Hershey Moves On, Bears Drop Rats in OT Again, 5-4
by Bob Wage on Apr 30, 2010 12:00 PM EDT
65 comments
Albany, N.Y. The Hershey Bears had the top record in the AHL this season and they almost accumulated the highest number of points, (123), in the history of the AHL. In the end, the Albany River Rats were no match for them as they dropped four straight games, (although they played to an overtime period in three of those four losses), to this minor league powerhouse.
Last night's contest went down much like the previous loses. The Rats took a lead into the third period and could not hold onto it.
After Hershey jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the opening period on a nice goal from Chris Bourque, Albany struck back quickly. Jerome Samson scored the first of his two goals as he tucked back a rebound from a Drayson Bowman breakaway attempt. Chris Terry would make it 2-1 Albany, as he ripped in a one-timer from a pass by Bowman on a powerplay.
After the game, Bowman said that he thinks he deserves a shot in the NHL. "I think I can play up there, if I have a chance," he said. The youngster led his team in the postseason with 6 assists. It looks at this point like he will certainly have a chance. The Hurricanes should have more than one opening at forward next season.
Early in the second period Bourque tied things up with another goal, but Zach Boychuk made it 3-2, as he scooped up a loose puck after Bears' goalie Michal Neuvirth misplayed it behind his net.
Midway through the third period, Jerome Samson made a beautiful play as he stole the puck at the blueline, skated in alone on Neuvirth, and faked the goalie out as he easily backhanded the puck into an open net. With the score 4-2 and time running out, it looked like the Rats might finally win a game against these Bears.
But once again, the Bears struck back. With less than 3:30 in the game, Alexandre Giroux scored his 10th goal of the playoffs to make it 4-3, as he was set up nicely by John Carlson. The Bears were on another powerplay as Samson was in the box because of a delay of game penalty.
Then with just 1:13 left, Mathieu Perreault tied things up, 4-4.
The Bears almost scored again with just a couple of seconds left, but Justin Peters was scrambling and managed to keep the puck out.
The overtime period was all Bears as they kept the puck in the Rats zone for almost the duration. Perreault scored the game winner just two minutes and change into it.
In another familiar theme, the Rats were outshot again in the game, 39-21.
While the Bears have several young players who will serve their parent team, the Washington Capitals well someday, they also have several older, experienced veterans who have been through the wars. Keith Aucoin, (32), Alexandre Giroux, (29), and Boyd Kane, (32) can hardly be called "prospects". The average age of their roster is 25.8 years.
The Rats on the otherhand have several players right out of Juniors. Their oldest players are Tim Conboy and Jay Harrison, both at 28. This series has certainly been more of a learning experience for them than it has been for their opponents and the more experienced team certainly looked the part late in the games when it mattered the most.
It was a sad ending for the fans in more ways than one as the Rats will now move to Charlotte, North Carolina and begin next season as the "Checkers"
______
Observations:
Not that I am a professional scout by any means, but I thought I would share some of my first-hand perceptions from last night.
The usual suspects were standouts to me. Zach Boychuk skated well and was all over the ice. He benefited by the puck misplay by the Bears, but his hustle helped to create the play.
What more can be said about Jerome Samson? He almost looked like a man among boys at times in the offensive zone, but he probably could do better in his own end. His penalty late in the game helped the Bears to get closer. He backhanded the puck high to clear the zone, but it went over the glass for an automatic penalty.
Drayson Bowman played very well and Nick Dodge stood out to me, especially on the penalty kill. The kid is one heck of a skater.
Jamie McBain does a great job of continually moving his feet and knows how to get open on the point of the powerplay. Anton Babchuk might be well-served by playing alongside him. On one play, Chris Terry was trying to get the puck to the defenseman, but a Bear was there to break up the play. McBain recognized the situation and skated laterally until he was open. He is also able to move back and forth along the blueline until he is open enough to get a shot through to the net.
Chris Terry's one-timer last night was NHL quality. It reminded me of a Jussi Jokinen shot. If he can keep shooting like that, he might have a chance in Raleigh next season. The rest of his game is solid, if not flashy. He does a good job of grinding along the boards.
Zac Dalpe looked good, played a good all around game and tried to make a couple of set up plays that never quite materialized. He finished with a plus +2.
Oskar Osala made some moves, even if he did not dent the scoresheet. He also finished at plus +2. The Finn did not necessarily seem physical to me, considering his size.
