Big win for the Waxers. I got to say that the Rogers broadcasting crew seem to get more annoying as the season goes along, but I sure am glad they broadcasted the game, so I guess I can live with it.
Interesting game in this one as the Waxers played pretty cautious for the most part, but were able to cause turnovers with their speed. On the other hand they still need to be smarter with the puck in their own end as they coughed up the puck on a few brutal give aways. Oakville once again played strong on the boards, but were unable to get enough shots past Kyle Rank who was back to his normal self. Greenham also had another really strong game in net making at least two huge saves and generally played solid all the way through. Very even game, but I think the Waxers were able to create a few more chances then the Blades and that ended up being the difference.
Anyone who was at the game see what happened to Free on that collision in the third? Just looked like an incidental collision, but the camera completely missed it. Here is hoping Free is okay, which he probably is because he is tough as nails.
On to game 3 where the Waxers need to solidify their defense a little more.
Sounds like I missed a pretty good game last night, my Curling team was in a sudden death playoff match last night (won 8-5), so I even missed the Rogers live broadcast. Sounds like I didn't miss anything there, the broadcast I mean.
"Rogers Crew seem to get more annoying as the season goes along".
Love to hear your take on that, Matty. I think I know but would like to hear your opinion on it.
From your report and the game sheet, it appeared to be a pretty even game, with the Waxers pulling it out late in the 3rd. Without being there, I would say that Cornacchia was able to discipline his charges in this one and it paid off. They cut down the PIMS from 51 mins in the 1st game to only 12 mins in this one, but even with a minimum of PIMS the Blades were able to score 1 PP goal. We all know great goaltending is a must in the playoffs, but "staying on the ice" runs a close 2nd.
Very surprised at the crowd, only 597 reported on pointstreak. What happened to the 1,000 to 1,400 during the Wellington series, did the Dukes bring that many fans with them??
Next game in Oakville tomorrow night should be a good one.
I have seen them but once. But their boards play, is one of the things I was so impressed with when they hammered Wellington pretty well in game four of that series.
They won all the physical battles and seemed to be very strong on the boards in that game I saw.
So much so, that I had the feeling they had been there and done that before to other teams.
If you were impressed with Oakville's play along the boards, they must be something in that department.
I get the feeling that you believe the Waxers have not played their best in this series yet.
I have watched a lot of Waxers games in the post season. They have been struggling against Oakville because that team is just that much bigger and stronger physically. My understanding is that this is what the Oakville management wants ... big boys.
If Markham wants to continue their winning ways they need to stop trying to beat Oakville in the physical department. Like in any battle, win with what you are good at. They can out skate Oakville ... they need to make it a fast game and stop trying to go into the corners and battle Oakville for "who can hold the puck the longest." Let Oakville bring it off the boards ... and then take it from Oakville. Markham can win on speed. They showed it in the first 10 minutes of game one. Then Oakville adjusted.
The winner will be the team that controls the play. I know you can say that with any game ... but I'd say especially so in this series because both goalies are on their game. If Markham can play a fast ... 'catch me if you can game' ... they'll win the series. Oakville doesn't have the talent to match Markham in speed.
The Blades do keep the game on the boards, it might well be to their liking as you have so well enunciated.
If that is one of their strengths, and SMC did not mention it (physical play) as he has seen Oakville a lot more than you and I.
It doesn't make it not so. You have seen the Wax more than I and believe it is the Waxer speed that could be the difference.
The team that will win is often the one that gets the best goaltending. But you raise another point that is a close second to determining the outcome of a playoff series.
It is the team that best executes their strengths that will often win. If it is Oakville's physicality or Markham's speed , it comes to imposing a will on the opponent that determines a champion.
I some what disagree. The blades definately have the advantage on the boards because of their size, but I don't think that means the Waxers should stay away from the corners. Their quickness seems to be a big asset on the boards and leads to chances. No doubt they should try to exploit their advantage in speed, but they don't need to stay away from the boards and not be physical. Waxers should keep throwing their weight around when they get the chance, but still need to realize that they can't be sacrificing themselves just to throw a hit. For a team to change their style at this point in time would be a big mistake in my eyes. A team needs to keep playing their game while exploiting what the other team can't defend.
Wayne,
You probably watched the Waxers play their best defensive game of the year, which was exemplified by the small surface at the Dukedome. That being said they are still very solid inside their own end, but are prone to making stupid passes that lead to glorious scoring chances. The Dukes first goal that night was a perfect example of what that looks like.
The Waxers must take better care of the puck in their own end. They are winning battles, but players are slow to get to the boards or bad passes are being attempted once the battle is won.
"It is the team that best executes their strengths that will often win. If it is Oakville's physicality or Markham's speed , it comes to imposing a will on the opponent that determines a champion."
I was trying to say just that. Whichever team imposes their style on the other ... stands the best chance to triumph. That is why I was suggesting Markham stay away from the strength battles on the boards. I saw more than a few the other night ... and the Markham players came out of the scrums skating slowly. The hitting (checking) they can handle, but there was too many efforts to wrestle for the puck.
Markham will just do much better playing the finesse game ... trying to impose their opportunistic style onto the game. That is their best 'game'.
Take away the oakville battle for puck minutes ... and you create an average team out of them. Other than a pretty cool headed level of play ...there is nothing else of any great strength in their game.
That is something Markham adjusted to in the second game.
Current Topic - The Waxers Strike Back ... Tie Series
