Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Rink Rats had a tough outing in last night’s first round playoff matchup losing 6-3 against the Dropkicks and going down 0-1 in the series. Minnesota striked early with a goal from John-Michael Liles; a power play goal. Liles snuck into the play alongside Brad Richards scoring on a one-timer. The Rink Rats would carry a 2-1 lead into the second period off of another power play goal by Matthew Lombardi who sped past Steve Staios to beat Biron stick side. The Kicks would score the next 4 goals and go on to win the contest.
Ryan Miller stopped 30 of 36 shots in last night’s contest and didn’t look like himself following a brief layoff following the league’s regular season. The Rink Rats will have to be on their game in order to avoid going down 0-2 before heading home in Minnesota.
“We just need to be more disciplined and better defensively,” said forward Mike Cammalleri. “We took more penalties tonight than we’re used to, which slowed us down a bit on even strength situations. I think we did well offensively, we just need to be more careful in our own end and minimize mistakes.”
The Rats had trouble turning the puck over throughout the game specifically on the second line. “Burnsy and Ranger had a bit of trouble in there tonight against the Kicks’ aggressive attack,” said Coach Dan Bylsma. “We’re going to try mixing a couple of lines up for tonight and see if that helps us at all. Burnsy and Ranger are good players. They had a rough night but I know they’ll be ok as we proceed.”
Other Rats News
The Rink Rats’ Derek Roy and Oscar Moller haven’t been pulling their weight the second half of the season leading many to wonder if they’ll be around next year. GM is a big supporter of Roy, but may look to some other options if they’re eliminated early in this year’s playoffs. Moller is a gifted prospect and shouldn't be expected of much at this point in his career. Still though, GM may look at his options during the offseason and Moller has stated that he’d like to play on the Swedish team that's formed in Detroit.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
WHL 1st Round Predictions
Wales Conference
Halifax Citadelles vs Kanata Saints
The Citadelles have a very respectable team and had a good season going 42-32-10 but there are very few teams that have looked better than the Saints this season. The Saints had one of their very best seasons with a 58-17-9 record. GM Stephen Legge made no a statement at the trade deadline to bring in some big names by moving the little youth they had on the squad. Now is the time for the Saints and this one will likely be over quickly thanks to the exceptional play of Martin Brodeur and company.
Prediction: Saints in 5
Detroit Cougars vs New York Demons
With both teams having some good offense team defense will be the x factor in this series. Detroit has some good young puck-movers on their squad but can they stand up to Joe Thornton and company? The Demons boast a bit more oomph and are built a little better for the playoffs behind guys like Chara, McCabe, Regehr and company. They’ll have their hands full with Toews, Kariya and Gaborik but my money is on New York taking this tight series.
Prediction: Demons in 6
Chicoutimi Sparrows vs Niagara Falls IceDogs
A rematch of last season’s Conference Finals, the Sparrows visit the Niagara Falls Icedogs in what is likely GM, Jon Lemoine’s final WHL season. The Icedogs boast an All-Star roster, one which many teams will have a tough time beating in the playoffs. They’re built for the playoffs. Marc Denis has played some great hockey all year long, but he’s going to have a tough time against this offense. Look for the Icedogs to play some inspired hockey to keep Lemoine around.
Prediction: Icedogs in 5
Quebec City Corinthians vs Toronto Stallions
The most compelling matchup of the first round pits the Corinths against the Stallions. The Corinths traded away some of the best players in the game in Gagne, Gionta and company during the deadline but they still have a formidable roster. The Stallions are on their last leg and if they don’t do it this year they may look to blow it up in the offseason. Expect this one to go long folks.
Prediction – nagging injuries cost the Stallions. Corinths in 7
Campbell Conference
Vancouver Voodoo vs Las Vegas Bulls
Don’t expect a repeat of what happened last season to the Bulls. The Bulls have the best talent in the league and were winners of the President’s Trophy this season. With a ton of goal scorers on the roster and everyone knowing their role, it’s going to be tough for the Voodoo to keep pucks out of the net. Especially considering that they traded away Martin Brodeur and are left with Marc-Andre Fleury who’s had a tough time as of late. In his past 4 games, Fleury has a 9.50 gaa and .836 sv%. On the verge of a rebuild, the Voodoo don’t have much help offensively so this one will be done quick.
