Saturday means a huge slate of games. Tonight we have Albany at Toronto, Phantoms and Baby Pens, Wild against the Monsters, Amerks and Ice Caps, Providence and Bridgeport in their second back to back, San Antonio and the Griffins Utica at Hartford, Hershey at Portland, Senators at Syracuse, Charlotte at Chicago, Reign at the Moose in their second back to back, Texas at Rockford, And San Jose and Bakersfield.
It is a heavy, heavy slate today, and some really good games, who to keep an eye on?
1. Bridgeport and Providence
Last night was a decent match and Bridgeport remains undefeated. Providence will be looking for a good shot to be the one to deliver that blow after Providence got their first non-overtime loss of the season. Providence has been playing it tight and Bridgeport has too, expect this one to be close and well fought as the dark horse that is the Sound Tigers steam ahead.
2. Senators and Crunch
Both teams are looking to make and early impact this season after they have their first win no losses. I think both teams are capable of competing in the long haul so this early match up could help set the pace for either of these teams.
3. Charlotte at Chicago
Probably the best match up tonight, They are one and two in the central division, both are strong contenders, and Charlotte is undefeated, but its back to back for both teams, and Chicago has home advantage. I expect this to be a very competitive game, hopefully a bit chippy, and hopefully one that hockey fans will enjoy.
Showing posts with label Providence Bruins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Providence Bruins. Show all posts
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Post Game: Hartford Wolfpack and Providence Bruins
I also listened to the Falcons, Sound Tigers game the night before, and was ready to recap, but long story short, Springfield seems to be getting better, but not better enough quickly. Bridgeport meanwhile is on a roll. Just my luck, everyone has to prove me wrong. Both games were the only one for that night, so they were able to get a lot of attention.
Providence Buins: 3
The game was really tightly contested. Nobody maintained a lead very long, as each opponent seemed to Hulk out the moment they went down. It led to a span of very quick goals towards the end of the second. Three of the five goals scored in the second period coming within a span of 90 seconds in the final 3 minutes of play. The announcers couldn't even get through half of a goal scorers name before another one was scored. It was like the last five minutes everyone decided to pull their goalies and play with open nets. That was before a tough third with lots of chances for both sides stifled by great goalie play.
Bruins force another OT. McIntyre has been allowing more goals than his first loss, but he's been making the right plays when needed and seems to be playing better when the stakes are there. Unfortunately once the Providence Bruins get down to 3 on 3 they aren't as effective, and a dumb hooking penalty at the end gave the WolfPack a man advantage necessary to secure the winning goal. Hopefully though, the Providence Bruins can correct this, and managed longer than their first power play outing.
Who also is playing well? Frank Vatrano, a kid from East Longmeadow who grew up watching the Bruins and Springfield Falcons, and after a stint in Umass Ahmerst was recruited to the very organization he grew up loving. He's young, has a quick release, was named AHL player of the week for the opening week, and already has scored six goals over his first three games, including the one that forced overtime in the matchup against the baby pens. If he keeps this up, he may not be in Providence for long. I would hope not since he still needs some time to develop, and could hone in on some defensive skills.
As for the Wolfpack, they also played a great game. Their goalie Helberg made crucial saves, 37 total shots were taken against him and he held strong. Does the power play still suck? Yeah, they didn't get a power play goal until over time, making them 1-10 for the season. Tambellinni, their center seemed determined to break the streak in the 4-3 gift from Providence, taking shot after shot until he finally snuck one by McIntyre. It was a hell of an individual effort that rewarded the Wolfpack with their first win.
Providence faces the 3-0 Soundtigers (?!?) next at home this friday, with a rematch in Bridgeport Saturday and Hartford plays Utica at home Saturday in a matchup between the former Springfield Indians and the former Providence Reds. AHL original six like I keep talking about.
Tonight's games are late night western affairs, with a game between the Ontario Reign visiting the Manitoba Moose and the San Jose Sharks visiting the Stockton Heat. I will try to listen to one, maybe.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Recap: Opening Night Double Header
So, for opening night I kept my eye on two games adequately enough for full recaps. Lucky readers, its a two for the price of one, providing you guys insight into the operation of maybe teams. What a bargain!
So, let's start with the dumpster fire.
Rochester Americans: 6
Lake Erie Monsters: 3
Heading into this game, the biggest question on my mind was, "Who, pray, who was going to win the intermission Hot Dog Race?!?" My money was on Red Hot, with no bun to slow him down like White Hot, nor the tired stoner eyes seen on Beer Brat, and look that screams, "I'm ready to go!" Alas, I was wrong.
Curse you White Hot! Curse you!
If I had a second question, it would be if the Amerks could start off their historic season strong, and they got the win. Not just the win but the first goal of the season. The team celebrating their 60th anniversary in the league celebrating its 80th gets the first goal of the season? Only thing more poetic would be if it were the championship, but I'm not jumping on that bandwagon yet..
