Rally time

Patrick Holland scored the game-winner in the shootout and Drew Owsley finished with 30 saves to become the league's first 30-game winner as Tri-City Americans rallied to beat the Vancouver Giants 5-4 on Saturday night.  (Herald)

The Western Hockey League website unintentionally cheated Americans defenseman Brock Sutherland of his goal late in the third period against the Vancouver Giants on Saturday.

When Brock scored the goal, Craig West made the call on the radio, but the goal, when announced, was given to Tyler Schmidt. Westy said they'd have to change that. It just took a day. (Fowler's blog)

Drew Owsley is my hero.

3rd in the league in goals against (6th in the whole CHL), 3rd in save percentage (8th in the CHL), 1st in wins (3rd in the CHL), 5th in overall saves, and 7th in total minutes played.  (WHL)

As I've mentioned before, my admiration of Owsley does not mean I think From Russia With Glove is a bad goalie, I don't think that at all.  But to have this boner over this guy just because he's been drafted (even played in one NHL game) and to toss Drew aside after carrying this team to first place in the first half of the season is just a slap in the face.  Keep them as a tandem, alternating.  I'm grateful for the depth (that's what she said).

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to notice that for whatever reason the boys seem to play better in front of Drew.  Granted, they've left him hanging out to dry a couple of times, but still.  He's been with these guys since last year, and of course gave them confidence in him based on his performance this season.  FRWG is a good goalie, it's true.  But there's almost like some tentativeness there.  I don't know if it's language barrier or just a lack of chemistry because he has only been here a month.  Or both.  I don't know if the guys feel they don't need to play the same because he's played one NHL game, I don't know.  

I do know it's a business and Bob has done an excellent job building this team.  I also know he wanted FRWG here from the start and it just didn't work out that way.  During that time Owsley proved that he belongs here and played his ass off.  To say that Pechurskiy's has played against tougher opponents is bullshit, Drew played in what, like 30-plus games out of 34 going into the Christmas break, to say those opponents were easier is dumb--easier than what?  Than Calgary?  Hrm, I remember Brandon being quite the formidable opponent.  And Portland has been, same with Everett and Vancouver.  

My point is (I think I have one, probably not since I've just rambled on) that the Americans have two very talented goalies and they should be splitting the time.  Drew's earned that, he has earned the right to be respected for his play and his work ethic.  Don't make him a backup.  /rant.

So I'm a day late in saying what a ballsy comeback it was the other night in Vancouver.  My dad was in town visiting so we were busy working on home improvement projects.  Though the big improvements were done by Thumper and Co. for which I am so grateful I can't even express myself.  But I digress, this is a hockey blog.

I don't know what coach told them going into the 3rd period, but it worked.  It was so great to see them not give up after quickly getting down by 3.  It's only one game, but hopefully they're getting the message that they have to keep fighting, play all 60 minutes with passion and with heart.  It was the hard work of Neal Prokop and Justin Feser once again leading the way.  And for Sutherland to get a goal is just fantastic, he's earned it with his stellar play.  But this Patrick Holland.  Holy shit this kid continues to impress me.  Works hard and it's paying off with increased ice time and on the score sheet.  I'm still saying Holly for Rookie of the Year.  Your argument is invalid.