I am going to defer to the AHL's playoff primer for the rest of the season as THE place to check on the playoff race. With just six games left, it has ALL remaining games, and you can see things like magic numbers, rankings and games left.
The Aeros have lost six straight and have slipped from 4th to 7th in that time frame. I don't know what to say about the team other than what Torchetti has told us. And basically he's preaching that the team just isn't playing very smart. As far as I can tell, there has not been one stretch of about more than four games this season where the coaches hasn't said something to that effect.
So basically, the Aeros aren't very smart, I guess and they should just be lucky to sneak in to the playoff dance.
What is particularly troublesome to me is that the Aeros shot totals and legitimate scoring chances are way, way down, recently, and they are losing a ton of games in which they have scored first or had the lead after 20 minutes. Those used to be money-points-in-the-bag for this team, and that just simply is not happening any more.
And before I close off this post with a string of positive comments, I just want to say that I think the Aeros main problem is that they don't have enough skillful vets to overcome a bunch of young players that have not been in this situation before. Players like Genoway, Fontaine, Foucault, and others have not yet had to be the go-to or lean on guys like they are this year ... and that is catching up with the team now. I think that is why the Aeros are losing these games that are close late and got getting that third goal when they really need to get it.
I heard a rumor that Jon DiSalvatore was either close to or had already signed to play in Europe next season. I asked him about it, and he quickly quashed that notion. Sometime veteran players have to sign early to get in on the big bucks over there, and there are some teams that have suffered down the stretch because of those transactions. And sometimes it doesn't matter at all; the 2003 Aeros best offensive players Hnat Domenichelli and Jean-Guy Trudel both secured overseas deals rather early, and the Aeros ended up winning the Calder Cup .
Now for the good news. Time is running out for the teams that are directly behind the Aeros. With six games left, if the Aeros go just 3-3 the rest of the way, the Rochester Amerks would have to go 5-2 to surpass them in the standings. I think the Amerks are the team in the best position to catch the Aeros. Their set against Abbotsford will be huge. If the Aeros continue their slide, they'll be hoping for a Heat sweep. If they Aeros can get hot again, they'll want Rochester to win so they'll have a shot at their goal of home ice advantage in the first round.
I like the Aeros chances because they are still getting points when they play like crap. I like the way DiSalvatore,Taffe, Bagnall and Hackett seem to be getting things turned around after that really bad weekend in the Midwest two weeks ago.
If you had told me in September that the Aeros and Wild would have all the injury problems they've had, I would have guessed no playoffs by a long shot. Torchetti and Jim Mill have done a magnificent job of keeping this thing together long enough to give the Aeros a shot.
Their playoff chances are going to go down to the last weekend, and what more could you want out of a team that has just been hit with torpedo after torpedo after torpedo?
Something tells me the Aeros will clinch with a win or an OT point against the San Antonio Rampage next Saturday. That would be good, too, because it would give Torchetti a chance to rest some players on Sunday against Texas and get people ready for the first round.
I just can't see the Aeros not in the playoffs this year. They've overcome too much now to just let it all fall apart in the last month.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Bulldogs Bite Aeros, Win 3-2 in OT
John Torchetti was rather calm and collected when he came out to address the media long, long after tonight's 3-2 OT loss to Hamilton. He wasn't so calm in the locker room, however, as shouting and things being tossed could be heard in the corridor outside the locker room.
He's probably right to be angry. The Aeros are now 0-3-2-1 for their last six games, and with this loss, though the Aeros got a point, they dropped to seventh in the standings, and the reason for those losses, according to Torchetti is rather simple: the team's not playing very good hockey.
"It’s tough," Torchettis said. "You know what, our last six games have been that way every night. I would love to give you an explanation, but it comes down to how simple we want to play. We’ve got to simplify our game."
They took the 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the game when Nick Palmieri got the puck back to Chad Rau who stuck the puck into the goal. But Hamilton scored three minutes later tying the game. And like so many of the goals the Aeros have surrendered lately, it came as a result of a defensive breakdown.
"First mistake, first goal – it was two-on-two, stay in our lanes," he said. "Where were you about getting the puck to go on offense when we were not even going to get any offense from it, so we give them the middle of the ice. Just a rookie mistake."
The second Hamilton goal came late, late in the third period, after the Aeros, had again, taken a lead early in the period, this time with Palmieri getting the goal. But then there was another defensive breakdown hanging Hackett out to dry, and the game was tied.
