Game Day vs Chilliwack and WTF was last night?

"We (were) all right. We played hard," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "The score wasn't indicative of the play. Their power play (4 of 7) was better than ours (0 of 6). That was the difference in the game." (Herald)

LOL whut?  Jim was watching a different game than I was apparently.  And our definitions of "playing hard" must be very different.

I swear I saw only about 5 passes completed between Americans all night.  The rest was turnover city.  Full props to Spokane, they were very opportunistic and made every mistake the Americans made seem that much worse.  I didn't think the forecheck was as aggressive as it needed to be against a very determined and quick Chiefs team.  Hiller says they played hard, I disagree, but at the same time, it's not like they were standing around.  They just weren't matching the Chiefs' intensity and determination.

Additionally, there seemed to be a lack of communication.  When they went down by 2 in the first period Hiller started juggling lines.  Personally, I thought it was a little early to hit that panic button, but who knows.  It didn't work well, IMO

Pulling the goalie when down by 2 and on the power play, risky but I get it.  But someone didn't read the play before making that decision--either coaches who called Chris to the bench, or Chris who headed for the bench as play was coming at him.  Holland tried his best to play goalie, but Tyler Johnson managed to get the short-handed goal anyways.  That whole scenario was a microcosm of the whole night, really.

How the hell was their no call on the high stick to Yuen?   Srsly.

At one point RL mentioned that tonight's game would be the true test--3rd road game in 3 nights.  And in a way I agree.  Can they rebound from last night's stinker?  I also believe last night was the true test.  Back-to-back games against intense, determined, and skilled teams on the road.  A test they failed, yet again.  If they can get the win tonight, that'll be something, certainly something to hopefully build off of.  But this great game on the road then shitty game on the road business is getting old.  They're a better team than this.  At least I hoped so.

The frustration reared its ugly head again in the 3rd with some stupid penalties.  And Shinny throwing a hissy fit.  C'mon man, I know you're super competitive and want to win but your teammates feel the same way and your antics are not good for the team so settle the hell down and just play your game.  To quote the awesome Ferris Bueller, I believe Shinny is wound so tight "you could shove a lump of coal up his ass and in two weeks you'd have a diamond".

I didn't see what happened to Drew, I was out on the concourse not paying attention so I'm not really going to comment on it, reports are knee.  It's a huge loss for the Ams if he's out for an extended period.  It's also a chance for Drieger to really step up.

Speaking of, there were a few positives to take away from last night's game.  First off, the play of Max Moline.  He is slowly but surely earning his increased ice time with his improved play.  He works hard with and without the puck and according to Westie, made Conrad's goal happen last night.  I can't wait for him to be rewarded on the scoresheet for his hard work.  Driedger also looked good, especially against the offense of the Chiefs and for not having played much.  He didn't look nervous or in over his head.  He'll get another chance to shine tonight against Chilliwack.

Final note on last night's game, that is the last time I will give the Chiefs organization any of my money.  Ever.  And solely because of their fans.  I refuse to spend my money to watch my team and be treated like that.  I love my team, you love your team.  If I'm in an opponent's rink and I'm yelling for my team, I do it to support the boys, not mock or taunt your fan base.  I want the boys to hear that they have fans in the building.  I don't cheer for my team to be all up in your grill or whatever.  It's really a shame that people felt the need to turn around and taunt us Ams fans rather than applaud their team.  Unfortunately, I know it's not behavior exclusive to Spokane, I sadly have no doubt there are Ams fans that feel the need to act the same way when Spokane fans are in our building.  But it's fucking pathetic.  You cheer for your team, I'll cheer for mine, let's just enjoy the sport that we both love.

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Best of the West came out today in the Herald.  Some items of note:

Bob Tory--Top Executive

Jim Hiller--3rd for best coach

Kruise Reddick--4th for best overage, Tyler Schmidt 5th

Reddick--3rd best defensive forward 

Connor Rankin--3rd best rookie

Owsley--3rd best goalie

Adam Hughesman--Most Underrated Player, Reddick 6th

Schmidt--4th most irritating

Rankin--4th best rookie

Schmidt--3rd best stay-at-home defenseman

Carter Ashton--5th best faceoff man

Hughesman--2nd most improved player

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Rene Ferran stole my idea for an Ams-specific Best Of... from the other day, it's a great list, I strongly encourage you to take a look over at the Examiner.

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On to tonight.  Boys are in Chilliwack to take on the Bruins.  They're 8th in the Western Conference with a 24-26-2-2 record.  They're a determined, hard-working team.  As against any team, it's not going to be an easy game, the boys have to be ready to play right out of the gate.  As mentioned, it's going to come down to the ability to rebound from last night, keep their composure, and play smart.

It's Sunday so early game, we'll be here for liveblogging goodness around 4:45, click on the "Read More" to join in.