What has surprised or impressed you about these playoffs? It could be the play of an individual, the opponent, whatever.
Here's an example: After Game 3 last night, I told Tom Mele that the one prediction I was proudest of getting right this year is that he would earn and get more playing time as the playoffs went on. I don't think anyone can dispute that he's had a tremendous impact this spring, and I also told him I was really happy for him because I've gotten to see how hard he's worked to earn the icetime. You can see him building a career over the last six weeks or so. He kind of reminds me of Guy Dupuis in 1993 that way when he did the same thing. (Didn't see that coming, did you?)
Anybody else want to add anything?
Comments
To me, it's been the way the team has come together as soon as the playoffs started. The Komets had a very rough end to the regular season that had everyone nervous. I believe the News Sentinel had an article about how they were playing as individuals and not as a team, that some players were doubting the system and the team just wasn't connected. That all changed as soon as the first puck dropped against Rapid City, and they've dominated since.
What impressed me the most was the way the Komets handled adversity through the first two series. They had a bogus suspension to one of their own, a worthy suspension rescinded for an opponent, Game 1 of the Conference Finals literally stolen from them, lost the 1st 2 games of the Conference Finals at home, yet persevered through all of that and are on the cusp of a championship. I think all that adversity hardened this team and really brought them together. It's been a lot of fun to watch. It's almost a shame the season's gonna end on Saturday night. Almost.
1) what has surprised me is that Wichita was such a paper tiger.
2) what has impressed me is the depth of this team, and when ALL the guys are pulling in the same direction just how much more they really are than the sum of their parts.
3) what a great 60th year! Well done by everyone from the team to the coaching staff, the media and owners and the great fans.
A few things surprise me. First, I am amazed that there is not a run on plaster for people breaking their ankles jumping on and off the band wagon. Needed to rebuild needed new leadership. The series isn't over yet it still takes 4 to win.
The most important move made this season is the addition of Mike Vaskivuo. Artem left to go home and all was lost. David Franke saw something that apparently no one else saw. Alan has been preaching all season about making a move. I read this blog every day and I have yet to see anyone give Mr. Franke the high fives for signing this guy.
There is a game to play tomorrow night, I only wish that I could be there. One of my best friends could be playing his last game. I hope it is. That Fort Wayne will win this at home in a different league under very difficult circumstances will only cement the legacy of a great leader. Taken for granted, underappreciated.
Underappreciated?
For sure.
How this team is getting stronger as the playoffs continue. Everyone is contributing in points, checks, forechecking and crashing the net.
Sorry Blake my editor and spellcheck were not here for that. LOL
Mike, please check your email.
Mike I think you are way out of line. Get on twitter and follow some peeps from here that are local fans. We are VERY appreciative of the team and give mad cudos to team for #vooodoooo this of coarse is just my average fan opinion. We love the addition of him and what he has accomplished since being signed.
The lack of physical play and hitting behind the net by Wichita. I expected this series, so far, to be more physical than it has been. The Thunder is supposed to be the best team in the CHL and it hasn't shown so far. The other surprise was Russo taking admitting that he had a concussion and thus taking himself out of the playoffs, where did that concussion come from? It's still a mystery.
Mike, I agree. I don't think most fans here appreciate your friend's contribution to this team nearly enough. What he has done is remarkable. I will miss him terribly if this is it for him.
What's really surprised me is how Mike Vaskivuo fit in from the first day he started play in the orange and black. He acted like he'd been there starting on opening night!
Mike,
If the friend in question is Colin Chaulk please read further, if not disregard following comments. I only base this assumption of Chaulk on previous comments made by Mike.
I don't post often but when I saw this I thought I would give my two cents.
I am blown away by your comment of your friend in question (Colin Chaulk) being underappreciated. (I question your reasoning for this comment)
Now, I cannot speak for everyone but in my opinion, Colin Chaulk is the backbone of the Komets organization... The modern day "Mr. Komet" if you will. This is his 9th season as a Komet.
He leads by example and is a great teacher of the sport. The way he led the team last year from a dismal start to making to the second round in the playoffs shows this. The Frankes see his value as a team leader as well. That is why they asked him to come back last season.
Colin is a rare gem in the way he keeps control of the puck. No other forwards in this league has the quality of puck control that Chaulk has down low against the boards.
If this is Chaulk's last game as a Komet, it will be a sad day in Fort Wayne. If he does hang up the skates as a player I do hope he coaches within the Komets organization.
Of those 9 seasons as a Komet, he has 4 Championships with a possibility of a 5th one tonight. Not many guys can say that about themselves. It's a incredibly good average and the stats speaks for itself which is why Colin Chaulk is a much appreciated person in Fort Wayne.
