The Final Huddle

The 2008/2009 Owatonna Express huddle around goalie Freddy Bergman one last time at the conclusion of Sunday's game 5 loss to the Bismarck Bobcats.

--I'm happy I decided to make the trip to Bismarck for Sunday's game, even though the outcome wasn't what we wanted. Watching the heart and effort the Express showed to come back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game was worth the 14 hour round trip drive. It was a large emotional swing from late Saturday night watching the boys load the bus to Sunday afternoon watching the Bobcats celebrate their championship.

--I'll post some season wrap-up stuff in the next few days, so stay tuned. The draft is only a few weeks away, and tryout camp is less than 2 months away.

See you at the rink.

--Big Kahuna

I'll Take It

I'll take a 1-1 series, with the next 2 games back in the civilized world. It's okay, they don't have the Internet up in North Dakota yet, so feel free to take some shots at the Bobcats yourself.

Our favorite junior hockey team got the job done tonight, winning 3-1 in game #2 of the Central Division Finals. This marks the first victory in Bismarck for the Express this season. If you throw out the first period of Friday night's game, the Express have held their own against a Bobcats team that dominated the Express in the regular season.

Now the Bobcats have to make the long bus ride down to Southern Minnesota for a pair of games next weekend in Faribault, while the Express are sleeping in their own beds. It is basically a best of three series with the Express having home-ice advantage.

Grab your air-horns, buckets, and other noisemakers, and let's pack the arena next weekend.

See you at the rink.

--BK

Game On!!!

I'm going to take it one paragraph at a time and give a 110% effort to not use any cliches' in this blog post.


On a serious note, it's game on tonight in Bismarck (some call Bismarck the Des Moines of North Dakota).

- Read the Bismarck Tribune series preview here: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2009/04/17/news/sports/local/182746.txt

- Read the Owatonna People's Press preview here: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=105490


My take: I realize the Express struggled with Bobcats in the regular season, but I don't care. The Fargo-Moorhead Jets were 4-2-1 versus the Express in the 2005/2006 regular season. How did the playoff match up between the two teams end up?? Express swept the Jets 4-0 in the best of 7 Central Division Finals. The Jets were 7-2-1 against the Express in the 2006/2007 regular season. How did that playoff match up end up?? Express swept the Jets 3-0 in the best of 5 Central Division Finals.

So you can draw only one logical conclusion from those indisputable facts: Not only will the Express win the series, they will do it without dropping a single game. They are 7-0 in Division Finals games, and not even Gretzky's great Oilers teams or the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team could beat the Express in this series.

Seriously now (Why do I keep saying that??), this should be a highly competitive series. The stats from the regular season don't mean anything. Coach Cullen said it best on Monday night's radio show: Both teams records are 0-0 going into game #1. The Bobcats play a defensive minded game in front of their top-notch goalie, but don't light up the scoreboard offensively (sounds like a NHL team from our state). The Express like to a play a high tempo, up and down the ice kind of game. On the surface, which style of play wins out in this series would determine the eventual winner.

My prediction: Express win in 4 games. My reasoning behind that prediction is I think there is a greater likely hood of the Express beating the Bobcats in a low-scoring, defensively dominated game than the Bobcats beating the Express in a high-scoring track meet kind of a game. The Express held the North Iowa Outlaws to only 4 goals in the last 3 games of the first round series, behind the great play of Freddy Bergman and the Express defense.

For the other division match ups, I'm going to stick with the predictions I made last September after the showcase. Fairbanks, Mahoning Valley, and Topeka join the Express at the Robertson Cup along with the Outlaws. Just in case you think I'm lying you can read my September predictions here: http://owatonnaexpress.blogspot.com/2008/09/predictions-for-tonight-and-playoffs.html .

See you at the rink.

--Big Kahuna


*******Update******** Tony McDonald is in the lineup tonight for the Express. This is good news for Express fans, as he missed most of the North Iowa series.

Tim Smith Commits to Providence

Express defenseman Tim Smith committed to play hockey at Providence College beginning this fall. Read the article from NAHL.com here: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=969

My take: Congratulations Timmy!! I said this guy was an "absolute stud" and a Division 1 prospect when I profiled him last June, and he didn't disappoint. He was a 1st round draft pick of the Express, and was a fixture in the lineup all season. As much as I would have loved to see him back next season, I figured the odds were slim. Had he not signed a commitment to play in college, he would have likely been on a USHL roster.

