GAME THREAD: Steelers v Devils: Sun 30th August

[MLL79]

Unfortunately couldn’t catch either game as we’re on hols - but agree @mark

At this stage it’s generally “tinker and test”, or vice versa lol

Did they rotate netminders again? I’m curious as to what peoples early impressions of Brine are.

[Bryan]

My impression of Brine so far is that he pretty capable. Two goals scored past him last night were not his fault and he made several very good saves. Not Greenfield but quite capable.

[Bryan]

Interesting and frank interview with Aaron after the game. What it taught me was that there is so much stuff to get shared with the players as well as getting them match fit. It reinforced my feeling that the preseason seems too short. I’m not necessarily saying more games, but more time. It feels all far too compressed. But what do I know?

[paul johnston]

It's clear that it costs money to bring players in early and Steelers owners/management feel its unnecessary when you can use the ludicrous Challenge Cup qualification set up as the preseason. And to be honest, who can blame them. If we were playing league games from week one we would have the players over 1-2 weeks earlier than we do if we were serious about mounting a league title challenge.

[Clear The Zone]

I'm sure we've had seasons in the past (possibly the Adams/Thommo era) when we had 5-7 pre-season games, then you run into injuries in January and the first thing anyone says is "well, we had too many friendlies and this is the price you pay". So you can't really win.

[Doom]

It's clear that it costs money to bring players in early and Steelers owners/management feel its unnecessary when you can use the ludicrous Challenge Cup qualification set up as the preseason. And to be honest, who can blame them. If we were playing league games from week one we would have the players over 1-2 weeks earlier than we do if we were serious about mounting a league title challenge.

I agree Paul, the financial aspects of this need to be considered.

Cardiff maybe two weeks ahead of us in preparation and it certainly showed last night, but there were no points up for grabs.

Next week we'll be playing a team at a similar stage of preparation as ourselves, so that will probably be a better yardstick as to where this team are. Again though, there are no points up for grabs.

The first competitive action will be against Coventry, by which time we'll have had 3 weeks of intense training. Coventry are also at a similar stage of preparation as us, so no real disadvantage.

The first league action follows the week after, by which time we'll have been on the ice for a month and should be up to speed.

I really can't see an issue with our pre-season. A month should be enough time to get the new players to bed in and start performing.

A longer pre-season also gives more opportunity for players to get injured before the real action begins. I believe Cardiff have already lost at least one player to injury.

Regards

Doom

[smbmetal]

Not concerned about either result to be honest.

If any of the new players wanted to see what the quality of league opposition looked like, they have their answer.

[jas]

Ok, it was two losses over the weekend but I'm not despondent. Cardiff had played three more games than us which has given them the opportunity to gel more and increase match fitness. My first impressions are that the team has the potential to compete well once it has tightened up as a unit. A good number of times we were too long on the puck when a quicker pass or shot could have made a huge difference to the outcome. Hopefully that will come and surely that is part of what the pre season is for. As it stands I am optimistic and looking forward to the weekend

[smbmetal]

Highlights:

https://youtu.be/mAhtqbixW2U?is=nmYKCdWsGP5A4cfE

Least the nets are no longer brown.

Who’s the 2nd commentator? Wonder if Ron has moved on to watch Cole in Belfast?

Cardiff looked miles ahead. Plenty of work to do.

Not sure Dowd should be lifting legs of the opponent up in the fight?

[Brian]

The second commentator talked far too much and in my opinion saw things that weren't happening, like our wingers beating their defence all evening and the Steelers being amazing, awesome and scary. He said the team were tired as they had travelled on the bus from Cardiff. Er…so had Cardiff! Jonathan didn't seem impressed at times.
Happy Clapper comes to mind.