(photo courtesy WHL.ca)
The Moose Jaw Warriors will take on the Medicine Hat Tigers in Round 2 of the WHL Eastern Conference playoffs after disposing of a short-handed Regina Pats crew 5-2 in Game 5 of their first round matchup.
The Pats knew they would be without the services of Dyson Stevenson who was serving a one game suspension for his controversial clipping major in Game 4 of the series, but about two hours before faceoff we learned goalie Matt Hewitt was done with a broken wrist and that Brandon Davidson would not play because of a separated shoulder making it tougher.
The team needed a good start, but they once again sputtered as Justin Kirsch scored at the 12 second mark of the game while Brayden Point added another at 521 with Torrin White making it 3-0 8 minutes in. The first period was absolutely horrific for the visitors as they were outshot 14-0. Yes, 14-0.
It ends what I think you would have to agree was a successful season for this team. Not many people, including myself, thought this squad would make it to the playoffs this year, but Chad Lang made the find of the year in hiring Pat Conacher and you know the rest of the story. Jordan Weal and Martin Marincin have likely played their last games as members of the hockey team, but if there is an NHL lockout, the pair could be back and if that''s the case, they have a great foundation to start building from. If they don't, players like Chandler Stephenson and Morgan Klimchuk will be the ones who will be expected to get this team back to the playoffs where they have now gained some valuable experience.
11 comments:
No Hewitt, no Stevenson, no Davidson, no chance. I'm surprised the score looked as good as it did.
Would have liked to seen one more home game, but a tip of the hat to the Pats on a great season. Like you, I didn't think they'd do what they did.
JN
What are you and Pedrsen going to whine about now?
Do you know if LA Kings can add Weal to the roster?
If he's signed, I don't see why not. Its my guess he would go to the AHL though.
Maybe weal should learn to play before he thinks about going somewhere other than the pats
Unfortunately the team was too small and the talent level was too thin. Having one line makes it easy for the other team, especially when the top line is on the small side. A 150 lb Hewitt wore down over the season. He wasn't real good down the stretch and really only had one great game in the playoffs (3.91 GA). Klimchuck and Stephenson are our best guys but they're young. We have no quality returning 19 year old talent. Things could be tough. I hope Lang cleans out a lot of the mediocrity hanging around. Time to bring in some bigger bodies which you need to compete.
Did Conacher refuse to shake hands with the Warriors when it was over? I find that tough to believe and a rather classless move if true.
Great year for the Pats. I thought they would win 20 games this year and be in the hunt for the number one pick in the bantam draft. Conacher is a great coach and I hope he's around next year, but I think he will head to the pros as they will once again come a callin'
Yes he did refuse, went straight for the tunnel!! Then has the crap to say he couldn't find the Warriors coach!! The two assistant coaches had no problem! The better team won and they should of!
Sudsy
Outshot 14-0 in the first period of a playoff game when your backs are up against the wall is pathetic. Thank god MJ put this team out of its misery in 5 games as they really didn't deserve to be in the playoffs and should of been swept in 4
Shaking hands after a series is over-rated if you ask me--especially between the coaches. I'm sure Conacher found Stothers before the bus left and congratulated him. Not a big deal to me.
Tony
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