Eleven games into the '07-08 season the BEARS enter the second full week in November three games under the break even mark. Who woulda thought? Well it really isn't hard to figure out why the BEARS are struggling early on this season.
Look no further then the players who either are on the IR,signed elsewhere in the off season or are currently up with the big club,who were members of last season's Conference Champions. Alex Giroux, Joey Tenute, Dave Steckel, Tomas Fleischmann, Matt Hendricks, Eric Fehr and Chad Wiseman combined for 177 goals and 369 points. That is alot of goals and assists to replace. The guys that were brought in to "replace" all of those goals(Jason Morgan,Joe Motzko,Jame Pollock) combined for only 59 goals between the three. Is that a fair comparison, maybe not, but the bottom line is the guys that are here now need to step up.
Joe Motzko and Jason Morgan have both stepped it up of late, however a TEAM can't rely on just one or two players to carry the team. Chris Bourque had a strong start but has tailed off of late, same goes for Kyle Wilson. Scott Barney who had a terrific post season is still without a goal this season, same story for Jakub Klepis. If this BEARS team is to make a run the goal scorers need to start scoring and fast.
The BEARS are only averaging 2.18 goals per game through the first eleven games, while on the flip side the opposition is averaging 3.1 goals per game. I'm by no means a math major, but the numbers suggest the BEARS are being outscored by about a goal a game.
Alot has been made on various message boards about goal tending. Has Daren played better overall then Freddie? Maybe!! The one constant though has been inconsistency in the defensive zone. Patrick Roy may have had trouble playing for the BEARS this year. The injury to Dean Arsene sure hasn't helped matters. The amount of young guys on the back line may be a factor but that's not an excuse that should be used. Tyler Sloan, in my opinion, has been the most consistent defensemen. The other guys need to step it up, both the rookies and veterans, in order for the team to succeed.
BEARS fans, come down from the ledge though. The two gentlemen behind the bench will turn this team around. Bruce and Woody are two of the most knowledgeable hockey guys I know, and one thing is for sure these guys are very passionate about the BEARS and about winning. They don't like losing, they don't and won't tolerate laziness and they will right this ship. If changes need to be made, they will be made. The system employed by Bruce and Woody works(see Calder Cup Championship in '05-06 and return trip last year).
I truly believe the team is on the right track, despite the game this past Sunday(B'port has our number). The BEARS will play eight of their next ten games in the friendly confines of the GIANT Center. Some home cooking will do us all some good. The guys need your support now more then anytime the last two seasons.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sound Tigers outwork BEARS, 4-1
On Saturday night at GIANT Center,the Bridgeport Sound Tigers handally defeated the BEARS by a score of 4-1.
The BEARS Jay Beagle(1) found the back of the net for the first time in his pro carreer with just 3:01 left in the 1st period. Beagle picked the pocket of Bridgeport's Joe Rullier and came in all alone on Mike Morrison,beating him short side for the short handed goal.After the goal Rullier took a baseball swing at the glass behind the Bridgeport net.The glass broke send a piece of glass into the stands injuring a fan, who was seen to have had cuts on his hand and face.It is believed that the BEARS will send a copy of the game tape to the AHL to be reviewed.The BEARS out shot the Sound Tigers 17-2 in the period.Bridgeport did not record their first shot until almost 7:00 left in the period.
The Beagle goal was the last time BEARS fans would be able to cheer, in a positive manner on Saturday night.At the 5:49 mark of the 2nd period Jamie Fraser(2) netted the first of 3 consecutive power play goals by Bridgeport.Just over 6 minutes later Steve Regier(3) scored on the power play giving Bridgeport a 2-1 lead.That would be the score going into the 3rd period.It was apparent that Bridgeport worked harder and wanted the game more during the second period.
The third period wouldn't treat the BEARS any better.Regier(4) again beat Freddie Cassivi on the power play just 3:06 into the 3rd.Just under a minuete later Jeff Tambelinni(3) out worked the BEARS PP unit to beat Cassivi for the shorty.After the Tambellini goal Cassivi was pulled in favor of Daren Machesney.
NOTES:BEARS are avg. 2.125 goals/game...Beagle's goal was the first SH goal of the year for the BEARS...Cassivi's save% is now at .881% and is GAA is 3.43.
Editorial Note: I'm not a math major,BUT if your top goalie is allowing on avg. almost 3.5 goals a game, and your offense is only avg. 2.1 goals a game, your not going to win many games.