Justin Peters seemed to fight the puck at times, although he made several nice saves. He was certainly kept very busy this series. The goalie did not seem as confident to me as he did when he played for the NHL club.
Of course all of this is just a one game sampling, so it doesn't mean much. Take it for what it is worth.
The game was lightly attended, reminding me somewhat of a scrimmage at times. But Albany fans can not be blamed. They are losing the team soon, so it would be tough to support the franchise at this point unless you are a diehard.
The people in charge of the arena music did a great job. It was nice to listen to different things. They played Brass Bonanza during the pregame and fittingly closed things out with "The End" by the Doors.
I took some video of post game interviews by the local media which are included below. I also had the chance to speak one-on-one with Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman, and Jerome Samson, and will post those interviews in separate articles in the near future.
Coach Jeff Daniels
Jerome Samson
0 recs |
65 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Great stuff despite the results Bob.
On top of that … not only is CC one of the few major league sports blogs to cover the team from the press box night after night, but the fact you took the time and money to go to Albany to cover the minor league team is awesome. I hope everyone appreciates how much Bob gives to the site.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 30, 2010 12:47 PM EDT reply actions
no "exactly" about it
the number defies counting!
by Raccoon Fink on Apr 30, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I knew CC was in rather exclusive company in terms of Canes press box coverage, but I didn’t realize that held true across the entire league. WOW. I was impressed already but now I realize I’ve been breathing in the virtual rarified air.
And I thought there was a tip jar at the Canes Country store. You know, the one down the hall from your offices, just past the executive washroom and the hot tub.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
there’s a hot tub, hmm I have read all the game threads and don’t seem to remember any references to a hot tub………. =P
For the record, press credentials are granted on a request basis from each specific team. We really appreciate that Albany granted our request. There are no guarantees that others will do the same, although we have been well received with our requests. The number of you following us on a regular basis help to give us this strength.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Really enjoyed reading this and these post-game videos say a lot. Looking forward to the player interviews you mentioned. Thanks for doing this, just like Cory says. You are a treasure for the hockey nuts in the Caniac Nation.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
Just as I feel we are lucky to have the Canes here, as I truly enjoy the franchise and how the organization works with the fans…
…I echo the sentiment for you, Bob. Your articles and information led me to start reading the site in the first place, and from looking at a lot of the other team blogs on this network, it’s like family here. Which is how it should be.
You sir, are the man.
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Listened to the series did not SEE any of it. How about some thoughts as far as Peters being Wards back up next year. From what I heard and was commented this worries me. I am thinking Manny should be in Finland as backup. Any comments please….
I want to look again at all eight games playoff games before commenting. I thought it was sad that the Albany Rats couldn’t seal the deal; but I am impressed that they held the lead in all four games. The teams has tremendous talent and potential. Now they have to learn how to win games when two talented teams enter a playoff series and the smallest detail will matter.
Just spotted this thoughtful analysis on new vs mainstream media, twitter and sports news coverage.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
Good find and very provocative.
I just finished reading that article, which, coincidentally, I found from your tweet. I’m not joking when I say I don’t think it’s possible for me to live without twitter.
If I’m looking for silver linings, I’d have to say that one benefit of not having my team in the playoffs is that I’m actually reading more information from other markets. There’s some really good stuff out there on some of the affiliated SBNation sites.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Minor league hockey attendance is kind of interesting. If you look at the numbers across all minor leagues, attendance drops significantly come playoff time with few exceptions. There are a number of likely reasons for that. Shorter notice to get people to the games, more expensive ticket prices, and lack of promotional events (minor league teams live off these) to name a few. Ultimately I think the majority of people who attend minor league games aren’t really that passionate about the team; they just want to go to a hockey game. Obviously there are exceptions, but the attendance kind of alludes to that.
Thanks for this coverage Bob; that’s awesome that you took the time and money to go up there.
As Always Bob
we the little people thank you,Cory & HM2 not just for this but for all the little stuff each of you does…even when "some’ may not "always’ agree with you…and on a more serious note…if there a place that we can or could sent something for such a thing with the profits ( if there were any) going to the cane’s Kids & Community account…i would sent an email but my hands are sore and it has taken me 12 mins just to type this out…Have a great & safe week end everyone…
Help Wanted: Iron Curtain Defence ! Only those with grit,speed and ability need apply.Apply in person to :Tim Gleason
Thanks Bubba!!
