Hockey Soapbox - Season 2 Week 19 - Ice War losses

So this week-end was always going to be tough playing away in Belfast and Cardiff, but after just the single point taken, and four points given to our title rivals, we’ve got lots to discuss – and here’s this week’s soapboxers: Nicki Blueitt, Andy Roberts, Nathan Turner and Mark Duell to lead the charge this week.

So let’s have your five word summaries from those two games:

Saturday:

Think we missed a trick
Steelers fluff chance to gain

Forney can score against us!

Not much between the sides.

Sunday:

Another case for goal reviews?

Unlucky again in South Wales.

Felt sorry for the lads
First trip to new rink!

After moving back into second place, are the Giants back in it?

• Nathan - Not sure if the Giants were actually out of it tbh. It  is after all only December and all the big teams (and Nottingham) seem to be taking points off of each other - and as they will continue to do so for the entirety of the campaign they are as much in it as they were from week one. Saying that I can't see them lasting the pace though.
• Mark - Are Giants back in it? For second place you mean? That's the only thing that they are chasing at the moment, whilst they might have won a game over us for the first time in the best part of nearly 14 months, there is nothing to suggest to me that they will be title challengers. By all accounts, the wins this weekend were down to one man, Jackson Whistle. But they can't depend on him all the time, just like they have done with Murphy in the past.
• Andy - Don't think at this early stage of the season anyone believes the Belfast Giants (and a couple of other teams) are out of the running yet. They look rejuvenated with recent results. They need (as we do also) for the Devils to go on a bit of a losing run and then win the games in hand.
• Mark (continued) - I'm glad they seem to have found a goalie that looks a ready-made replacement for Murphy when the latter hangs up his skates and blocker, but the rest of the team is the one that underachieved these last two seasons. And that's progress? Sorry but no. They're good enough to finish third and probably make the POFW but that's about it. Roster needs an overhaul - that will get them success.
• Nicki - The Giants have been the quiet dark horse catching up on us. Finally that team seems to be clicking. I had hoped for us getting something over there due to their home form being up and down but not to be... even the n/m seem to be hitting some form. I still think that team hasn’t hit top gear year and they could be in for some silverware come end of the year.

Have the Devils got one hand on the league?

• Nathan - I predicted Cardiff for the title in September and still stand by that claim but that top spot is going to change hands a lot more before anyone clinches it. They are a very strong side and seem to have our number. The collapse against Panthers was a blip, albeit a big blip, and I can't imagine it happening again in their barn at least.
• Mark - Yes I hate to admit it but Devils are comfortably in the driving seat as regards winning the league. They get results home and away, and even when they take a beating, they bounce back next match. Lord has got them ticking over just fine and I still can't see beyond them despite our games in hand.
• Nic - Talk of Devils winning the year has been ongoing from the start of the season and you can see why. That team is huge, all lines can score, and Bowns should never have been let through our fingers- what a slap in the face that is every time we play them since he is awesome for a Brit goalie. They also seem to be doing what we did for the last 2 seasons and find a way to win when they didn’t deserve it. Can I also say when they just play hockey they can play really good hockey and I don’t know why they go for the bully tactics and sly late hits and slashes. Some plays on Sunday night which never got called it just getting beyond a joke now. We can’t afford another broken hand or concussion so when they play that way it needs to start getting picked up by the refs.
• Andy - Would not say that the Devils have one hand on the league just yet. If we win our games in hand we will be two points behind. From games I have seen against the Devils we have been unlucky not to get more points than we have. Sunday was a perfect example. Both keepers made highlight reel saves, Iron was hit and goal line technology may have affected the outcome (or lack of it). You couldn't really split the teams. In some ways the old one point for the draw would have been best. We just have to knuckle down and try and get the win Saturday. IAW is nowhere the fortress that the BBT was
• Mark - The head to head is so crucial here and even if we do manage to haul them in and it sees us level on points and regulation wins come mid-March; we will lose it because we can't find a way to beat Cardiff. Those missed opportunities at IAW and HoS are going to cost us so much. They will handle the heat this time.