Then the game goes into overtime, there's a turnover, and the game's over.
"The third goal, we turned the puck over," Torchetti said. "Instead of just passing it to the boards, we tried to pass it through the guy, and then we’re not focused because we made the turnover and we didn’t gap up. And now we’re so far back the guy just shoots it, our guy puts a stick in the way, Hack’s playing the shot, it gets deflected, there’s nothing you can do about it. It was over."
The game was about more than just the Aeros own mistakes. The game started nearly hour late because the ice compressor broke down and the ice started melting. But while Torchetti was very upset about the officiating during the late stages of the game, he did compliment the crew when it came to delaying the game and making sure it was safe to skate on the ice.
"Everyone did a good job," Torchetti said. "It is what is. Compressor goes down, you just have to make adjustments. The referees did a good job. [Official] Zac [Weibe] and Carl, Carl Sasyn [linesman] was pretty much like an ice man, so kudos to him. He did a hell of a job. He should have been double-paid tonight."
But late in the game, Cody Almond was sent flying into the boards when he was sent flying by a stick to his skates and no penalty was called. And there seemed to be some officiating confusion, as they were looking at a possible icing call on the play.
"It wasn’t icing," Torchetti said. "It hit his skate. 12,000 people seen it, except there were 12,003 people and only 12,000 seen it."
But the Aeros didn't lose this game because of the AHL's standard sub-par officiating. The Aeros lost this game because of bad hockey on their part. Sloppy defense. Sloppy puck-handling. Lack of discipline. And with the team not playing a game until Friday, they're going to be getting lots and lots and lots of practice time at SLICE.
"This is going to be the hardest week we’ve ever worked," Torchetti said. "Guarantee it. There’s no days off now. I don’t care if you’re tired. This team has to understand what discipline is because we’re not doing it right now."
But it's beginning to look like that, even if the team does begin to understand what discipline is, it's going to be too late to save a playoff spot.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:
The Aeros are now 32-23-5-10 on the season with 79 points. Abbotsford is in fourth place with 80 points. Charlotte and San Antonio both won tonight with both also reaching 79 points on the season. The Checkers are in fifth place, and the Rampage move into sixth place with the Aeros now in seventh place.
Rochester, Peoria, and Lake Erie are all poised three points behind the Aeros. There are six games left in the season, but for the Aeros, time might be close to being over.
He's probably right to be angry. The Aeros are now 0-3-2-1 for their last six games, and with this loss, though the Aeros got a point, they dropped to seventh in the standings, and the reason for those losses, according to Torchetti is rather simple: the team's not playing very good hockey.
"It’s tough," Torchettis said. "You know what, our last six games have been that way every night. I would love to give you an explanation, but it comes down to how simple we want to play. We’ve got to simplify our game."
"First mistake, first goal – it was two-on-two, stay in our lanes," he said. "Where were you about getting the puck to go on offense when we were not even going to get any offense from it, so we give them the middle of the ice. Just a rookie mistake."
The second Hamilton goal came late, late in the third period, after the Aeros, had again, taken a lead early in the period, this time with Palmieri getting the goal. But then there was another defensive breakdown hanging Hackett out to dry, and the game was tied.
Then the game goes into overtime, there's a turnover, and the game's over.
"The third goal, we turned the puck over," Torchetti said. "Instead of just passing it to the boards, we tried to pass it through the guy, and then we’re not focused because we made the turnover and we didn’t gap up. And now we’re so far back the guy just shoots it, our guy puts a stick in the way, Hack’s playing the shot, it gets deflected, there’s nothing you can do about it. It was over."
The game was about more than just the Aeros own mistakes. The game started nearly hour late because the ice compressor broke down and the ice started melting. But while Torchetti was very upset about the officiating during the late stages of the game, he did compliment the crew when it came to delaying the game and making sure it was safe to skate on the ice.
"Everyone did a good job," Torchetti said. "It is what is. Compressor goes down, you just have to make adjustments. The referees did a good job. [Official] Zac [Weibe] and Carl, Carl Sasyn [linesman] was pretty much like an ice man, so kudos to him. He did a hell of a job. He should have been double-paid tonight."
But late in the game, Cody Almond was sent flying into the boards when he was sent flying by a stick to his skates and no penalty was called. And there seemed to be some officiating confusion, as they were looking at a possible icing call on the play.
"It wasn’t icing," Torchetti said. "It hit his skate. 12,000 people seen it, except there were 12,003 people and only 12,000 seen it."
