Komets trailed 3-1 early in the second period but have rallied to lead Cincinnati 5-3 before more than 12,000 fans in Cincinnati. It's amazing how they are such a different team on the road, just completely ridiculous. If they hold on tonight they'll be 10-5-2 on the road compared to 8-10 at home.
Has anyone got any thoughts on why they are so much better on the road as compared to home?
Also, interesting that Corey Elkins didn't mention a thing about possibly signing with a team in Finland during an interview with Bob Chase between second and third periods. Who knows.
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They outshot Cincy 14-4 in the second period and really got back in it. Different goalie in tonight also.
Understood, but in general they are a much better team on the road than at home this season.
Maybe they just loosen up and play when they're on the road. Too tight at home, afraid to make mistakes and play too conservative. They played like that at home against KZOO a couple weeks ago and crushed them 7-3.
The pairing of Butler/Kishel was split up too. They were on the ice for the first 3 Cyclones goals. For what ever reason, the D has been much stingier since.
Definitely part of it.
Its the stridulent factor
If you're talking about our arena Phil, yeah, that's probably got something to do with it too.
TO Many Distraction in Fort Wayne TO MANY PEOPLE GOING THREW THE DRESSING ROOM DOOR plus they have to stretch in the hallway the dressing room is WAY out dated they need A more modern dressing room 60 years of the same room is too much the only thing thatv has changed is the stalls and flooring they are a AA team they need A NEW DRESSING ROOM WEIGHT ROOM TRAINING ROOM COACHES OFFICE EQUIPMENT ROOM CHANGE ROOM PLAYERS LOUNGE MEETING ROOM
The other teams coming in get a big lift from the larger crowd in Fort Wayne. The Komets have to start fast at home and keep it coming or the other team takes the building and momentum away. Blake do you think Cincy got a little too defensive with a two goal lead? Sounds familiar doesn't it?
You know, Mike, I would have agreed with that without a doubt except the Komets held them to 26 shots last night. Komets have been picking up the NZT ever since they put Rizk and Schrock back together. I think some guys might be starting to buy into the system. We'll see tomorrow and see how they do in three games with the Cyclones next week. I just have a sense that things are starting to come together as a team now. Schaus has made a huge difference; and Elkins, too of course.
Look at the schedule, too. If the Komets can win tomorrow and maybe go 3-1, or maybe even 2-2 next week, they could be starting to go on a roll. The schedule really lightens up for a while after next week. Lots of division games.
Hoban injected some life into the Schrock/Rizk line tonight... They were, by far, the best line on the ice tonight. Hoban was always in the right position and got into the Clones passing lanes. They had a hard time getting the puck out of their zone against this line most of the night. Hoban can stay this time, thank you... On Firmans goal, Rizk did a great job of getting the puck into the offensive zone and keeping the play alive during a line change.
Komets got the bounces tonight... 1st two goals were weird/fluky goals. Last 3 were hard working, get to the net goals... I like that style versus the perimeter style they seem to fall into on most losing nights... This team is so much better when they are crashing the net and making plays happen.
I think they do better on the road because they are getting into "game mode" earlier in the day... Teams normally play more simplistic on the road.
I agree. They play a much simpler style on the road, letting the other team crash against and wear themselves out against the trap. They try to react but don't force as much action early in the games. For some reason they are better in transition on the road.
I also think they play more as a team on the road.
Ever since Rizk and Schrock got back together, they've been better. Now, if they can just get the other two lines figured out for some consistency...
Question? Cincy avg attendance is 3900, why 12,000 tonight? were they doing special promos??
There has to be some consistency to those lines for those lines to be consistent.....
Teddy bear toss and retro jersey night....
Yes. At least part of it was a teddy bear toss. Maybe someone else can add in if there was anything else.
Thanks, JR. I'll bet some of those retro jerseys were cool.
The arena was packed because as part of their "throwback" promo, tickets were only $8 (even the good lower arena seats) and many concession items were just $1 - pizza, soda, hot dogs, and beer. We went down and made a weekend of it. However, while the arena seats 12,000 fans, their facilities certainly couldn't accommodate everyone. I went to get soda right as the 1st period ended, I missed the entire intermission and 10 minutes of playing time in the 2nd period. The lines just never seemed to move, they kept running out of stuff, etc. By the end of the game, every trash can in the place was overflowing. I hope for their sake that they plan better next time they want a full house. It made me grateful for the MC and vendor staff that is normally efficient!
I have talked to a couple players and heard through others that the hate playing at home because they have to live up to the reputation the have. They feel like the fans have high expectations and thats why they dont like playing at home.
If that is true (which I find very hard to believe...) then every one of those players who said that can be traded or waived right now.....
If you are a paid athlete and do not like being made to live up to or exceed expectations of the coaching staff, owners or fans, then you need to be selling insurance or working at Burger King....
Let's remember, if there are ANY high expectations for players coming in, 9 times out of 10 the fans are getting them from the Frankes, coaching or the players themselves when interviewed... How many times have we heard the Frankes describe players as the next Andy Beazeau, Colin Chin, or other beloved fan favorite to ever play in Fort Wayne??? That sets a very high bar for players who have never played one minute in a Komets jersey... Who can live up to legend?
And every one of them when I talk to them in the summer says they want to come here to win, that they want the challenge of living up to the standards here which the Frankes are very up front with the players about. It's discussed with every player during the summer and it's the main topic at the first training camp meeting. It shouldn't be a surprise.
Now surely anonymous is either teasing or maybe a player said that in sarcasm. Otherwise I would be worried about the emotional stability of those players. Most dedicated fan bases have high expectations for their team...they take the losses hard and aren't shy about letting the players, coach, management that they as fans deserve more. Some fans are supportive and positive through the worst seasons..some fans take their negativity to extremes...I think it happens everywhere. Our guys aren't ten year old boys...they are adult men who choose this as their career. Sounds like you probably heard wrong or someone was being sarcastic. I think this group pic guys handle themselves well and seem to love it when there is a big crowd roaring around go Komets!!.
He made some relevant points because there definitely is more pressure here to win from fans and management than in other places. I've told you guys a dozen times, I've never met anyone who hates to lose to like David Franke.
Except of course that the Politically Correct Police have taken away the "roar" from the jungle and relegated it to about the same loudness factor of a graveyard.... Heard the Komets fans who went to Cincy got to hear plenty of the word "sucks" as it was shouted at the Komets players....lol
The pressure to win here is also why Fort Wayne has had hockey for 60+ years and why some of those places who's fans do not demand it are without or at a much lower level of hockey....
Totally agree.
I would think the talented..competitive players..thrive on that pressure....pushes them to give it their all. I know it could be a negative once in awhile...but I think in general high expectations in pro sports is a good thing.
I know there have been guys the Komets have gotten rid of because they could not handle it. It's another reason why you have to be a team-first player and not an individual.
If you can't get up for a big crowd at home you should not be playing. Anyone who has played any spectator sport has to draw on the energy the home fans bring. Whether ownership or the fans have high expectations is irrelevent. Your expectations of yourself should be higher. That's competitive spirit.