What do we need to do to get back the advantage?

• Nicki - We need to solve the problem of Jesse being bang out of form - he has been like this for a good month now but is Thomo papering over something? Is he injured or does he need a break. I was really hoping he wouldn’t be on pen shots, and when he stepped up I knew I had a better chance to score than him ha!
• Nicki - The D has been short and they have done a great job. Really hope Jace coming back helps us big time and he hits the ground running. BTW how much has Marcus grown they guy never stops!
• Nicki - Plus a massive respect for Dessi who seems to be the enforcer out there for us, when we’re getting some really bad hits with no calls. Hope his hands are ok but we really need him on the ice more than the box. Same for Fitzy who seems to have a much calmer head on his shoulders this season, and he’s not being a coward like some boring fans say. Plus when he makes a mistake he is the 1st to step up and apologise. They guy is brilliant on and off ice we are lucky to have him.
• Nicki - We have some games coming quick now and we really need to start turning these games in hands in to points and put the heat on Cardiff, because if they have a weak point, we all know it’s not being able to deal with the pressure come end of the season - fingers crossed!
• Mark - What do we need to do? Take the chances when they come and put pressure on the Devils and Bownsy from the get go. That's how the Bears got that convincing win. Take it to them, unsettle them and get the ice taken away so it silences their raucous support. A bit of luck with some decisions would help enormously too. Simple - but a proven formula.
• Nathan - Stay out of the box and close games down. Simple really. Easy for us to say though isn't it? Also, as we seem unstoppable at home, it's on the road where the problem lies. Change hotels?

AOB from around the league this week?

• Nathan - What in the name of Satan's underpants is going on with these horrendous inflatable entrances? I would like to think that we are above such things but you never know.
• Andy - Well I guess I have a couple of comments to make with regards to my trip to IAW. Firstly what a nice pleasant change from the BBT. You can see the game (without a TV screen), I had a seat (which hadn't been sold to someone else) and I enjoyed being back in the noisy atmosphere that is Cardiff but with relaxing welcoming feel in the new bar post game. Oh and who ever put away fans in a block directly in front the concourse bar, what a great idea. I don't like walking too far for beer.  I will be making more trips to Wales in the future instead of finding ways to avoid the trip.
• Andy (having a second bite) - Because I had a view of the game I am convinced that we had a goal waved off that was in. Pictures I have seen post game have not changed my mind on my live view (from a completely different angle). I saw the parallax angle tweets too. So were my eyes deceiving me? I don't think they were as my original view was behind the goal line to side.  Guess if the EIHL got their finger out and sorted the goal technology out and a feed to Toronto (or would that be Tony S's broom cupboard) we wouldn't have to worry (as fans) that we may have been robbed of a goal.

Thanks for reading - please let us know what you think, or get in touch and we'll post up your views too.

Tony.

Big Match Preview - Cardiff (Away)

After facing the Dundee Stars tonight (Wednesday), we have a few days before the next big test comes. What a test it is though...

 

Saturday night on the road, our only game this weekend coming, and in opposition are these chaps:

Yeah we face those Devils again, and will this be the time we finally get the better of them. We've run them close in the last two encounters, losing in overtime and on penalties respectively. Surely it has to be a case of third time lucky hasn't it? The stark reality is that this we cannot afford to drop any further points against them as the head-to-head is against us in a huge way.

Cardiff know in their heart of hearts that the more points they take off us; the more it boosts their title aspirations. They are the team to beat but are beatable too; just ask the Panthers. Nobody really thought they would go into IAW and come away 8-0 winners, did they? If that's not inspiration, what the hell is eh? All we need is for pucks and bounces to go our way and there's no real reason why we can't come away with two valuable points. It would reduce the gap by two points, and with Cardiff facing a difficult game 24 hours later on the road - who knows what might happen?

Believe in yourselves, and take the match to Cardiff so much it unsettles the home crowd. That would be the philosophy I would be instilling into the team. The rewards will be huge especially with a massive period of five games to play before the new year kicks in. 

