Monday, November 26, 2012

Sssh sleepy Sunday

Ryan Strome (OHL Images)
The CHL tells folks that the reason why they play so many 3 games in 2.5-4 nights is to minimize how much time the prospects miss school. There has to be a better way as it seems that every weekend that a New York Ranger or New York Islander prospect is playing this insane schedule.

This week it was the trio of New York Islander prospects who play for the Niagara IceDogs that found themselves playing 3 games in 2.5 days and it should come as no surprise that the IceDogs were 3-1 losers to the Oshawa Generals. Not going to use it as an excuse as for why the IceDogs lost as to be honest, the comeback Saturday night saved them a loss they escaped from.

Against the Generals, the IceDogs had no legs and the Generals took advantage of it scoring the game's first 3 goals before the IceDogs tallied a late power play goal in the 3rd period to ruin the shutout for the Generals.

Ryan Strome (NYI 2011 1st) had the primary assist on the IceDogs only goal which extended his scoring streak to 11 games (8-22-30) and added to his OHL leading point total of 17-34-51.

Mitchell Theoret (NYI 2011 7th) saw his career best 10 game scoring streak come to an end (7-11-18) but he can't complain as he has already set a new career high for points and is one goal away from tying his career best. At 11-15-26 with a +18 and just 7 PIMs, Theoret is improving his stock so if the Islanders don't sign him someone will.

Jesse Graham (NYI 2012 6th) was also scoreless but took a holding call in the 2nd period which led to a General's power play goal. The folks at TVCogecoOntario were a day late but here are the highlights of the IceDogs 3rd period comeback from Saturday.



Got to like two things from this clip; first the way Theoret (#23) when he is out there goes right to the front of the other team's net and stands in the way. The other is how Strome knows exactly where his teammates are and gets the puck to them in ways to give them legit scoring chances.

The only other game on Sunday was Samuel Noreau (NYR 2011 5th) and his Baie-Comeau Drakkar as they too were finishing a brutal road trip of their own. The Drakkar played 4 games in 5.5 days only they had quite the round trip bus ride.

Here is a map of the road trip which was 30 hours in the bus traveling a total 1308 miles including a trip on a ferry as well.


View Larger Map

Sunday afternoon it was the Drakkar taking on the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Drakkar came out on the short end losing 5-4 but give the Drakkar some high marks for not folding in this one when they fell behind 4-0 after 2 periods. The Drakkar almost pulled off a dramatic comeback scoring 4 times in the 3rd period but it was a goal short.

Noreau was scoreless but he took 7 shots and was very active in the 3rd period. The Drakkar finish this road trip 1-3 and are off until next Saturday.

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