The BEARS Jay Beagle(1) found the back of the net for the first time in his pro carreer with just 3:01 left in the 1st period. Beagle picked the pocket of Bridgeport's Joe Rullier and came in all alone on Mike Morrison,beating him short side for the short handed goal.After the goal Rullier took a baseball swing at the glass behind the Bridgeport net.The glass broke send a piece of glass into the stands injuring a fan, who was seen to have had cuts on his hand and face.It is believed that the BEARS will send a copy of the game tape to the AHL to be reviewed.The BEARS out shot the Sound Tigers 17-2 in the period.Bridgeport did not record their first shot until almost 7:00 left in the period.
The Beagle goal was the last time BEARS fans would be able to cheer, in a positive manner on Saturday night.At the 5:49 mark of the 2nd period Jamie Fraser(2) netted the first of 3 consecutive power play goals by Bridgeport.Just over 6 minutes later Steve Regier(3) scored on the power play giving Bridgeport a 2-1 lead.That would be the score going into the 3rd period.It was apparent that Bridgeport worked harder and wanted the game more during the second period.
The third period wouldn't treat the BEARS any better.Regier(4) again beat Freddie Cassivi on the power play just 3:06 into the 3rd.Just under a minuete later Jeff Tambelinni(3) out worked the BEARS PP unit to beat Cassivi for the shorty.After the Tambellini goal Cassivi was pulled in favor of Daren Machesney.
NOTES:BEARS are avg. 2.125 goals/game...Beagle's goal was the first SH goal of the year for the BEARS...Cassivi's save% is now at .881% and is GAA is 3.43.
Editorial Note: I'm not a math major,BUT if your top goalie is allowing on avg. almost 3.5 goals a game, and your offense is only avg. 2.1 goals a game, your not going to win many games.
Friday, November 2, 2007
BEARS @ Rats Recap
Tonight in NY's Capital District,the Hershey BEARS behind goalie Daren Machesney(36 saves)defeated the River Rats by a score of 2-0.
A first period goal off the stick of Ben Clymer(3) would be all the BEARS needed on this night.Jason Morgan and Quentin Laing received the helpers on Clymer's tally.
The game was won in the second period when "Cheese" stopped all 20 Rat shots he faced.Albany was handed a pair of 5-on-3 PP's sandwiched around a high-sticking major to Chris McAllister.During the extended PP opportunity for the Rat's Machesney made a couple of 10 bell saves.
Kyle Wilson(3)cemented the BEARS victory with a PP goal 7:48 into the 3rd period.Assisting on Wilson's goal were Scott Barney and Grant Potulny.Albany was 0 for 7 on the PP, while the BEARS went 1 for 4.
The rough stuff carried over from Sunday's game. In the first period Louis Robitaille,stuck up for Joe Motzko, by jumping Rat pest Tim Conboy. Conboy blindsided Motzko well after the puck left Motzko's stick. Robitaille was assesed a minor for instigating,a major for fighting and a 10-min. misconduct,while Conboy received a minor for interference and 5 min. for fighting.
The BEARS return home on Saturday night to face the B'port Sound Tigers.The game could very well feature some fireworks as well.Hope to see you at GC.
A first period goal off the stick of Ben Clymer(3) would be all the BEARS needed on this night.Jason Morgan and Quentin Laing received the helpers on Clymer's tally.
The game was won in the second period when "Cheese" stopped all 20 Rat shots he faced.Albany was handed a pair of 5-on-3 PP's sandwiched around a high-sticking major to Chris McAllister.During the extended PP opportunity for the Rat's Machesney made a couple of 10 bell saves.
Kyle Wilson(3)cemented the BEARS victory with a PP goal 7:48 into the 3rd period.Assisting on Wilson's goal were Scott Barney and Grant Potulny.Albany was 0 for 7 on the PP, while the BEARS went 1 for 4.
The rough stuff carried over from Sunday's game. In the first period Louis Robitaille,stuck up for Joe Motzko, by jumping Rat pest Tim Conboy. Conboy blindsided Motzko well after the puck left Motzko's stick. Robitaille was assesed a minor for instigating,a major for fighting and a 10-min. misconduct,while Conboy received a minor for interference and 5 min. for fighting.
The BEARS return home on Saturday night to face the B'port Sound Tigers.The game could very well feature some fireworks as well.Hope to see you at GC.
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