But the Aeros didn't lose this game because of the AHL's standard sub-par officiating. The Aeros lost this game because of bad hockey on their part. Sloppy defense. Sloppy puck-handling. Lack of discipline. And with the team not playing a game until Friday, they're going to be getting lots and lots and lots of practice time at SLICE.
"This is going to be the hardest week we’ve ever worked," Torchetti said. "Guarantee it. There’s no days off now. I don’t care if you’re tired. This team has to understand what discipline is because we’re not doing it right now."
But it's beginning to look like that, even if the team does begin to understand what discipline is, it's going to be too late to save a playoff spot.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:
The Aeros are now 32-23-5-10 on the season with 79 points. Abbotsford is in fourth place with 80 points. Charlotte and San Antonio both won tonight with both also reaching 79 points on the season. The Checkers are in fifth place, and the Rampage move into sixth place with the Aeros now in seventh place.
Rochester, Peoria, and Lake Erie are all poised three points behind the Aeros. There are six games left in the season, but for the Aeros, time might be close to being over.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: Game Delay In Houston
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: Both teams have taken to the ice for warm-ups. I haven't seen any officials come out to check the conditions, though, so it's looking like we'll have a 8:30 start.
UPDATE: Pending the condition of the ice, warm-ups will be at 7:55 and the game will start at 8:30.
The compressor for the ice broke at Toyota Center earlier today, and though it's now working, ice conditions are still not good enough to skate on -- you can see the water on the ice from the press box. So the game is looking at a delay -- we're hearing at least 30 minutes.
Keep checking in with T3I here and on twitter and we'll try to let you know what's going on.
UPDATE: Pending the condition of the ice, warm-ups will be at 7:55 and the game will start at 8:30.
The compressor for the ice broke at Toyota Center earlier today, and though it's now working, ice conditions are still not good enough to skate on -- you can see the water on the ice from the press box. So the game is looking at a delay -- we're hearing at least 30 minutes.
Keep checking in with T3I here and on twitter and we'll try to let you know what's going on.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Last Night's Loss (In Some Photos)
First, here's my story in the Press on the playoffs slip slidin' away. Go click and leave a few comments if you want.
Now, what's that they say, a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, here's about six or seven thousands words for you to look at from last night. These first three photos are from Lake Erie's first goal. It's hard to blame Hackett here. He follows the puck, as, it appears, do the Aeros, ignoring the Lake Erie shooters at the net. It's not until the third photo that we actually see Tyler Cuma anywhere near the puck, and by then, it's way too late.
I chose this photo below to illustrate one of the things Hackett had to deal with the entire night -- being screened, this time by his own team, and not being able to see a damn thing happening with the puck.
As for these final three photos, you can once again see him being screened by a Lake Erie player -- I call it putting the ass to his face. Heather suggested he should've used a few poke checks and shoves, I told her he did and that this was the best separation he could get it. The amazing thing, to me, is that he still blocks the shot though it had to be have been nearly impossible for him to see anything that was happening.
The Aeros have a lot of problems heading into these last seven games, but I think we can all safely agree that the goal tending isn't one of those problems. Whether it's been Joe Fallon, Scott Greenham, or Matt Hackett, the goalies have more than done their jobs. The defense, offense, and special teams, however, seem to have disappeared.
Now, what's that they say, a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, here's about six or seven thousands words for you to look at from last night. These first three photos are from Lake Erie's first goal. It's hard to blame Hackett here. He follows the puck, as, it appears, do the Aeros, ignoring the Lake Erie shooters at the net. It's not until the third photo that we actually see Tyler Cuma anywhere near the puck, and by then, it's way too late.
I chose this photo below to illustrate one of the things Hackett had to deal with the entire night -- being screened, this time by his own team, and not being able to see a damn thing happening with the puck.
As for these final three photos, you can once again see him being screened by a Lake Erie player -- I call it putting the ass to his face. Heather suggested he should've used a few poke checks and shoves, I told her he did and that this was the best separation he could get it. The amazing thing, to me, is that he still blocks the shot though it had to be have been nearly impossible for him to see anything that was happening.
The Aeros have a lot of problems heading into these last seven games, but I think we can all safely agree that the goal tending isn't one of those problems. Whether it's been Joe Fallon, Scott Greenham, or Matt Hackett, the goalies have more than done their jobs. The defense, offense, and special teams, however, seem to have disappeared.
