Oh my, I just realized we are in February now. Where has the season gone? The Olympic break will be here before you know it. Speaking of Olympic break, would anyone be interesting in posting articles? I won't be able to do the coverage myself but would love some guest(s) post(s) on how the Coyotes/USA are doing there. And yes I am biased, I care most about the USA as whole than say how the Czech team does as a whole. I am American after all. 😉 If you're interested, please email me at [email protected]
Now, about this week…
Tuesday LA came to town. I really enjoyed this game. I feel like it was one of the best played, full 60 minute efforts we have seen all season. Greiss was in net and earned his second shutout of the season. I believe this is not due necessary to his prowess as a goalie but rather how the D play in front of him compared to Smith. They play much tighter around Greiss. They collapse down and clear the crease. With Smith they tend to give him more room and let him shove players out of this crease. Granted, Smith plays well with a little room but the D need to be aware that they need to help him out. They should be keeping opposing teams out of the crease. They should play a little closer with Smith as well.
I did miss the forwards a bit in this game. Two of the three goals were from OEL. Goals from D should be like icing on the cake, not the reason we win. Although OEL was one shortie away from a Vermette. I was rooting for him but he just didn't have enough time to pull it off.
I enjoyed how few penalties were taken. Keep this up. It is easier to score and win when you aren't playing a man down. I also liked how when they had the lead they played to win, not to keep the other team from scoring. Never let up when you are winning. Once they do that, they give the other team the time and chance to catch up and beat them.
I was surrounded by some interesting fans this game. In front of me was the president of the Greiss fan club, whom the owner (he wouldn't tell us which one) has told they hate Smith and he wouldn't be back next year. He seemed to have no idea what a no movement clause is. Or the balls to bet Justin that Smith would be back. Behind me I had the LA King fan that was annoyed at everything that was remotely anti-King. If you don't like it, go back to LA and only watch games there. You will find that anytime you are a visitor. We saw/heard lots of anti-Coyotes when in LA. We didn't complain. We took notes and shared ideas with the Coyotes suggestion email, some of which we have seen done in our arena.
On Wednesday was the official name change announcement. We knew it was coming. We know why it is happening. That does not mean I have to like it or accept it. I will however enjoy the markdowns on all items that show Phoenix on them. 😀
I also really enjoyed this quote from Ben Scrivens, "You don't get a shutout without a lot of help out front". It really goes back to my point about how the D plays different in front of Smith than Greiss. The D have to help the goalies out.
Thursday we played Buffalo and I was not surprised when Greiss was announced as the starter. He earned it. It also gives Smith a good rest before facing a tough team on Saturday (I knew he'd start against the Pens).
One question… Where was the team that played on Tuesday? You know, the one in which every player came to win and the D was strong. Where was the team that helped Greiss get his second shutout of the season? Because obviously he didn't get those just being a great, amazing, fantastic, starting goalie.
You know who showed up? Vermette. He is having an awesome year (and it's not even a contract year). Vermette should not be carrying this team but since he is, he deserves an A. Marty isn't doing much A worthy so take his and give it to Vermette.
We can't expect to make the post season playing one game up and one (or two or three) games down. We need to find consistency. We can't play down to any team. Yes, Buffalo should have been an easy win but you have to play them with the same intensity you play the Kings or the Pens. We can't sit back and go, "Oh this will be easy". Always play to win, always.
Saturday against the Pens is the type of game we need to play every single night. We had another complete game in which everyone showed up. We didn't give the Pens much room. We played to our full potential for all three periods. Smith was looking up to his old form and making some great saves. I didn't take any notes on this game and my memory is failing me (hence why I need to take notes).
I had a feeling they would win this game. Or maybe I just hoped they would come back with a vengeance after the Buffalo game. If they can continue to play the way they did against the Kings and Pens they should have no problem making the playoffs. If they continue the up and down trend they would have to be extremely lucky to make the playoffs.
Before the Olympic break we have three games. Two against the Stars and one against the Blackhawks. My coffee hasn't kicked in yet so my only sentiment about the week ahead is WE MUST BEAT CHICAGO. That is all. Enjoy your week!
All Images Copyright Hipchecks, 2014
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