The
once streaking ‘Bulldogs’ have suddenly lost two
straight games in less than a week. Their performance
against the ‘.45s’ was sloppy, to say the least, and
certainly below the level of hockey this team has played
over the last month. At times their play was sluggish,
lackadaisical and uninspired. The mental lapses and lack
of hustle were evident from the moment the puck was
dropped.
Finding
themselves trailing 1-0 to start of the second period,
the ‘Dogs’ looked to open up their offense and generate
some points. Unfortunately, they struggled to just get
the puck out of their own zone. Too many missed passes,
penalties and failed opportunities allowed the ‘.45s’ to
score four, unanswered goals to take a commanding 5-0
lead.
The
‘Bulldogs’ finally scored early in the third period.
Mike Mancuso (assisted by Arnie Becker & Sal Karim)
whizzed one past the goalie to narrow the lead. James
‘the Machine’ Senne scored a few minutes later on a
rocket that hit the back post. ‘Machine’s’ goal was the
subject of some controversy since it flew and rebounded
so quickly. The official relied on players from both
sides to confirm the goal since he was the only official
working the game.
Now
trailing 5-2 with over eight minutes left in the game,
the re-energized ‘Dogs’ felt that they could tie the
game before the end of regulation. However, their
efforts would be short lived as the ‘.45s’ scored again
to put the game away.
“Bad
game” said Alex Martinez to the team. ”Let’s not throw
away what we have developed in practice. Let’s use it
during the game. We can get past this loss and move on
to the next game.”
The
loss could be attributed to any number of things. Some
have said that the ‘Uni-bomber’, the ‘.45s’ defenseman,
has spied and scouted the club for quite some time,
pinpointing their weaknesses. Some blame the loss due to
Joey V’s (DUI arrest) and Ross LeMusirier’s (alcohol
relapse) absence. However, most point to the fact that
selfish egos, philosophical differences and a power
struggle at the top may be the main culprit.
“Although I own this glorious franchise, this is Jason's
[Darfler] team” said Martinez. “There is far too much
dissension, selfish play and conflicting egos. As far as
I am concerned, Jason is the captain. He should be the
only one calling the shots on the bench and in
practices. We also have Senne and Joey alongside to
compliment his strategies and game plan. They are all on
the same page and I believe they are a good trio to
follow. Let’s listen, keep our cool, play as a TEAM and
work on improving together.”
The
loss drops the ‘Bulldogs to 4-5 and third place. If the
‘Bulldogs’ have any aspirations to win the championship,
they better get their collective acts together and play
with a little more fire.
The
Good:
The
Bad:
-
-Passing: The Bulldogs’ made some horrible passes and
were even worse receiving them.
-
-Power Kills: Usually the strongest aspect for the
club, the ‘Dogs’ gave up 2 power play goals in a game
for the first time in two seasons
-
-Power Plays: 0 for 3 on power plays won’t get the job
done.
-
-Penalties: After setting a club record with 28:00
PIM’s in last week’s game, the ‘Dogs’ followed it up
with another 20:00 this week.
The
Ugly:
-
-Bill
Nolan’s temper: ‘Horn Toad’ had committed a grand
total of four penalty minutes over the last two
seasons, the fewest on the team. Since he took a
couple swats at
Erik
Fenzel (of the Nationals) in last week’s contest, Bill
has accumulated an unbelievable 26:00 in penalties
over just four total periods of hockey. Nolan was
suspended by the club for one game, which he will
spend in anger management class.
-
-The
‘Uni-Bomber’: Who the hell is this guy?-
-Officiating: Though it wasn’t
the reason the ‘Dogs’ lost the game, it certainly
would help if both referees show up for the game
instead of one guy missing call after call.
