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goaliejudge
(The Next Level!)
USA
213 Posts |
 Posted - 01/19/2013 : 07:41:24 AM
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ok all-star break is two days away and the clones are still in first place. the nhl is back and the player movement hopefully will settle down and we get back to a stable team (maybe not with the players we had/have). in the 34 games the clones have left after the break what must they do to make the playoffs and make a strong run in them?
not a bashing topic but what must the clones do, this includes mgmt, coaching and the players themselves. |
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elvis77
(Loves To Post!)
1435 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 1:26:14 PM
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To make the playoffs they'll need to go .500 or better in those last 34. If they want to win the division, they'll have to maintain their current .600 clip.
A playoff run will be determined by: a) they players that may trickle back late in the season. If the 'Clones can go into the playoffs with Hazen, McFarland, Biteto, and Roussell on the squad there's a lot of potential. And, b)whether one of the goaltenders decides to really take the reins and dominate. Zoltan and Housr's numbers are currently trending in the right direction, Foster on the other hand is really struggling right now.
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"PBR can do that to you....1,2,3,12 beers and you're f**ked"
-oscar
"and i don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation" - joan jett
"beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy." - benjamin franklin
"is that a pulled pork sandwich i smell?"
"some things are just better without pants...."
www.cycwords.wordpress.com |
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Reggie Dunlop
(The Next Level!)
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 1:56:59 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
To make the playoffs they'll need to go .500 or better in those last 34. If they want to win the division, they'll have to maintain their current .600 clip.
A playoff run will be determined by: a) they players that may trickle back late in the season. If the 'Clones can go into the playoffs with Hazen, McFarland, Biteto, and Roussell on the squad there's a lot of potential. And, b)whether one of the goaltenders decides to really take the reins and dominate. Zoltan and Housr's numbers are currently trending in the right direction, Foster on the other hand is really struggling right now.
Foster isn't red hot, but he isn't getting much help either. The game against Elmira (although it was Houser in net) was atrocious in the neutral zone and defensive zone. There was virtually no backcheck and the Jackal possessed the puck with ease for lengthy periods. Plus, in the last two games, the goaltenders have gotten a grand total of 2 goals in goal support. That's not going to cut it. They need to address the sporadic scoring trend. Perhaps some players coming back down will help. Otherwise, they'll have to make a move and/or solidify the D so Eves can play up front where he belongs. |
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elvis77
(Loves To Post!)
1435 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 3:38:21 PM
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Funny how when Zoltan wasn't getting any help is was on him but when Foster lays a turd on the ice it's the defense's fault. I'm not going to disagree on the aspect of goal support that needs to pick up. On the road trip to Fort Wayne I saw Houser win the game and Foster lose the game. They had the same team in front of them.
Elmira is a different story. They have a couple of players that are just flat out faster and more skilled than anyone we have. Factor in the depleted defensive core and the 'Clones were forced to back in and not challenge through the neutral zone. It was a coaching decision they were forced into. Had they been overly aggressive it would have been a lot worse.
Prior to the recent rash of call ups, both young goaltenders out performed Foster. I'm not taking anything away from Foster. His play early on is why the 'Clones are where they are, but if the kids are trending toward better play it's time to put the love affair with Foster away and let them play until they prove otherwise.
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"PBR can do that to you....1,2,3,12 beers and you're f**ked"
-oscar
"and i don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation" - joan jett
"beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy." - benjamin franklin
"is that a pulled pork sandwich i smell?"
"some things are just better without pants...."
www.cycwords.wordpress.com |
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Reggie Dunlop
(The Next Level!)
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 3:54:52 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
Funny how when Zoltan wasn't getting any help is was on him but when Foster lays a turd on the ice it's the defense's fault. I'm not going to disagree on the aspect of goal support that needs to pick up. On the road trip to Fort Wayne I saw Houser win the game and Foster lose the game. They had the same team in front of them.
Elmira is a different story. They have a couple of players that are just flat out faster and more skilled than anyone we have. Factor in the depleted defensive core and the 'Clones were forced to back in and not challenge through the neutral zone. It was a coaching decision they were forced into. Had they been overly aggressive it would have been a lot worse.
