good. After last night though his stats went up. Boyd's GAA 3.20 with a save percentage of %0.906. He's ranked 20th in NorPac with his stats. At Puget Sound he is the 2nd goalie after Reneau who has even better stats. For the Wranglers, "CKJ" played the first half of the game (almost) faced 29 shots and let 5 goals in. CKJ's GAA is 6.67 with a save percentage of %0.862, and is 46th in NorPac. About halfway through the second period Blanton replaced CKJ and faced 29 shots and let in 5 goals. Blanton's GAA is 7.33 and a save percentage of %0.863. Blanton is 47th in NorPac. By the way, the only goalies lower in NorPac at 48th & 49th place are Secondo (released) and Teilborg. Hmmm? Perhaps that partially answers how 58 shots turned into 10 goals. "CKJ" is a great drop down goalie but weak on the top shelf. Blanton is better on the top shelf, but tends to leave the 5-hole open. Two of Blanton's goals were "fluky" in that they went off Wrangler skates (once his and another a "D") and richocheted in. Tough goals but they happen. Both Wrangler goalies had a tough time controlling rebounds which a few times resulted in a score. (Again, where was the Wrangler "D"?)
What were the good things to come out of this game? 49 shots. That is awesome. In fact, that's a Wrangler season record. I saw the puck being cycled in the corners and a start of a scoring attack. Not as many missed passes. Passes were mostly on point. The 1st period was great - 23 shots on goal. If we can keep these things up, and improve our shots, tighten up the "D" I believe we can win some games. But it takes communication and coordination boys. I bet the coaches are going to have some tough practices waiting for you this week, especially since the Generals are coming to town. If they want to stay up with 1st place Seattle they got to win. It's your house, are you going to let 'em win? Oooo rah, let's get tough Wranglers!
