Six weeks ago, I told Kent Hormann I’d probably pick Wichita to beat the Komets in the finals in five games. Nothing I’ve seen from the Thunder has caused me to change my mind too much about them.
But the Komets have changed my mind about a lot of things during the playoffs. They have played much better team defense and they’ve done a stronger job of protecting Nick Boucher in goal and not relying on him to just save their rear ends on every defensive lapse. I’ve also seen all the kids really grow up and become even better players since the end of the regular season. That’s not an easy thing to do.
I also forgot during the regular season that Colin Chaulk is a very good leader. During the playoffs, he’s a great leader. And this year he’s got plenty of help from Brett Smith, Kaleigh Schrock and Brent Henley as well. I also really like the way the guys who have been struggling offensively, guys like Leo Thomas, Bobby Chaumont, Smith and Stephon Thorne, are not getting into funks but are working even harder to contribute in other ways. Chaumont led the team in shots against Missouri and it seemed every time I looked up he was hustling to get back. Same with Leo, but we should expect that out of him in the playoffs. Even though they weren’t scoring much, they were positive factors in the games.
I’ve decided to pick the Komets in this series for two reasons: their previous championship experience and their pure tenacity. Those past championships have to be an advantage because a lot of these guys have performed in the biggest moments.
Also, Wichita hasn’t been through nearly as tough a playoffs as the Komets have. That can either hurt or help a team, and usually it hurts a team. That hasn’t been a problem for the Komets. They truly do seem to have the motto, ``whatever doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.’’ It was true from the Rapid City series, and it was true when they were down 2-0 to Missouri. Whenever this team faces a seemingly insurmountable challenge, they love it.
They can’t go down 0-2 against Wichita. They have to split the first two games, and their best bet is probably tonight. Wichita is an exceptional team and mirrors the Komets in many ways. It’s going to be fascinating to watch the coaches try working the match-ups.
This is a much better Fort Wayne team than it was six weeks ago, and sometimes you have to go with your gut instinct. I think the Komets will win the series in seven games and the last game will go to overtime.
Comments
Blake, I think you are spot on. When others say the K' are going to show uo too tired for tonight's game they are wrong. Missouri was well rested before the last series too. Didn't matter. This series will be a clash of the coaches. I'm picking Al.
Lets go K's
Way to "black cat" them , Blake.....LOL
The one thing PhillyLinda has forgotten is that the Komets had a fourteen hour bus ride which should have gotten them in Wichita around 10-12midnight. That is very short for a game being played within 8 hours of arriving.
That said, if the Komets can find their legs and be even at the 10 minute mark of the first period, then I think they can steal game one. If not, they will be in trouble.
If the komets work, and I mean WORK, there is no team that can beat them. If they take periods off they will be in deep trouble. Regardless, I'm proud of them.
I thought about the bus ride! I bet a14 hour bus ride after THAT game 7 is exactly what they need. This team is even stronger out of town. They need to take either game 1 or 2. They'll have plenty of time to sleep during 14 hour drive back. I am more interested in whether they wont have had time to analyze Wichita and will need a whole game to organize a game plan.
Proud of them all too!
Alan,
It's not 8 hours after arriving? They have around 22 hours in Wichita before playing. It's still 3 games in 4 days with a 14-hour bus ride in between.
The have a slight chance to get a game, but this is a tough schedule. I expect them to lose big tonight and close tomorrow.
Wichita has been the best team in the CHL during the season and the best defensive team in the playoffs. Unless Russo falls apart and allows some easy ones (unlikely), Wichita wins the first two games.
Komets will not sweep three in-a-row at home. So I have to pick Wichita in 6 games.
Winning this series would be even more impressive than the comeback against Missouri. The Komets outplayed Missouri for the most part in the first two games, just didn't win.
No matter the outcome, it's been a good year...winning the conference regular season championship and the Turner Conference playoff title.
We will win games 1, 2, 4 and 5, Russo will whine like Laaaaaarrrrrry, Wichita will invoke the super Secret 5 to assure winning game 3. The FBI will present the cup because the league officials will be in the federal tank waiting on arraignment under the organized crimes task force supervision. Immigtation will be on site to deport any on ice official.
Well I might as well throw mine in the ring...
Komets win game 1 in OT, lose big game two, win 3 & 4 by one goal, lose 5 in OT and win it in 6 on the road (very fitting for this team!).
I would rather the Komets sweep!!!
PhillyLinda, there is a difference between being off 11 days like Missouri was and 5 days like Witchita has been. There's well-rested and then there is rusty. We'll see how it goes, but Witchita has no excuse not to be sharp and ready tonight.
Komets in 7... Looks like there will be one big party at Wrigley field since we are going to win it on the road!!!
Precisely Wendy. I say Wichita wins game one because of their rest and in their barn. Komets take game two though, and at least two of the three here. I also suspect this will be over quickly or go seven.