Finally I will not have to go back to Olympic View arena to watch the Totems for another year, maybe ever. There are some venues you just don't want to go back to, and this is one of them. Olympic View Arena is a nice facility its just who fills it that leaves the bad taste in your mouth and memories in your head. Oh well.
Once again the Wranglers tried and were successful in the 1st period, but then it all fell apart in the 2nd period. At the end of the 1st period the score was 1-1 between the Totems and Wranglers. Shots were 14 for Seattle and 4 for the Wranglers. Blase (assist Purslow) was able to get the puck in behind former Wrangler goalie Cafrelli for the tying score. Chris Kramer put on another great effort in net for the Wranglers.
In the second period the Wranglers were on the ice but fell way short of effort. Lots of missed passes, lackluster effort, and poor defense. Seattle posted 21 shots on Kramer and got 5 goals. While I watched the game, I cannot say that few if any Seattle goals were earned, rather they all came at the expense of Wrangler miscues. At one time, the Wranglers had a 5 on 3, then just a power play, they didn't keep the puck in the Totems zone, didn't get a shot on goal, but got scored on! Not once but TWICE! One goal was simply a poke check that went in. It was definitely sad to watch. The Totems put on a good forechecking clinic while they were on the penalty kill. During the 2nd period the Wranglers managed 8 shots, but they were all easily handled.
For the first half of the 3rd period, the Wranglers played the same as they did in the 2nd period but then they stepped it up and came alive with some good defense, making some hits and not letting the Totems set up shop right in front of Kramer. They moved the puck up through the neutral zone, had some hustle and made a few shots (8) on goal, in which one squeaked in by the Wrangler newcomer Luzaich. Final score Wranglers 2, Totems 10. Total shots for the Wranglers was 20, and 48 for the Totems. Outshot over 2-1 again. Finally this game was over.
What amazed me, was that the Totems kept most of their top scorer's in the whole time and were actively pursuing running up the score. Not only that, but the fans wanted more too. I recognize winning is important, but what is the purpose to run up the score? Enhance your Pointstreak.com figures? Then after the game while waiting in the lobby, Totem players, Totem parents, and fans continued to add "smack." It was just very classless.
The only supposed bright spot for the evening came when Jeff Purslow and Quinn Snider decided to have a near center ice fight shortly after the 2nd period started. Purslow's first punch (a left) caught Snider above the right eye and that was about it. Snider turtled on to Purslows arm, a few more punches thrown, and then went down. Snider had to leave the ice to get stitched up. Decision Purslow. Wranglers 1, Totems 0. Unfortunately these scores don't count; maybe that's why there was all the trash talk, because the Totem's had their ego bruised.
I haven't handed out Wrangler stars lately, but for last night's game the 1st star goes to Jeff Purslow for his goal assist and winning his fight. All game long, Jeff hustled and worked hard. Second star to Chris Kramer for his net minding. And, 3rd star to Wrangler newcomer Luzaich.
The Wranglers play the Puget Sound Tomahawks tonight in Bremerton. The T-Hawks just came off of two losses to River City so they'll be wanting a win to stay in 4th place playoff contention. C'mon Wranglers get a win.