Prediction: Bulls in 4
Minnesota Rink Rats vs Edmonton Dropkicks
The Rink Rats have played well as of late lead by the play of goaltender Ryan Miller. Miller is one of the best goaltenders in the world. Minnesota played the role of Cinderella last season and many of those players are still on the squad. They’ve done really well in their past 6 games including a win against the Dropkicks, but don’t count out the Kicks. They’re a team known for bad luck in the playoffs but they have a great goalie in Nabokov and some excellent talent up front. This series could go long
Prediction: Rats upset in 6
Anchorage Orcas vs Kelowna Cats
From bottom dwellers to playoff teams, both the Cats and Orcas have exceeded expectations this season. The Orcas are young and are going to be a contender for several years once their players mature. The Cats have played very well this season behind Chris Kunitz, Brian Boucher and Brian Campbell. Kunitz could very well win the Hart Trophy this season for his performance. Look for this to be a good learning step for the Orcas who will make a bigger statement in the next couple of years.
Prediction: Cats in 5
Saskachewan Dugouts vs Portland Timberjacks
Both teams are hot – the Timberjacks enter this matchup going 7-2-1 in their past 10 games while the Dugouts have gone 8-1-1 in their past 10 games. This will be a close matchup that will likely come down to intangibles. The key for the Dugouts will be stopping Ovechkin, Horcoff and Getzlaf who are point-per-game players. Look for this one to go long.
Prediction: TJacks in 7
Minnesota Secures Playoff Spot
Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Rink Rats clinched a playoff spot in last night’s win in Nashville, a feat many fans were concerned wouldn’t happen this season. Following an abundance of trades around the deadline, the Rink Rats went in a free fall that they seemed to have trouble getting out of. But they’ve gone 4-0-1 in their last 5 games and are appearing to be a much stronger team behind the play of goaltender, Ryan Miller.
Currently in 7th place, the Rink Rats would take on the Edmonton Dropkicks with a win tonight against the Gorillas or a Voodoo loss. Although the Rink Rats had success as the 8th seed last season, upsetting the Las Vegas Bulls and then going on to the Cyber Cup Finals, they’d feel much better about their chances against the Dropkicks.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” said Head Coach, Dan Bylsma. “Both teams are tough and the Gorillas aren’t a team to look past anymore either so we’re going to have our hands full. I really like the way we’ve been playing though and I’d like our chances against the Kicks. They’re a good team but we played well against them early in the week and guys seem to be finding better chemistry right now. It should be exciting.”
The Rink Rats will play in front of a sold-out crowd this evening against the Gorillas and will hold a fan appreciation autograph signing following the game.
Currently in 7th place, the Rink Rats would take on the Edmonton Dropkicks with a win tonight against the Gorillas or a Voodoo loss. Although the Rink Rats had success as the 8th seed last season, upsetting the Las Vegas Bulls and then going on to the Cyber Cup Finals, they’d feel much better about their chances against the Dropkicks.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” said Head Coach, Dan Bylsma. “Both teams are tough and the Gorillas aren’t a team to look past anymore either so we’re going to have our hands full. I really like the way we’ve been playing though and I’d like our chances against the Kicks. They’re a good team but we played well against them early in the week and guys seem to be finding better chemistry right now. It should be exciting.”
The Rink Rats will play in front of a sold-out crowd this evening against the Gorillas and will hold a fan appreciation autograph signing following the game.
Rats Begin Quest for the Cup
Minneapolis, MN – Following last night’s 5-5 tie against the Dugouts, Head Coach, Dan Bylsma sat in front of dozens of reporters with a big smile and an upbeat outlook on the Rink Rats’ chances of squeaking out a playoff spot. The Rink Rats have gone 3-0-1 since losing to the Fighting Irish, and Ryan Miller has looked outstanding in goal for the Rats, who are just two games away from securing a playoff spot for the 3rd year in a row.
