"... into the flux capacitor... it just might work. Next Saturday night, we're sending you back to the future!" That's what I felt like last night, it was the same old Wrangler hockey... poor passing, carrying the puck, marginal hits. It just wasn't the same Wrangler team that played on Friday night. You could tell right off from the initial face-off, it was going to be a long game; ending with the Wranglers losing 1-5.Grant Long started the game off with a shot from the point that found nothing but net (assisted by Robison and Riemersma). But that was it for Wrangler scoring. Sure the Wranglers made plenty of shots on net, more than they normally do - 34 (9-14-11) but I would say most were easy saves for the Jags backup goalie, Whitmore. A few Wrangler shots definitely had potential, but the puck doesn't always bounce or slide the Wrangler way. However, it sure did for the Jags. Two goals were ones that just trickled in - barely. But once the puck crosses the goal line it is a goal regardless of speed or placement.
The Jags put up a consistent offense against the Wranglers. They initially pounded us with hits that seemed to take us off our game, just what we did to them on Friday night. They also effectively moved the puck around the zone, passing it deep, passing it out to the points, and making shots on goal and looking for scoring opportunities. Of course they found plenty. The Jags had 42 shots on goal, beating the Wranglers for the 1st and 2nd period. In the 3rd period, the Jags put in their 3rd and 4th lines to give them some game experience. The Wrangler "D" tried hard but just could not seem to contain or control the Jag offense. The Jags kept the Wrangler "D" off kilter by moving the puck around the zone effectively and quickly.
The Jags were definitely fired up for Saturday night's game. You could see they came to the RRRink to play and win. Two of their players - Abudakar and Henkel - will not be playing in the next couple of games because of their foolish fighting antics. Fortunately no Wranglers fully bit on the antics so there should be no game misconduct suspensions.
One of the things I'm beginning to notice is that if the Wranglers have a good game, they relax back into their old ways of showboating with the puck, failing to pass the puck, poor passing, and desparation shooting by the next game. Playing consistency is definitely an issue. That's just too bad. Hockey is a team sport not a spotlight on a single player event. The Wranglers play the best when the play as a team, just like against Eugene and like Friday night against the Jags. If they choose not to play as a team, it's going to be a long season (as it already is).
The Wranglers play 2nd place Eugene on Monday and Tuesday night, Jan. 5 & 6. C'mon boys, let's not give 'em the run of the house, rather show them a few hits and make them earn any goals. Better yet, let's make 'em sweat by beating them. GO WRANGLERS!
Player notes: Matt Miglioretto was traded to a Junior C team in Fontenac, Illinois. Not sure who the Wranglers acquired in return. The Wranglers also acquired a player from Puget Sound -Tanner Waterbury. He saw limited action last night both as a forward and on defense. He is originally a goalie, but can play the ice too. I suspect we might see more trades soon since many teams will try to bolster their roster with good players as they enter the playoffs. We'll have to wait and see, but I would bet that Grant Long would be a strong trade contender.
