Rays drop a heart-breaker to Cyclones
Posted 02:18 p.m., May 11, 2008
This one is going to leave a mark!
To me, the Stingrays collapse Saturday night against Cincinnati in Game 2 of the American Conference Finals was eerily familiar to another Game 2 I witnessed a couple of years ago at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.
In that game against Gwinnett in 2006, the Rays had a three-goal lead in the third period, appeared to have the game firmly in hand, only to squander the advantage and lose 5-4 in OT to the Gladiators. The Gladiators went on to beat the Rays, 3-1, in Game 3 and sweep the series.
I’m not sure if the Rays can recover from a loss like the one last night. The Rays have been a resilient bunch all playoffs and hopefully home ice will work its magic again.
It’s not the fact that they lost in OT that bothers me, it’s the way they lost. Certainly the two, 5-on-3 power plays the Cyclones had at the start of the third period didn’t help. And referee Jason Nissen didn’t do the Rays any favors. (He needs to leave his whistle in his pocket in the third periods and call a consistent game, that’s the biggest problem I have with Nissen, who kind of hosed the Rays in Game 4 in Columbia last Saturday night.) But you can’t blame Nissen for the loss. The Rays did get a 5-on-3 of their own late the game and took a late lead in the third period on Andrew Gordon’s power play goal. This is the second time the Rays have been unable to finish a game with the lead late in the third period. In Game 2 against Augusta, the Rays had a lead in the final minute of the game when the Lynx pulled their goalie for the extra skater. And just like that game, the Cyclones were able to score and send the game into OT after the Rays failed to clear their defensive zone.
You’ve got to have guys on the ice in final minute of regulation that are willing to give their bodies up for the team. I’m not sure who was on the ice for the Rays last night or against Augusta, but that’s two games the Rays should have won but didn’t because they couldn’t close the deal. I can remember Bedsy being on the ice for the final 90 seconds against Trenton in Game 5 in 2001 and watching him just clear guys out in front of the net. Just ask Cail MacLean, who was one of the Titans that Bedsy planted on the ice.
I wouldn’t expect to see Davis Parley back in net for Game 3. Again, it’s hard to tell how good or badly he played without being there. Maybe the Rays fans that went up to Cincinnati can give their opinions. But the fact is that Davis gave up 11 goals in two games and that’s not getting it done. Will be interesting to see if Josh Johnson has recovered from Game 4 against Columbia if he does get the start in Game 3.
All indications are that Marty Guerin, who missed the last three games of the playoffs, will be in the lineup for Game 3 on Wednesday. His return should help bolster the Stephen Werner and Andrew Gordon line. Paul McIlveen’s two goals last night earned him the right to come back and play in Game 3.
The leadership of Rays captain Cail MacLean will be tested over the next three days. His leadership will be crucial if the Rays are going to get back into this series this week.
See you at the Rink,
APM
Comments
Posted by TinaR on May 11 at 3:04 p.m.
I would not have expected to see Parley stay in the games 1 or 2 after giving up 3 quick ones. Looks like the wheels on his bus fell off. I would hope that Bednar has taken a few notes from the Cincy coach on how and when to pull a goalie.
To be up 3-0 with 10 min or so to go in the 3rd and to lose in OT is simply a disgrace! And to try to blam the ref for the 2 5 on 3's against the Rays.. PLEASE! If the Rays were not there to take the penalty... it could not have been called! Some people need to take off their rose-colored homer glasses and realize, they are not always innocent!
Posted by RaysRsharp on May 11 at 3:30 p.m.
The only player I could really single out for poor play,
was Pokulok. I know folks tend to be infatuated with his
raw skill, but the poor kid has the hockey IQ of a rock.
He floats around doing what he pleases, when he feels
like it. If we just GOTTA have his skill on the ice, maybe
we should move him to forward. That's where he spends
most of his time anyway.
Posted by Keschi on May 11 at 4:35 p.m.
It's time to speak an unpopular truth. Romfro needs to sit more. He is getting too much ice time. He's been on the ice 7 of the Cyclones 11 goals. With Grant returning on Weds., sit Sasha in the cheap seats for his lackluster play, and play Grant on the specialty teams instead of Romfro. Romfro can play against their third and fourth lines to spell the rest of the blue liners. But keep him out of the fray against their starters and second lines. As for who to place in goal, good luck. Also, let the forwards open fire on the goal without the fancy passing they tend to revert to. Some of the shots have to go in.
Posted by hockeynut on May 11 at 5:18 p.m.
Nissen and Jones have showed all year they have no intention of letting the Rays win. It's sad that a single ref can and too often does control the outcome of a game. We continue to lose because of 3 things: inconsistent goal tending, biased refs and a coach who likes to sit on a lead and play "to not lose" instead of shouting; shoot, shoot, shoot! Sling enough mud and some will stick.
