KEEP ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’

That was so far the best pathetic performance of the year. We’ll have more games where we fall far short of our capabilities, but will come away with the win based on raw talent. This is yet another encouraging sign that even on mediocre and poor nights we have a chance to win against most NHL teams. What will it mean when (if?) this team begins to fire on all proverbial cylinders?

Our power play was 0 for 7 and the PK allowed two goals. This was not a “gold medal” night for our special teams. However, with the hockey minds behind the bench who have provided the league with the top power play two year running, special teams are not a worry as of yet. It is more difficult to get a team to score 5 on 5 and we’ve fallen short on this category a few times in recent history. With that in mind, another encouraging news from this season so far is our scoring capabilities on even strength (five last night, albeit on was an empty netter).

That, however, is where the praise stops. The transition game was garbage, our neutral zone play was pathetic, and as a result we were seldom able to penetrate the offensive zone with speed. This lead to less scoring chances and less shots (we were of course out shot again 32-27).

Now I know this might seem a tad picky on my end to critisize our weaknesses after a win and obtaining 5/6 points on the road to begin the season, but just as we were realistic in not expecting too much in the past, I remain realistic in not settling for too little this year. With the roster we have and the hype that surrounds the Bell Center and this team, the HABS are poised to take a shot at the cup. Anything less than an appearance at the Stanley Cup finals will be a gross let down, and in the eyes of some not bringing the cup home will be a disappointment. I expected this team to obtain 5-6/6 on the road. Not hoped, but expected, so the given results are not great by our current standards.

This of course is my opinion and it stems from the fact that I truly believe this team is the real deal, as they say. We can see glimpses of greatness, when the three lines roll and create chances after chances, when the goalies perform spectacular saves to keep their teams in the game and/or ahead (2 highlight reel saves from Carey in two games) But we are yet to see this team’s full potential (yes, including the Maple turds game), and I will be eagerly waiting till we go on a tear of the NHL. For now, a “W” is a “W” and let’s keep bringin’ em’ home any way we can. But by the time this team is ready, we won’t even need to think about the two points…it will be a given.