Hi guys,
With Dave here we are going to play this Sunday at 6:00 on the inside rink. It should be a good warmup for Monday unless you are like Nick and plan on getting injured. It's going to be a low-key game so don't expect anything ultra-competitive. If you are interested in playing then let me know.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Keys to Victory are to Eliminate Mistakes
I understand that team Alliance has an opportunity to take home a Championship trophy with a win next week. Well, well… what a surprise that is! A bunch of misfits that love to talk the talk… are actually one win away from delivering the physical goods. Just 30 minutes of hockey stand in the way of achieving the grand prize.
I must say that when word came to me that Ron was lacing up the old Nike high-tops, I thought the least I could do was analyze the latest game film and offer you some words of wisdom from the once highly esteemed professor. Of course I’m still highly esteemed, but most of my time is spent running hockey school “practice” and so that’s why team Alliance NEVER hears from me. Yes that’s right, bobcat and I go way back, but our paths have gone in different directions… but I digress.
Being in the know, I KNOW you all love coaching… as can be heard loud and clear from the secret microphones that were planted on your bench. So I’m going to tell what any good, old time coach would say… the key to victory will be to eliminate your mistakes. Forget that you guys scored 7 goals last week, you gave up 4 goals! That should not of happened.
First off, of the 4 goals that were given up, none of them were of the kind that couldn’t be stopped. Of course there are goals that teams are highly unlikely to stop, for instance, back in my hay day when I was a kid, a lot of the time I was unstoppable, nothing but a high light reel for all to behold… but I digress.
1. The first goal was the result of poor communication between Griff and Ron, you guys switched responsibilities but failed to execute and cover your assignments. The dude got the ball in the high slot, totally uncovered, thus had a great scoring chance, which be buried. You guys have to be aware of your man and cover him. If the play forces a position player to cover a different position, there has to be communication. This goal should not of happened.
2. The second goal, was also poor positioning. The dude on the point let a shot go, it went wide and perfectly banked behind the net to their guy open on the side of your net. This should have been defended better. The defense needs to react quickly to get their stick on the opposing teams stick to prevent that easy goal. This goal should not have happened.
3. The third goal was when the dude ran down hard and was able to get around the defense and cut infront of the goal. He then flicked the ball through the goalies legs for the score. First off, the D should of turned and ran with the guy when he knew his move was to go wide and then around him. Instead he kept backpedaling and was beaten. Now the goalie bared some fault for letting in a somewhat weak goal. First, he could of used his paddle to poke the ball away as the player was cutting in front, but also could of closed the pads sooner to prevent the goal. This 3rd goal should not of happened.
4. The 4th goal was a bang bang play. The dude won a 1 on 1 battle behind your net and started to make like he was going around the net. Instead he saw his guy breaking in for a quick one timer, they executed this nicely, however, Brett was there and should of followed the guy and lifted his stick as the pass came. Your goalie left the post a bit too soon and so the side of the net was left open. This goal should not have happened.
So as you can see, if you guys can focus on eliminating these bad plays, you would have had a much easier time handling this team. Sure there will be times that goals will happen from an outstanding shot, or a fantastically sick setup play, but eliminating the defensive breakdowns (for both forwards and D men) will make winning the final game a lot easier.
There is one other key that will lead you to a victory next week. It was heard loud and clear from the out spoken fireball of energy Jared. It was to win a battle… just win a battle for the ball. If you guys let them get to open balls, shot either in the corners or deflected off a stick, you’re in trouble. They’ll eventually bury those scoring chances because they can pass and shoot pretty well.
You see by lifting a stick… by blocking a shot… by intercepting a pass… by blocking a passing lane… your winning a battle. If you guys win more battles then them… you will win the final game.