The Rink Rats will travel to Nashville to take on the Stampede tonight and then back to Minnesota for the final game of the season against the Gorillas. Although the Gorillas and Stampede have struggled at times this season, Minnesota wants to leave nothing to chance.
“We know we need to play both teams to the best of our ability and the fact of the matter is that there’s still a chance to gain some ground in our conference,” stated Bylsma after the game. “Our guys are focused and ready to go. I haven’t seen Ryan play this well in a while and seeing Jamie Langenbrunner and Dave Krejci step up here recently has been a big positive. We have a lot of things going for us right now.”
The quest for the cup starts tonight against the Nashville Stampede. Minnesota, the Express, the Voodoo and the Fighting Irish all have a chance to clinch the final two spots over the next two games. The only other compelling race in the WHL is 1st place in the Wales Conference. The Saints have a one game lead on the Demons and are a half game ahead of the Icedogs. All of the other teams have home ice locked up and the Bulls, currently 17 games unbeaten, all but clinched the President’s Trophy weeks ago. One thing is for sure, it should be a fun finish to an exciting WHL season.
The Rink Rats will travel to Nashville to take on the Stampede tonight and then back to Minnesota for the final game of the season against the Gorillas. Although the Gorillas and Stampede have struggled at times this season, Minnesota wants to leave nothing to chance.
“We know we need to play both teams to the best of our ability and the fact of the matter is that there’s still a chance to gain some ground in our conference,” stated Bylsma after the game. “Our guys are focused and ready to go. I haven’t seen Ryan play this well in a while and seeing Jamie Langenbrunner and Dave Krejci step up here recently has been a big positive. We have a lot of things going for us right now.”
The quest for the cup starts tonight against the Nashville Stampede. Minnesota, the Express, the Voodoo and the Fighting Irish all have a chance to clinch the final two spots over the next two games. The only other compelling race in the WHL is 1st place in the Wales Conference. The Saints have a one game lead on the Demons and are a half game ahead of the Icedogs. All of the other teams have home ice locked up and the Bulls, currently 17 games unbeaten, all but clinched the President’s Trophy weeks ago. One thing is for sure, it should be a fun finish to an exciting WHL season.
Minnesota Controls Fate
Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Rink Rats took control of their own fate last night in a 2-1 win over the Dropkicks. The win put Minnesota in 7th place in the Campbell Conference, a half game ahead of the Express and out of a playoff spot. With 4 games remaining the Rink Rats know that now is not the time to let up.
“We just have to continue to be patient with the puck, get some shots on net and play well defensively,” said forward Mike Cammalleri. “I thought Ryan (Miller) did a great job last night; we’ve just got to help him out a bit more and take more control in front of the opposing goal.”
Ryan Miller stopped 33 of 34 shots and Jamie Langenbrunner and recent waiver acquisition, Kyle Greentree scored the goals for Minnesota who play the Dugouts tonight. The Dugouts are a tough team who has gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. Minnesota will have to bring it’s “A game” if they’re going to beat a surging Dugouts squad who looks to have found great chemistry at the right time of the season. Head Coach, Dan Bylsma has said he wants to continue with Ryan Miller for the remainder of the season in goal, despite some good play by Scott Clemmensen while Miller was away to injury. Bylsma has also said he’ll continue to play rookie Nikolai Kulemin.
“We just have to continue to be patient with the puck, get some shots on net and play well defensively,” said forward Mike Cammalleri. “I thought Ryan (Miller) did a great job last night; we’ve just got to help him out a bit more and take more control in front of the opposing goal.”
Ryan Miller stopped 33 of 34 shots and Jamie Langenbrunner and recent waiver acquisition, Kyle Greentree scored the goals for Minnesota who play the Dugouts tonight. The Dugouts are a tough team who has gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. Minnesota will have to bring it’s “A game” if they’re going to beat a surging Dugouts squad who looks to have found great chemistry at the right time of the season. Head Coach, Dan Bylsma has said he wants to continue with Ryan Miller for the remainder of the season in goal, despite some good play by Scott Clemmensen while Miller was away to injury. Bylsma has also said he’ll continue to play rookie Nikolai Kulemin.
