Well it took the Blues 7 games to finally get into the win column and they did it against a team that they have plagued for many seasons, the Aurora Tigers. Whatever it is, the Blues seem to get up for the Tigers each and every time they meet. In 2006/07 when the Tigers lost only 4 regular season games on their way to winning the RBC Cup, it was the Blues, I believe, that were responsible for 2 of the 4 loses incurred.
As I said, whatever it is, it was present today as the Blues eked out a 4-3 win over the Cats. Big man for the Blues today was goaltender Jonathon McQueen who turned aside 49 of 52 shots thrown at him by the Tigers. In doing so McQueen stopped high scoring Tiger Capt David Morley on 2 breakaways. I can't remember the last time that a goaltender outguessed the "magician" David Morley on a breakaway. McQueen was simply outstanding and more than deserving of the 1st star of the game. Good for Collingwood, never like to see a team suffer through an extended losing streak. Frankly watching the Blues today, I am somewhat surprised that they had lost their first six games, they are a fast skating team with a lot of talent and with the likes of McQueen between the pipes and if they can stay out of the penalty box, they will improve greatly and win their share of games.
The Tigers are still without Garrett Trainor and Andrew Secco on defense. Defensman James McQuestion dressed today but was used sparingly. No question the blueline corps is suffering as evidenced by 2 glaring giveaways today both resulting in goals. The up front boys did their job and more by peppering McQueen with 52 shots but only managed to score 3 goals.
Tigers that did beat McQueen were Nick Quinn (1st), Ryan Marcuz (1st) and Derek Gregorack (3rd), an assist each to Daniel Lisa, Kyle McLaughlin, George Lavatsis and Jeff Vanderlugt. Stefan Dumaresgue stopped 25 of 29 and but for the 2 giveaway goals was solid in net.
Tigers now batting .500 standing at 2-2.
Tomorrow, it's off to Buffalo for the Cats where there will be a strong Junior Sabre team waiting for them fresh off a win over the powerful Georgetown Raiders. It's going to be a tough one for the Tigers, not only will they have their hands full with the Sabres but from past experience, they will have to beat the officiating also. The Sabres are back in Aurora next Friday night for the 2nd game of a 2 game back to back.
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