GAME THREAD: Steelers v. Storm. Sun, 4th April.

[SteelerBlade]

The positives really are that we’re already in the semi-finals.

We’re only going to get fitter, sharper and better tactically/systematically as we get more time together.

[raetiamann]

That was some strike to win the game for Storm.

[Bryan]

Churchfield is doing pretty well but at least one goal today you would have expected Muse to save. If it’s going to cost a goal a game then it looks like pretty hard work. So far these teams seem well matched so no easy games. Does anyone have any news on Muse?

[Doom]

I thought we played ok and generally had the better of the game, but it's always going to be tough with a backup in.

A few players are a bit off the pace due to lack of ice time, but I thought Mikyska played a lot better today.

A bit of a sickener to lose like that, but the way this tournament is structured it doesn't really matter. Get Muse back and I'm sure we'll be fine.

I wonder if any of the new guys have caught Fox's eye yet?

It's great that all games to date have been so close, although I expect that to change tonight.

Regards

Doom

[Jayboy]

In real terms we are watching a 12 game playoff series that that will go to 6-6 and the 13th game decides everything and determines whether we win anything. All the games upto then are us watching the teams and players get themselves fit and back into competitive hockey.. fun to watch in a way when there is no real jeopardy, certainly not something i would want again, but taken for what it is an ease back into hockey, then I am going to enjoy it the best I can and not worry to much about the team or how good they are..

September is when some of this good work will pay dividends for Fox

[SteelerBlade]

Schulze is our top +\- man on +2 when we have an even 0 overall team goal difference.

[Doom]

I've liked the look of Saxrud-Danielsen. Based on the two games to date, he'd be my top pick of the new guys.

I wonder how much the late finish last night took out of our guys.

Regards

Doom

[Bryan]

Doom didn’t expect a close result but I wonder if he thought blaze were going to win comfortably. It’s already obvious the storm and blaze are not going to be the whipping boys of this competition.

[Doom]

To be honest, I fancied Nottingham by 3.

On paper I think Nottingham, Sheffield and Manchester look close, but for me Coventry look the weakest of the 4.

Difficult to judge too much so far, teams are still finding their feet this weekend. Schedules are also quite brutal, no doubt we weren't helped by finishing at turned 10 last night.

Will be interesting to see how the tournament goes, but so far so good in terms of games remaining relatively tight.

Regards

Doom

[paul johnston]

Well not long finished watching the game. Well saw most of it but stopped with just under four minutes to go and frequently had mid game periods of transferring to the Blaze v Panthers games for some reason.

Thought we had better of game generally but were let down by our senior pros taking bad penalties-Jonno and Myers-along with some fairly weak d zone play.
Still think the forward lines are wrong. Would like to see more of Waller who is frankly wasted playing alongside Hewitt. Graham for all his promise may have beefed up a bit but looks a bit slow and heavy legged.
Olden looks very smooth and silky. Thought Miskska and Beaudry had much better games today.
Kirk is just looking supergood and has developed fearsome shooting whether slapshot or a wrister.