Just another in a long line of Division 1 commitments from Coach Cullen and the Express. Good luck out east in the fall, and we're all proud of you. Thanks for giving your all this season, and I can think of no better way to go out than a Central Division Championship and a Robertson Cup appearance. Go get 'em this weekend.

See you at the rink.

--BK

Sayonara Outlaws!!!

A great crowd saw Mike Palmiscno bank the puck into the net off of Outlaw goalie Keegan Asmundson's leg pad on a shot from the left corner midway through the second period to give the Express a 2-1 lead. Express goalie Freddy Bergman made that margin stand up, stopping 36 Outlaw shots, including 18 in the 3rd period, as the Express closed out the Outlaws in their first round playoff matchup, 3 games to 1.

The Express atoned for a lackluster performance in game #3 with a much better showing Saturday night. Cory Thorson scored the first Express goal, and the boys in blue took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at the first intermission. The Outlaws came out in the 2nd period and outskated the Express for the first 4 or 5 minutes, getting the game tying goal from former Express forward Brandon Brodhag. However it didn't take long for the Express to get that goal back as Palmiscno scored his goal just 4 minutes later. The third period was face paced, with a lot of end to end action, but the Express clamped down defensively, including killing off a late Outlaw powerplay opportunity. Freddy Bergman made a few key saves, and once again a Pat Cullen coached Express team wins a playoff series.

Next up for the Express is the Central Division Finals versus the Bismarck Bobcats who closed out the Alexandria Blizzard in their first round playoff series. The schedule for that series has yet to be finalized, so check back later for the specifics. Hey, we get at least 2 more weeks of hockey!!

See you at the rink.

--BK

Front Desk?? Yes, this is the Owatonna Express....

....can we get a 7:30pm wake up call for Saturday night?? Thanks

Of course I'm only kidding. The Express received all the wake up call they should need in game #3 a couple of nights ago. In some respects, I guess we should have probably seen a little bit of a letdown with a side of overconfidence going into Game #3, coming off of a phenomenal performance in Game #2 and a 2-0 game lead in the series. However, I didn't foresee the abject apathy coming that we witnessed at Shattuck Tuesday night. My apologies to goalie Freddy Bergman, as he played one of his best games all year, and kept it from being a blowout.

Okay, the Outlaws came out and dominated all aspects of the game (except the score), but the silver lining is: that game is but one single game, and that game is in the history books. There is way too much pride, anger, intelligence, experience, and sheer willpower in that cramped, smelly Express locker room to ever let that kind of performance happen again. The Outlaws had their backs against the wall, and they came out with a jump in their step that the Express couldn't match.

Now the skate is on the other foot. Nobody associated with our favorite junior hockey team, nor the boys in blue themselves, want to see a game #5 in Mason City on Monday. So I look for the Express to come out Saturday night and take care of business. That's all I got to say about that Lieutenant Dan.

Game time is 7:30pm on the new rink at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota. It should be a large, loud crowd, with the Outlaws bringing a busload of fans up from Mason City.

I have rambled on long enough.

See you at the rink.

--BK

Weekend Aftermath Linkorama

When the first round playoff schedule was released my first response was why in the h-e-double hockey sticks is game 3 scheduled for a Tuesday?? As it turns out, playing Game 3 on Tuesday probably plays into the hands of the Express. A short turnaround after a great weekend hopefully means a continuation of the energy and skill we saw Saturday night in Mason City. If there was a full week off before resuming the series, it could cool off the roll our favorite junior hockey team is currently on. In addition, after getting amped up over the weekend, I don't know if I could wait until Friday to see another game.

Linkorama:

- From the North Iowa Outlaws blog: http://northiowaoutlaws.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/no-noise/ Don't forget that Chris Giebe was a member of the 2005-2006 Southern Minnesota Express.

- Also from the North Iowa Outlaws blog: http://northiowaoutlaws.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/what-can-be-done/ Nice article with some glowing remarks about Coach Cullen.

- Also, also from the North Iowa Outlaws blog: http://northiowaoutlaws.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/the-cullen-curse/ The writer of the NI blog is also their radio announcer. Where was he before coming to Mason City?? He was the announcer for the Fargo-Moorhead Jets when the old Southern Minnesota Express swept them out of the playoffs twice.

- Also, also, also from the North Iowa Outlaws blog: http://northiowaoutlaws.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/2500/ In comparison, this Express blog has had over 26,000 hits and 12,000 unique visitors since I installed the counter in July of last year.

- The Express are front page news on NAHL.com. Read the article here: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=952

- Don't forget that all remaining Express souvenir jerseys are on sale while supplies last. You can pick yours up at the Express office, or at the Merchandise table at the next game. $40 is a great bargain for an Express jersey.