Prior to the recent rash of call ups, both young goaltenders out performed Foster. I'm not taking anything away from Foster. His play early on is why the 'Clones are where they are, but if the kids are trending toward better play it's time to put the love affair with Foster away and let them play until they prove otherwise.
If you recall from earlier posts, I was one of the few in support of Zoltan as he got acclimated to the North American game and a whole new culture. He's proven he's more than worthy. All three goalies have had their ups and downs thus far. However, the recent defensive play has not helped whichever of the three is in net. Very feckless backcheck, a minimal forecheck and not much puck possession/playmaking in the offensive zone. I fear that they lack the speed required, as demonstrated by the Elmira defeat recently and the Florida losses in December.
Either way, it's AA hockey. If everyone was great at all times, they'd be playing two levels up. |
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dbc
(Been Here Awhile)
865 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2013 : 4:23:28 PM
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You can throw a blanket over positions 3-9 in the conference. Looks like it will be repeat of last year going to the final night for many teams.
Goalies seem to be good enough to get us there. The offense has been OK until the call ups providing us enough to win a lot of one goal wins. My biggest concern continues to be the defense ( forwards and defensemen). We started the year being among the best at limiting shots on goal being in the top three in the league. For the last month we have been in the bottom three giving up about 8 shots more per game. Seems that once the opponents set up in their offensive zone, we have a real hard time getting the puck out and several shots often result from the same possession. Having all these new players hasnt helped ( outshot 36/19 last night) but the trend began long before the call ups. |
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goaliejudge
(The Next Level!)
USA
213 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2013 : 07:11:24 AM
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| one bright spot for the clones is the pk even with all the call ups. it appears the team has bought the concept of basics and have excelled at it. maybe on the offensive side of the puck getting back to basics and being put in a position for sucess would help. the power play systemm needs to be scrapped and go back to the drawing board to figure out how to get the players in a position for sucess. willies pp goal last night was hard work and being in position for sucess (in front of the goal causing traffic and then getting the rebound and burying it). all teams will be affected with call ups so it comes down to putting your players in a position for success. if the sytems are there and the players are not buying into it then reduced ice time should occur to get the message across to them. |
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elvis77
(Loves To Post!)
1435 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2013 : 10:12:22 AM
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| Special teams have been an issue for awhile. While the PK is steady the PP is as inconsistent as the 5 on 5 scoring. There was a small tweak back before the holidays which brought it to life a bit. It was as simply as getting traffic in front of the net. The Cyclones have 2 big bodied players in Conboy and Lindstrom who are capable of standing in down low and wreaking havoc. The issue is getting the puck through. I don't think it's a matter of the PP system as it is execution. Due to the struggles on the PP, opponents use a much more aggressive defense than if the PP where more successful. Factor in how long it takes for PP anchors like O'Hanley and Pelech to move the puck and it leads to a lot of picked off passes and closed shooting lanes. As long as the opponents are being aggressive, it's imperative to make quick decisions and move the puck accurately. |
"PBR can do that to you....1,2,3,12 beers and you're f**ked"
-oscar
"and i don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation" - joan jett
"beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy." - benjamin franklin
"is that a pulled pork sandwich i smell?"
"some things are just better without pants...."
www.cycwords.wordpress.com |
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2013 : 10:18:09 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
Special teams have been an issue for awhile. While the PK is steady the PP is as inconsistent as the 5 on 5 scoring. There was a small tweak back before the holidays which brought it to life a bit. It was as simply as getting traffic in front of the net. The Cyclones have 2 big bodied players in Conboy and Lindstrom who are capable of standing in down low and wreaking havoc. The issue is getting the puck through. I don't think it's a matter of the PP system as it is execution. Due to the struggles on the PP, opponents use a much more aggressive defense than if the PP where more successful. Factor in how long it takes for PP anchors like O'Hanley and Pelech to move the puck and it leads to a lot of picked off passes and closed shooting lanes. As long as the opponents are being aggressive, it's imperative to make quick decisions and move the puck accurately.
You're such a wealth of information. Surprised Nick Brunker doesn't have you sitting in press row doing color for him on the broadcasts. |
www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
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