So go out there and execute defensively, win more 1:1 battles than you lose and the rest will be easy. Yes, the offensive chances will come… and will come in bunches.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A laceration usually means a Penalty
The buildup and the hype.The uneasy feeling of trepidation. All of your fears of either the weaknesses of yourself or your teammates' cast a shadow of doubt in the possibility of a good result. The simple thought that we already blew our safety net; Its win or go home. The realization that all it takes is one bad bounce or one bad play. The pressure was on. Its so much fun, isn't it?
The fact is that this game meant everything. It meant our season. This win justifies this blog. It justifies the idea that we are actually a team. Another heartbreak could have been the final straw. Who wasn't sick of coming up short? It cant be stressed enough: This game was huge. And we won it.
Congratulations to the Alliance, we have won a game that meant something. But do you want to know the sad reality? I ask because I'm not so sure you can handle it, but it has to be said. This game, that just two days ago meant everything, means nothing today. And it wont mean anything, ever again, unless we finish up business on Monday. That win two days ago is just part of the road. The finish is what matters.
Are Congratulations really in order? Nope. Because we have accomplished nothing. No one celebrates after winning Game two of the World Series. Being content is not an option. Unfinished business lies ahead, are you ready? We need everyone to play their best game. Their smartest game. Their most aggressive game. If not, well, I don't even want to consider that.
I know how this is going to sound. This is going to sound like a cop out, but I honestly cant recap this game. I just cant. I don't want to focus on what happened, I don't care anymore. Don't you get it? It doesn't matter. Nothing matters, except this next game. This is it. It all comes down this game. Last month doesn't matter, last week doesn't matter, two days ago doesn't matter. The primary focus, the only focus, is to play heavy handed, fast paced, aggressive hockey this week. Put the blinders on. Look ahead. A time for reflection on what was an awesome game on Monday will come, but I want it to be our second most important win of the year. Now is not the time to be looking back. The only focus is to kick some butt.
Lets do this.
The fact is that this game meant everything. It meant our season. This win justifies this blog. It justifies the idea that we are actually a team. Another heartbreak could have been the final straw. Who wasn't sick of coming up short? It cant be stressed enough: This game was huge. And we won it.
Congratulations to the Alliance, we have won a game that meant something. But do you want to know the sad reality? I ask because I'm not so sure you can handle it, but it has to be said. This game, that just two days ago meant everything, means nothing today. And it wont mean anything, ever again, unless we finish up business on Monday. That win two days ago is just part of the road. The finish is what matters.
Are Congratulations really in order? Nope. Because we have accomplished nothing. No one celebrates after winning Game two of the World Series. Being content is not an option. Unfinished business lies ahead, are you ready? We need everyone to play their best game. Their smartest game. Their most aggressive game. If not, well, I don't even want to consider that.
I know how this is going to sound. This is going to sound like a cop out, but I honestly cant recap this game. I just cant. I don't want to focus on what happened, I don't care anymore. Don't you get it? It doesn't matter. Nothing matters, except this next game. This is it. It all comes down this game. Last month doesn't matter, last week doesn't matter, two days ago doesn't matter. The primary focus, the only focus, is to play heavy handed, fast paced, aggressive hockey this week. Put the blinders on. Look ahead. A time for reflection on what was an awesome game on Monday will come, but I want it to be our second most important win of the year. Now is not the time to be looking back. The only focus is to kick some butt.
Lets do this.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
How did you grade out?
We have all had the night where you thought you played fantastic and yet didnt make WPR. Instead, you got destroyed in the recap. On the other side of the coin, we have all had the night where you thought you played horrible and surprisingly you get compliment after compliment for a solid performance.
What does it all mean? We all have a warped concept of ourselves. Almost no grasp on the reality of how we played. That's why grading each other is fun. Its interesting to see what people really think (some people aren't as open with their opinion of your play as Brett is for instance). Its cool to see the "real" reality of how we play.
So, the polls are closed. The grades are in baby. And we are about to focus on your faults (mostly). How did you grade out?
