2008-09 Calgary Hitmen/WHL thread - Page 6 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

moon · 11-09-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Hitmen beat Lethbridge again, this time in a shootout. I *really* wish we had that kind of success against them last year.

Hopefully come play-off time the same thing happens as last year with the records being reversed from what they were in the regular season.

Lethbridge made the big trade that they really needed to make, so hopefully that can help turn around this season.

They have way too much talent to continue to play this poorly.

It sounded like Wright got a nasty knee-on-knee hit and was out after that. If it is anything serious this team will be in huge trouble.

Resolute 14 · 11-10-2008, 08:23 PM

I didn't see the hit, so can't comment on that, but that definitely sucks for Lethbridge.

It is strange though. The Hurricanes have been as disappointing so far as Calgary has been surprising. You still gotta expect that at some point, this will all even out.

Resolute 14 · 11-11-2008, 06:06 PM

Fox has been suspended indefinitely for that hit, pending a review. Listening to the Hitmen game this afternoon, Curle and Thrower suggested it was more of an unfortunate incident than anything. Fox was a bit late with his hit, had his leg out a bit, and they just collided. They argued it wasn't an intentional knee, but one that had bad consequences.

They also said Wright is out 2-4 weeks.

As far as the game goes, it was a gooder to listen to on the drive home. A 2-1 win in Speedy Creek between two very evenly matched teams. Onto Regina tomorrow in another big test.

Oh, and Vancouver finally lost in regulation today, to the Bruins. I'm sure there will be a comment or two about that from our left coast contingent.

604flames · 11-11-2008, 06:20 PM

Wow chalk that up as a shocker.. Didn't make it out to the 'Wack today but good for the Bruins 'cause they get a lot of lip out here. Giants maybe looked ahead to tomorrow night in Kelowna?

Looking at the game sheet, sounds like they got to Sexsmith early and Friesen (underrated IMO) shut the door.

Resolute 14 · 11-12-2008, 10:24 PM

Calgary dominated the hell out of Regina, but only managed to get to the third tied at 2. They finally blew it open in the final frame, winning 6-2. The Hat passed Kootenay for second as well. Lethbridge lost in Spokane as well, as they are on that US division road trip from hell.

Flickered Flame · 11-12-2008, 10:29 PM

I maybe wrong but I think there is something seriously wrong with the Canes.

moon · 11-13-2008, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flickered Flame

I maybe wrong but I think there is something seriously wrong with the Canes.

You are 100% right.

Last year everything went right for them and this year everything has gone wrong. It has been a terrible year so far.

moon · 11-13-2008, 10:51 AM

Coming into the season everyone knew the defense was going to be a little weaker because of the need to rely on some young guys, but the loss of Sbisa really hurt. I don't think anyone expected him to stick in Philly and when he did it really left a huge hole back there. Early on the Canes basically had 3 guys they could rely on and 3 guys who played the majority of the minutes.

But for me the most puzzling/concerning thing is the fact that the Forwards have not got it going at all. Even with Fadden on the roster they never seemed to click. With Fadden I think they were clearly the best top 6 in the league on paper and should have been dominating but rarely did they end up finishing the chances.

From what I have seen (and it was a while ago as the Canes have been away for 2 + weeks now) they just don't seem to have any jump or energy and aren't doing the little things to win.

Perhaps it is because of how well they did last year that they thought that it would come easy to them but there is something clearly lacking, and in my view it isn't talent.

You can see what a team like Calgary that, on paper, has less talent is doing by having everyone work hard, contribute and buy into the system this year. The Canes seem to be the exact opposite of that.

There is still plenty of time to get things turned around, although I think the division is likely out of reach now, and this is a team I would hate to face in the first round if they end up in the bottom half of the bracket, but something does need to be changed with this team if they are going to come close to reaching expectations this year.

Resolute 14 · 11-13-2008, 02:54 PM

Those games in hand are what will be key for Lethbridge. It's very surprising that they sit six points out of a playoff spot, but with four in hand on Kootenay, that can be closed in a real hurry.

Flickered Flame · 11-14-2008, 10:04 PM

Hitmen run their winning streak to 7 after a 2-1 win in Brandon tonight. Oh and the Canes lost again.

604flames · 11-14-2008, 11:42 PM

Giants beat Kelowna 5-3 (should have been 4-1 but they let the Rockets back in the game). Bouma ran a guy in the third with his arms waaay up, got 2 for charging and a fight. Other than that I really didn't notice him a ton tonight.

Resolute 14 · 11-15-2008, 09:02 AM

Dangerous game tonight. After beating the top three teams in the East Division, we now get the worst team in the conference as our fourth game in five nights. This is one the Hitmen could easily take too lightly.

Flickered Flame · 11-15-2008, 08:26 PM

The Hitmen run the winning streak to 8 straight after hammering the Warriors tonight 6-1. 6 different goal scorers for the Hitmen.

Resolute 14 · 11-15-2008, 08:28 PM

Came out slow as hell, then turned it on and smoked Moose Jaw 6-1 to complete a four game road trip sweep. Eight games in 14 days, and the Hitmen won all eight of them. With Medicine Hat also losing, we're now 15 points up on 2nd place with a pretty long layoff coming up... only 2 games in the next 13 days.

Don't look now, but portland has won two in a row, and was leading Tri-City tonight last I checked.

604flames · 11-16-2008, 11:34 PM

^^ Portland will make a push for the playoffs. Didn't go tonight (Giants beat them 5-2), but when I saw them in October they didn't look nearly as sad-sack as they did last season.

Giants draw 11,5xx and 9,xxx for two home games this weekend, not too shabby.

EDIT: I read Saskatoon had 58 shots against Swifty tonight?

Resolute 14 · 11-17-2008, 12:10 PM

They are still 7 out of a playoff spot, and even with a game in hand, I don't think they will be playoff bound, or even close, this year. But it is good to see that team making strides forward. Next year they might sneak back into the playoffs.

ScoutMan · 11-20-2008, 08:32 AM

Chiefs are on a 3 game skid after dropping another one to Regina last night. Tokarski has looked good in goal and kept the games close, but they just can't seem to find the back of the net. Outshooting their opponents, but still losing the game. Sure be glad when the get back south of the border. On the plus side, Jared Cowen was ranked #1 in the NHL Central scouting report of draft eligible players.

Resolute 14 · 11-21-2008, 09:45 AM

Ahead of Tavares? Kinda surprising.

Hitmen have announced that the Teddy Bear Toss game on Nov 30 is an official sellout. i.e.: first two bowls are sold. 300 level opened up. So, at least 17,000 for that game, and hopefully a complete sellout.

604flames · 11-21-2008, 01:03 PM

Giants are expecting 15,000 plus for tonight against Kamloops. They will be wearing throwback Vancouver Millionaires jerseys..

Our teddy bear toss is Dec. 6 against Saskatoon I'd expect similar numbers, although I'm kinda choked I have to give up my seats to sit with the women's team I coach, won't get as good a view of Stefan Elliott.

moon · 11-21-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Ahead of Tavares? Kinda surprising.

Cowan was ranked first in the WHL rankings not overall rankings.