After the first period, Amerks had a commanding lead and were playing well, and then in the second period they forgot how to play and let the Monsters catch up. From there on out it was turnovers, dumb penalties, and generally sloppy play. Rochester could be optimistic about the fact they had a hat trick in game 1, and their goalie has a save percentage of .921 for the first game, but if they want to improve I would have to hope they improve on the mistakes. Also, they might not be as lucky if they continue to allow 38 shots on goal, and not spend more time in the offensive zone, but a win is a win. One where they started strong and ended strong at least. That said, it came at a cost as Center Phil Varone was either ejected or left with injury after committing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
If you're a Lake Erie fan however, I would be concerned about your goaltender. .783 save percentage against 23 shots. Really soft goals too. Lake Erie also made some bad mistakes. There were a lot of penalties. It was a lot of time in the offensive end, but not much to show for it.
I thought it was a sloppy game all around, but hey, mistakes balance out.
Now what I thought was the better game.
Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Penguins: 2 (OT)
Providence Bruins: 1
This isn't to say there was sloppy play, but it was compensated with two outstanding goalie performances. Each team had over 40 shots on goal. The baby pens were so close to a fantastic shut out when the Baby Bs tied it up with less than two minutes to go. Crucial timing, and then...
Bruins lost. Like immediately starting overtime.
Bruins as an NHL organization have this habit, one really good period, one really bad one and have a terrible power play.. The baby Bs were really strong in the first period, dominating, but let a goal slip by in the second, and couldn't capitalize on any of their power plays. While the Baby B's were more consistant, they definitely are built in Big Brother's mold, for better or worse. What is encouraging is that their goalie is off to a relatively good start and if that level of play continues, Zane McIntyre might end up jumping over Subban in regards to who the Bruins can deal for prospects.
The Baby Pens did get the win, despite the penalties and their goal tender also impressed, Matt Murray is entering his second season and has been a dominant goalie in the league since being pulled up. While I don't think either the goalies are in a race to replace either Rask or Andre-Flurry, both are setting their teams up for strong goal tending futures.
Plus there was a pretty good fight in this game. I said it when I did the Providence Bruins games to gun for preview, it was going to be a great game and I'm sure if you went you were not disappointed. I mean outside of the fact the home team lost.
So, let's start with the dumpster fire.
Rochester Americans: 6
Lake Erie Monsters: 3
.@zweigleshots intermission Hot Dog Race is back. Any guesses on tonight’s victor? Tweet them to us! pic.twitter.com/zdfHhT2mAJ
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) October 9, 2015
Heading into this game, the biggest question on my mind was, "Who, pray, who was going to win the intermission Hot Dog Race?!?" My money was on Red Hot, with no bun to slow him down like White Hot, nor the tired stoner eyes seen on Beer Brat, and look that screams, "I'm ready to go!" Alas, I was wrong.
.@zweigleshots intermission Hot Dog Race is back. Any guesses on tonight’s victor? Tweet them to us! pic.twitter.com/zdfHhT2mAJ
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) October 9, 2015
Curse you White Hot! Curse you!
If I had a second question, it would be if the Amerks could start off their historic season strong, and they got the win. Not just the win but the first goal of the season. The team celebrating their 60th anniversary in the league celebrating its 80th gets the first goal of the season? Only thing more poetic would be if it were the championship, but I'm not jumping on that bandwagon yet..
After the first period, Amerks had a commanding lead and were playing well, and then in the second period they forgot how to play and let the Monsters catch up. From there on out it was turnovers, dumb penalties, and generally sloppy play. Rochester could be optimistic about the fact they had a hat trick in game 1, and their goalie has a save percentage of .921 for the first game, but if they want to improve I would have to hope they improve on the mistakes. Also, they might not be as lucky if they continue to allow 38 shots on goal, and not spend more time in the offensive zone, but a win is a win. One where they started strong and ended strong at least. That said, it came at a cost as Center Phil Varone was either ejected or left with injury after committing and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
If you're a Lake Erie fan however, I would be concerned about your goaltender. .783 save percentage against 23 shots. Really soft goals too. Lake Erie also made some bad mistakes. There were a lot of penalties. It was a lot of time in the offensive end, but not much to show for it.
I thought it was a sloppy game all around, but hey, mistakes balance out.
Now what I thought was the better game.
Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Penguins: 2 (OT)
Providence Bruins: 1
This isn't to say there was sloppy play, but it was compensated with two outstanding goalie performances. Each team had over 40 shots on goal. The baby pens were so close to a fantastic shut out when the Baby Bs tied it up with less than two minutes to go. Crucial timing, and then...
Bruins lost. Like immediately starting overtime.
Bruins as an NHL organization have this habit, one really good period, one really bad one and have a terrible power play.. The baby Bs were really strong in the first period, dominating, but let a goal slip by in the second, and couldn't capitalize on any of their power plays. While the Baby B's were more consistant, they definitely are built in Big Brother's mold, for better or worse. What is encouraging is that their goalie is off to a relatively good start and if that level of play continues, Zane McIntyre might end up jumping over Subban in regards to who the Bruins can deal for prospects.