- Speaking of Express jerseys, the game-worn jersey auction is still going on. Place your bid at the games, or visit the official website.


Got to go, the Twins season opener is about to start.

See you at the rink.

--BK

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together

Fans of the '80's TV show "The A-Team" might recognize those immortal words as the once an episode catchphrase of Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, the leader of a crack commando squad relegated to the Los Angeles underground after being convicted of a crime they did not commit.

From the very first organizational meeting last April, through the draft, tryout camp, and the regular season, fans of the Owatonna Express have been repeating the following mantra: "This team will be very good come playoff time". Well, through the first two games, our wish has come to fruition.

The Express played one of their best 60 minute hockey games of the season Saturday night in Mason City, defeating the Outlaws for the second straight night, and taking a 2-0 lead in the best of 5 Central Division Semifinals. With the series now shifting to our "home" rink at Shattuck Arena in Faribault, the Express can send the Outlaws back to Mason City with a full 3 weeks to prepare for their hosting of the Robertson Cup with a victory Tuesday night.

- After a bit of a rough game Friday night, Express goalie Freddy Bergman shutout the Outlaws through the first 55 minutes of Saturday's game. Credit to the Outlaw's Travis Baker for somehow sneaking the only goal of the night past Bergman.

- Express forward Tony McDonald was back in the lineup for game 2 after missing game 1 with a shoulder injury sustained last weekend in Bismarck.

- Chris Darnell didn't appear any worse for wear Saturday night, after a scary crash into the endboards late in game 1. He scored the overtime game-winner Friday night, and tallied the 2nd Express goal Saturday night which also ended up as the game-winning goal. He is one of the most talented scorers on the team, and has played very well through the first two games.

- The Express defensive corp gets the gameball (gamepuck?) for game 2. After looking pretty ragged in game 1, the blueliners rebounded with a solid effort.

- 13 players on the Express roster have scored at least one point through the first 2 games. It's nice to see the 3rd and 4th lines getting some important goals this weekend.

- The biggest factor in the 2 wins this weekend was special teams. After struggling most of the regular season, the Express powerplay has been phenomenal, capitalizing on 5 of 9 opportunities. On the other side of the redline, the Express penalty kill has only allowed 1 goal to the Outlaws in 15 chances. If this type of performance continues, the Express will be hard to beat.


Thanks to the Express organization for putting together the bus ride/tailgating adventure Saturday night. It was a spirited night in the stands cheering on our favorite junior hockey team, and it was nice to have a large contingent of fellow Express fans in attendance. The game recap article on the North Iowa Outlaws website stated there was a "loud group of Express supporters who drowned out the Outlaws faithful all night." You can read that entire article here: http://www.northiowaoutlaws.com/item.asp?display=news&show=312 .

Next up for the Express is game 3 Tuesday night in Faribault. The Outlaws have dug themselves a big hole, but don't think they won't come out fighting. With the history of this rivalry, Outlaw nation would love nothing more than to knock the Express out of the playoffs. On the other hand, the Express have their hands around the Outlaws collective throats, and just need to squeeze the last bit of life out of them. Game time is 7pm Tuesday night, and don't forget to bring your noisemakers.

See you at the rink.

--BK

Game 1 to the Good Guys

Huge double overtime victory for the Express Friday night in Mason City.

Read the OPP article here: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=105151

Read the article from the Mason City Globe Gazette here: http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2009/04/04/sports/local/doc49d6ec08425b2142291333.txt

See the boxscore here: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=972380


My take: The Express did almost everything right last night. They got an early goal to get rid of the pregame nervousness, they outshot the Outlaws by a wide margin (don't believe Pointstreak), and flat-out dominated the hockey game.............and then the 1st period ended. From that point on it was a tough game to watch as an Express fan. Three 2-goal leads were wasted, and the Express were outplayed for a majority of the rest of the game. Several big-time saves by Freddy Bergman kept the Outlaws from taking the lead, and eventually Chris Darnell scored the game winner early in the 2nd overtime to clinch the victory.

Now, I started the blog in June of last year, and this post will be my 199th blogpost. Very, very infrequently, if ever, have I taken issue with the way an Express game was officiated. Have there been times that I wanted to blast the officials?? Of course there has, but I usually bite my tongue, and figure that eventually things even out. However, because it was the story of the game Friday night, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how horrible the officiating was through the 3rd period and the overtimes. It's ironic that the game ended on a powerplay goal by the Express, given that the Express were on the penalty kill way to frequently at the end of the game. While I would love the Express to be the on the opposite side of a badly officiated game tonight, I would settle for a fairly officiated game. There is enough drama already surrounding this series, and it would be a shame if the ultimate result was influenced by the officials. Let the guys settle on the ice, and shove that whistle in your...........................pocket.