Can we do it? Heart obviously says yes, head isn't so convinced. But I'm gonna let my heart rule my head again and will plump for a Steelers win at last in IAW; 3-2 in overtime. What do you think yourself? Do you share my optimism? One thing is for sure, Sunday is going to be a day and recuperation for those guys in orange.

Thanks for reading everybody. Remember if you want to be a part of Frozen Steel you can get into touch with us on Twitter or find us on our Facebook Page, remembering to like us and leave a comment. We will then get back in touch:

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Elite Report - Week 16 Preview

Time once more folks to dust off the FSB crystal ball and make some predictions. It's week number 16 of the season, or if the EIHL "Facing Off" programme would lead to believe it's one less than that. The week starts tomorrow night as a certain Challenge Cup game has its second leg played, which ultimately tell us whom we will play in the final four.

Without further ado, let's crack on.

Wednesday Night:

Manchester Storm v Belfast Giants: It's the first leg of this particular quarter-final, and it could be a very interesting game. Giants will have confidence from last weekend, Storm can beat anyone on the Altrincham ice. Quite fancy Storm to sneak this one, by the odd goal in regulation.

Nottingham Panthers v Braehead Clan: We'll be having our eyes firmly peeled on this one as it's the second leg of the Neil Black derby with the winners facing us in the semi. Delicately poised at 3-3, Nottingham will be most people's favourites to progress. Clan need to deliver in the NIC. Panthers to win it, despite being weakened by Kudroc's unfortunate departure.

Saturday Night: 

Belfast Giants v Nottingham Panthers: Both teams come into this league game on the back of a four point weekend, so something has gotta give. I think the loss of Kudroc will be vital and probably means Lindhagen to drop back onto D. Belfast to win again in regulation.  

Braehead Clan v Coventry Blaze: There's been signs of improvement in both camps recently, especially from Coventry as they were in a horrendous bit of form. But it's a game either could win such is the fine line. Clan to get a nice home regulation win ahead of Christmas.

Edinburgh Capitals v Dundee Stars: The battle of the bottom two as it stands, but both teams have players who could turn a game in a heartbeat. Caps have Voroybev, Stars have Brett Switzer. The difference could be which goalie is hotter than the other. Simple as. I'll take Caps in overtime for this one.

Manchester Storm v Fife Flyers: As I said in the Belfast analysis above, Storm have what it takes to beat anyone on their own ice. Flyers seldom travel well so it could be a routine home win for Pacha's men, not a hammering but a win all the same - in regulation too.

Sunday Night: 

Coventry Blaze v Belfast Giants: Blaze have been resurgent these last few weeks or so and are now showing what they can be capable of when things gel. Belfast could get a nasty bump in the road, and it would not surprise me if it happened here. Blaze regulation home triumph.

Dundee Stars v Edinburgh Capitals: The second part of the home and home series for these two Scottish teams. Having predicted Edinburgh to win their home part, I'm going for Dundee to do the same in the DIA but with a difference: Stars to win this one in regulation time.

Fife Flyers v Braehead Clan: A game where everything gets laid on the line. Since they have locked horns as Elite League teams, Clan have seen Flyers as a bit of a nemesis - Flyers always seemingly ripping the form book up and getting a result. Clan need to be on top form to win here, maybe on penalties.

Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils: Having won remarkably 8-0 in Ice Arena Wales just eight days ago when this game gets played, Panthers will fancy their chances on home ice in the Lace City. It's a game Devils could slip up in, and I think they will. Panthers to get the points but after overtime.

So that's we think it'll stack up this week coming, what about you?        

Thanks for reading everybody. Remember if you want to be a part of Frozen Steel you can get into touch with us on Twitter or find us on our Facebook Page, remembering to like us and leave a comment. We will then get back in touch:

@FrozenSteelBlog

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@DISGU15ED

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It's available on iTunes to listen and download, also on Soundcloud

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Redhawks away days - Five things I learnt w/e 11 December

Thanks to being left alone with the internet and credit cards a few weeks ago the five things I learnt this week have a distinct Swedish flavour as I tripped across to Malmö to see the RedHawks play Skellefteå. 

