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
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Boy was there ever the crying going on from one of the Outlaws fans on glassrattler about the Owatonna supporters. Gotta say it's some funny reading. For once on there, all the Express fans are agreeing with each other.
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