What else can you say about the line of Jaskin, Danault and Barbashev? There is not a more dominant line in the league in the admittedly short time since they've been thrown together. Of course, you're not going to get 30 points out of them in each three game span, but I feel there's not a team in the CHL that wouldn't have their hands full lined up against them. They've kept opponents guessing time and again in their own zone and the chemistry displayed between the three is a treat to watch. I'm very eager to see what these three can do against a top flight team. I have a feeling I won't be disappointed. Lucas Batt was a success in his debut, going in hard on the forecheck and looking more mature than your typical 16 year old playing major junior. Teamed up with Stephen Johnson and Ross Johnston, he managed a couple of decent scoring chances, one of which resulted in his first goal as a Cat. I look forward to seeing what he can bring to table in an increased role in the years to come.
I was less of a fan of how the foot was taken off the gas pedal in the final forty minutes, however. Although I understand the reasoning behind not wanting to run up the score, trying to avoid injury, etc. letting up while trying to maintain momentum is so difficult. I found too often the balance tilted more in the Screaming Eagles' favour than I would've liked to have seen. That being said, I would be lying if I said I was concerned. Last night was the fourth consecutive game against a team in 13th place or lower in the overall standings. Sunday's game in Saint John will make it five in a row. At some point, a schedule like this become as redundant and it is potentially beneficial. I also take comfort in the fact that there are still more positives to be derived from these games than negatives. As imperative as it is to secure these points against clearly weaker opponents, it would not be the worst thing in the world to see this team matched up against a legitimate contending team - something that will not occur until January 27th when Quebec comes to town.
Speaking of les Remparts... how would you like to have faced Sir Patrick after last night's game?
The Commandos picked up yet another big two points last night in Northern NB, defeating Campbellton 3-2. Alex Murray's goal midway through the third period allowed Dieppe to rally from 2-1 down to secure the victory behind a 28 save effort from Connor Wilkinson. Part of what makes this Commandos team interesting to watch - as well as habitually dangerous to most opposing teams - is their depth up front. Despite losing their top scorer at Christmas, they can still roll out two solid scoring lines... and on any given night, one or the other (or both) is more than capable of doing damage. Last night, the top line of Dallaire, Graham and Blanchard got things started, while the second line of Murray, Simpson and Cahill finished the job. The Commandos also remain perfect against Campbellton in this year's season series, holding a 4-0 advantage. As much as this team has next year to look forward to in terms of being a force in the MHL, they've given those who follow them many reasons to believe that if the chips fall in their favour, they could give teams fits this year as well.
On the flip side, one team that has given the Commandos fits is their next opponent, the Woodstock Slammers. The Slammers, currently second in the Meek division, are 3-0 against third place Dieppe this season, those six points representing the gap between the two clubs in the standings. If the Commandos hold out any hope of attaining that second spot in the Meek division standings - which would equal home ice advantage for Dieppe in round one of the MHL playoffs... and, ironically, see them face off against Woodstock if the season ended today - the drive has to start tomorrow afternoon against their Western NB rivals. One of the biggest of all regular season games among Meek division teams, Dieppe and Woodstock do battle in a 2:30 start at the AJL.
The puck hasn't even dropped on the NHL season yet and already I'm tired of all the "hockey's back" tripe being slung around the Internet. I'm pretty sure the game I've been watching since September was not underwater rugby. I also love how in the span of a month, my Twitter feed has gone from alot of "I'm never watching the NHL again" to "OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG it's back it's back it's back!!!!!!!!!!!". As a person who is also looking forward today's startup I feel the need to ask, is a little subdued middle ground too much to ask for? Another question: is Mike Richard's going to bring his dog out on the ice for the Kings' Stanley Cup Banner raising ceremony?
I think I speak for both my labrador retrievers when I say "I sure hope so"!
Finally, the baseball world is saddened by the passing of Earl Weaver, manager of the Baltimore Orioles during their heyday in the 1970's. There may never have been a man that got more out of his team or displayed so much passion for the game before or since. As well, if you enjoy a good baseball story, look up any number of them online involving this guy... because almost everyone who ever met him has one. As a result of his passion and personality in general, he also managed to become the incidental favourite of many a fan. This video should explain why. I would ordinarily simply post the video on here but given that this could be viewed by anyone, and despite it's ummmm.... "raciness", it's gets my point across better than anything. As much as I try and avoid anything that would be classified NSFW, this one you might not want to play with the speakers blaring. Consider that your warning. He was right about one thing in that video, however... he did make it to the Hall of Fame. Take that, Bill Haller!
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