Saturday, January 22, 2011

UAA Takes It On The Chin 5-1

Tell me that ain't Gwoz ...
It's pretty rare you see a hockey team that basically outworked and outplayed an opponent lose by 5-1.  That's what I saw tonight.  Tonight's game for me came down to a contest of chances finishing.  The Seawolves finished only one of their many many chances.  DU finished most of their chances.  Game over. Nutshell.  Finis.  End of story.  That's all she rolls.  The fat lady sung.

A couple of mistakes late in the first period gave DU a two goal lead and changed the character of the game.  UAA had been pretty much dominating (not quite tilting the ice but really applying good pressure) through 17 minutes.  DU outplayed UAA only here and there.  But those here and there's seemed to all result in goals for them.  After the first period a lot of the game could be characterized as mostly evenly played.  But again, there were some really nice stretches in the 2nd and 3rd periods where I felt that the Seawolves really imposed themselves on DU.

This is the sort of loss that may be hard for players to forget.  There are more than a few guys kicking themselves tonight.  Some probably feel shitty for the mistakes they made that led to DU goals.  Some must surely be kicking themselves for not burying the puck.

DU's goaltender played solid enough for the win but I don't want to over-credit him.  While the Seawolves had quality chances, they mostly didn't finish with quality.  Shooting the puck into a crease monkey's chest ain't gonna get you a goal at this level.  Out of the 30 or so shots UAA got to the net tonight ... maybe 5 were really challenging for DU's netminder.

It's a very frustrating result.  The entire series against DU this season was once again frustrating.  The Seawolves could have and maybe should have won both of the games here in Anchorage.  Last night's game was also winnable.  And then to get pasted on the scoreboard when you didn't really get pasted on the ice ... well that's frustrating.

Don't think I'm taking away from DU's scoring talent tonight.  They buried their chances.  They sure deserve credit for that.  But it's nigh on impossible for me at this point to say they were the better team on the ice over the 4 games UAA played.  The win/loss record would call me foolish for saying that.  But it remains my feeling that the 3-0-1 record in this season's series with DU really could have gone in UAA's favor but for execution on a few plays and a bounce or two.

And yes, I recognize that at this level those little differences result in one team winning and one losing.  But I'm not going to give up my belief that this season's UAA team has something going for it that past ones typically didn't.  Next week's games in Minneapolis will be mighty important.  The Seawolves needed points going into these DU games and came up with zilch.

Congrats to Chris Crowell on his first official goal though I still think he scored one last year versus SCSU.  I thought Rob Gunderson played well.  I cannot begin to fault him for any of the 5 goals tonight.   

I didn't hear any new updates on Andrew Pickering other than he received many stitches on his ear and was concussed from taking the puck to the head on Friday night.  I hope he recovers quickly but I'd be really surprised if he plays next weekend.  That being the case the team will likely have to bring in another player from here in town since they're staying in the lower-48 rather than trekking home before heading to Minisoduh.

13 comments:

Suze said...

During Shyiaks interview he said that Pickering was dizzy. He also said his injury wasn't as serious as they first thought and that it didn't look like a concussion. Sounds like they are monitoring him closely to be sure.

Coach said he would be okay, but like you, I am not looking for him to be in the lineup any time soon.

Donald Dunlop said...

Suze,
You may have already seen this but Sam Mellor did return to action tonight with Trail so whatever injury he had is healed. He had two assists and was named 1st star in a 3-2 win.

I'll be providing a recruit update in my Sunday Potpourri.

Anonymous said...

Hey nice cheapshot at the end of the game. Typical UAA hockey. Right out of the UND playbook. Next time, try finishing the game.

Anonymous said...

I was at the game, DU's goalie played a heck of a game. UAA goalie looked shaky throughtout the game. Like you said, excuses won't win hockey games. You seem to have taken Goon hockey to the next level

vizoroo said...

In Gwoz's postgame interview, he agreed with you Donald, especially in the 2nd period. The big difference was finishing the scoring chances. No matter the score DU-UAA is always a good series.

Go Seawolves! Bury the Gophs!

puck swami said...

I also saw what Donald saw. DU was outworked and outplayed by UAA for much of the game, but the Pioneers had some amazing, highlight real individual finishes and a strong night in the nets for Brittain.

UAA created many scoring chances, but didn't bury them.

Good luck the rest of the way - But UAA is one team DU won't want to play in the playoffs...

BBEF said...

That ain’t Gwoz.

I’ll change my mind if I can read a Sunday post before slipping into an alcohol induced comma…

Anonymous said...

That is Gwoz, except he doesn't have his hands forever glued - crossed - in front of him.

Anonymous said...

Ugh. Doyle Woody said UAA was #9 in a TEN team league. WTF? He must have missed that they added two teams this year. Can't the ADN get a sports writer who can get at least basic WCHA facts right?

BBEF said...

I'm falling fast...

Anonymous said...

I heard that Pustin is leaving to Minnesota to replace Pickering for the weekend.

None said...

Crowell should probably get Pickerings pt... imho.

Anonymous said...

Good, I was wondering where Pustin was! He will be a nice addition to the line up. And he should be fired up to play.

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