Round 3, Game 1: Who needs Unisom when you have Aeros v. Moose?

Now, I know you guys think that some of us media types are cold and heartless, but I gotta say that it usually takes me a little while to sift through the rubble of post-game thoughts, put the "fan reaction" aside, and just write an objective report of the game to send to my editor.

But last night? Not a problem. Done by 10:45. Happy editor. That 2-1 Aeros loss was as boring a game as the team has played all post-season. Not that it's the Aeros fault. They were actually the more interesting team to watch as they tried to create quality chances for themselves (and mostly were unable to).

Manitoba couldn't possibly be more steady, unflappable, patient, poised, or polished. Or dull. But as a Wild fan, I appreciate that you just do what works for the skill set of your team, and they really don't have much in the way of flashy puck movers like Kolanos or Locke or Pouliot. Nobody's a cowboy on the Manitoba roster. They just play like they've all been doing it forever, even the new kid, Cody Hodgson.

And a bunch of them have been doing it forever. I haven't done the math (and frankly, won't be doing it, but if someone wants a weekend project...), but I'd guess they're one of the older teams in the league. They kinda remind me of the Red Wings last season. So their steadiness shouldn't be any surprise, and apart from Cory Schneider in goal (who is a wall, but clearly CAN be beat if the Aeros can be patient with their scoring opportunities) that unflappability is their strongest feature.

It was not a particularly physical game and the Aeros should not try and make it such. This is a skilled team who doesn't have to rough anybody up to win, and while all the hitting, in particular by J.P. Testwuide, who really impressed me last night, might keep a guy here and there out of the play a bit, I don't see it rattling them or getting them chasing anybody.

If the Aeros win a game in this series, it will be thanks to coaching. KC and Co. will have to find a way for the Aeros to get more quality scoring chances, which means traffic in front of Schneider, rather than just chucking the puck at the net every chance.

But the coaches AND the team have both shown a remarkable ability to adapt quicky throughout the course of a series with little time to prepare, so this game actually gives me hope for the series more than it doesn't.

But it also doesn't have me rushing out to change my prediction either. This Manitoba team is as cool (and nap-inducing) as the other side of the pillow, and their flawless, patient style of play just doesn't match up in the Aeros' favor. Houston's bread and butter is scoring on the power play and capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. I don't see Manitoba offering up much of either.

Other notes:

• Kassian was in for Love, and while I understand the message Constantine was trying to send to Mitch (Stop it with the stupid penalties!) and as much as I like Kassian, I think Mitch's slightly higher level of skill is more valuable and he needs to get back in the line-up tonight.
• It will be interesting to see if NKOTB, Carson McMillan gets in the game tonight. O'Donnell made it sound like he was close to being in, but they scratched him.
• Dimples played a fairly solid game, though he wasn't tested a whole lot.

Bonus feature: Here's a great article by Mike Russo on KC.