GAME THREAD: Flames v Steelers: Sun 26th Jan

[greeny]

At this stage now in the season we know what we have with this team now. Not a bad team but not got the edge of last seasons team. So being about a 3rd place team is about right from what i have seen.,,,,

[mark]

Result

6-2

[Jayboy]

These are most definitely the games. We have to win and win with confidence and ease if you want to win the league. I don't think it's being to harsh to say our best hopes for silverware now are putting everything into the Challenge cup semi final...

Jayboy

[greeny]

Disappointing that our title defence has effectively finished in January, but we just haven't been consistent enough this season.

A few of the players have failed to hit the same heights as last season. I think it also shows how good Nevalainen was for us.

I thought the league title was an outside shot, but I was hoping we'd have a good go at the other two trophies. After tonight, I think we'll struggle to get past Cardiff.

It looks like we'll be battling it out with Panthers for 3rd place, which will probably mean either Guildford or Coventry in the playoff QF.

It will be interesting to hear what Fox has to say about this capitulation.

Regards

Doom

Agree totallly about NEV cant stress enough just how much of a big factor he was in last seasons success ,,,,

[Brian]

Lots of poor passes tonight and we lost so many 50 /50 challenges. I love Greenfield but it shows how much we rely on him when he has a less than perfect night. Guildford knew they were short staffed and played determinedly to counter this disadvantage. They blocked and chased , closed us down and took their chances. We played as if we knew we had more players and strolled about confident that it would tell in the end. It didn't ,even when they were down to three v five.
The officials weren't great but I hope Foxy doesn't use this as an excuse.
The goalpost was a cm off the red line but it would have made no difference to the puck going in.
Can't believe this was the team we beat 9-0 before Christmas ! ( and they had their first choice goalie in then! )
Well played Guildford.!

[paul johnston]

Disappointing that our title defence has effectively finished in January, but we just haven't been consistent enough this season.

A few of the players have failed to hit the same heights as last season. I think it also shows how good Nevalainen was for us.

I thought the league title was an outside shot, but I was hoping we'd have a good go at the other two trophies. After tonight, I think we'll struggle to get past Cardiff.

It looks like we'll be battling it out with Panthers for 3rd place, which will probably mean either Guildford or Coventry in the playoff QF.

It will be interesting to hear what Fox has to say about this capitulation.

Regards

Doom

He blames it all on Shudra.
Not the massively under performing imports, who can't score 5v5 or on the pp, who can't defend, or show the grit and determination to grind out results.

[chris592]

This happened to the Giants last season off the back of our grand slam, second season kept a lot of the same players and things just didn't click. Could be that the hunger went, just off the back of winning it all so what's left to achieve ? You lose that slight edge that makes all the difference.

[ginger]

Can't underestimate just how much injuries have factored in this year compared to last. Legit don't think we've had a fully fit roster all year and it shows.
Last year I think all the key pieces were healthy all year apart from losing Whistle for a chunk.

There was a load of errors last night that screamed mental fatigue, given we know just how well the players in question can perform. To me that's probably come about due to playing hurt, being in and out of the line up and not getting a settled run.

[Sully]

I think the side last year were playing off of a lot of adrenalin after what happened just before and during the season. It brought them together.

[jas]

I was genuinely shocked at the score line, and I don't think injuries were the problem considering Guilford's short bench. I have not seen/heard Fox's interview but if it is right that Shudra got the blame it just seems ridiculous. He is one player and they lost as a team.

I know if we are on our game we can beat Cardiff but certainly not confident we will play to our ability.