Open Letter to my Team

To my dearest Tri-City Americans,

I love you.  I do.  But this getting off to a slow start on the road, having to play from behind nonsense is getting old.  Inopportune penalties*?  Enough of that.  Even your coach isn't very happy:

"A poor start cost us tonight," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "The last two-thirds of the game, we were very strong, but we didn't show up very well. Against Everett (on Jan. 7), we got off to a poor start, too. I know it's more exciting to play at home, but we have to bring the same fortitude on the road."  (Examiner)

Games in hand over the 1st place team(s) don't mean anything if you don't win them.  I know you're missing Big Mess and Prokes, I am too.  But that's no excuse.

Tonight, boys, you face the Kamloops Blazers again.  You have the advantage of playing at home, but also they're without many players because of injuries.  I don't need another gazillion-to-1 game or anything, just keep doing what you've been doing at home.  But remember to carry those tactics, strategies, motivations, or whatever into road games.

If you can't figure out how to win on the road, or even how to stop playing from behind on the road, the playoffs aren't going to last as long as we all hope.

Much love, 

Me

P.S.  Good job Pokey on first multi-goal game of the season!

*I know, are there ever really opportunistic penalties?  To save a goal, maybe.  But it's not generally a good thing to put your team at a disadvantage, ever.  Even if your PK is solid like last night, killing off the 1:50 of 5-on-3.