nivek_wahs
03-07-2008, 09:23 AM
Hunt will stand pat with line combinations (http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=392a17b6-f4dc-4bcd-a411-10796224551d)
Hunt will stand pat with line combinations
Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Friday, March 07, 2008
Regina Pats head coach Curtis Hunt has drawn his lines in the sand.
In an effort to fine-tune his team's chemistry heading into the playoffs, Hunt's forward combinations have been relatively constant over the past several weeks. It's quite a deviation for the veteran head coach, who has been criticized at times for habitually rotating his lines.
"I've seen enough good things out of the (existing) combinations to believe that's our best," explained Hunt. "That being said, every now and again it's good to mix them up. I have kept the top two units together. Creating that chemistry is so important, especially in special teams. As much as they drive me crazy and I want to split them all up some nights, the best thing in the big picture is to continue to put pressure on each of their lines to perform as they can."
Hunt believes players shouldn't be allowed to get too attached to their linemates in the event of injuries, etc.
However, he has strayed from that model this season by allowing Regina's top unit of Tim Kraus, Jordan Eberle and Michael MacAngus to remain virtually exclusive.
The head coach has also resisted the temptation to break up the second line of Scott Doucet, J.D. Watt and Rudolf Cerveny, a trio which was formed shortly after the WHL trade deadline.
Hunt's patience was rewarded on Sunday when that unit was the best on the ice, breaking out of a recent slump by contributing two key goals in a 3-1 win over the top-ranked Calgary Hitmen.
"To have any long-term success you need secondary scoring; I don't think that's a secret," said Hunt. "If those guys (on the second line) can't pull the cart, then they have to push it and run beside it. That means physical play, discipline, smart details, (being) real good defensively, keep it simple and get everything to the net. It was great to see them (break) out. I think they've played well as a group. Hopefully we can continue on that path where everybody contributes."
Although the Pats improved their depth at the trade deadline, the team has continued to struggle on offence, averaging just 2.99 goals per game (13th in the league and last out of eight playoff teams in the Eastern Conference). As a rule, when Regina's power play isn't clicking, the entire offence goes south.
That trend was reversed on Friday when the team's No. 1 line broke loose with dominating 5-on-5 effort, producing five goals and five assists in a 5-4 win over the Chilliwack Bruins. Two nights later against Calgary, the line of Eberle, Kraus and MacAngus was shut down, but Doucet's unit picked up the slack.
"We're always looking to take some of the pressure off the big line because it's hard for one line to carry a team," noted Doucet. "We need to carry our share of the load."
The Pats will need more of the same from all four lines down the stretch, especially come playoff time when the checking always gets tighter.
The key to the equation may be the second unit, which has the skill, speed and physical makeup to be productive in different ways.
"Confidence is a big part of this game," noted Doucet.
"We've had our hot and cold streaks. Lately you could say we've been getting down on ourselves so (it's important) to get a boost like last game and feel good about ourselves. We've been getting our fair share of chances but to finally get that one (will hopefully) open the flood gates."
The same goes for the third unit of Kirt Hill, Brett Leffler and Garrett Mitchell or Ryan DePape, a group which does yeoman's work on the checking side, but hasn't contributed much offence lately.
Rookie Matt Strueby centers a fourth line which has been in flux due to injuries, including the indefinite loss of Josh Elder (knee). First-year WHLer Todd Kennedy is his replacement.
"If you can get scoring from all four lines, that's great; it just doesn't always happen," added Hunt. "If our lines are all plus (on the plus-minus scale) and our special teams are sharp, I hate to simplify it but that's what it is.
"We need our young players to provide energy and territorial advantage and some physical play and chip in with the odd goal. But we need our top three lines -- because they are laden with older players -- to distribute the goal scoring amongst them."
- - -
SCOUTING REPORT
Edmonton (20-35-4-7) at Regina (40-21-4-2)
Today, 7 p.m., Brandt Centre
Radio: 620 CKRM
Key injuries: Regina -- LW Josh Elder (knee, indefinite); Edmonton -- D Brandon Lockerby (jaw, two weeks), RW Robin Figren (wrist, two weeks), D Tyler Hlookoff (1-2 weeks).
Overview: The Pats have struggled big-time against non-playoff teams this season, but Edmonton isn't one of them. Regina has won all three previous meetings with the expansion club, including a 3-2 shootout decision at the Brandt Centre. The Pats posted wins of 6-2 and 6-3 in Edmonton . . . Regina has acquired six new faces since its last meeting with the Oil Kings on Dec. 6. The Pats also had a tentative agreement to acquire Figren from Edmonton at the Jan. 10 trade deadline, but the Swedish sniper nixed the deal . . . Ironically, Figren hasn't played since Jan. 30 due to a wrist injury he sustained prior to the trade deadline . . . Czech rookie Tomas Vincour is Edmonton's leading scorer (16-23--39). Regina product Brent Raedeke, who was acquired from the Pats in the offseason, is sixth on the team (14-14--28) . . . Oil Kings G Alex Archibald is among the WHL's top 10 in save percentage (.912). He has a 2.98 GAA while facing an average of 34 shots per game . . . Edmonton has lost four straight games and sits 11th in the 12-team Eastern Conference. Regina has won three in a row and sits second in the conference based upon its spot atop the East Division. Brandon, Moose Jaw and Swift Current are all three points back. The Warriors have six games left. The other teams have five.
© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008
Hunt will stand pat with line combinations
Greg Harder, The Leader-Post
Published: Friday, March 07, 2008
Regina Pats head coach Curtis Hunt has drawn his lines in the sand.
In an effort to fine-tune his team's chemistry heading into the playoffs, Hunt's forward combinations have been relatively constant over the past several weeks. It's quite a deviation for the veteran head coach, who has been criticized at times for habitually rotating his lines.
"I've seen enough good things out of the (existing) combinations to believe that's our best," explained Hunt. "That being said, every now and again it's good to mix them up. I have kept the top two units together. Creating that chemistry is so important, especially in special teams. As much as they drive me crazy and I want to split them all up some nights, the best thing in the big picture is to continue to put pressure on each of their lines to perform as they can."
Hunt believes players shouldn't be allowed to get too attached to their linemates in the event of injuries, etc.
However, he has strayed from that model this season by allowing Regina's top unit of Tim Kraus, Jordan Eberle and Michael MacAngus to remain virtually exclusive.
The head coach has also resisted the temptation to break up the second line of Scott Doucet, J.D. Watt and Rudolf Cerveny, a trio which was formed shortly after the WHL trade deadline.
Hunt's patience was rewarded on Sunday when that unit was the best on the ice, breaking out of a recent slump by contributing two key goals in a 3-1 win over the top-ranked Calgary Hitmen.
"To have any long-term success you need secondary scoring; I don't think that's a secret," said Hunt. "If those guys (on the second line) can't pull the cart, then they have to push it and run beside it. That means physical play, discipline, smart details, (being) real good defensively, keep it simple and get everything to the net. It was great to see them (break) out. I think they've played well as a group. Hopefully we can continue on that path where everybody contributes."
Although the Pats improved their depth at the trade deadline, the team has continued to struggle on offence, averaging just 2.99 goals per game (13th in the league and last out of eight playoff teams in the Eastern Conference). As a rule, when Regina's power play isn't clicking, the entire offence goes south.
That trend was reversed on Friday when the team's No. 1 line broke loose with dominating 5-on-5 effort, producing five goals and five assists in a 5-4 win over the Chilliwack Bruins. Two nights later against Calgary, the line of Eberle, Kraus and MacAngus was shut down, but Doucet's unit picked up the slack.
"We're always looking to take some of the pressure off the big line because it's hard for one line to carry a team," noted Doucet. "We need to carry our share of the load."
The Pats will need more of the same from all four lines down the stretch, especially come playoff time when the checking always gets tighter.
The key to the equation may be the second unit, which has the skill, speed and physical makeup to be productive in different ways.
"Confidence is a big part of this game," noted Doucet.
"We've had our hot and cold streaks. Lately you could say we've been getting down on ourselves so (it's important) to get a boost like last game and feel good about ourselves. We've been getting our fair share of chances but to finally get that one (will hopefully) open the flood gates."
The same goes for the third unit of Kirt Hill, Brett Leffler and Garrett Mitchell or Ryan DePape, a group which does yeoman's work on the checking side, but hasn't contributed much offence lately.
Rookie Matt Strueby centers a fourth line which has been in flux due to injuries, including the indefinite loss of Josh Elder (knee). First-year WHLer Todd Kennedy is his replacement.
"If you can get scoring from all four lines, that's great; it just doesn't always happen," added Hunt. "If our lines are all plus (on the plus-minus scale) and our special teams are sharp, I hate to simplify it but that's what it is.
"We need our young players to provide energy and territorial advantage and some physical play and chip in with the odd goal. But we need our top three lines -- because they are laden with older players -- to distribute the goal scoring amongst them."
- - -
SCOUTING REPORT
Edmonton (20-35-4-7) at Regina (40-21-4-2)
Today, 7 p.m., Brandt Centre
Radio: 620 CKRM
Key injuries: Regina -- LW Josh Elder (knee, indefinite); Edmonton -- D Brandon Lockerby (jaw, two weeks), RW Robin Figren (wrist, two weeks), D Tyler Hlookoff (1-2 weeks).
Overview: The Pats have struggled big-time against non-playoff teams this season, but Edmonton isn't one of them. Regina has won all three previous meetings with the expansion club, including a 3-2 shootout decision at the Brandt Centre. The Pats posted wins of 6-2 and 6-3 in Edmonton . . . Regina has acquired six new faces since its last meeting with the Oil Kings on Dec. 6. The Pats also had a tentative agreement to acquire Figren from Edmonton at the Jan. 10 trade deadline, but the Swedish sniper nixed the deal . . . Ironically, Figren hasn't played since Jan. 30 due to a wrist injury he sustained prior to the trade deadline . . . Czech rookie Tomas Vincour is Edmonton's leading scorer (16-23--39). Regina product Brent Raedeke, who was acquired from the Pats in the offseason, is sixth on the team (14-14--28) . . . Oil Kings G Alex Archibald is among the WHL's top 10 in save percentage (.912). He has a 2.98 GAA while facing an average of 34 shots per game . . . Edmonton has lost four straight games and sits 11th in the 12-team Eastern Conference. Regina has won three in a row and sits second in the conference based upon its spot atop the East Division. Brandon, Moose Jaw and Swift Current are all three points back. The Warriors have six games left. The other teams have five.
© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008