I as a lifelong komets fan could only hope to see the #91 hanging from the ceiling . One of the greatest leaders this teams ever had!
All I can say to you TheBauer is AMEN!!!
There is no Komet in history that has been loved more than Chauk! And he deserves every ounce of it!!!
Chaulk is one of the greatest Komets of all time. His contribution to the team and community is second to none.
I sure hope this is not his last season. He is the catalyst of Komet hockey and is one of those guys that cannot be replaced. He's a guy that is and will always be a legend in Ft Wayne.
Hi, Mike. First, before I go in to other things, I hope you are fine and I hope your Mother is getting better.
I read with interest your comments about band wagon jumpers and your perception of Colin being underappreciated. I hope you aren't including me in that fraternity. You are correct in that I have called for changes during the year. Most of those pleas were for another sniper as the offense just seemed so inconsistant all season struggling to score. I knew Mike Vaskivuo was a fine player. I had watched him with Dayton the last couple of years. In fact, earlier this past offseason when Dayton traded him to Rapid City, I thought to myself what a fine player Rapid City was able to aquire. (We didn't need Rapid City to get any stronger). And yes, David Franke did a nice job claiming his rights and bringing him in. This team got stronger in two ways with the departure of Podshendyalov and the arrival of Vaskivuo. First the defense got much stronger as Artem had a way of playing his own game sometimes. Vaskivuo plays solidly at the other end of the ice as well as offensively. It makes the whole line stronger and much more effective.
In regards to Colin. There has been one individual, who no longer posts here that has continually subjected Chaulk to his out of touch ramblings. He is not worth mentioning nor being concerned about. Real Komet fans know the value of Colin Chaulk. That value is not just an on ice value, but a complete leader including playing, "coaching on the ice", leadership in the locker room, and a willingness to go far past the extra mile to help the team, players, and the organization. I have said many, many times that Colin Chaulk makes everyone on the ice better. It takes a special talent to do that. Before this starts to become a love fest you may also remember that I have criticized him also. I think he takes way too many "stick" penalties and I wish he would shoot more.
Band wagon jumping just goes with the territory. There are many people who definitely love the K's who can't get to every game. There are some people who just like to be unhappy and will live that way all their lives. For those who love the K's this game can be a little emotional at times too. Like I said, it goes with the territory.
Real Komet fans do appreciate Colin Chaulk. His number 91 will hang from the rafters one day. I hope this is not his last game. He has more hockey in him. He has a great following here. The Komets still have to win one more game, but when they do, his legacy has already been set. His leadership, focus, and talent have never been on display as much as this season, these playoffs, and this Championship.
He is our Captain, and Mike, you are our friend.
It's hard to say that any one thing has surprised me but the team in general has impressed me, fighting though what they have to get this far in the playoffs. I also have to agree that, considering one more game needs to be won, that Wichita hasn't been tougher. They've been tough, and certain aspects of the game have been close, but I was expecting more out of them. There is still time for that to change of course.
About Mike's comment. I'm glad to see so many come forward and take a stand for Colin, but to an extent I agree with Mike and think it's a good post. This was a much longer post but I've decided to leave it at that.
And of course, Go Komets!!
Blake and I did a little red eye emailing last night. Thank you for a shout out for Colin. I just pray that they win tonight.
Having atttended big games int the "building' my wife and I will miss being there if tonight is the night.
My comments were not meant to be taken as a shot to Komet fans in general. You are the "best".
Alan, thanks for the kind words for Mom. It will be prayers soon. No I think you are very awar of what goes on with the Komet organization. We are on the same team.
I have played some hockey and still enjoy the game in my late 50's I can only dream what tonight could bring for these guys. Colin could win 5 in 9 years. Is that any good?
There was a post a few weeks back lamenting the fact that sometimes you just have to be a fan and let the team do their thing and cheer for them come hell and high water.
I guess that is the essence of my feeiling for the last 9 years. I think the folks in Fort Wayne have a great deal of religious faith. We should all have more.
I always had faith in 91. Would he stumble, yes. Would he fail, sometimes. Would he get the H E double hockey sticks up again and try harder absolutely.
I just don't think everyon saw it that way, and it bugged me.
They know who they are.
You don't see this kind of person come along everyday.
God Bless
two things have stood out with this team and i think both are the things that legends are made of. first is the grit and speed and leadership that schrock has taken upon himself to exert. ive not seen one single guy whos taken a whole team and put them on his back and said lets go guys follow me! the same can be said also of chaulk. not only the leader in the locker room hes told the guys how it is and how its to be done. then like the true leader and vetern that he is , he goes out and leads by example. hes right that tired is for losers. i see him playing like a 25 yer old.