Nice article Blake. A couple observations that I have:
#1 - I think it's very telling when a player says "we needed to get in front of him...". Yeah, they do. For some reason, throughout this season, that has not been consistently happening. How effective were 4 Komets in the corner when Boucher was pulled in the final minute of the game? I am getting sick and tired of seeing no one in front of the net...I mean in front of it, by the crease, not 5-10 feet out. The garbage goals you can get from that can win games.
#2 - I like how Sims stated that Flint is a last place team for a reason. Yeah, they are, but they have beat the Komets 2 games in a row. There is no excuse for that.
I firmly believe the Komets need to take a hard look at some of the players who are on the team. What contributions have guys made?
If you can't tell, I'm disappointed in the play of the Komets from Saturday and last night. I'm leary about Wednesday's game. These are crucial games. It's time for the team to dig deep. I don't want to hear any excuses that they are tired, sore, etc. I don't want to hear complaints about penalties not being called, and I sure don't want to see anyone try to discuss with a ref what they think should have been called when play is still going on.
With that being said, if you think I'm a negative nellie, so be it. I don't see how anyone could argue that what has transpired the past 2 games against the last place team in the league is good.
Alan
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 11:18am
On the second post of the last thread, "Komets are red-hot", (which I wrote before the game up in Flint) I stated that the two games against Flint could be pivotal regarding where the K's finish in the regular season standings. Well, now we know that they lost both games. They gave up a chance to move two points closer to Muskegon on Saturday night, and the chance to move two points closer to Muskegon and Port Huron on Sunday. Plus, they gave back to both teams one of the "games in hand". I now think that it is time to realize that this years' Komets are just not going to be able to go very far. They are what they are. Again the lack of scoring has come back to haunt them. Oh, I know that people will point to the 56 shots on goal and logically reason that the K's just ran into a "hot goalie", had pucks ring off the post and the crossbar, and believe that they showed a lot of effort. They could point out that it was their fourth game in five nights and had to undergo a lot of traveling. For the most part they would be correct if we were just looking at last night's results on its own. But what about Saturday night? What about all the games before when they have outshot the opposition, yet still lost? Three goals scored in two games against the last place team in the league. Does this sound familiar Komet fans? Tim Haun was the IHL's goaltender of the month in February with a 1.95 G.A.A. Nick Boucher has been a "cornerstone" for the K's in net for two and a half years now. Recently he has looked tentative. Who could blame either of them? All season long the lack of scoring has just been brutal and magnified the responsibility they bear in order to win a game. Two goaltenders with a G.A.A. of 2.50 or less and we are mired in third place? This teams has a scoring "disease". The only remedy for this "disease" is to bring in a proven goal scorer. If you read the blog regularly you have been made aware that there is no room under the salary cap. Proven goal scorers are hard to find. Yes, I understand all of that. It will take some hard work to find one and even harder decisions to clean up this roster of its dead weight so cap room could be found. Nothing is easy but it can be done. If not, then as I said, they are what they are. Right now that is a very average team which can expect only average results. Sorry if this seems "negative". It was written with the realistic hope that the K's will do what is necessary to turn this season around. Here endeth the lesson...
Frozen Water
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 11:24am
Don't worry everyone, the Positive Patties have assured me that the Komets always turn it on after Christmas and that there is no need to panic!
Dschebig
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 11:50am
My only comment is this "No Comment". Not a happy camper.
BD
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 12:43pm
The record just keeps playing week after week. They win some they lose some. I don't think that is a big deal. I think the problems are seen every night...a shot thrown on net is much different than a quality scoring chance. The K's I'm sure at least tripled Flint's scoring chances over the weekend, and sometimes they go in sometimes they don't. The problem like mentioned earlier is someone like Syro, Woods, Mac, or Huk standing in front to garbage out the extra goal needed to get the win or seal it late in the 3rd with a 2 goal lead. You need someone on every line that are constantly drifting in front of the net or just plain standing there taking a beating.
