Same story as Friday. A few players didn't show up. Robinson was lost on Friday night hence while he sat today. With the Wolves icing one less forward they went with 7 dmen but that seemed like a huge blunder when Levin took a selfish retaliatory match penalty. It really created problems with the lines in the third. Obonswin, Hutchison, McConville all don't belong on any line matching up with Hayton or Frost. Then you have the soft Murray who's line is not playing strong enough in the neutral zone or deep in the offensive corners. Weak passes along the wall isn't going to cut it. Yes those guys given space can score as did Byfield and Murray but both need to be more aggressive. Its getting very tiring watch this line get scored on every game. The weak play at the end of the first period allowed the Soo to break into the zone with under 10 seconds and eventually scoring with 6 seconds left to cut the lead to half. That goal is a back breaker cause they played weak as they felt the 2-0 lead would hold. The game needs to be played hard every second your on the ice. Ukko was exposed high on the glove side today. I believe 3 or 4 goals beat him there and it seems that his glove hand is his weak spot. Time for a hard week of practice. They need to learn from these two losses. A lot of video to show mistakes that were made. I hope it sinks in.
With the possibility of Gihula, Levin suspended, out do the Wolves call up someone? They need another energy player. Maybe Eschelwer can play the next couple of games. I thought he was quite responsible in the games he played this year. But the Wolves need more offence from Hutchison, and Carson. The same can be said from Candella. They need to chip in more on the scoresheet not every 5-10 games. And tighter and more aggressive neutral zone game from Byfield and Murray.
WJ
The blunder is by Levin, not the coaching staff who had to get Thompson in the lineup at some point and he played quite well. If they Wolves go with 6 defensemen this coming weekend I don't see how Thompson comes out of the lineup as he has offensive attributes the other defensemen don't.
Agreed on O'Bonsawin. As the season goes on, its more apparent why he is a call up from Rayside. Play McConville or go 11 and 7 and develop your younger drafted players with an upside. Even if Thompson is only used on the PP that's still a better option.
Murray has played much better and harder on the puck as of late but is still a work in progress. Byfield is still making one too many moves to get a closer shot at the net where he could simply rip it from the top of the circle and beat any goalie in the league. The sixth Soo goal happened because of that type of play. He'll figure it out.
Hutchison can't produce if he's always on the fourth line and rarely sees PP time. For the amount he plays he produces very well. Give him some more ice and put him in front of the net on the PP. He's got size and good hands for tips and rebounds. In the meantime call up one of our 16 or 17 year old prospects and get them some experience in the league. No more 19 year old call ups.