Darin:
Average Grade: C
I have to say that when this league started and was told that we had Darin instead of Tony I got excited (not a knock on tony...ehh). I expected him to be and perform as a top tier goalie. I expected to get multiple weeks where Darin stole the game. I expected Tim Thomas but we got Jaroslav Halak. Halak is nice, but hardly a game changer. Darin still has the potential to steal a game or two but he has to work on the shots from the outside...if only our dmen were willing to get in front of those shots.
Brett:
Average Grade: B
When Brett is playing like Brett more often than not he is one of the best players, the fastest player and the most aggravating player (for the other team) involved in the game. So why did he get a B? Line mates? Shinsplints? Just a way for people to knock him down a peg after reading WPR? Frendon voting 15 times? Or was it his play? The truth is Brett is our David Krejci. Best player on the ice for long stretches of time and then disappears. Brett's game can be hindered because of his size sometimes, but his biggest detriment is his reliance on his wing mates. Pass, after Pass, after Pass. He is an excellent passer but sometimes they're forced despite having an open shot. Brett doesn't shoot enough. His shot is accurate with a quick release, the best way to score on a good goalie and defense. He needs to shoot more.
Bob
Average Grade: D
Ouch. Part of me wants to say the grade would have been worse if the votes happened this week instead of last because Bob had a little, ah, meltdown. I remember two bad penalties in the first playoff game. I remember him yelling at Griff for his own mistake, his own error. Bob has his faults including the calling for passes at the point when he isn't open, the aforementioned penalties, the lack of desire to "step up" against winger charging down the seem and of course his speed (lacking). But with all that said Bob has been a solid stay at home Dman and teammeate. He likes to do the rah! rah! cheerleader thing. He likes the concept of practice. A D may have been harsh grade.
May have been.
Johnny
Average Grade: F
Wow. I admit that I have been driving the over the hill bandwagon on the recap for a few years now, but that doesn't make it fact (it doesn't make it not true either). Johnny has become the classic case of failing to reach expectations. He set the bar so high for himself that it has become his own detriment during the apparent decline phase of his hockey career. Also known as the twilight years. The lesson? John has to adapt. He needs to shoot more with a quicker release or expectations have to be reset, completely. John has not been an "F" type player, overall, but its all relative to expectations. Maybe he misses his wing mate Frendon, the guy who did all of his dirty work for years. At the very least he doesn't have to "fight" with Mike Ward for the slot anymore.
Mike D
Average Grade: D
Defense is not a demotion! The curse of being Julian Eddleman. Can play anywhere on the rink but he hasn't really found a home. This season Mike started out on offense but, because of the lines we he had up top, he found himself back on D. He may actually have found a home. If Mike can solidify himself with a position he has the ability to be a solid defenseman. Needs to work on his shot from the point, the passes up the middle and board play. It sounds like a typical Alliance defenseman. You'll fit right in?
Billy
Average Grade: C
The perfect George. The perfect C. The other lefthanded defenseman (they are the best kind). Billy has become a contributor with above average board play and deceptive speed. Ok, I had to lie at some point, Billy isnt fast. With Billy its tough because he doesnt do anything that makes me go "wow!" (except for when he dekes to carry the ball into the offensive zone....did you see him go around like 3 guys in one play last week? I mean, he lost the ball in end, but wow!). He really is the literal C. I think Billy can take that next step if the passing gets more crisp (meaning not slow or soft) and if the shot develops a little. Billy will be the top dman for the rest of the playoffs...will he step up?
Ron
Average Grade: C
Like Johnny, I think the expectations were Ron's downfall in the grades. Consistently described as the man with a deadly shot. The man that can score from anywhere. But he hasnt. Quite Frankly the goalies are too good to be taking "open shots" against and expect to score. If they see'em, they have been stopping them. This isn't Saugus quality goal tending (except for that goalie we played on Monday). No one is scoring from the blue line. "Open shots" are good for rebounds...thats about it. Ron has great moves, and decent speed actually. Im sick of a slapshot everytime (I understand the irony of me saying that). Let the mustache show some creativity. He can carry the offense. Release the beast.