One thing that is really scary is that the league has gotten more talented and this year we aren't going to have Hodgeman to make us stand out and give us that boost needed on offense. Hopefully Huk can get his legs quick and come through.
whole_n_one
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 1:14pm
A few observations from recent games:
O'connor - Best player out there recently....he hits, hustles, plays defense....gives 100% all the time
Phillips......Best dman on the team hands down, in my opinion
Schrock......gives 100% all the time...favorite player to watch
Ok...now for the negative (my opinion only)
Bertram....had his only hit of the season last night (on Boucher) what has happened to him??? he has fought twice this year and both times he just ducks his head and gets pounded......where is the guy from 2 years ago that would look you in the eye and throw em??...or at least throw a check? I know that he has a good +/- rating but come on, at 6-4 240 lbs you have to play at least a little physical.
Warner - proud that a fellow ft. wayne boy is on the team but seriously what does he bring to the table? Not physical.....panics when forechecked and gives the puck away in our zone or ices it. Doesnt' score......I just don't get it. I would much rather see Rodger back there. Somebody help me understand why he is on the team please. I'm sure he is a great guy but I just don't see the on-ice contributions.
Syro - Great scorer, no doubt. Looks like he is afraid to make contact with anybody.....why? When the play goes the other way he just glides on down the ice.....no defense what so ever. He is really the only forward on the team that I have noticed this with. Am I seeing things? He could be an animal in this league with his size and skills!
Port Huron scares me....they are big, physical, and talented and very well coached. IMO the best team in the league right now.
Hope we can close the gap this week. Go K's!
Alan
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 2:41pm
Wow! When Dschebig says he is not a happy camper you know things have gotten rough.
JungleMonkey
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 3:31pm
Leo Thomas
Sean O'Conner
Kaleigh Schrock
Brad MacMillan
Colin Chaulk
Bobby Phillips
Frankie DeAngelis
Keith Rodger
Danko Mironovic
Tim Haun
Nick Boucher
are all playing with effort and determination. I'm happy they are Komets.
dbowty
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 4:03pm
Very observant whole_n_one and JungleMonkey. Should point out one thing - in the last 10 games, Syro and Shrock have horrible +/-.
Blake Sebring
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 4:27pm
The league is NOT more talented. That's a total myth. If so, somebody out there would be scoring goals. League average is 3.13 per game. Last year it was 3.54. That's a talent issue, plain and simple. Goaltending may be better with Centoumo, but who else?
Is the BEER going to be $2.50 on thursday April 1st?/ When is the next player autograph signing? /Komets just got pushed around last night!
Blake Sebring
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 5:03pm
Maybe that will give you some ideas of who is playing hard and who is not. Check out the shot totals along with the plus-minus. Some very interesting comparisons to be made.
Wendy
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 6:18pm
I wouldn't hold my breath on the $2.50 beer that night, MB. It's the night before Good Friday, so some people will have a long weekend.
Hit Somebody!!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 6:22pm
I wanted to post last night, but I was too angry.
So here is my thought.
Here is a scenario for you guys and gals to chew on:
There was a player last night after the game that was approached and was asked..."Hey, what's going on with you right now?" This player replied: "I am pretty much done here, I had a so-called bad game a couple of weeks ago, and now I am pretty much done on this team. I can't explain it, I am not getting to play. That is all I can say"
Now, I don't need to tell you which player it is. You guys are smart enough to know. He is a guy that I would say was huge in the playoff run last year and has played well in my eyes when given the chance. Why is it that he is on the crap list and feels like he is done this year??? I don't understand it.
Then you have local hero that hasn't proven anything on this team since being here other than some people are sensitive when people question his play and then people start throwing out his injuries and his +/- and that he scored 3 points last month which was 2nd or 3rd best in D-Men. But they don't tell you the whole story of what we see with our own two eyes.