Posted by wowza on May 11 at 7:05 p.m.
Parley should not be playing in the next game. Personally, I don't think he should have been playing in game two. He is not consistent at all. Sure, Josh Johnson makes mistakes, but Parley consistently does bad. I don't know why everyone thinks he is so great. Our weakest link is our goal tending. Parley let in extremely weak goals. Yes, some players did not do too well, but in my opinion Parley did the worst. Our players worked really hard, and when the puck came to Parley, he couldn't stop it.
Posted by RaysFan34 on May 11 at 7:43 p.m.
Wow, I am not believing I am going to do this ... but blaming Davis Parley for those two losses is just wrong! Did he have his best efforts ... game 1, no way, game 2, much improved.
If you are going to hand out blame though, please also hand out an equal share to the remainder of the team. They win as a team, they lose as a team, and that's just how it is. There are lots of people on the team that would probably like to play better on both these nights, but for whatever reason, didn't.
I do think Davis should have been pulled, especially in the first game when Cincinnati scored 3 quick ones. Not necessarily because I thought Davis did bad, but more so to motivate the team.
Game 2 ... they should have had, plain and simple and they let it get away from them. If they had won that game, we had the possibility of winning the series at home, plus we would have seen a huge momentum swing, Hopefully we will begin chipping at that momentum on Wednesday.
Posted by wowza on May 11 at 7:57 p.m.
I am not blaming him solely for those loses. All I said was that in my opinion I felt he was the worst player out there. Has he had great games, yes, has he had really bad games yes. My opinion is that he could have played much better. Compared to how the team played as a whole, he should have done much better. True, some of the goals were good, but I feel the game would have been a different outcome if Josh Johnson had been playing.
And I said that some of the players did not play their best game, but when they needed Parley to step up, he didn't.
I never said no one else didn't do bad, all I said was Parley did not step up when he needed too. Yeah, he made good saves, but I think throughout this whole season Parley has not been what everyone treats him like.
Hopefully, in the future, we'll have better goal tending and then the Rays will be unstoppable.
Posted by wowza on May 11 at 8:12 p.m.
Oh, and I meant to say, I agree with you on the momentum change. Hopefully things we take a turn for the better on Wednesday!
Posted by Gr8tfulRayFan on May 11 at 8:26 p.m.
OK, I hope I don't get blasted for my opinion on this, but I was watching the games live in Cincy...Parley should not be blamed at all, the Cyclones were unrelenting in game 1. We were simply blown out.
As for game 2 we clearly dominated yet as the game progressed, the Cyclones had a major burst of energy and we were getting worn out. I actually was wondering why the Cyclones did not appear to be working as hard as us for most of the game. Then they came alive like madmen in the 3rd period. It almost seemed intentional....like they were hanging back waiting until we let up some in the 3rd period...
As for game 1, well, we were just trounced, that's putting it mildly.
From sitting in the arena, the key Game 2 turning point was when Pinnizotto took an incredibly STUPID offensive penalty in the Cincy zone. That energized the Cyclones and lead to the 3-3 tie....
Posted by InformedSportsFanatic on May 11 at 10:38 p.m.
I am sitting here watching the Spurs/Hornets series. If you have not watched it, the Spurs were destroyed in games 1 and 2 in New Orleans. Now the Spurs have tied the series and have the Hornets wondering how to stop the Spurs. We can do the same thing! I hope Bedsy is either having the guys watch this game or will tell them about it. We need to know it is not only possible but easily done when you take care of the home court/ice. Spurs coach Pop made some minor changes and I am sure Bedsy will do the same. Johnson for Parley will change the tempo (like game 3 against Augusta) but Parley is not the only reason we are down in the series. Smart play, good goaltending, and eliminating dumb penalities (any ref would have had to call most of those from the 3rd on Saturday)and we will be back. A packed house with loud fans would not hurt!
Posted by hockeynut on May 11 at 10:51 p.m.
I agree, the Rays seem to play to a crowd. It's a shame we can't have better fan turnout. However, nothing will help if Bednar continues to play 3rd period defense. As the Inferno fans told me in Columbia...your coach actually thinks he can play defense for 20 minutes and win...I DON'T THINK SO!
Posted by InformedSportsFanatic on May 11 at 10:59 p.m.
Man sitting and watching the "play not to lose" mode is so frustrating. I can't stand it. Watching the game on Saturday, my young kids even said "oh no, here we go dad. We are going to let them score because we quit playing to win." My attitude is play like the score is 0-0 and keep the pressure on. The best defense is keeping on the offense and keeping the puck in the other teams zone. Also, why did'nt Morin take the shot on the empty net? I think we had the same chance to put it in and empty net the last time this happened but failed to take the shot. Gotta keep the pressure on!