Anyways, on to Game #2. The Outlaws have all of the pressure on them tonight. They played hard Friday night, and lost a heartbreaker on their home rink. A loss tonight would be potentially back-breaking for the Outlaws, as they would have to then beat the Express twice in Faribault to force a game 5. It will be interesting to see who starts at goalie tonight for our favorite junior hockey team, Horstman or Bergman. The forward lines last night were different than we've seen most of this season. Tony McDonald is out with an injury, so Cullen had to juggle the combinations. Will that continue tonight??

There will be a packed bus of rowdy Express fans making the trip south (A Big Kahuna thank you to St Clairs For Men and Kyle/Rick for putting it together). Don't forget the bus leaves at 4:30 from the Country Club!!!!!

Lastly, this could be the final home game in the history of the North Iowa Outlaws. The Outlaws organization is struggling with the Fair Board in Mason City over ice time and costs. If they don't come to an amicable solution, Express fans could be traveling to watch the LaCrosse Outlaws(Cheeseheads?) next season.

See you at the rink.

--BK

Tim Smith Named All-Division Defenseman

Congratulations to Express defenseman Tim Smith who was named to the All-Central Division Team today. See the entire article here: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=949

--BK

What's this?? A new blog post??

I am back. Okay, I never really left. I have been suffering from a bad case of hockey overload the last few weeks. In the hockey world, "hockey overload" is the third worst affliction, right behind "hockey drought syndrome" and Minnesota Wild fan. I have been bunkered down in my man-cave watching the Minnesota High School tournament, NCAA tournament, the Wild choke-job down the stretch, and the National Broomball Championship on ESPN 8 (The Ocho). All this has kept from my appointed post as postmaster of the Express Blog.

At this point it would take a blogpost roughly the size of the Warren Report to catch up on everything that has happened since my last post, so I'm not even going to try. What's past is past, and what is present is the NAHL playoffs.

- South Division: Springfield and Wichita Falls are decent teams, but there is no way that either of them gets in the way of an epic finals matchup between Topeka and St Louis. The Roadrunners and Bandits both sweep their first round opponents.

- West Division: I really don't care, as this is a horrible division. If the Albert Lea Thunder played in the West Division, they would have qualified for the playoffs. Fairbanks will advance to the division finals by beating Kenai River in 4 games. The Alaska Avalanche versus Wenatchee Wild matchup could be an entertaining series. I see the Wild winning in 4 or maybe 5 games.

- North Division: The USNTDP made a late run to clinch the division championship, but that was to be expected with the U18 team playing a lot at the end of the regular season. I assume it will be the U17 team playing Alpena in the first round, which could be a very interesting series with Alpena. Former Express goalie Nick Graves has shown the ability at times to dominate in this league, and if the Icediggers can find any bit of offense they could give the U17's a run for their money. In the other matchup in the North, Mahoning Valley is taking on Traverse City. MVP has a veteran team with a lot of playoff experience, and I think that gets them a series win in 4 games.

- Central Division: As much as I would love the Alexandria Blizzard to knock off the Bismarck Bobcats, I just don't see it happening. Bobcats in a 3 game sweep.

Now onto the main event: Express vs. Outlaws. The Express have been playing well lately. Yeah, they have struggled against the Bobcats in Bismarck, but we'll cross that bridge after sending the Outlaws home for the summer. As Paul over at the Mahoning Valley Phantoms blog put it: Who wants to face Pat Cullen in the playoffs?? Something tells me Cullen has a few aces up his sleeve that will get played when the situation warrants. I give the Express a definitive edge in offensive firepower, and I think defensively it's a push between the two teams. Horstman played very well against the Outlaws at Shattuck a few weeks ago, and Bergman has shown flashes of dominance at times lately. Callaghan/Asmundson for the Outlaws isn't a bad tandem either, and if they play well the Express will have trouble scoring. Asmundson dominated the Express most of the season, but he the Express put up a 7 spot on him on March 13th, and Callaghan gave up 10 goals in his last two appearances against our favorite junior hockey team.

Anyway way you slice it, this should be a great series. Prediction-wise, I look for the Express and Outlaws to split the first weekend's games, and then win the pair of games at Shattuck to take the series in 4 games. That's right, you heard it here first: Express in 4.

See you at the rink.

--Big Kahuna