I think a team falls apart when particular guys feel like they have one bad game and then fall into the doghouse, while a protected player is allowed to do just whatever and don't need to worry about their spot on the team.
I don't mean to sound harsh guys. I really don't. But it does make you think. It makes me mad that people go out of their ways to defend certain players, but they allow other guys get crapped on. Just my opinion of course, but I don't believe I am alone.
When is the new guy going to start playing hockey and stop consuming his time running his yap and trying to challenge non-fighters to fight out there on the ice??? Honestly?
Matt Woodard looked pretty good on the top-line. Why, because he busts his butt out there. Not sure why they gave up on this kid as a D-Man all together.
I think that this team can turn it around. I think they are a little long in the tooth and their age might be becoming a problem on the ice.
They could have shot the puck 100 times last night, and I am not sure that I would classify that as a good effort.....
You know?
Wendy
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 6:26pm
Oh and... Flint isn't in last place anymore. They moved 2 points ahead of Dayton for 6th.
mightbite
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 6:30pm
Wendy, I have a long weekend=thats was why I was wanting to know./Woods does not look like the player of 2 years ago,is he that far out of shape? That is hard to say cause him & Henley has been my 2 favorite players.
Frozen Water
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:06pm
Hit: I think I know exactly who you are talking about and I am hoping I'm wrong because I think he's a stud on the ice and I know most of my section was also wondering why he wasn't out there more.
If anyone has read the other thread, I'm an idiot now so don't feel bad about raking me over the coals for not knowing the answer to this question, but why isn't Nolan in their goal? He played the game in Flint if I remember correctly, but the last time Flint was here he didn't go in until the 3rd period, and last night he wasn't in there at all. Is it just a rest issue, or is there something else? I thought he was pretty good when I've seen him play.
Hit Somebody!!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:11pm
Maybe the owners of the Flint Generals don't want him to play on the road in Fort Wayne......???
Hit Somebody!!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:14pm
Maybe this is what is bothering Rob Nolan???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5Xp9hvTvPk
JR
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:17pm
There's supposedly a big announcement coming out of Flint this week (in IHL time that could mean anywhere within the next month); but dont know the source, so I dont know how reliable this info is... Hopefully its some kind of good news...
Hit Somebody!!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:27pm
Rumor flying that a BIG Reptile might be joining that team......that would be funny. The Flint owners would really shine on that one.
Hit Somebody!!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:28pm
Maybe Flint is going to the ECHL???
Ha ha ha ha ha......
Alan
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 7:45pm
Frozen Water, I don't know you personally and there have been times we have disagreed, but I want you to know that I don't think you are an idiot and would encourage you to continue to convey your opinions and thoughts no matter what they are. NO ONE should call any contibutor an idiot who expresses their opinion in a respectful manner.
Frozen Water
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 8:25pm
Hahahahhaaha! Classic, Hit!
Alan: Thank you, and I appreciate that.
I was just wondering about Nolan because he really has impressed me for the most part when I've watched him play. He's someone I look forward to watching when Flint visits the Fort.
MR SNUFFLUPUGUS
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 8:26pm
No matter what league they are in, I want to see a complete and I mean COMPLETE retooling of the roster next year.
Sometimes the theory in sports is that you fire the coach when the message stops getting to the players. In this case, fire the players and keep the coach because you won't find a better coach anywhere at this level.
Give Sims a roster of new YOUNG players to mold and I think win or lose you will see a total change in effort night in and night out.
Forget what I think... I wonder what Theme designer Azeem Azeez thinks of all this?
Blueline Baby
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 8:31pm
LOL @ Mr S.....
Hit Somebody!!!
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 8:36pm
No self-marketing of players next season too.
Mike in Toronto
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 10:20pm
Hit, not being "on site" 24/7 what does self marketing of players mean? I am not expecting names, could you just identify the behaviour you are identifying for me, please?
Watching some (streamed) and listening to other games, I get the drift of where eveyone (on the blog) is coming from most of the time. Agree some, disagree some.