Thoughts (and a drawing) from a weird night at the Toy Box
For the first time in a long time, I'm having trouble letting this game go. It felt off-kilter from the start, some of which I blame on this being a travel day for the Aeros and they didn't seem ready to play until the second period.
And perhaps some of it was the sparse crowd. And actually that's a compliment to the Aeros that a sparse crowd felt strange. We've been spoiled by big, loud, energetic crowds much of the season, so a regular ol' Thursday night crowd was just lower energy in the building than I'm used to.
It was also odd having Hackett back. Even though it really hasn't been that long, the games since since he was called up have seemed so important that time drags a little bit. Anyway, it was nice to have a familiar name in the crease, and moreover, it was nice to see him playing a really amped game.
He was playing the puck confidently, drawing penalties, and getting into the game more physically than goalies tend to need to do. But it showed an engagement in the process that I know I liked and was missing at times this season (and I LOL'd at more than once because I just enjoy the hell out of a feisty goalie), but Coach Torchetti said he likes it, too, and felt like Hack was still focused on the right things when it mattered.
I'm not sure I agree with that entirely, but I also think, as John mentioned, defensive support was lacking on every single goal, and it's those details that will eat away at you. Wouldn't have put any of those goals on Hackett tonight.
Though I admit to being broken-hearted when Desjardins wouldn't accept Hack's invitation to a center ice tilt after that big scrum at the end of overtime (that Hack started by punching one of their guys in the face for some reason). I'm not really a bucket list person but seeing a goalie fight in person is way up there. I think Desjardins would have gotten the crap kicked out of him though, as cranked up as Hack was, so probably a smart move to just carry on.
I asked Fontaine after the game if all those great chances around the net not going in gets frustrating or if it fuels them a bit, and he admitted that it does get frustrating. But by this time of the year, they know if they just keep plugging, good things will happen.
Torch said he was happy with the point, and I tend to agree. The Monsters aren't the best team ever but they were off last night, slept in a comfy bed in Houston, had their regular game day routine, and frankly, had more on the line. Not really excuses you want to be making, but as much as people try to discount human nature, it's just there, my friend. No denying it.
Hamilton is Saturday's opponent and last I checked they were well out of the playoff hunt, so a win against them is important but not as important as beating someone immediately ahead of or behind them. Still, 2 points is 2 beautiful, much-needed points.
But Hamilton... this is more about a grudge match for me. I still blame their nastiness in the Conference Finals, and how that series dragged out to the most painful, exciting conclusion possible, for the Aeros just running out of gas in the finals last year.
And I hope the guys who were here last year are holding the same grudge and, not only aren't looking past this weaker opponent, but actually want to crush them like bugs. That would feel really good.
Couple of other notes: Sources tell us that Fallon's injury is a high ankle sprain. General a lengthy recovery on those, up to a couple of months, so I think that love affair is over.
Also, saw Kuemper after the game and he's not a happy Kamper right now (sorry, that was bad). Nice little shoulder immobilizing sling on his wing where he had surgery a few days ago. He's grounded for a few months and not feeling great. I would guess everything is difficult when you only have one good arm and the other one hurts like it's been sliced and diced (because it has been).
See you Saturday.
And perhaps some of it was the sparse crowd. And actually that's a compliment to the Aeros that a sparse crowd felt strange. We've been spoiled by big, loud, energetic crowds much of the season, so a regular ol' Thursday night crowd was just lower energy in the building than I'm used to.
It was also odd having Hackett back. Even though it really hasn't been that long, the games since since he was called up have seemed so important that time drags a little bit. Anyway, it was nice to have a familiar name in the crease, and moreover, it was nice to see him playing a really amped game.
He was playing the puck confidently, drawing penalties, and getting into the game more physically than goalies tend to need to do. But it showed an engagement in the process that I know I liked and was missing at times this season (and I LOL'd at more than once because I just enjoy the hell out of a feisty goalie), but Coach Torchetti said he likes it, too, and felt like Hack was still focused on the right things when it mattered.
I'm not sure I agree with that entirely, but I also think, as John mentioned, defensive support was lacking on every single goal, and it's those details that will eat away at you. Wouldn't have put any of those goals on Hackett tonight.
Though I admit to being broken-hearted when Desjardins wouldn't accept Hack's invitation to a center ice tilt after that big scrum at the end of overtime (that Hack started by punching one of their guys in the face for some reason). I'm not really a bucket list person but seeing a goalie fight in person is way up there. I think Desjardins would have gotten the crap kicked out of him though, as cranked up as Hack was, so probably a smart move to just carry on.
