An old adage..."if you find yourself in a hole the first thing to do is stop diggin'".
An Observation:
Have been of the view that including game 6 in Calgary, the team hadn't yet come to grips with the analogy that laying back into a defensive posture to start a game is akin to an invitation to come to our house, the weather's fine there and if/when you get comfortable being there and we are as well, let's just play there for awhile.
To me this sets up the condition where the opposition gains confidence and a whole lot of positive energy while blistering Ice goaltending....luckily not resulting thus far at least, in the fatal blow.
On the other side of the puck there is a butterfly affect where our guys leave the ice dragging after the 20, feeling just the opposite.
Their saving grace so far has been their resiliance and the ability to recover they've exibited throughout the series.
Dan Russel's partner on Shaw, noted last game that he found it hard to believe "how fragile" the Ice looked on many occassions during these playoffs.
I believe it's because of their game going back and forth from "wanting to win" to one of "not wanting to lose".
It's going to be tough, but this team looks it's best when they are playing a responsible pressure game where they create turnovers off a strong forcheck, odd man rushes and scoring chances off a fast breakout--use their speed, first to the puck, win the battles and the shifts.
Thanks largely to the last refereeing debacle in Calgary just two days ago along with injuries, both teams may find it a challenge to get their feet moving and stay at a high level tonight.
The Ice will have to be disciplined and stay off the energy draining PK.
Goaltending once more having a role to play...especially if the Hitties are again allowed to run wild, and all 4 lines contributing as they've so far this season shown they can.
Saw some articles on Shaw that would have us believe the place will be packed tonight as the Ice office has enjoyed some heavy selling.
Is this the hill we die on, or do we live another day.