Game Day vs. Spokane

Tweet of the Night last night:  "Amazing what having two heart and soul guys back up in the lineup can do." To which I sarcastically replied "who needs heart and soul if you've got systems?"

It was a great win.  Heart and soul DOES matter, having Wilgosh and Prokop back was huge.  Not only did they provide the mentioned heart and soul, but they contributed on the scoresheet, including a shorty by Willy.  Prokop didn't play much in the beginning, I was worried he'd just sit on the bench all night--and I was sad.  But then there he was.  Mason, as usual, was all over the place making plays and creating havoc for the Bruins.

There was speed and hard-hitting.  Doin' work.  If that game was a first-round preview, I like the Ams' chances.  They were focused and determined.  And also with a sense of calm that having two veterans back in the lineup provides.

There seems to be a Wilgosh protege in Drydn Dow.  He had one of his best games ever, I don't even care that it was as a forward instead of defense.  It's working.  And it sounded like Hiller likes it too from his comments on the post-game show.

"We wanted to make sure we played our game, and we did," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller, whose team won the season series against Chilliwack 3-1. "Right through the lineup, everyone contributed, we were physical and we were fast."

"After the first, we were saying 'this is how we play,' " said Americans goalie Drew Owsley, who had 28 saves in earning his 35th win. "We are back and we fed off the energy in the building. It was a boost to get Wilgs and Proks back, and (Drydn) Dow's goal was huge for us. He doesn't get a lot of credit; it's nice to see him rewarded."

"I think I'm always out there working hard, giving us energy with blocked shots or a hit," Wilgosh said. "I don't think they expected us to be at our best our first game back. To score a big goal helps everyone get into the game."

"The pucks just seemed to find my glove," Owsley said.

"It's been a long time coming," said Prokop, who had played just 15 games before getting hurt. "It felt good to get in before the playoffs. I didn't have much practice time, I just jumped into it. It was nice to contribute. Willie and me, we are older guys and can help give the team a little confidence." (Herald emphasis mine)

Drew didn't face the 51 shots that Gore did, but he was friggin' outstanding.  Someone's ready for the playoffs.  About those 51 shots--I like the attempt at 60 shots in 60 minutes, sounds like a great game plan.  I loved hearing all the "hoot hoot hoot"-ing from the crowd when he made a big save, I know he likes hearing that too.

If I were forced to pick one negative from the game, it would be the penalties.  Looking ahead to tonight, the Ams cannot give up that many power play chances to the Chiefs or they'll be screwed.  I know, I know, the officiating sucks, but it always does.  Always.  I don't know why the hell the linesmen couldn't drop the damn puck for a faceoff either.

Chiefs in town tonight--ick.  They're trying to pass the Winterhawks for first in the Division and Conference so they'll be hungry.  When talking with some Americans players this week the question came up as to why they can't beat Spokane.  The simple answer?  "They (Chiefs) work harder."  Yep, sounds like a Nachbaur team.  It can be a Hiller team too--working harder than the opposition.  Boys gotta get it in their noggins that they are going to be the ones working harder.

It's the last regular season home game so there's some emotions--at least for me.  Westie was talking about it on the post-game show last night, how this team has gotten 40+ wins over the last 5 seasons and Kruise Reddick and Tyler Schmidt have been a part of all those 5 years.  That's a pretty big deal.  A lot of 16-year-old don't make the team or they're gone as 20s but these two have been in an Americans sweater the whole time.  Pretty awesome, I'd say.  Be sure to stay tuned after the game for the year-end awards (the official ones, not the ones I handed out LOL).