Ten minutes into the first period of the challenge cup match between Steelers and Panthers on Saturday night my thoughts about what to write in this weeks blog were very different to those you are about to read.
The Steelers had taken the lead and they looked good value for it, very good value. Panthers for me were looking defensively like a side that were conceding an average of 3 goals a game. Despite going in at the end of the first period 3-1 in front, I still thought the Steelers were the better side. Maybe the press release earlier that week stating that the Steelers 'were not on the same page' had done the job.
However, that's when it all changed. Despite an even second period with a goal a piece which was dominated by Hicks blowing his whistle, there was one standout moment which changed the face of the game and ultimately the thoughts contained within this weeks blog.
It was during a 5 on 3 powerplay to Sheffield and a shift by Brett Henley. We were under the cosh, no doubt about it, the Steelers were looking for a way into the game and this was their chance. However Henley was a warrior, he threw himself in front of everything the Steelers power play unit were throwing at us. It was immense. His team mates sensed it was immense and the crowd sensed it was too and it was there for me that the game changed and highlighted one of what now turns out to be numerous problems for Sheffield. When things got tough, they didn't seem to be playing for each other.
The game finished 7-3 to Panthers, our 6th goal in particular was for me a fantastic one. Anderson (who deserves credit for being so committed only hours after arriving in the country) found Salters in acres of space who in turn laid it on a plate for Lachowicz to score at the back door.
The Steelers were reeling, suffering the further blow that Lacroix will be out for 3 months with a broken ankle. I am going to join the many wishing him a speedy recovery as I thought he was one of the highlights for me on Saturday evening. Although he seemed to spend too much of the first period on his backside, he took his two goals well and I think he would have put up some fantastic numbers this season.
Rather understandably the inquest on Steeltalk started and it sure as hell won't have helped when they suffered a defeat on Sunday night on penalties to Braehead and their former coach Ryan Finnerty. Nothing seems right at the moment, Doyle can't keep net, defence leakier than a sieve, can't park in the car park, food is overpriced and awful and Simms not being the club official he ought to be.
My personal thoughts are that despite how bad the defence might have been on Saturday, Doyle was shocking. Some of his positioning was terrible and I don't think Cardiff are too upset right now about him walking away. But I think a little perspective is also needed. DC had some success at Belfast and it is always going to take time to implement new systems and ideas. Lets face it, it took Corey a while didn't it?! The two defeats to Nottingham, yes you NEVER want to lose against your rivals, but they were challenge cup fixtures and it seems like Hull have already staked their claim for the one team who aren't all the bothered about getting out of the group stage.
As for the league defeat to Breahead, if they win their 3 games in hand on Dundee they will only be a point behind them which is easily reversed in the next fixture between the pair. I think with the appointment of DC, Tony Smith was perhaps looking a little more long term, potentially trying to emulate the stability and subsequent success we have had at the Panthers under Nielson. I think perhaps if you ask Steelers fans whether the would take a season or so of transition followed by 7 trophies out of 9 then they might well jump at the chance. As for the food, car parking and Mr Simms, that's for someone else to deal with!
My 'Blog from Block 15' award of the weekend is goes to Dan Bakala of the Dundee Stars. 58 shots faced this weekend with no goals conceded and Dundee keep rolling on at sit proudly onto of the Elite League. 36 of those shots were against the Devils and Mr Bakala I tip my hat to you.
Against the norm, I also have a second award of the weekend and it goes to the NIC. For the first game that I can remember I was not subject to that awful Hillbilly Rock. Long may it continue as for most of us know, #hillbillyrocksucks #justsaynotohillbillyrock
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