I asked Fontaine after the game if all those great chances around the net not going in gets frustrating or if it fuels them a bit, and he admitted that it does get frustrating. But by this time of the year, they know if they just keep plugging, good things will happen.
Torch said he was happy with the point, and I tend to agree. The Monsters aren't the best team ever but they were off last night, slept in a comfy bed in Houston, had their regular game day routine, and frankly, had more on the line. Not really excuses you want to be making, but as much as people try to discount human nature, it's just there, my friend. No denying it.
Hamilton is Saturday's opponent and last I checked they were well out of the playoff hunt, so a win against them is important but not as important as beating someone immediately ahead of or behind them. Still, 2 points is 2 beautiful, much-needed points.
But Hamilton... this is more about a grudge match for me. I still blame their nastiness in the Conference Finals, and how that series dragged out to the most painful, exciting conclusion possible, for the Aeros just running out of gas in the finals last year.
And I hope the guys who were here last year are holding the same grudge and, not only aren't looking past this weaker opponent, but actually want to crush them like bugs. That would feel really good.
Couple of other notes: Sources tell us that Fallon's injury is a high ankle sprain. General a lengthy recovery on those, up to a couple of months, so I think that love affair is over.
Also, saw Kuemper after the game and he's not a happy Kamper right now (sorry, that was bad). Nice little shoulder immobilizing sling on his wing where he had surgery a few days ago. He's grounded for a few months and not feeling great. I would guess everything is difficult when you only have one good arm and the other one hurts like it's been sliced and diced (because it has been).
See you Saturday.
Aeros Lose Fifth In Row
Tomorrow's post in the mothership will be on the Aeros's playoff hopes seemingly slip slidin' away, to rip-off Mr. Paul Simon. The Aeros failed to win their fifth straight game, losing 4-3 in the shootout to the Lake Erie Monsters who jumped into seventh place in the playoff standings.
The Aeros gained a point, which moves them up from sixth to fifth place with 78 points. The Heat also lost in the shootout tonight, so they too have 78 points, but they've won more games, so they get the coveted fourth slot.
Frankly, I'm shocked the Aeros were able to get a point tonight. Matt Hackett didn't have much defensive help -- I was down in that corner for the Monsters second goal, and it seemed that he was screened by the entirety of both teams. And the team was inept in the shootout.
The season's not over, and the Aeros control their own destiny -- and bright side, damn it, they're in fifth place. But they have not done themselves any favors over the past two weeks. And it's possible that, come Sunday evening, the Aeros will have had several more teams leapfrog them in the standings.
Torchetti was happy to see the team get a point tonight, because, as he pointed out, they did everything possible to give away points. He made it very clear: if this team wants to make the playoffs, they have to start playing the system.
In other words, it's all in their control, and right now, it's just slip slidin' away.
The Aeros gained a point, which moves them up from sixth to fifth place with 78 points. The Heat also lost in the shootout tonight, so they too have 78 points, but they've won more games, so they get the coveted fourth slot.
Frankly, I'm shocked the Aeros were able to get a point tonight. Matt Hackett didn't have much defensive help -- I was down in that corner for the Monsters second goal, and it seemed that he was screened by the entirety of both teams. And the team was inept in the shootout.
The season's not over, and the Aeros control their own destiny -- and bright side, damn it, they're in fifth place. But they have not done themselves any favors over the past two weeks. And it's possible that, come Sunday evening, the Aeros will have had several more teams leapfrog them in the standings.
Torchetti was happy to see the team get a point tonight, because, as he pointed out, they did everything possible to give away points. He made it very clear: if this team wants to make the playoffs, they have to start playing the system.
In other words, it's all in their control, and right now, it's just slip slidin' away.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Aeros Lose Again, But Still In Fourth Place (Kind Of)
Just a quick note. The Aeros lost again, 3-2 in OT against Milwaukee, to go 0-3-1 on the road trip. The Admirals got the game-winning goal with just over three seconds left in the OT. The Aeros return to Toyota Center tomorrow night when they host the Lake Erie Monsters.
Here's the interesting stat for the night: despite going 0-3-1 on the road trip, the Aeros are still, amazingly, in fourth place. Sure, it's a three-way tie for fourth, but with 77 points, they're still in fourth place (if you're looking at wins, they place in sixth, behind Abbotsford and San Antonio). And to me, this is the most amazing stat: only seven points separate the fourth place teams, with 77 points, from the Grand Rapids Griffins, who are sitting in 13th place with 70 points.
