I just hope Fisch does not get on the goalie bashing again. Number of shots against is not always the true indicator. Often its quality. Sunday Sarnia had three breakaways and six 2 on 1s in the second period alone. And it was 3-2 in the third period. That's how the year has been for the goalies.
I agree with you 100%.
I saw one goal that I thought Malik should have had yesterday. The 4th goal, he opened up the far side and exposed a large portion of the net. Yet, that will happen in a game. A goalie will let a puck in the net. What also happens is a goalie will get scored on. Understanding the subtle difference between letting a goal in or getting scored on is key. The defensive collapsing and breakdowns were absolutely paramount in contributing to the back door plays that resulted in goals a majority of Sarnia’s goals.
I though Malik played outstanding yesterday. Considering the circumstance and his age/experience level, this kid is a stud and will end up saving our a$$ more times than not. Based on his starts, I would make a claim that he most likely is not 100% adjusted to the speed that is generated from the talent in this league playing on a significantly smaller ice surface.
One could make it all about the 4 that Sarnia put on the board, I like to focus on the 4-5 Malik kept off of it.
In no way am I an expert. However, what I see (as a team) is the very definition of inexperience. We have deficiencies in many areas but I don’t get too worried about it based on the overall youth of this team. Are there players that are weaker and cause more trouble than they should? For sure! For the most part, there is a core of youth that exhibits a lack of experience as regular as the sunrise. Play against Ottawa and play a complete game against a team that beat you - we accept the loss because Ottawa beat us. Sarnia comes along and it’s as if the training wheels have to be put back on in a game against a team that won because we beat ourselves. That inconsistency has a ton to do with experience and reliability that we simply don’t have.
Hence the reason why I agree with many when people predict us to be an absolute contender next season. The ability is there, and next year (in a world where 1 season makes a critical difference) the experience level/decision making will also be present.