Looking forward to being there in a few weeks to see (live) what is going on.
There is still hockey to be played hopefully the guys will figure it out.
JungleMonkey
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 7:34am
The Komets had Mitch Woods cut "commercials" for use on the scoreboard to announce his arrival. Knocking on the camera... "this thing on"... "Get ready IHL, I'm coming back"... then he's followed it up with nothing... Hence, the "self-promotion" comments.
Comments
Nice article Blake. A couple observations that I have:
#1 - I think it's very telling when a player says "we needed to get in front of him...". Yeah, they do. For some reason, throughout this season, that has not been consistently happening. How effective were 4 Komets in the corner when Boucher was pulled in the final minute of the game? I am getting sick and tired of seeing no one in front of the net...I mean in front of it, by the crease, not 5-10 feet out. The garbage goals you can get from that can win games.
#2 - I like how Sims stated that Flint is a last place team for a reason. Yeah, they are, but they have beat the Komets 2 games in a row. There is no excuse for that.
I firmly believe the Komets need to take a hard look at some of the players who are on the team. What contributions have guys made?
If you can't tell, I'm disappointed in the play of the Komets from Saturday and last night. I'm leary about Wednesday's game. These are crucial games. It's time for the team to dig deep. I don't want to hear any excuses that they are tired, sore, etc. I don't want to hear complaints about penalties not being called, and I sure don't want to see anyone try to discuss with a ref what they think should have been called when play is still going on.
With that being said, if you think I'm a negative nellie, so be it. I don't see how anyone could argue that what has transpired the past 2 games against the last place team in the league is good.
On the second post of the last thread, "Komets are red-hot", (which I wrote before the game up in Flint) I stated that the two games against Flint could be pivotal regarding where the K's finish in the regular season standings. Well, now we know that they lost both games. They gave up a chance to move two points closer to Muskegon on Saturday night, and the chance to move two points closer to Muskegon and Port Huron on Sunday. Plus, they gave back to both teams one of the "games in hand". I now think that it is time to realize that this years' Komets are just not going to be able to go very far. They are what they are. Again the lack of scoring has come back to haunt them. Oh, I know that people will point to the 56 shots on goal and logically reason that the K's just ran into a "hot goalie", had pucks ring off the post and the crossbar, and believe that they showed a lot of effort. They could point out that it was their fourth game in five nights and had to undergo a lot of traveling. For the most part they would be correct if we were just looking at last night's results on its own. But what about Saturday night? What about all the games before when they have outshot the opposition, yet still lost? Three goals scored in two games against the last place team in the league. Does this sound familiar Komet fans? Tim Haun was the IHL's goaltender of the month in February with a 1.95 G.A.A. Nick Boucher has been a "cornerstone" for the K's in net for two and a half years now. Recently he has looked tentative. Who could blame either of them? All season long the lack of scoring has just been brutal and magnified the responsibility they bear in order to win a game. Two goaltenders with a G.A.A. of 2.50 or less and we are mired in third place? This teams has a scoring "disease". The only remedy for this "disease" is to bring in a proven goal scorer. If you read the blog regularly you have been made aware that there is no room under the salary cap. Proven goal scorers are hard to find. Yes, I understand all of that. It will take some hard work to find one and even harder decisions to clean up this roster of its dead weight so cap room could be found. Nothing is easy but it can be done. If not, then as I said, they are what they are. Right now that is a very average team which can expect only average results. Sorry if this seems "negative". It was written with the realistic hope that the K's will do what is necessary to turn this season around. Here endeth the lesson...
Don't worry everyone, the Positive Patties have assured me that the Komets always turn it on after Christmas and that there is no need to panic!
My only comment is this "No Comment". Not a happy camper.