And we thought the playoff chase last season was tough.
Here's one more interesting note: if Lake Erie defeats the Aeros tomorrow, they leap from 10th place to 7th place, from out of the playoffs to making the playoffs.
The good news for the Aeros -- besides the fact that they're still tied for fourth place, is that seven of their remaining eight games are at home.
Here's the interesting stat for the night: despite going 0-3-1 on the road trip, the Aeros are still, amazingly, in fourth place. Sure, it's a three-way tie for fourth, but with 77 points, they're still in fourth place (if you're looking at wins, they place in sixth, behind Abbotsford and San Antonio). And to me, this is the most amazing stat: only seven points separate the fourth place teams, with 77 points, from the Grand Rapids Griffins, who are sitting in 13th place with 70 points.
And we thought the playoff chase last season was tough.
Here's one more interesting note: if Lake Erie defeats the Aeros tomorrow, they leap from 10th place to 7th place, from out of the playoffs to making the playoffs.
The good news for the Aeros -- besides the fact that they're still tied for fourth place, is that seven of their remaining eight games are at home.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Aeros Lose To Rockford: A Comedy Tonight
Sometimes things get so bad that you want to cry, but instead, you just have the urge to laugh. Like, for instance, now. Things are just so damn bad with the Wild that it's no longer sad, it's funny. And things are just so bad with the Wild that the Aeros have started getting sad. But after today/tonight, it's not sad, it's funny.
The Aeros lost to the Rockford IceHogs tonight 4-1. That's the second loss in a row, and the second on this four game road trip. As Andrew and Heather wrote below, Joe Fallon's injured and Matt Hackett's with the Wild because the brittle twins that play in goal for the Wild are, as you guessed, injured.
The result was that the Aeros threw a guy just literally out of college between the pipes tonight -- he's got just two games of ECHL experience -- named Scott Greenham. Now it would be easy to put the loss on Greenham since Rockford did score four goals. But then you look at this stat: Rockford out shot Houston 41-18, including 16-2 in the second period. Yes, you saw that right, 41-18, and it becomes a wonder that Rockford only scored three times on Greenham -- the fourth goal was an empty-netter.
That leads to the question of what happened to that offense we were bragging about just last week. There have been no roster changes. The lines haven't changed. But the Aeros can no longer score any goals. It's ridiculous, really ridiculous. What makes it more ridiculous is that the Wild's Matt Cullen broke a finger in tonight's loss to Buffalo (shocking, right? The Wild losing, and a Wild getting hurt) which will necessitate the Wild calling up one of the Aeros forwards, which in itself is funny seeing as how the Aeros forwards have forgotten how to shoot the damn puck.
However, despite the loss, the Aeros are still in fourth place. Yes, that's right, they're still in fourth because just about everybody below them in the standings also lost tonight. So for one more day, the Aeros hang on to fourth place with 76 points. The Heat, Americans, and Rivermen are tied for fifth with 75 points, and the Checkers are hanging onto the eighth spot with 74 points. The Rampage and Monsters are tied for ninth with 73 points, and the Admirals are in 11th with 70 points.
Yep, that's right, a total of six points separate the fourth spot from the 11th spot in the standings. And we thought it was ridiculously close last season.
The Aeros play in Chicago on Sunday afternoon. Peoria, Abbotsford, and Charlotte also play on Sunday. So it's conceivable that, come tomorrow night, the Aeros could be sitting in seventh place.
Like I said, it's so sad, it's funny. Which leads to this video from a classic Broadway musical/movie of the 1960s called A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. So here's the opening song, "A Comedy Tonight."
(By the way, my apologies to Joe Fallon. I wrote about him in the Press on Friday, so of course he was injured.)
The Aeros lost to the Rockford IceHogs tonight 4-1. That's the second loss in a row, and the second on this four game road trip. As Andrew and Heather wrote below, Joe Fallon's injured and Matt Hackett's with the Wild because the brittle twins that play in goal for the Wild are, as you guessed, injured.
The result was that the Aeros threw a guy just literally out of college between the pipes tonight -- he's got just two games of ECHL experience -- named Scott Greenham. Now it would be easy to put the loss on Greenham since Rockford did score four goals. But then you look at this stat: Rockford out shot Houston 41-18, including 16-2 in the second period. Yes, you saw that right, 41-18, and it becomes a wonder that Rockford only scored three times on Greenham -- the fourth goal was an empty-netter.