Griff
Average Grade: D
Ok, I have no idea how to explain this one. Perhaps people were frustrated that Griff didnt have the best attendance. Perhaps they were more aggravated by the fact that when Griff did show we were never really sure if good Griff or bad Griff showed. Griff hasnt been the dominating "heavy", scoring threat that I expected after his great performance in Montreal last year, but he has been more than adequate. If Griff can find consistency he would be a top winger.
JB
Average Grade: A
Despite him being a fat slob he got an "A". His secret weapon? Smelly Gloves. His disgusting gloves smell like I dont even know. I wish they smelled like a skunk. I'd prefer it if they smelled like horse manure. I think death smells better. Borges has been a top contributor so i dont really have a lot of negative things to rant about, but the faults are there. For instance: His shot takes all day to get off. All day. I think Johnny carries the ball in zone, looks up, picks a spot, looks down at the ball again and shoots faster than his wind up. I also believe that he yells at Nick way too much. Personal Opinion.
Jared
Average Grade: A
"A" for effort. I was watching from the bench in amazement of the hustle and the fight. Its not even close. Diving and blocking shots. A true battler. He has been the most consistent goal scorer on a week to week basis and it cant end now. The best players are supposed to shine when it matters most. Depth wins in the regular season. Top Tier Players win it for you in the playoffs. Is Jared the big fish in the small pond or his he the real deal? Down 1-0 in a best of three..the turnaround starts at the top. Jared hasnt given any grader room for complaint to this point, but will he leave something to be desired?
What does it all mean? We all have a warped concept of ourselves. Almost no grasp on the reality of how we played. That's why grading each other is fun. Its interesting to see what people really think (some people aren't as open with their opinion of your play as Brett is for instance). Its cool to see the "real" reality of how we play.
So, the polls are closed. The grades are in baby. And we are about to focus on your faults (mostly). How did you grade out?
Darin:
Average Grade: C
I have to say that when this league started and was told that we had Darin instead of Tony I got excited (not a knock on tony...ehh). I expected him to be and perform as a top tier goalie. I expected to get multiple weeks where Darin stole the game. I expected Tim Thomas but we got Jaroslav Halak. Halak is nice, but hardly a game changer. Darin still has the potential to steal a game or two but he has to work on the shots from the outside...if only our dmen were willing to get in front of those shots.
Brett:
Average Grade: B
When Brett is playing like Brett more often than not he is one of the best players, the fastest player and the most aggravating player (for the other team) involved in the game. So why did he get a B? Line mates? Shinsplints? Just a way for people to knock him down a peg after reading WPR? Frendon voting 15 times? Or was it his play? The truth is Brett is our David Krejci. Best player on the ice for long stretches of time and then disappears. Brett's game can be hindered because of his size sometimes, but his biggest detriment is his reliance on his wing mates. Pass, after Pass, after Pass. He is an excellent passer but sometimes they're forced despite having an open shot. Brett doesn't shoot enough. His shot is accurate with a quick release, the best way to score on a good goalie and defense. He needs to shoot more.
Bob
Average Grade: D
Ouch. Part of me wants to say the grade would have been worse if the votes happened this week instead of last because Bob had a little, ah, meltdown. I remember two bad penalties in the first playoff game. I remember him yelling at Griff for his own mistake, his own error. Bob has his faults including the calling for passes at the point when he isn't open, the aforementioned penalties, the lack of desire to "step up" against winger charging down the seem and of course his speed (lacking). But with all that said Bob has been a solid stay at home Dman and teammeate. He likes to do the rah! rah! cheerleader thing. He likes the concept of practice. A D may have been harsh grade.
May have been.