The record just keeps playing week after week. They win some they lose some. I don't think that is a big deal. I think the problems are seen every night...a shot thrown on net is much different than a quality scoring chance. The K's I'm sure at least tripled Flint's scoring chances over the weekend, and sometimes they go in sometimes they don't. The problem like mentioned earlier is someone like Syro, Woods, Mac, or Huk standing in front to garbage out the extra goal needed to get the win or seal it late in the 3rd with a 2 goal lead. You need someone on every line that are constantly drifting in front of the net or just plain standing there taking a beating.
One thing that is really scary is that the league has gotten more talented and this year we aren't going to have Hodgeman to make us stand out and give us that boost needed on offense. Hopefully Huk can get his legs quick and come through.
A few observations from recent games:
O'connor - Best player out there recently....he hits, hustles, plays defense....gives 100% all the time
Phillips......Best dman on the team hands down, in my opinion
Schrock......gives 100% all the time...favorite player to watch
Ok...now for the negative (my opinion only)
Bertram....had his only hit of the season last night (on Boucher) what has happened to him??? he has fought twice this year and both times he just ducks his head and gets pounded......where is the guy from 2 years ago that would look you in the eye and throw em??...or at least throw a check? I know that he has a good +/- rating but come on, at 6-4 240 lbs you have to play at least a little physical.
Warner - proud that a fellow ft. wayne boy is on the team but seriously what does he bring to the table? Not physical.....panics when forechecked and gives the puck away in our zone or ices it. Doesnt' score......I just don't get it. I would much rather see Rodger back there. Somebody help me understand why he is on the team please. I'm sure he is a great guy but I just don't see the on-ice contributions.
Syro - Great scorer, no doubt. Looks like he is afraid to make contact with anybody.....why? When the play goes the other way he just glides on down the ice.....no defense what so ever. He is really the only forward on the team that I have noticed this with. Am I seeing things? He could be an animal in this league with his size and skills!
Port Huron scares me....they are big, physical, and talented and very well coached. IMO the best team in the league right now.
Hope we can close the gap this week. Go K's!
Wow! When Dschebig says he is not a happy camper you know things have gotten rough.
Leo Thomas
Sean O'Conner
Kaleigh Schrock
Brad MacMillan
Colin Chaulk
Bobby Phillips
Frankie DeAngelis
Keith Rodger
Danko Mironovic
Tim Haun
Nick Boucher
are all playing with effort and determination. I'm happy they are Komets.
Very observant whole_n_one and JungleMonkey. Should point out one thing - in the last 10 games, Syro and Shrock have horrible +/-.
The league is NOT more talented. That's a total myth. If so, somebody out there would be scoring goals. League average is 3.13 per game. Last year it was 3.54. That's a talent issue, plain and simple. Goaltending may be better with Centoumo, but who else?
http://www.pointstreak.com/prostatstext/UHL/teamlastgames_10_91754_4430.txt
Is the BEER going to be $2.50 on thursday April 1st?/ When is the next player autograph signing? /Komets just got pushed around last night!
Maybe that will give you some ideas of who is playing hard and who is not. Check out the shot totals along with the plus-minus. Some very interesting comparisons to be made.
I wouldn't hold my breath on the $2.50 beer that night, MB. It's the night before Good Friday, so some people will have a long weekend.
I wanted to post last night, but I was too angry.
So here is my thought.
Here is a scenario for you guys and gals to chew on:
There was a player last night after the game that was approached and was asked..."Hey, what's going on with you right now?" This player replied: "I am pretty much done here, I had a so-called bad game a couple of weeks ago, and now I am pretty much done on this team. I can't explain it, I am not getting to play. That is all I can say"
Now, I don't need to tell you which player it is. You guys are smart enough to know. He is a guy that I would say was huge in the playoff run last year and has played well in my eyes when given the chance. Why is it that he is on the crap list and feels like he is done this year??? I don't understand it.
Then you have local hero that hasn't proven anything on this team since being here other than some people are sensitive when people question his play and then people start throwing out his injuries and his +/- and that he scored 3 points last month which was 2nd or 3rd best in D-Men. But they don't tell you the whole story of what we see with our own two eyes.