That leads to the question of what happened to that offense we were bragging about just last week. There have been no roster changes. The lines haven't changed. But the Aeros can no longer score any goals. It's ridiculous, really ridiculous. What makes it more ridiculous is that the Wild's Matt Cullen broke a finger in tonight's loss to Buffalo (shocking, right? The Wild losing, and a Wild getting hurt) which will necessitate the Wild calling up one of the Aeros forwards, which in itself is funny seeing as how the Aeros forwards have forgotten how to shoot the damn puck.
However, despite the loss, the Aeros are still in fourth place. Yes, that's right, they're still in fourth because just about everybody below them in the standings also lost tonight. So for one more day, the Aeros hang on to fourth place with 76 points. The Heat, Americans, and Rivermen are tied for fifth with 75 points, and the Checkers are hanging onto the eighth spot with 74 points. The Rampage and Monsters are tied for ninth with 73 points, and the Admirals are in 11th with 70 points.
Yep, that's right, a total of six points separate the fourth spot from the 11th spot in the standings. And we thought it was ridiculously close last season.
The Aeros play in Chicago on Sunday afternoon. Peoria, Abbotsford, and Charlotte also play on Sunday. So it's conceivable that, come tomorrow night, the Aeros could be sitting in seventh place.
Like I said, it's so sad, it's funny. Which leads to this video from a classic Broadway musical/movie of the 1960s called A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. So here's the opening song, "A Comedy Tonight."
(By the way, my apologies to Joe Fallon. I wrote about him in the Press on Friday, so of course he was injured.)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Fallon Out Indefinitely ... Aeros sign Mike Brodeur and some college kid.
UPDATE - The reason the Aeros signed two new goalies today is because Joe Fallon was injured late in the loss to Rockford on Friday. And with Backstrom tweaking his lower body before the Wild's trip, the Aeros will have to make do with Mike Brodeur and a college kid who Aeros fans hope isn't the second coming of Tony Quesada.
I posed a serious question to Wild/Aeros management: Why not send Brodeur to Buffalo and have him back up Harding on an emergency basis. While possible, the odds of Hackett getting in the NHL game tonight are rather low. Ordinarily, I'd say this is not the best option, but considering the Wild are out of playoff contention why not?
Wild management replied with, "No, Hackett will be with the Wild, and our goalies are as stated (Brodeur and Greenham)."
The only reason I even remotely question this decision is because the Wild don't need points, and every point for the Aeros is crucial. Maybe there is some sort of contract or rule constraint that I don't know about."
Either way, the Aeros are in serious trouble for the duration of their road trip.
And now, back to your regularly scheduled program.
I didn't catch any of the game last night but Midwestern correspondent Chris Jerina tells us it was a quality effort for the Aeros, despite the 2-1 loss. Chad Rau had the Aeros' only goal, and Rockford scored on the power play late in the first and then again late in the second (even strength).
The Aeros put up 28 shots (half of them in the third period alone) to Rockford's 17, but Carter Hutton just flat out stoned them. Fallon was in net for Houston, with Hackett backing up.
The Wild play tonight in Buffalo, and Hackett is indeed IN Buffalo, for reals this time, and the Aeros have signed two goalies to PTOs: Mike Brodeur (no relation) and Scott Greenham (or Greeneggsandham if you're into whimsy).
Brodeur has been in the ECHL with the Vegas Wranglers (where Fallon was as well... should probably send those fans a muffin basket or something, eh?) and Greenham has been with Bakersfield for a few games after wrapping up his college career at U of Alaska-Fairbanks.
Trying to find out why two goalies, and if I hear back, I'll update this post.
Meanwhile, I wanted to chuck up some pictures from Chris of last night's game because there are some nice ones and I'm procrastinating getting in the yard and pulling weeds. Bleh.
All photos by Chris "3-in-3" Jerina. Thank you, Chris! The rest of last night's are here.
I posed a serious question to Wild/Aeros management: Why not send Brodeur to Buffalo and have him back up Harding on an emergency basis. While possible, the odds of Hackett getting in the NHL game tonight are rather low. Ordinarily, I'd say this is not the best option, but considering the Wild are out of playoff contention why not?
Wild management replied with, "No, Hackett will be with the Wild, and our goalies are as stated (Brodeur and Greenham)."
The only reason I even remotely question this decision is because the Wild don't need points, and every point for the Aeros is crucial. Maybe there is some sort of contract or rule constraint that I don't know about."