Johnny
Average Grade: F
Wow. I admit that I have been driving the over the hill bandwagon on the recap for a few years now, but that doesn't make it fact (it doesn't make it not true either). Johnny has become the classic case of failing to reach expectations. He set the bar so high for himself that it has become his own detriment during the apparent decline phase of his hockey career. Also known as the twilight years. The lesson? John has to adapt. He needs to shoot more with a quicker release or expectations have to be reset, completely. John has not been an "F" type player, overall, but its all relative to expectations. Maybe he misses his wing mate Frendon, the guy who did all of his dirty work for years. At the very least he doesn't have to "fight" with Mike Ward for the slot anymore.
Mike D
Average Grade: D
Defense is not a demotion! The curse of being Julian Eddleman. Can play anywhere on the rink but he hasn't really found a home. This season Mike started out on offense but, because of the lines we he had up top, he found himself back on D. He may actually have found a home. If Mike can solidify himself with a position he has the ability to be a solid defenseman. Needs to work on his shot from the point, the passes up the middle and board play. It sounds like a typical Alliance defenseman. You'll fit right in?
Billy
Average Grade: C
The perfect George. The perfect C. The other lefthanded defenseman (they are the best kind). Billy has become a contributor with above average board play and deceptive speed. Ok, I had to lie at some point, Billy isnt fast. With Billy its tough because he doesnt do anything that makes me go "wow!" (except for when he dekes to carry the ball into the offensive zone....did you see him go around like 3 guys in one play last week? I mean, he lost the ball in end, but wow!). He really is the literal C. I think Billy can take that next step if the passing gets more crisp (meaning not slow or soft) and if the shot develops a little. Billy will be the top dman for the rest of the playoffs...will he step up?
Ron
Average Grade: C
Like Johnny, I think the expectations were Ron's downfall in the grades. Consistently described as the man with a deadly shot. The man that can score from anywhere. But he hasnt. Quite Frankly the goalies are too good to be taking "open shots" against and expect to score. If they see'em, they have been stopping them. This isn't Saugus quality goal tending (except for that goalie we played on Monday). No one is scoring from the blue line. "Open shots" are good for rebounds...thats about it. Ron has great moves, and decent speed actually. Im sick of a slapshot everytime (I understand the irony of me saying that). Let the mustache show some creativity. He can carry the offense. Release the beast.
Griff
Average Grade: D
Ok, I have no idea how to explain this one. Perhaps people were frustrated that Griff didnt have the best attendance. Perhaps they were more aggravated by the fact that when Griff did show we were never really sure if good Griff or bad Griff showed. Griff hasnt been the dominating "heavy", scoring threat that I expected after his great performance in Montreal last year, but he has been more than adequate. If Griff can find consistency he would be a top winger.
JB
Average Grade: A
Despite him being a fat slob he got an "A". His secret weapon? Smelly Gloves. His disgusting gloves smell like I dont even know. I wish they smelled like a skunk. I'd prefer it if they smelled like horse manure. I think death smells better. Borges has been a top contributor so i dont really have a lot of negative things to rant about, but the faults are there. For instance: His shot takes all day to get off. All day. I think Johnny carries the ball in zone, looks up, picks a spot, looks down at the ball again and shoots faster than his wind up. I also believe that he yells at Nick way too much. Personal Opinion.
Jared
Average Grade: A
"A" for effort. I was watching from the bench in amazement of the hustle and the fight. Its not even close. Diving and blocking shots. A true battler. He has been the most consistent goal scorer on a week to week basis and it cant end now. The best players are supposed to shine when it matters most. Depth wins in the regular season. Top Tier Players win it for you in the playoffs. Is Jared the big fish in the small pond or his he the real deal? Down 1-0 in a best of three..the turnaround starts at the top. Jared hasnt given any grader room for complaint to this point, but will he leave something to be desired?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Yupppp!!!
Tomorrow, 6 Pm to however long it takes.
Practice. Who's running the Practice, a coach? Nope.
"What are we talking about? The game? No we're talking about practice, man...not even talking about the game"
"How can I make my teammates better by practicing???"
