Rays getting stronger as playoffs continue
Posted 05:33 p.m., April 30, 2008
OK, I know this might be a tad bit premature, but I think we’re starting to see the makings of a championship team.
If Tuesday night’s 5-2 win over Columbia is any indication, the Stingrays have a legitimate shot at winning the franchise’s third Kelly Cup championship this spring. That’s a good Columbia team and the Rays are making them look mediocre. Now, the Inferno might be tired after their series with Texas, but Rays just seem to have “it”, whatever “it” is, this series.
I said when the playoffs started that if the Rays got Steve Pinizzotto, Patrick and Grant McNeill (no relation) and Andrew Gordon back from Hershey, they’d have a shot at winning it all and nothing I’ve seen against the Inferno has changed my mind.
Gordon could be the difference maker. He was a first/second-line guy up in Hershey and he’ll get more than his chances in the playoffs playing with Stephen Werner and Marty Guerin on his line. I had forgotten that Gordon killed penalties as well and the fact that you can play him in every situation is only going to make this team deeper.
Patrick McNeill had a beautiful pass to Travis Morin on his power play goal. The more Patrick gets used to his teammates the more effective the Stingrays power play will be. Not that they’ve been terrible so far. The PP has improved and the penalty kill, ranked 3rd in the playoffs, has been lights out since the Augusta series.
The Stingrays defense, and by that I mean all their skaters, are at the top of their games right now. Including the last two periods of Game 1 against Columbia, the Rays have given up just 28 shots in the last five periods.
Pinizzotto was the 1st Star in Game 1 against Columbia and played well again Tuesday night. Pinner drew a penalty on Peter Tsimikalis, who eventually got thrown out of the game with 10-minute misconduct.
Pinner is the best agitator since Rob Concannon. There was no one better than at getting underneath the skin of an opposing team than Robbie, who I never thought got the respect he deserved as a solid all around player. There’s a reason why Robbie is in the Rays Hall of Fame.
Game 3 at the roller-rink up in Columbia should be interesting. The smaller ice surface should favor, the bigger Columbia defensemen, but as long as the Rays don’t think they’ve won the series already, they should come out with another strong effort.
I don’t think there’s any dispute that the Rays have gotten stronger and stronger with each series. It seems to me like they’re peaking at the right time!
See you at the Rink,
APM
Comments
Posted by Gr8tfulRayFan on April 30 at 8:33 p.m.
Andrew,
I have been thinking much the same thing (tho without lipstick on!). We have the makings of a super team. If the third period's effort after that second period last night was any indication, our Rays can win even if they throttle down occasionally.
Posted by hattrik on April 30 at 8:34 p.m.
I was shocked but not upset to see Rawlyk as a healthy scratch last night.Anyone want to bet that he will be dressed Friday night? I thought that he played very well in Game One. Dressing Matt Smith was a mild surprise.Looks like Jared is trying to keep his regulars motivated and sharp.
Posted by acharlestongirl on April 30 at 9:07 p.m.
Anyone unable to make the trip up to Columbia for Friday night's game....
COME TO BOBBY HARTIN'S WATCH THE RAYS VS. THE INFERNO!
He has agreed to air the game for the fans at his sports bar! Come out and support the team and watch the game with other fans. See you there!
GO RAYS!
Posted by season_ticket_holder on April 30 at 9:24 p.m.
Hey I made the Pinner/Coo Coo connection in a previous comment - does that means I have a future covering minor league hockey?
And I don't look too shabby in lipstick either........
Posted by borohockey8 on May 1 at 11:16 a.m.
Rory wont play in Game 3 on Friday. Why mess with a winning lineup even though I would rather see Scherer in the lineup instead of Smith. How did Smith play in Game 2 because I could not attend because of work?
Posted by stingrays01 on May 1 at 7:41 p.m.
borohockey8,
Smith played well. He did nothing to hurt the team and nearly had a couple of goals. He was the 10th forward filling in where needed. Not saying any of the other 3 forwards sitting couldn't have done well too.
I think Bednar has done a great job this season and in the post season. Whatever players Bedsy wants to put in the lineup is fine with me. If we are winning, ain't no reason to be complaining...lol
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