Posted by sbrown5550 on May 12 at 2:05 p.m.
Hi all - I am a Cyclones fan checking in. I have enjoyed reading your blog so much I thought I would contribute.
First off, I am glad the those of you that came up to Cincy were treated well. As with any sporting event, there are
always a number of loud mouth jerks who can spoil things, but I am glad that it wasn't too bad and hope that you come
back again sometime.
As for the Cyclones organization, they seem to really be doing it right. They are very nice people to deal with
and do whatever they can to market their product, which is a hard sell because it competes directly with the Bengals
and the Reds, whose stadiums are right next door. The season started with tickets around $17 each but after a successful
'$10 for almost any seat in the house' promotion, the team made the $10 tickets permanent and
the fans have really began to come out and support the team.
The cheap tickets and dollar beer during the week and constant loud music are deliberate strategies to attract younger
(and louder) fans and it has worked.
I read that your tickets are among the most expensive in the league - just how much are they anyway?
As for the first two games of the series, I think they are proof that Cincy is just a better team than SC this year.
Our prior series against Reading went 7 games because they were a big, tough, hard hitting team. SC is more of a
speed and finesse team like Cincy and I think that this matchup is much better for us.
As for the Rays, I am curious how much you think the loss of Guerin has affected the team. Too bad we could not have
played each other with healthy rosters. McIlveen is playing great hockey and though Parley has given up lots of goals,
don't blame him entirely as many of those goals were easy ones due to the lack of the Rays clearing out the crease.
That being said, it's time to switch goalies and shake things up.
Pinnizotto has not impressed me. He seems to be too concerned playing the man and not the puck. Just my opinion.
Posted by sbrown5550 on May 12 at 2:34 p.m.
RaysFan34 - You seem to represent everything that is good about being a sports fan. Sorry to hear about the tough time you had after the game on Saturday.
Posted by RaysFan34 on May 12 at 4:32 p.m.
I don't know about that sbrown5550, but I do enjoy travelling and supporting my team. I do my best to keep my nose clean and not invite trouble when I am travelling (kinda dumb to look for trouble if you are visiting somewhere if you ask me, the numbers are always against you), and the situation on Saturday night was one that I neither looked for or asked for. I NEVER condone physical confrontations for any reason, and was thankful that there were members of our organization there to remove the woman who had obviously imbibed too much.
It will not hamper any thoughts of returning to Cincy if needed, and in fact, I am already making plans to crank her up Saturday night if needed (which I think it will be!) Look forward to seeing you then!
Posted by sbrown5550 on May 12 at 9:49 p.m.
Like I said RaysFan34, you are everything that is good about being a sports fan, and don't forget that people like you are in the majority. My wife and I will be listening on the internet to the games in SC. Now if I can only figure out a way for you and I to both be happy with the outcome.....
Posted by RaysFan34 on May 12 at 9:55 p.m.
Thinking that's not gonna happen ... but since you have been happy 2 times already and I haven't had the pleasure yet, what's say we let 'em get to even and slug it out from there?
Posted by apmiller24 ( Andrew Miller ) on May 13 at 11:50 a.m.
To all,
Just got off the phone with the head Blog/Internet tech guru at the P & C and he noticed the problem with auto refreshing as well. ... according to head Blog/Internet P & C guru guy, the problem has been fixed and it shouldn't be an issue anymore. ... if there's a problem in the future, i'll be giving out head Blog/Internet P & C guru's cell phone and you guys can bug said individual on his day off! I think that's only fair!
APM
Posted by hattrik on May 13 at 1:34 p.m.
You're the man, Andrew!!!! Thanks.
Posted by RaysFan34 on May 13 at 4:14 p.m.
Thanks Andrew!!
Posted by sbrown5550 on May 13 at 4:20 p.m.
I want to see another game in Cincinnati, so I would not mind a bit if SC won two at home and the series came back here.
Posted by RaysFan34 on May 13 at 4:38 p.m.
LOL ... well, how about if we win 3 please? You know our road record ... and if I'm gonna make the drive, I would love for it to go to a 7 game series ... what the heck, we are there anyway, you know? We promise, we wouldn't even try to win game 6 if your guys let us win 3 at home. LOL ::wink, wink::
Posted by raysfanincharlotte on May 13 at 7:12 p.m.
ATTENTION ALL RAYS FANS: Lets make the North Charleston Coliseum loud as hell tomorrow. I will be doing my part. Lets show the rays that we are behind them and that they can still win this series. Were only down two, lets just take one game at a time and lets send the boys back up to Cincy with the series lead. I will be getting there at 4:00 tomorrow. Lets Go Rays.
REARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Posted by bearslover on May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Does anybody know what time the ticket office at the Coliseum opens on a weekday? I'll be coming down Thursday from PA and want to get tix on Friday morning. I'm looking forward to seeing TWO games in North Charleston this weekend, so come on Stingrays!!! I'll be listening to the game through the web tomorrow night while I'm packing for the trip! Yippee! Go Rays!!!
Posted by raysfanincharlotte on May 13 at 8 p.m.
Tickets for all North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center events can be purchased at the Advance Ticket Windows at the Coliseum Monday - Friday 10:00am-5:00pm. Open on Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon on event days only. Open Saturdays at 10:00am for scheduled on sales only!
Thanks for the support bearslover! Lets Go Rays! Im pumped for tomorrow!
Posted by RaysRsharp on May 13 at 8:43 p.m.
Hey Andrew... since your a primo media guy insider, maybe you can help us. We're a first class organization with quality people from top to botton, but our B-2 telecast blows chunks. It's the worst in the league. Maybe you could use some of your considerable pull to help inspire a upgrade.
How's about it?
Posted by InformedSportsFanatic on May 13 at 9:36 p.m.
I love the fact that the organization is actively pushing ticket sales for this weeks games. Group sales and specials for military, youth hockey, and the free parking should really boost the attendance and the support. Now if we could get some powerful front page of the sports section support in the paper and some TV news attention, we could really rock! Maybe the front office has been reading and paying attention to this blog. Now if we could only get the big man back on the music, maybe all will be good!
Posted by candyqueen41 on May 13 at 10:12 p.m.
RaysRsharp...First off, I doubt seriously our B2 is "worst in the league" lol. Secondly, the equipment is several years old (ancient, by technological terms). They've had problems with B2 all season long. It's a combination of an unknown problem in the equipment at the NCC, older video equipment, and B2. The way the platform is set up, there's no way to use a laptop to connect to the internet and use that with the DVD player like most teams do.
Posted by RaysRsharp on May 14 at 12:04 a.m.
I watch all the teams play at least once during the season, and trust me.... nobody has a worse B-2 telecast than we do. I know it's not a moneymaker, and it's not used that much, but it's sad to see fans of other teams make fun of it. And it's hard to understand how teams in far worse financial condition than we are, do a much better job. I know it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it just comes across as cheap and sloppy. It seems like if we're going to do it at all, we should at least try to do a decent job. Like anything else the team does in the public, it's a form of advertising.
Posted by rayshockeynut on May 14 at 12:21 a.m.
B-2 could be a money maker, if only it was worth the money. I used it once, had friends come over to watch the game. Hooked the laptop to the 42"lcd and ran audio thru the BOSE 321 system. Boy was I disapointed. Kinda looked like a lowcountry highschool football game filmed by a newly aquired freshman to the AV club. The camera never moved, just one big paned out shot of the ice as viewed from what looked like the seat next to the spotlight up passed the nosebleed section. You could verly tell the teams apart, much less the different players. Sorry to ramble on, but I will never shell out $7 for this amature video attempt when I can listen to audio for free. Upgrade, put someone on the camera to zoom in on the game, make professional looking video coverage, I will pay twice as much.................
Posted by rayshockeynut on May 14 at 12:26 a.m.
Oh yeah, lets win some home games. I am flying out of Kuwait this Friday night and will arrive in Charleston Saturday morning in time to catch my boys baseball game, a nap, and a hockey game.
LETS GO RAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Slappa on May 14 at 8:40 a.m.
the rays front office needs to get off their wallet like us fans do. you could hire a monkey to tape these games for $50 bucks a night or Andrew !
Posted by apmiller24 ( Andrew Miller ) on May 14 at 9:09 a.m.
Slappa,
For the record, I don't tie my shoes anymore for less than $100!!
APM
Posted by RaysFan34 on May 14 at 10:46 a.m.
It's not about the folks operating the camera, it's about the system itself. We are limited by the quality of the equipment we use and we have been using the same equipment for several years. Like anything technological, it needs to be upgraded every few years. Yes, it costs money to do it, but like RaysRSharp, I think that if we are going to do it at all, we need to at least attempt to give our folks decent equipment to work with. And if the platform with which we broadcast needs updating, then we need to do it if it will help the broadcast. People are shelling out money to see this broadcast and it is horrible by anyone's standards. I have watched it 2 times, thinking surely the 1st broadcast was a victim of technical difficulties, and that the next time would be better ... no to both thoughts.
Posted by Hockeyfan2629 on May 14 at 1:57 p.m.
I think b2 should be free to watch! Heck look at the Central Hockey League Team games are free! Here the link to the company that puts the games out check it out http://www.niftytv.com/index.php
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