1> The Arena - Malmö play in a multi purpose barn built in 2008 which is the largest arena in SHL. It holds 13,000, but as there was little away support (Skellefteå are based at the very north of Sweden), I guess it was less than 50% full so I'm not sure I got the full-fan frenzy SHL experience. Especially as the home team were shutout 3:0.

2> The Noise - We stood in a banked standing area built where the stage would be. The Fanvourites produced constant noise, with self orchestrated chanting, drumming and clapping all game - and the obligatory flag waving at every break in play. 

3> The Game - The SHL is everything you've been told. It's the same game as we play in the EIHL but faster pace, with no time to think on the puck as oppo is straight on you, and they're stronger on the puck too. Also, the Skellefteå Nettie is lights-out awesome - even Braehead would win something if they had him. 

4> The Incidentals - I enjoyed the shoot-for-loot where a punter shot from blue line versus an ex-pro and fan favourite who shot from the red line. Also, the Inflatable went up quick and didn't get dragged off by its arse. 

5> The hockey culture - Our hotel lobby featured a TV showing hockey highlights and had themed artwork on the restaurant. Inter-sport sold SHL merchandise. The venue had integrated club shops, and banners all featuring hockey cult heroes - and this is a shared venue just like Sheffield's remember. Swedes get hockey. 

One final thought to leave you with is that I leave you lot in charge for one weekend and you lose both games - I suppose if you need a job doing...

Big Match Preview - Dundee (Home)

After a disappointing weekend to say the least, it's midweek hockey action for Paul Thompson's men. It's the first of five games in hand on runaway leaders Cardiff Devils. A win tomorrow will reduce the gap to ten points. Time to start hauling them in right?

Our visitors on this December evening are these fellows:

Yes it's former Steeler Marc LeFebvre and his Dundee Stars. A few weeks ago, many would have said this was a foregone conclusion and Steelers would romp it easily as Stars were rank bottom and struggling to find any consistency in a much changed roster which included Cale Tanaka (formerly of Hull and latterly of Coventry) and Vinny Scarsella who impressed in Manchester last season. But their fortunes started to really change when they took us to the cleaners and shut us out 4-0 in Dundee Ice Arena inspired by some outstanding goaltending by former Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Joe Fallon and Scarsella's hat-trick. They've never looked back since, and even though their league position shows a lowly 9th: they're improving.

Tomorrow's game has all the makings of a banana skin particularly if we underestimate them, and there's also the Ice Sheffield factor to consider too. Scottish teams tend to do well here, I think Fife and these Stars are the only ones who have failed to win a league game here (correct me if I am wrong). We need a polished performance, one that matches the commitment levels demanded by Paul and Jerry and in essence one that equals one that blew Edinburgh away in the Challenge Cup quarter-final two and half weeks ago. Play as good as that, Dundee might have a hard night in front of them.

It also marks the second debut of a certain Jace Coyle. The offensive Canadian is back for the remainder of the season, and since nobody else is wearing it: I expect him to be wearing 24 once more. The move allows Mike Ratchuk to show those offensive talents even more as a winger, Coyle taking the latter's place on the blue line. With the Club correctly not advising how much longer we will be without the services of Swedish centre Andi Valdix, this looks a smart move. When Valdix returns, we will have a bit of a dilemma to have. But that's for you Paul to contemplate over, so good luck with that one.

Verdict: Steelers to get back into the winning groove, a 4-1 win and two important points.

   

Thanks for reading everybody. Remember if you want to be a part of Frozen Steel you can get into touch with us on Twitter or find us on our Facebook Page, remembering to like us and leave a comment. We will then get back in touch:

@FrozenSteelBlog

@FrozenSteelMNL

@hockeybhoy

@DISGU15ED

Don't forget to listen to our weekly podcast  Breaking The Ice

It's available on iTunes to listen and download, also on Soundcloud

Or drop us an email to Frozen Steel Blog