Iverson meet Bob Cat.
Are you ready to change your game style?
Practice. Who's running the Practice, a coach? Nope.
"What are we talking about? The game? No we're talking about practice, man...not even talking about the game"
"How can I make my teammates better by practicing???"
Iverson meet Bob Cat.
Are you ready to change your game style?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Another Perspective
At last! We just had a week where we finally played hard for 30 minutes. A week where we finally didn't have a lapse of laziness, a mental swoon or a literal crapping in our collective pants. It was great to watch. It was fun to be apart of it (i had two defensive stops!). I loved the defensive awareness by some of our wingers (though some of our wingers need to learn how to block a shot). We finally showed a killer instinct. It was a pleasure to watch.
So, without further ado, the recap is brought to you from Brett this week. I love when people take the recap by the horns every once and a while. Takes the pressure off of me. Keeps the opinions "fresh". But how come recaps aren't sent to me after a typical week? The recaps practically write themselves after a game like this. But seriously, I appreciate the work put in by Brett. It was a solid read.
Anyways...here is the better Driscoll's recap (wpr still has to show!!!):
So, without further ado, the recap is brought to you from Brett this week. I love when people take the recap by the horns every once and a while. Takes the pressure off of me. Keeps the opinions "fresh". But how come recaps aren't sent to me after a typical week? The recaps practically write themselves after a game like this. But seriously, I appreciate the work put in by Brett. It was a solid read.
Anyways...here is the better Driscoll's recap (wpr still has to show!!!):
Every Piece of the Puzzle
It’s the little things in life that make me happy. And last night, those little things meant a win. A huge win. A great win. The patients of Mike D, the penalty killing by Ron, the board play by JB,Griff playing to the whistle and healthy knee ligaments in 9 out of our 10 players. All of it adds up to a win. Now that’s not to say that there weren’t any big plays. There were plenty of those.
It’s the little things in life that make me happy. And last night, those little things meant a win. A huge win. A great win. The patients of Mike D, the penalty killing by Ron, the board play by JB,Griff playing to the whistle and healthy knee ligaments in 9 out of our 10 players. All of it adds up to a win. Now that’s not to say that there weren’t any big plays. There were plenty of those.
Giving up the first goal isn’t something we’re used to. Usually we come out and sink a few shots into their net. But down by one goal and on a PK with 15 seconds left in the first was just what the Alliance needed apparently. It worked the week before, 3 times in fact, and this week Johnny buried the short-handed chance right under the goalie’s glove. But we didn’t have much time to celebrate as they scored on that very same power play.Down 2-1 in a “win or go home” game.
Power play time. The team stayed calm and work the ball around, looking for their chance. It came with a cross ice pass to the team’s leading scorer and Jared buried it five-hole. But Jared wasn’t done as, not long after, he fired a weak slapper that caught the goalie and everyone else by surprise when it went in. They don’t ask how, they ask how many.
Period 2 came to an end with the Alliance holding a 3-2 lead and with Griff and Brett trashing the other goalie as he walked by the bench. How many times can the Alliance’s ability to close out a game be questioned?Seems like it’s a part of every recap. They haven’t been able to close out the last 2 minutes of games never mind the entire third period. And they will continue to be questioned until they win it all (even if it is in division 2). But at no time was this game in question at all for the whole third period. Smart play after smart play kept the Black bears from accumulating any pressure on Darrin until the game was coming to an end. A ball that should have gotten out with 40 seconds left was shot right at their point man…………..Who grabbed and held the ball!!!! Whistle blows. Penalty called. Game NOT over.
With 40 seconds left anything is possible. We beat this team 2 weeks ago only by pulling our goalie and scoring with 15 seconds left to send it to O.T. But alas, with the top line out there on the PP and time winding down, the Alliance potted their 4th goal with 5 seconds left to rub it in and send the Bears into hibernation for the rest of the playoffs.
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