GAME THREAD: Blaze v Steelers: Sunday

[Clowne57]

As Brian commented, I have no problem with the Panthers giving Hut’s some ice time in what for them was a meaningless game. Congratulations to any Giant’s fans who may be on this forum. Well done also to our guys who pushed them so close, right up to the last period of the season. Onwards and upwards, on to the playoffs now, hope we can end the season on a high note. (Anyone notice Greener on Saturday night? Last off the ice and taking a moment to acknowledge the crowd, hope I’m over thinking this one.)

I noticed this and said the same to my family. It looked like a good bye to me but I can’t fault him, he has proved he is an outstanding goalie who could potentially earn more elsewhere. An athletes career is generally short and they need to get the most out of it whilst they can.

[smbmetal]

I don't buy into all this 'Nottingham don't want us to win the league so they played their back up net minder nonsense.'

Like others have said, we've got to looks at ourselves to see where we came up short.

7th best PP 21.05% and 9th best PK 74.77% doesn't help.

Don't think they'll be many championships won with those kind of numbers for special teams.

[ginger]

As Brian commented, I have no problem with the Panthers giving Hut’s some ice time in what for them was a meaningless game. Congratulations to any Giant’s fans who may be on this forum. Well done also to our guys who pushed them so close, right up to the last period of the season. Onwards and upwards, on to the playoffs now, hope we can end the season on a high note. (Anyone notice Greener on Saturday night? Last off the ice and taking a moment to acknowledge the crowd, hope I’m over thinking this one.)

I noticed this and said the same to my family. It looked like a good bye to me but I can’t fault him, he has proved he is an outstanding goalie who could potentially earn more elsewhere. An athletes career is generally short and they need to get the most out of it whilst they can.

My early off season prediction - Tony Morrone and Jackson Whistle will be our goalies next season

Might be wrong on the Whistle thought but I'd be shocked if we are not offering him a deal

[KAR]

As Brian commented, I have no problem with the Panthers giving Hut’s some ice time in what for them was a meaningless game. Congratulations to any Giant’s fans who may be on this forum. Well done also to our guys who pushed them so close, right up to the last period of the season. Onwards and upwards, on to the playoffs now, hope we can end the season on a high note. (Anyone notice Greener on Saturday night? Last off the ice and taking a moment to acknowledge the crowd, hope I’m over thinking this one.)

I noticed this and said the same to my family. It looked like a good bye to me but I can’t fault him, he has proved he is an outstanding goalie who could potentially earn more elsewhere. An athletes career is generally short and they need to get the most out of it whilst they can.

My early off season prediction - Tony Morrone and Jackson Whistle will be our goalies next season

Might be wrong on the Whistle thought but I'd be shocked if we are not offering him a deal

Is that why Morrone was in the building the other week?

[ginger]

As Brian commented, I have no problem with the Panthers giving Hut’s some ice time in what for them was a meaningless game. Congratulations to any Giant’s fans who may be on this forum. Well done also to our guys who pushed them so close, right up to the last period of the season. Onwards and upwards, on to the playoffs now, hope we can end the season on a high note. (Anyone notice Greener on Saturday night? Last off the ice and taking a moment to acknowledge the crowd, hope I’m over thinking this one.)

I noticed this and said the same to my family. It looked like a good bye to me but I can’t fault him, he has proved he is an outstanding goalie who could potentially earn more elsewhere. An athletes career is generally short and they need to get the most out of it whilst they can.

My early off season prediction - Tony Morrone and Jackson Whistle will be our goalies next season

Might be wrong on the Whistle thought but I'd be shocked if we are not offering him a deal

Is that why Morrone was in the building the other week?

That's my guess. I think Greenfield will be off for some big money in Europe - suspect ICEHL, but might even be DEL bound. I doubt he goes to Slovakia, so those 2 would be my bet.

Morrone had a good season in DEL2 on a very average team as his first season as a proper number 1. Can see him coming back as obviously loved it and Fox knows he can trust him

[Brian]

Well I suppose Greenfield would know it wasn't his last match at the Arena. The playoff quarter will be that. But coupled with Morrone turning up ,it does look a bit ominous. He is bound to get good offers.
Will be looking to see his reaction after Sunday's game.
Reckon a few more will be waving goodbye as well.

[Doom]

I never had any doubt that the Nottingham team on the ice would give anything less than a 100%, my only disappointment was that they didn't give themselves the best chance of winning such a high profile game for the sport in this country by resting Grande.

Still, that's not Belfast's fault, a title isn't won over one game, but a whole season. I think there's very little to choose between the top 4, so it should be a cracker of a playoffs, especially when you throw an in form Coventry into the mix.

Congratulations Belfast.....I hope that is the last time I say that this season

Regards

Doom

[steeler pete]

I don't buy into all this 'Nottingham don't want us to win the league so they played their back up net minder nonsense.'

Like others have said, we've got to looks at ourselves to see where we came up short.

7th best PP 21.05% and 9th best PK 74.77% doesn't help.

Don't think they'll be many championships won with those kind of numbers for special teams.

Having taken it so close with those poor numbers we’d have done it easily again with only a modest improvement it seems.

I doubt it’s been a neglected area in the coaching, so it must be down to players skills.

I think there will be more player changes this summer and I guess they’ll be looking for players with the right skills.

[Brian]

Shoot on sight , would be a good Mantra for me. It certainly worked for Coventry on that face off.
I feel we should get the puck to the net at every opportunity especially on Power Plays where the constant circling and clock golf strategy only wastes valuable time . Ok so you might not see a clear shot line but we know pucks deflect, rebound, bounce and go through gaps that don't seem to be there! You don't score if you don't shoot.

[ginger]

Shoot on sight , would be a good Mantra for me. It certainly worked for Coventry on that face off.
I feel we should get the puck to the net at every opportunity especially on Power Plays where the constant circling and clock golf strategy only wastes valuable time . Ok so you might not see a clear shot line but we know pucks deflect, rebound, bounce and go through gaps that don't seem to be there! You don't score if you don't shoot.

Literally every coach tells you to do the opposite. If a guy is in the lane, you don't shoot, especially from the blue line as that could easily lead to a breakaway.

It's dead easy to shout shoot from the stands, but you don't have the puck carrier's view.

You keep possession trying to open something up - who/where depends on strategy/system being used. E.g on a 2-1-2 you're trying to open up the guy in the bumper position for a quick shot/deflection from the slot, if going umbrella you're trying to open up the one timer from either face off circle. Penalty killing is brutal when a team has good possession and moves the puck quickly, so the idea is to pull someone out enough to open up an option.

Shots are fine, but every shot means a potential retrieval. Thats why coaches encourage taking good shots especially on a PP