Re: Games Tuesday 1/21/2020
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 5:46 pm
For those who care, here are some of my observations from the North Branch vs Pine City tilt.
Overall, it was a very competitive contest. I was pleasantly surprised by Pine City, as I was unsure how they would fare against a higher level of competition, and this was my first time seeing them this season. PC actually turned out to be the deeper team, often rolling three lines, and had a distinct advantage in offensive zone time. NB relied heavily on that potent top line, and was able to spring them free for numerous odd-man rushes.
NB can be chippy at times, and often their best players are the worst offenders. They were only whistled for three minors (two on Kerchner), but there should have been a few more calls, including a dangerous hit from behind by Croal. NB has a great PK unit (91.4%), but that won’t always fly against better teams, and PC converted one PP opportunity. Turek between the pipes does make up for many sins, however.
PC is not a great skating team, but is pretty physical and sound in handling the puck. Laven is a solid if unspectacular goalie, though he was hung out to dry a few times by his defense. I would like to check out their game with Mora tonight to see how PC stacks up against a lesser skilled opponent.
Overall, it was a very competitive contest. I was pleasantly surprised by Pine City, as I was unsure how they would fare against a higher level of competition, and this was my first time seeing them this season. PC actually turned out to be the deeper team, often rolling three lines, and had a distinct advantage in offensive zone time. NB relied heavily on that potent top line, and was able to spring them free for numerous odd-man rushes.
NB can be chippy at times, and often their best players are the worst offenders. They were only whistled for three minors (two on Kerchner), but there should have been a few more calls, including a dangerous hit from behind by Croal. NB has a great PK unit (91.4%), but that won’t always fly against better teams, and PC converted one PP opportunity. Turek between the pipes does make up for many sins, however.
PC is not a great skating team, but is pretty physical and sound in handling the puck. Laven is a solid if unspectacular goalie, though he was hung out to dry a few times by his defense. I would like to check out their game with Mora tonight to see how PC stacks up against a lesser skilled opponent.