Either way, the Aeros are in serious trouble for the duration of their road trip.
And now, back to your regularly scheduled program.
I didn't catch any of the game last night but Midwestern correspondent Chris Jerina tells us it was a quality effort for the Aeros, despite the 2-1 loss. Chad Rau had the Aeros' only goal, and Rockford scored on the power play late in the first and then again late in the second (even strength).
The Aeros put up 28 shots (half of them in the third period alone) to Rockford's 17, but Carter Hutton just flat out stoned them. Fallon was in net for Houston, with Hackett backing up.
The Wild play tonight in Buffalo, and Hackett is indeed IN Buffalo, for reals this time, and the Aeros have signed two goalies to PTOs: Mike Brodeur (no relation) and Scott Greenham (or Greeneggsandham if you're into whimsy).
Brodeur has been in the ECHL with the Vegas Wranglers (where Fallon was as well... should probably send those fans a muffin basket or something, eh?) and Greenham has been with Bakersfield for a few games after wrapping up his college career at U of Alaska-Fairbanks.
ALL YOUR GOALIE ARE BELONG TO US!
Trying to find out why two goalies, and if I hear back, I'll update this post.
Meanwhile, I wanted to chuck up some pictures from Chris of last night's game because there are some nice ones and I'm procrastinating getting in the yard and pulling weeds. Bleh.
 |
| Sexy toe save. No big deal. |
 |
| Adore this picture of Sal during warm-ups! |
 |
| Hutton finally got out of the way! |
Friday, March 23, 2012
UPDATED: Hackett up (maybe sorta?), radio news
Couple of little tidbits, one not so little, as we head into this 3 in 3 weekend:
Nik Backstrom's "lower body" is bugging him again, so he stayed home while the Wild headed off to Buffalo, and of course, that means Hackett is on his way to the Buff to meet up with them.
So, those of us wringing our hands over poor Joe Fallon being cast aside in favor of Hackett can relax a little as it looks like the Aeros are squarely in Fallon's hands for at least a little while longer.
Additionally, Sunshiney Kuemper is on the shelf for 4-5 MONTHS after having shoulder surgery yesterday, so they'll have to get another back-up in for Fallon this weekend.
Or at least all the above is what Wild and Russo twitter would have you think. Joe O'Donnell is instead tweeting that Hackett is still in Rockford with the team and, while Torch wouldn't tell him who is starting tonight, it sounds like Hackett is certainly a possibility.
As my grandmother used to say, "Heavens to Betsy!"
And the revolving door just keeps spinning!
In less important, but potentially good news, the Aeros announced today that 4 games coming up will be on ESPN Radio 97.5 here in Houston.
I dunno if it's because college basketball has pre-empted it on the usual station or if this is something planned or what, but it fills me with hope that some day the Aeros will be on a proper sports radio station that I won't be repulsed by if I accidentally leave it on for a while after the game.
From the team:
That's all!
Nik Backstrom's "lower body" is bugging him again, so he stayed home while the Wild headed off to Buffalo, and of course, that means Hackett is on his way to the Buff to meet up with them.
So, those of us wringing our hands over poor Joe Fallon being cast aside in favor of Hackett can relax a little as it looks like the Aeros are squarely in Fallon's hands for at least a little while longer.
Additionally, Sunshiney Kuemper is on the shelf for 4-5 MONTHS after having shoulder surgery yesterday, so they'll have to get another back-up in for Fallon this weekend.
Or at least all the above is what Wild and Russo twitter would have you think. Joe O'Donnell is instead tweeting that Hackett is still in Rockford with the team and, while Torch wouldn't tell him who is starting tonight, it sounds like Hackett is certainly a possibility.
As my grandmother used to say, "Heavens to Betsy!"
And the revolving door just keeps spinning!
In less important, but potentially good news, the Aeros announced today that 4 games coming up will be on ESPN Radio 97.5 here in Houston.
I dunno if it's because college basketball has pre-empted it on the usual station or if this is something planned or what, but it fills me with hope that some day the Aeros will be on a proper sports radio station that I won't be repulsed by if I accidentally leave it on for a while after the game.
From the team:
Joe O’Donnell will call the action exclusively on ESPN Radio 97.5 FM (Listen Now button in upper right) for games on March 28 (at Milwaukee), March 31 (vs. Hamilton), April 6 (vs. Chicago) and April 13 (at OKC).And there will be 15 minutes of pre-game vs. the usual 5, so that's cool, too.
That's all!
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