Seattle rides a 6 game winning streak into Kennewick tonight to face the Americans. The Thunderbirds are 7-1-2 over their last 10 games and have climbed into 5th place in the conference while effectively erasing the 6 game losing streak they suffered through in November.
The biggest difference?
In my mind, it has been the consistent dedication to playing with physicality. Forwards have been more dedicated to the fore-check and even guys like Jared Hauf have noticeably stepped up their checking game.
It also helps when your offense is clicking.
Seattle has now scored 33 goals during the 6 game winnings streak (5.5 per contest) and guys like Branden Troock have been on fire. Troock has taken some flack from me over the past year (when he's been healthy) because I think he tries to do too much at time instead of playing a sound, solid passing game while going hard to the net to use his strength and size to his advantage. During the winning streak, Troock has registered a point in each game tallying 7 goals and 12 points with a +7 rating. Hopefully he realizes that this is the blueprint for success and things continue to "click" because he can be a really high level player playing this style of game.
Alexander Delnov has been excellent and Shea Theodore has 10 assists during the win streak.
Tri-City is banged up right now with a handful of guys out due to injuries. This is a game they can win if we ignore the fact that Seattle has not had a lot of success in Kennewick.
Hockey Challenge 2014
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4 comments :
I was wrong. I thought this team had given up a few weeks ago. Forgive me for doubting. Like a confessional I will not give my name.
Comrie made some unreal saves to keep that game close.
Hopefully the boys ride the momentum into this weekend and play well against a Portland team that will be without several players.
The Birds already have 19 wins, last season they had 24!
What a streaky first half of the season this has been! I am not sure I am convinced that we have a real shot at finishing in fourth this season but I sure liked seeing us there in the standings. I would have to become a believer though if we beat the winterhawks a few more times.
so informative
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