Another frustrating night

"The last four losses, we have outchanced teams, but (the puck) doesn't want to go in for us," said Americans coach Jim Hiller, whose team has lost five of its last seven games. "We played really hard tonight and we just have to stick with that intensity."

"We are going to have to do this the hard way," Hiller said of staying atop the division standings. "We have to do most of the work on the road. We will get it done."  (Herald)

This pretty much sums up what Hiller said on the post-game show on the radio, though the rest of the interview what a lot of him not having ( or not providing?) any answers to what needs to be done to right the ship.  A lot of "verbal shrugging" as sister described it.  Or as Masheen so eloquently said, "the Tri-tanic has hit an iceberg...yet the band plays on as if nothing has changed!"

Actually, they played pretty hard last night, played intense.  It was that minute+ where they let the foot off the gas that two quick ones were scored.  That sucked out most of the momentum they had had throughout the game.    So the loss wasn't particularly for a lack of trying.  But it being the 5th loss in the last 7 makes it so damn frustrating, and makes it difficult to remember and focus on the positives.

From Russia With Glove played alright, though his overall style still makes me incredibly nervous and somehow doesn't give me a lot of confidence.  Oh well, I wanted to be really angry at him last night for the goals that were allowed, even re-tweeted @mommabaum, "Free to a home: One cute Russian goalie. Needs training. Please call ASAP."  But she's also a voice of reason (hours after the game hahaa)--"Remember that it is just a game. Those boys are out there working their asses off, living their dream FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT!"  So true.  We get so upset, have such high expectations, but in the end, it's just a game.

I've held off (for the most part) criticism of Hiller, probably in the hopes that he'd get things figured out.  But my confidence in him is waning.  I'm not giving up or anything drastic, I've just dropped my level of belief in him from "elevated" to "guarded".  Give him credit, I suppose, for trying to fix things by changing up the lines.  Last night it was Shinnimin-Lazo-Reddick (Oh Kruise, I missed you!) and then Wilgosh-Hughesman-Brown (till late in the game).  The awesome checking line of Prokop-Feser-Holland stayed together and worked their hot asses off, as usual.  Neal had a ton of time on the power play, being a huge presence in front of Reid.

Playing Zach Yuen over veteran Riley McIntosh versus Spokane?  Not sure about that decision.  Granted, Yuen played fine, it's no criticism of him at all, but seems sitting a veteran defenseman while your team is struggling seems an odd choice.

I know there's nights were there's no puck luck and last night was one of them.  But again, in combination with the last couple losses, makes it hard to accept that.

Side note to Brendan Shinnimin, thank you for your kindness after the game.  You made one little boy's night.  Or as the mother of that child says, "To Brendan's Mom and Dad: Be proud. You've raised a great kid. Sincerely, A Very Impressed Me".

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I know there are nice Chiefs fans, but the dickhead sitting behind us last night is not one of them.  I've never wanted to actually punch someone as much as that douchebag.  If not punch, I certainly was ready to leave early.  Yes, leave a hockey game.  Because of an asshole fan.  Ugh.

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This team wouldn't be able to operate without the help of countless volunteers, I know that full well.  But even if you're not actually employed (paid) by the team, you are still a representative of the team and your actions (or inactions) are a reflection of the organization.  When you are asked to do something that is part of your volunteer responsibilities, don't publicly roll your eyes in dramatic fashion.  You may think no one is watching, but I've seen it happen, on more than one occasion.  If you don't like your obligations as a volunteer, hand them over to someone willing to do them.  

Or at least be aware that people can see you and your actions reflect poorly on the organization.