2-12! Oh my! Lemme see... 1st period score 1-4, 3rd period score 0-1, 2nd period score 1-7. Ugh. Not sure why, but the 2nd period is the worst for the Wranglers. They just can't seem to adjust and make it a game. The first 15 minutes of the 1st period was definitely a hockey game. There were hits, there were shots, there was some passing, some fast skating, but then... I can't really say that the Totems are really that good, but could I say the Wranglers really aren't that bad? Sure there were some good Totems goals that were deserved, but there were also many Totems goals that were not. Rather the "D" and the team just fell flat and let them skate in and score. For example here's some of the action I saw last night...- Pushing your arms out at the skater charging in with the puck is not a hit.
- Waiting for the pass up ice at the blue line while the Totems are threatening to score is not helping the "D".
- Standing still with your stick like an "air guitar" while the Totems are hovering around the net is not helping the "D" or is not good "D".
- Skating up ice with the puck and recognizing that a hit is coming and giving up the puck is not effective offense.
- Turning your back to the pass or the play as you go up ice is not good offense.
In fact, I could probably describe plenty more similar scenarios. What stumps me is seeing that kind of play this late in the season. And, when the Totems see that kind of play, they're going to feed you a good heapin' helpin' of "Wup Ass." How's that taste? Now there's bound to be a few that are going want to explain themselves. Let's give the "wheel of excuses" a spin and see what might come up. Round and round she spins. Let's see whats printed on the wheel, there's "I don't care and don't give a sh**"; or, "What? It's not my fault, he was supposed to do it"; or, "Hey! It's Seattle they're big and scary"; or, "I'm saving myself 'cuz I'm playing WHL next year"; or, "Did you see that girl in row 3?"; "I feel sick"; and my favorite, "It's the coach's fault." Whatever! I just cannot understand how the Wranglers can play 15 minutes in the first period and the 3rd period really good or great hockey and the rest of the time fall apart. Consistency... it's just not there.
Bright spots, Jeff Purslow (assisted by Bricklsler and Losey) always a warrior scored to tie it up in the first period, and then Lucas Walsh (assisted by Summa) scored in the disasterous 2nd period. Goalie Scott Graupensberger came in to relieve Kramer in the 3rd period and had some incredible saves to stop some Seattle one-on-ones. "SG" earned for his 20 minutes of play a GAA of 3.00 and a save % of 0.933. Way to go. Kyle Bricksler is a new addition for the team this year. Although, Kyle played part of the season last year for the Wranglers.
Do I even try to venture to say what needs to be done for today's game. Nah, it's been said so many times before. The Wranglers know what needs to be done, its up to them to execute it - again like the 1st 15 minutes of play and the 3rd period.
