Who's Up Front:
Doug Lindensmith is off to a great start in the series. Three goals in Game One for the 19-year-old forward, and Lindensmith continues to torch the North Stars. Over the past two years, you can probably count the games on one-hand where Lindensmith HAS NOT scored against the North Stars. Shutting him down will be objective number one for the Stars defensively.
Who's on D:
Dayton Fossum was thrust into some additional ice time when Kirk Moore left the game in the first period, and he did not dissapoint. Fossum used his speed and size to make plays, and he nearly beat Graham Hildebrand on a back-hand deke in the late stages of the second period. Depending on the future status of Kirk Moore, Fossum could be seeing a lot more ice-time as this series progresses.
Who's in Goal:
Adam Bartko has finally won a game at the North Battleford Civic Center. He did so in fine fashion, making some enormous saves in the second and third periods. Bartko fought the puck a little bit, and didn't seem 'as calm' as he has in the past. Yet getting the first win in this series will be huge for his confidence, and we'll see if he's up to the task again this evening.
X-Factor:
The Ice Wolves proved last night that their depth is a force to be reckoned with. Dan Conacher scored the OT winner by simply going to the net, and making a play. Travis Eggum, Nolan Souchotte, Richard Cameron and Taylor Pillar all played very well for La Ronge, and if they can continue to get offense from their muckers and grinders, the Wolves may be heading home up 2-0 on the Stars.
Who's Up Front:
Blake Tatchell and Brett Miller are both enjoying a fine second season. Tatchell's goal last night may be one of the prettiest we've seen all season. Tatchell is getting better with each passing game, and could once again be a real factor tonight. Brett Miller did what he's done all year, and that is score crucial goals. Miller's fourth of the playoffs tied the game late, and his play has gotten noticably better since the start of the Melfort series.
Who's on D:
The Stars are going with seven defenceman tonight. Ken Pearson is sitting Ward Szucki in favor of Dominic Perrault. Rather than putting Brody Malek up front, Pearson will rotate his defenceman (likely Perrault and Fahnhorst) and will likely be double-shifting a couple of his top forwards. Defensively the Stars need to avoid making clumsy plays at their own blue-line, and they need to keep Doug Lindensmith away from the front of the net.
Who's in Goal:
Kyle Birch gets the call tonight, and you can bet that 'Birchy' will be ready. One can't help but ponder the similarities between Game One of the Melfort series, and Game One of this one. Birch plays well in Game one, but loses - Then Graham plays Game two and wins. Graham plays well last night and doesn't win, Birch gets the call tonight. It's time for Kyle to answer some of his critics who feel that statistics tell the full story. Birch doesn't have the stats, but he has the wins, confidence and experience under his belt. If Kyle Birch can return to 09 Playoff Form, the La Ronge Ice Wolves are in for a frustrating night. By default, this becomes the biggest start of Kyle's career.
X-Factors:
Josh Daley - One Goal in six games.
Shay Neufeld - One Assist in six games.
These two NEED to get going. Every other forward has tallied more points than Daley and Neuf and given the fact that Daley finished third in team scoring while Neufeld finished fifth, that is simply not acceptable. It pains me to be so blunt, because I hold both individuals in the highest regard. Both are great hockey players with an enormous upside, and the time has come for them to show it off.
In Daley's case, he's simply got to get his hands dirty and it starts in his own end. He needs to use his size to keep the opposition away from the front of the net. Great offense starts with smart defense. In the offensive zone, he just needs to simplify. Get shots on the net and use his speed to find the open ice. Sooner than later his skill is going to do the rest.
------------------------
If you can't make it to the rink tonight, you can catch the broadcast live on CJNB/CJNS or www.cjnb.com.
Matt Ryan and I will have the call for you tonight.
No comments:
Post a Comment