I think a team falls apart when particular guys feel like they have one bad game and then fall into the doghouse, while a protected player is allowed to do just whatever and don't need to worry about their spot on the team.
I don't mean to sound harsh guys. I really don't. But it does make you think. It makes me mad that people go out of their ways to defend certain players, but they allow other guys get crapped on. Just my opinion of course, but I don't believe I am alone.
When is the new guy going to start playing hockey and stop consuming his time running his yap and trying to challenge non-fighters to fight out there on the ice??? Honestly?
Matt Woodard looked pretty good on the top-line. Why, because he busts his butt out there. Not sure why they gave up on this kid as a D-Man all together.
I think that this team can turn it around. I think they are a little long in the tooth and their age might be becoming a problem on the ice.
They could have shot the puck 100 times last night, and I am not sure that I would classify that as a good effort.....
You know?
Oh and... Flint isn't in last place anymore. They moved 2 points ahead of Dayton for 6th.
Wendy, I have a long weekend=thats was why I was wanting to know./Woods does not look like the player of 2 years ago,is he that far out of shape? That is hard to say cause him & Henley has been my 2 favorite players.
Hit: I think I know exactly who you are talking about and I am hoping I'm wrong because I think he's a stud on the ice and I know most of my section was also wondering why he wasn't out there more.
If anyone has read the other thread, I'm an idiot now so don't feel bad about raking me over the coals for not knowing the answer to this question, but why isn't Nolan in their goal? He played the game in Flint if I remember correctly, but the last time Flint was here he didn't go in until the 3rd period, and last night he wasn't in there at all. Is it just a rest issue, or is there something else? I thought he was pretty good when I've seen him play.
Maybe the owners of the Flint Generals don't want him to play on the road in Fort Wayne......???
Maybe this is what is bothering Rob Nolan???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5Xp9hvTvPk
There's supposedly a big announcement coming out of Flint this week (in IHL time that could mean anywhere within the next month); but dont know the source, so I dont know how reliable this info is... Hopefully its some kind of good news...
Rumor flying that a BIG Reptile might be joining that team......that would be funny. The Flint owners would really shine on that one.
Maybe Flint is going to the ECHL???
Ha ha ha ha ha......
Frozen Water, I don't know you personally and there have been times we have disagreed, but I want you to know that I don't think you are an idiot and would encourage you to continue to convey your opinions and thoughts no matter what they are. NO ONE should call any contibutor an idiot who expresses their opinion in a respectful manner.
Hahahahhaaha! Classic, Hit!
Alan: Thank you, and I appreciate that.
I was just wondering about Nolan because he really has impressed me for the most part when I've watched him play. He's someone I look forward to watching when Flint visits the Fort.
No matter what league they are in, I want to see a complete and I mean COMPLETE retooling of the roster next year.
Sometimes the theory in sports is that you fire the coach when the message stops getting to the players. In this case, fire the players and keep the coach because you won't find a better coach anywhere at this level.
Give Sims a roster of new YOUNG players to mold and I think win or lose you will see a total change in effort night in and night out.
Forget what I think... I wonder what Theme designer Azeem Azeez thinks of all this?
LOL @ Mr S.....
No self-marketing of players next season too.
Hit, not being "on site" 24/7 what does self marketing of players mean? I am not expecting names, could you just identify the behaviour you are identifying for me, please?
Watching some (streamed) and listening to other games, I get the drift of where eveyone (on the blog) is coming from most of the time. Agree some, disagree some.
Looking forward to being there in a few weeks to see (live) what is going on.
There is still hockey to be played hopefully the guys will figure it out.
The Komets had Mitch Woods cut "commercials" for use on the scoreboard to announce his arrival. Knocking on the camera... "this thing on"... "Get ready IHL, I'm coming back"... then he's followed it up with nothing... Hence, the "self-promotion" comments.