Well they made it interesting Friday night in Albert Lea. The Express gave up 3 quick goals at the beginning of the 3rd period, which turned a 2-0 lead into a 3-2 deficit. The Express fought back and tied the game at 3-3 with 6 minutes left, on a goal from Dmitry Lugin. It looked like the game was heading to overtime until Zach Vierling scored with 6 seconds left in regulation to give the Express a 4-3 win.
A win is a win, and the Express picked up 2 important points, while keeping Albert Lea from getting any points by winning in regulation. For a young team as the Express are, to fight back on the road, after giving up the 3 goals in the 3rd period, showed a lot of heart. As Coach Cullen has intimated numerous times, there are no easy games, and if you don't come ready to play you will get beat. I'll take the win, and hope for a more dominating perfomance Saturday night in Owatonna.
- In the pregame interview with Roy Koenig, Coach Cullen said that the surgery on Express forward John Kruse's wrist went well, and he will hopefully be back in the lineup around New Years.
- A new forward suited up for the Express tonight. His name is Brian McGinty and he's wearing jersey #17. He is from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and is a 1989 birth year. He spent the beginning of this season, and all of last year with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. Coach Cullen said(paraphrasing here) that McGinty immediately adds depth to the Express roster, that he plays with an edge, plays a physical game, and has good hands/puck skills.
- Starting lineup for the Express tonight was Buegler, Smith, Puente, McDonald, Bournazos, and Thorson.
See you at the rink.
--BK
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2 comments:
"A win is a win." You are correct BK. That was a very important 2 points. However with that being said I was very disappointed with our powerplay not being able to put one home. We were 0-9 on the man advantage. The other stat I could do without is giving up a shorthanded goal. I don't want to be all down about this game so I will give the team credit for coming back and not giving up. I hope we come out and play all 60 minutes Saturday night!
Agree with Eagles33. Team needs to be more consistent. First period AL was taking it to Express in our zone, and we didn't show much grit. PP didn't click. Suffice it to say, 0-9 isn't going to get you a championship - you need to convert opportunities. Team picked up in 2nd, but beginning of 3rd looked like they were asleep. They have to be up for each game - work with each other, hustle, and get the puck to the open man - wasn't really happening much last night. D needs to get more agressiver and help set up some plays - makes it more effective for forwards. They can do it - i've already seen it.
Glad they did come back - even if it was a nail biter. Hope to get the 4 point weekend 2nite!
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