Win Streak Puts Rats Back in the Mix
Minneapolis, MN – A two-game winning streak, really??? Fans in Minnesota haven’t had much to cheer about recently. But a two-game winning streak, and some games on the schedule ahead that look to be winnable give Rink Rats fans hope that the playoffs are still a possibility.
The Rink Rats looked pretty good last night in their 5-1 victory over the Gorillas. The win put the team half a game out of a playoff spot and within reach of grabbing as high as a 7th seed. Defenseman, Bryan Berard collected 3 assists and Ryan Miller stopped 27 of 28 shots in the win. The Rink Rats will now travel to take on the Fighting Irish, a team that they’ve struggled against all season long going 0-5-0 including a loss earlier this week. The matchup is sure to have a playoff type atmosphere as both teams are battling for a final playoff seed.
“It’s going to be like this the rest of the way,” stated goaltender, Ryan Miller. “We know every game is a must-win and we can’t look past anyone. We have some tough games coming up still and being on the road adds another element to things. I thought we played well the past two games so hopefully we can build off that momentum.”
With everything on the line, Minnesota hopes that they’re finally able to figure out the Irish and get a crucial win on the road.
The Rink Rats looked pretty good last night in their 5-1 victory over the Gorillas. The win put the team half a game out of a playoff spot and within reach of grabbing as high as a 7th seed. Defenseman, Bryan Berard collected 3 assists and Ryan Miller stopped 27 of 28 shots in the win. The Rink Rats will now travel to take on the Fighting Irish, a team that they’ve struggled against all season long going 0-5-0 including a loss earlier this week. The matchup is sure to have a playoff type atmosphere as both teams are battling for a final playoff seed.
“It’s going to be like this the rest of the way,” stated goaltender, Ryan Miller. “We know every game is a must-win and we can’t look past anyone. We have some tough games coming up still and being on the road adds another element to things. I thought we played well the past two games so hopefully we can build off that momentum.”
With everything on the line, Minnesota hopes that they’re finally able to figure out the Irish and get a crucial win on the road.
Rats Hope to Stop the Bleeding
Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Rink Rats are falling fast and there’s no end in sight. The squad has lost the past 7 games and is 1-9-0 in the past 10 games. Although they’re still in the midst of a playoff spot, the Rink Rats know they’re in for a fight in the next 10 games in order to make the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season. The fight will continue tonight when they take on the Dugouts.If the Rink Rats are going to make the playoffs and finish the season off strong, they’re going to have to rely on forwards Mike Cammalleri, David Krejci and Brad Richards to lead the way. All 3 forwards are stuck in a scoring drought at the moment but have the ability of taking over a game. Cammalleri has enjoyed a breakthrough season after lofty expectations and pressure held him to just 29 goals and 29 assists last season. He currently has 41 goals and 32 assists thanks in part to the play of rookie centerman David Krejci. Krejci, a Calder Trophy candidate, has played the majority of the season centering Cammalleri and currently leads the league in rookie scoring with 23 goals and 45 assists, despite a prolonged scoring drought and a leg injury that hampered his play for about 15 games midway through the season. Still there are no excuses.
“David’s been great all year long,” stated Cammalleri following their morning skate today. “He’s just so dangerous with the puck and he moves the puck so well. He’s been a great contributor to our team all season long.”
Following today’s practice Head Coach, Dan Bylsma reiterated to his club that the team needs wins and guys, like Krejci & Cammalleri, need to start scoring.
“We have to play a full 60 minutes – no excuses,” said Bylsma. “We’re having a tough time following the trade deadline but I don’t care. All of our guys need to pick it up a notch and we need to start winning games, no matter the opponent.
With 10 games remaining every point counts as Minnesota looks to cap off a Jekyll-and-Hyde season with a playoff berth. One things for certain, if the Rats are going to get there it’s going to be behind solid goaltending and guys like Krejci & Cammalleri making plays.
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