Big Ern
01-11-2009, 08:43 PM
The first period turned into an unfortunate situation for the Broncos. They had Calgary on it's heels after getting two goals from Dillon Wagner and Cody Eakin, and did whatever they could to keep the Hitmen away. But they failed to outmatch the officiating, which was horrid in that first frame, ignoring at least four blatant Hitmen infractions. A 5 on 3 chance for the Hitmen was the turning point in the frame. Calgary quickly capitalized on the powerplay when Paul Postma potted one from the high right slot. They scored again a minute later on the ensuing powerplay. So after what was a hard-working period for the visitors, they came out in a tie game.
The second period was different. Swift Current came out and capitalized on a Calgary turnover to re-take the lead. It was Jan Dalecky who got the goal off a pretty pass from Taylor Vause on the 2 on 1 chance. From there however, it was all Calgary in that stanza. The Hitmen got a couple bounces and capitalized on every one, and you knew once they took the lead it would be tough for Swifty to come back. The home squad smelled blood and sub-par goaltending by Bronco newcomer Morgan Clark, and burned the visitors for four tallies. Like last night in Medicine Hat, the Broncos had a couple chances to turn the game around, including a wide open net miss by Keegan Dansereau. Matt Tassone again was the only player on that top line who was really noticeable out there. So after two periods, the score was 6-3 for the Hitmen.
And the third was rather slow...the Hitmen did a complete job of shutting the Broncos down throughout the period and added a goal by Ian Shultz to put the game drastically out of reach. The fatigue following three games in three nights began to show a bit, as Swift Current's pace slowed a tad.
-the Broncos have caused some problems for the Hitmen this year, and have been first to score in all three meetings of the season. But the Hitmen always find a way to get back in it. If it's not a sniff from a bad defensive play, it's a break of some kind to turn the game completely around. Be it officiating, or good bounce. These are problems that can be corrected or in other cases correct themselves to result in a favourable outcome. Some better goaltending for Swift Current would also help the situation...something they haven't had in the last two meetings versus Calgary at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
-how about the newcomers? John Negrin looked great in the first period. Michael Stickland didn't get a tonne of ice time, but did assist on the second Bronco goal. It will be nice to see what both players can accomplish after a week of practice and getting to know their teammates.
-I'm not entirely sure why Dean Chynoweth started Morgan Clark tonight. I imagine he was asked that in the pre-game show. Unfortunately I was not able to hear that today. Maybe his reasoning was to give Yonkman a break.
Extras:
-the work of the zebras was almost unbearable in the first period. I'm glad I was not in attendance to lose it and and maybe throw an object or two on the ice. It gets extremely frustrating when the officials start controlling the outcome of a game.
-the Sportsnet announcers were wearing Calgary jerseys for most of the game's first half. Calgary this, Calgary that, and even bringing up the stats of no-name players. It got better in the second half, as the game started getting out of hand for Swift Current. Next time maybe I'll watch the game on mute.
-good for the Hitmen, who ran with what they got and picked up their 38th win of the campaign. They have now compiled an amazing record of 38-6-1-1.
-the Broncos have the entire week to practice before heading for Lethbridge on Friday and Kootenay Saturday. Again, this stretch on the road was never labelled easy, and they'll have to put their game faces on and get through it. They have to start getting some better performances from key forwards, or the ship isn't going nowhere.
Have a great week.
The second period was different. Swift Current came out and capitalized on a Calgary turnover to re-take the lead. It was Jan Dalecky who got the goal off a pretty pass from Taylor Vause on the 2 on 1 chance. From there however, it was all Calgary in that stanza. The Hitmen got a couple bounces and capitalized on every one, and you knew once they took the lead it would be tough for Swifty to come back. The home squad smelled blood and sub-par goaltending by Bronco newcomer Morgan Clark, and burned the visitors for four tallies. Like last night in Medicine Hat, the Broncos had a couple chances to turn the game around, including a wide open net miss by Keegan Dansereau. Matt Tassone again was the only player on that top line who was really noticeable out there. So after two periods, the score was 6-3 for the Hitmen.
And the third was rather slow...the Hitmen did a complete job of shutting the Broncos down throughout the period and added a goal by Ian Shultz to put the game drastically out of reach. The fatigue following three games in three nights began to show a bit, as Swift Current's pace slowed a tad.
-the Broncos have caused some problems for the Hitmen this year, and have been first to score in all three meetings of the season. But the Hitmen always find a way to get back in it. If it's not a sniff from a bad defensive play, it's a break of some kind to turn the game completely around. Be it officiating, or good bounce. These are problems that can be corrected or in other cases correct themselves to result in a favourable outcome. Some better goaltending for Swift Current would also help the situation...something they haven't had in the last two meetings versus Calgary at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
-how about the newcomers? John Negrin looked great in the first period. Michael Stickland didn't get a tonne of ice time, but did assist on the second Bronco goal. It will be nice to see what both players can accomplish after a week of practice and getting to know their teammates.
-I'm not entirely sure why Dean Chynoweth started Morgan Clark tonight. I imagine he was asked that in the pre-game show. Unfortunately I was not able to hear that today. Maybe his reasoning was to give Yonkman a break.
Extras:
-the work of the zebras was almost unbearable in the first period. I'm glad I was not in attendance to lose it and and maybe throw an object or two on the ice. It gets extremely frustrating when the officials start controlling the outcome of a game.
-the Sportsnet announcers were wearing Calgary jerseys for most of the game's first half. Calgary this, Calgary that, and even bringing up the stats of no-name players. It got better in the second half, as the game started getting out of hand for Swift Current. Next time maybe I'll watch the game on mute.
-good for the Hitmen, who ran with what they got and picked up their 38th win of the campaign. They have now compiled an amazing record of 38-6-1-1.
-the Broncos have the entire week to practice before heading for Lethbridge on Friday and Kootenay Saturday. Again, this stretch on the road was never labelled easy, and they'll have to put their game faces on and get through it. They have to start getting some better performances from key forwards, or the ship isn't going nowhere.
Have a great week.