Well that's what I want this blog to be about, re-capping the game last night. The Wranglers were close, oh so close to winning, or getting a tie, but alas they lost in the last 17 seconds. Regardless of the score, once again I was treated to a different Wrangler team. This is not the same Wrangler team that played prior to mid-December. Something has changed. Each Wrangler line comes out on the ice with vigor and determination. I LIKE IT, the fans like it, and I think the Wranglers themselves like it.Right off from the start I don't believe the Jags knew what they were in for. They were greeted by a hard charging Wrangler line that delivered some big hits, and were making great passes and shooting on goal. Sure the Jags scored first, but the Wranglers answered back less than a minute later by a beautiful 2 on 1 rush. It was simply textbook perfect, two players, a fake shot, a pass, and then GOAL! Nick Guzman passed it perfectly at the last second to Chad Steiner for a beautiful goal. That's what hockey is all about. 4:15 later Nick Guzman found the net again (assisted by Summa and McCormack). The Jags answered back before the end of the period making for a 2-2 tie. Shots were almost even, 10 for the Jags and 8 for the Wranglers. There definitely was a level of excitement in the building.
The second period was scoreless as each team tested each other's weaknesses. Several times the Wranglers were presented with "gift-wrapped" scoring opportunities but failed to open the package. Christian Kramer also made some incredible saves robbing the Jags of several scoring opportunities. Shots in the period were 16 for the Jags and only 7 for the Wranglers. While the Wranglers were still playing good, I believe they lost their focus. I spotted several mistakes of poor defensive play in front of the net - you got to move them out. Offensively some players kept the puck too long instead of passing it. Sometimes there were some poor decisions made - like skating it in close rather than shooting on net. Both goalies were having trouble controlling the puck making for too many dangerous rebounds. For both sides, it seemed that the tempo had went down.
Whatever loss of momentum in the 2nd period, it picked up in the 3rd period. River City came out determined to "close the door" on this game. After an early goal by the Jags the Wranglers answered back with 2 goals; the third goal was by Chance Robison (assisted by Purslow and Long) followed by the forth goal by Steven McCormack (assisted by Guzman and Chase). The Wranglers held the lead for about 2 minutes when the Jags answered back with a goal to even the score. What followed was fast and furious play by both the Jags and the Wranglers to put the game away, or save it for overtime. Finally there was 00:18 on the clock with a face-off deep in the Wrangler zone. One second later the Jags scored on a slow, trickle in shot from the face-off. Score: Jags 5, Wranglers 4. Shots for the period were 11 by the Jags, and only 7 by the Wranglers.
Not sure what failures in execution happened and I will let that rest with the Wrangler players on the ice. Perhaps it was a lapse in focus, perhaps it was a bouncing puck, perhaps it was just luck. Whatever happened it sealed the Wranglers fate for the night. Too bad. I personally believe the Wranglers could have pulled it out with a win if it would have gone into overtime. Total shots for the game were 37 for the Jags and only 21 for the Wranglers. Again, almost a 2-1 shot differential between teams. While the Wranglers don't shoot much, they do make their shots count, but I still believe more shots would equal more goals.
Several players deserve some recognition for their determined and tenacious play. Jeff Purslow, while Jeff didn't score he surely deserves some credit for his hustle. He had a great breakaway scoring chance. Next time Jeff. Aaron Riemersma, while Aaron didn't score he seemed to be always in the play, delivering a hit, and threatening to score. Chad Steiner, he get's the "energizer bunny" award for "taking a lickin' and keeps on tickin." You earned that goal Chad. Finally the Summa - Chase defensive line, they made some things happen. Many times either Summa or Chase lead the charge into the Jags zone and threatened to score. Also, they didn't allow any Jags camp in front of the Wrangler net.
Let's keep this good play up boys. Avoid the temptation to carry the puck, rather pass it forward to a hard charging Wrangler. Avoid the temptation to wait for the puck to arrive to you, rather skate hard to the puck - be proactive and make the play. Avoid the temptation to not make the hit, rather make the hit - chances are it can develop into a big play. C'mon Wranglers let's play the role of the spoiler, make these teams earn their way into the playoffs. Again, good game boys, lets do it tonight with a big win. GO WRANGLERS.
