GAME THREAD: Steelers v Blaze: Sat 7th December

[Bryan]

As other have said about the improvement. I thought the other feature of tonight was the way the team played the situation. The third in particular was well managed without giving up many chances for Blaze.

[Doom]

As I suspected, with a week off we looked much sharper around the ice.

The powerplay also looked much better tonight.

Coventry are a decent team, but tonight we made them look second best.

I've mentioned before, but my mate likes to bring out a few stats to the pub prior to games. The most blatant one tonight was the impact netminding is having on our results.

When Greener is in goal we generally concede less than the expected goals against us. When Greener isn't in goal, we concede more. The top and bottom of it is, we don't lose those last 4 games with Greener in goal.

The other stat he came up with was how often we concede when Watling and Vally are on the ice together.

Dowd with Vally and Ciampini with Simpson and we're in a good place, especially with Balmas/Watling/Juusola as a line.

It's quite clear, key to our success this season is keeping Greener fit.

Regards

Doom

[Jayboy]

I think Colton Saucerman had a fantastic 1st game back.. he just makes our defence better every time he is on the ice... having him back highlighted to me how much we have missed him... I really dont think some give him anywhere near enough credit... our whole defence tonight, for the most part (with the odd moment) were very solid indeed...

[DimTim]

Colton not only shores up the back end he has been missed for his assists. Two tonight where his pass put the scorer in. (Balmas 2nd & Whistle).

[Doom]

Saucerman was +2 last night, which along with Diffley and Juusola was the best on the team.

I like the way he moves the puck. When he plays a pass it's usually firm and reaches it's intended target.

He's undoubtedly been a big loss whilst he was out.

Regards

Doom

[Brian]

The returners made a huge difference. Greenfield and Saucerman were outstanding and although Coventry played their usual quick fast passing game I didn't think we ever looked like losing. Lets hope our blip is behind us facing the same Dundee team who beat us at home last week.
By the way , did anyone notice the Coventry back up nettie who spent the whole night behind the goal at the Curtain end? Was he watching Greener to pick up some tips ? You only get to be the best if you follow the best !
He spent the entire game away from the team. Maybe they had sent him to Coventry ! ( sorry! )

[Shaun]

The returners made a huge difference. Greenfield and Saucerman were outstanding and although Coventry played their usual quick fast passing game I didn't think we ever looked like losing. Lets hope our blip is behind us facing the same Dundee team who beat us at home last week.
By the way , did anyone notice the Coventry back up nettie who spent the whole night behind the goal at the Curtain end? Was he watching Greener to pick up some tips ? You only get to be the best if you follow the best !
He spent the entire game away from the team. Maybe they had sent him to Coventry ! ( sorry! )

I saw on X that he was late to the ice and therefore not allowed on to the bench, seems a bit strange to do that 3 times.


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[mark]

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g5kgGUsGn8