steelers vs Devils - 29 Sept 19 - League
- Thread starter James
- Start date
I thought we were better defensively but up front we struggled to enter the zone and looked a bit lost and confused at times (like when Fournier lost the puck for Vallerands breakaway goal.) But with all the lines changes and players out its no wonder we are not at our best.
We are having a challenging start to the season and scrappy ground out wins like this now may make the difference at the end of the season. When we are back to full strength the league can look out.
We are having a challenging start to the season and scrappy ground out wins like this now may make the difference at the end of the season. When we are back to full strength the league can look out.
I don't think any team should be written off this early in the season. Don't get me wrong I'll happily take the 2 points especially without Riley and McNamee. But looking at the results everyone is currently beating everyone else. Fife lose in Belfast 7-2 then beat them 5-2 at home.
I do think we should frame the current league table with Belfast in 10th (ok I know they have only played two games)
I do think we should frame the current league table with Belfast in 10th (ok I know they have only played two games)
An intense game that was nerve-racking rather than exciting. The ice looked awful and that contributed to a first period low on quality but after that, the tension was such that any mistake caused heart failure amongst one set of supporters. I was actually more impressed than some by the Steelers, their game plan came very close to working and their niggling got to some of our players (the Dixon incident was not the only evidence of this). As others have said, I am not sure their NMing is good enough for the long haul but upfront they have a tonne of skill and strength.
For us, Linglet was his normal magical self but special mention for the Haddad - Marjamaki - Batch line, matched up against a tough Steelers trio they held their own and drew a lot of penalties.
Good to see Martin back as well, clearly he has a way to go before full fitness but he showed a few flashes of what we know he can do.
A few years ago we would have lost this game, it’s brilliant to see how this team now has the mental toughness and skill to find a way in a close game.
For us, Linglet was his normal magical self but special mention for the Haddad - Marjamaki - Batch line, matched up against a tough Steelers trio they held their own and drew a lot of penalties.
Good to see Martin back as well, clearly he has a way to go before full fitness but he showed a few flashes of what we know he can do.
A few years ago we would have lost this game, it’s brilliant to see how this team now has the mental toughness and skill to find a way in a close game.
Difference between us and them over the last few years - scraping an away win against one the arena teams is now something we view as being subpar.
They’re pleased to have been so close to us.
I don’t think we’ve even hit 3rd gear in the league yet, and there could be a combination of reasons. Whatever they are, they need to be sorted soonish if we want to push for the title this year.
Some different combos last night (at one point I recall seeing Linglet, Duggan and Haddad as a line), which is a very unusual thing to be able to do against Steelers. So not overly surprising that we looked a bit disjointed at times.
We definitely haven’t seen the speed, accuracy and attack that we showed in 3 of the 4 CHL games so far, but I suppose it’s more difficult against teams who see us as the favourites and play accordingly.
Sure we’ll be back to best soon.
They’re pleased to have been so close to us.
I don’t think we’ve even hit 3rd gear in the league yet, and there could be a combination of reasons. Whatever they are, they need to be sorted soonish if we want to push for the title this year.
Some different combos last night (at one point I recall seeing Linglet, Duggan and Haddad as a line), which is a very unusual thing to be able to do against Steelers. So not overly surprising that we looked a bit disjointed at times.
We definitely haven’t seen the speed, accuracy and attack that we showed in 3 of the 4 CHL games so far, but I suppose it’s more difficult against teams who see us as the favourites and play accordingly.
Sure we’ll be back to best soon.