Post Game: Hershey Bears vs Springfield Falcons

That got ugly quick.

Eddie Shore would not be happy.

But first things first. It is clear that the Falcons bought into providing a better presentation this year. They have a new jumbotron that looks like it takes up half the ice. It is beautiful and all to often I found myself looking at it as the glass was rattling six inches away from my face. They are giving fans every reason they possible could to buy into this product, taking the jump and the leap that are light years superior to products of the past.

Well, in terms of presentation that is...

Massive new Jumbotron

Springfield had a good start to the game. Puck handling was a little sloppy all around, but it was comparable hockey, and it could have just been the condition of the ice. The first major problem was a blown 5-3 that the Falcons couldn't capitalize on. Neither team could capitalize on any of their 5-3 power plays. There were 3-4 of them so special situations defense was strong or offense was weak.

What was really weak was Springfield goal tending. In the first period, Springfield goalie Truetle looked way out of his league and definitely not ready for the start. Springfield has a new coach for the AHL this year, maybe he thought a new untested goalie might bring a spark to the new team? Whatever the reason, Truetle looked unready, posting a save percentage of .833 % on thirty shots, but a lot of soft goals with clear lanes and looks.

After one period the Falcons were already down 2-1, with a good goal on a 2 on 1 break away that gave me confidence about the Falcons maybe coming back and making it competitive, but then period 2 happened. I don't think the Falcons got a single puck on net. They got chippy and got dumb penalties. In that period they did manage to kill off one of the 5-3s but, ooh, ugly. Two more goals with no answer.

Falcons Celebrate their only goal

It didn't seem like the Falcons were communicating. They were banking pucks with nobody knowing where they were going. They tried to break through the blue line by passing into the areas of tightest coverage, or carry it over themselves when open guys could have had an easier time. The ice didn't help, a lot of slipping and falling but there was much to improve upon.

The Bears however proved why they were part of the class of the AHL. Their 5-3 defense was astounding. They played nice and tight, didn't chase and didn't let grant many opportunities. They were disruptive in the neutral zone. It's always hard determining credit or blame in a game this lop-sided. Maybe the Bears are just that good, or maybe the Falcons are just that bad this year, its hard to tell. Springfield might be in for a long year.