The Baby Pens did get the win, despite the penalties and their goal tender also impressed, Matt Murray is entering his second season and has been a dominant goalie in the league since being pulled up. While I don't think either the goalies are in a race to replace either Rask or Andre-Flurry, both are setting their teams up for strong goal tending futures.
Plus there was a pretty good fight in this game. I said it when I did the Providence Bruins games to gun for preview, it was going to be a great game and I'm sure if you went you were not disappointed. I mean outside of the fact the home team lost.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Who to Watch: Opening night
Wow, it's October. #isitoctoberyet is finally done.
Remember 15 blogs in 17 days? Ha ha ha ha. Past two weeks have sucked. But hockey is here and it's time to get excited for minor league hockey!
Anyway, for opening night, providence hopes to get a better start to the season than big brother did against Wilkes Barre. You got the marlies vs the moose in a non division match up. Monsters and amerks. Rockford and San Jose, griffins and condors. What games should you pay attention to? My top 3 in no order.
3. Wilkes Barre and Providence.
It's a division game where the teams are rivals at all levels. It is going to be interesting to see how they handle the division moves and see If the hate can be building.
It's a division game where the teams are rivals at all levels. It is going to be interesting to see how they handle the division moves and see If the hate can be building.
2. Lake Erie and Rochester
I wanna see how Rochester handles opening the season at home for their historic season. Probably the game I'm going to be keeping an eye on the most due to where its scheduled
I wanna see how Rochester handles opening the season at home for their historic season. Probably the game I'm going to be keeping an eye on the most due to where its scheduled
.
1. Rockford and San Jose
Sharks and blackhawks have been great teams over the past 10 years or so, and a lot of that comes from roster depth and development. Probably the best match up. With the new team location, I want to see San Jose justify their new team and show me that San Jose deserves more hockey.
Sharks and blackhawks have been great teams over the past 10 years or so, and a lot of that comes from roster depth and development. Probably the best match up. With the new team location, I want to see San Jose justify their new team and show me that San Jose deserves more hockey.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Providence Bruins: Games to Gun For
Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.
If you live around Providence, you're a Bruins fan. There is no doubt about it. You don't need any other team to be a fan of. And little brother is just close enough for you to enjoy Bruins hockey at a fraction of a price. You have a chance to be completely invested and see the farm players develop whenever you want, and see them work out their frustrations early (such as the always fun to watch Tuuka Rask Meltdown.) So, lets break down the Providence Bs opponents to figure out what games would be best to go to.
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| Creative Commons: Dinur |
Home Opener: Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins
When: Friday October 9
Analysis: Penguins are making the list of opponents to try to see in general so this game is must see hockey if you're in the area. I think that's all that really needs to be said about this game.
Opponents.
1. Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Providence B's don't get the luxury of facing their number one rival on the AHL scale, which might be a good thing as the calls of blood that occur during those match-ups are really professional level vitriol. (As a Bruins fan, I've often fantasized about the Canadiens team plane crashing somewhere on a mountain and the team is forced to cannibalize Subban. But I can't wish that upon starry-eyed AHL prospects...) But, what franchise do I hate the second most? Flyers. These games are perfect for passion and putting little hateful training wheels on the players since it is a divisional rival in the AHL that they will undoubtedly hate at the NHL level. Why do I think this? History. Feel free to catch any of the three home games out of the six matchups.
2. Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins
Another AHL/NHL divisional rival. Penguins aren't has hated on the NHL level as the Flyers are, but in case you need a reason why you should hate them, here you go. Any chance you get to see your prospects and get to see the prospects of a team you don't like is usually a good opportunity to see some good hockey. I would say write down that opening game in pen. There are six matchups between these teams, 3 hat home.
3. Hartford Wolf Pack.
Another AHL/NHL rival, just less hated. But there's no need to hate the Rangers when the Wolfpack are just as easy to hate on their own for their own crimes against the Providence Bs. Remember when Providence was in the Calder Cup playoffs last year and Hartford sent everyone home in the first round? Yes, good. Now give into your hate for all four home games. (Eight total matchups)
4. Portland Pirates
If the 2015 Schedule is any indication, the Portland Pirates are a pretty important rival. They meet a total of 14 times. Last year the affiliate was competing for a playoff spot in the NHL with the Bruins for a long time, and is home to some Boston favorites now so its the budding of a friendly little rivalry that could start with some sour grapes at the AHL level. Plus, if you're at one of these games, there is a good chance a lucky fan will get to play goalie after the Panthers call up the Pirates goalies after the first period when injuries take their toll on the team again.
5. Springfield Falcons
Fun fact, Eddie Shore split time playing with the Bruins and the Falcons, helping develop the AHL into what it is today. So, this is a match-up with a good love of the idea of history. Granted that team Eddie Shore built was moved to Worcester, but Springfield is still the home for the AHL that a Bruin built. Now let's all take some time to appreciate that for the seven home games and fourteen total match-ups these divisional rivals share.
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