I really do appreciate how you’ve grown CC over the years and made it not only a great place for news and insight about the Canes. But also a friendly environment for Caniacs to interact, debate and mingle.
Standing O for Bob!
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
It sort of feels like we should have a different thread for tonight’s game.
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
no no – you’re still our hero! It’s all good. We self-serviced a game thread thanks to LTD.
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
Not at all.
After all, sometimes the parents need to go out of town and leave the kids behind to see if they’ll behave and if they do decide to have a party, they do it the right way and then clean up after themselves.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Yay! Johnny F on the call! :D
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Crosby’s hair is awfully shiny. Water or product? Sad that’s the best he can do for facial hair in 2 weeks
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
Hey folks, I’m creating a FanPost for tonight’s game so we don’t trash the comments here with game stuff. Check over on the right hand side in a few minutes.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Thanks LTD!!
"The increase in pain is way beyond what you would expect a person to play with," said coach Paul Maurice. "Unfortunately it’s even beyond what Tim Gleason can play with, because he can play with just about anything."
Nice work, Bob. I agree with Max in that Canes Country is one the first places I go to when I get on the internet. Thanks for your efforts.
Great Job Bubba!
We may not agree on a player named Staal, but I thought your game analysis was dead on IMO. Playoff Series Stats
I have liked Jerome Sansom since January and think he is our Rat forward star for next season, more so than any of the other forwards. The 2009-2010 Season Stats says it all. Sansom led all Rats in goals and assists, the only player to be named to the ‘AHL Player of the Week and AHL Player of the Month’. He reminds me of a younger version of Chad LaRose. If he makes the team next season I can see him on the 3rd line by late fall. I realize he played a few games with the Canes this past season, but I don’t think he had enough play time to prove what an impact player he can be for this team.
The player I’m the most excited about is Jamie McBain. I agree 100% that he would be a good pairing with Anton Babchuck. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Babchuck’s return. I think the 2 biggest reasons we had our 14 game losing streak last fall was JR not finding a way to sign Babchuck and Sidenberg. It was clear we lacked defense with A.Ward and Alberts signing. I liked Alberts when we traded him, but he and Ward were our biggest disappointments IMO.
The 2 players who disappointed me in this 2nd playoff Rat’s series that I expected more out of was Justin Peters and Jay Harrison. With the game time experience they had this past season with the Canes they really were disappointing with the power kill, which is where the majority of the goals by the Bears were scored. Penalties is what did this team in.
I too hated it for the Rat fans for their team and season to end the way it did. I’m still proud of our boys and hope they grew and learned from this experience and bring it to training camp. Good luck Rats/Checkers/Canes.
Samson Next Season
I think Samson has shown this season in Albany that he is a force to be reckoned with shift after shift. If he can reduce the number of penalties he takes, such as high-sticking, etc. he could be exactly the kind of high intensity, highly physical, fast forward the Hurricanes need in their third and fourth lines, in particular. In other words, if Samson can keep the intensity, but can tame the penalties, he will be awesome for the Hurricanes.
Maybe it is just me, but I don’t have a very great impression of Harrison. I thought he played poorly at the start of the season (among a number of other veteran defensemen) and even at the end of the season when he returned, he tended somewhat shaky to me. Most of all, Harrison lacks the make-up speed that enables him to go get pucks that are dumped into the zone. I don’t get the big love for Harrison by the Canes organization.
I agree Samson's weak game play is the penalties he takes.
That can be fixed with some coaching and surrounding him with veteran players that he can learn from. If he’s one of those young players who is good but doesn’t think he needs to change or learn from anyone then he will be as C-Leaguer says and “only be good in the AHL”. I often wondered last season why he was so overlooked by this organization and maybe that is why. I hope that is not the case, because I think he could be our dirty little secret (along with McBain) in our team rebuilding.
As far as Harrison, early in the last season he seemed to have a few weeks there that he really played well for us and then just did nothing after that. I did like him for a fleeting moment in the season and soon became disappointed in his play. Now after this series, I’m done with him on defense for this team next season. He needs to stay in the AHL.
by c59 on May 1, 2010 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Samson
I think my post above may have come off far more negatively about Samson than I intended. I think Samson wants to be be an NHL player with all his heart and that he would run through fire to make the team. I am confident he will learn a degree more discipline in terms of avoiding “careless” penalties. I am convinced Samson will make the team coming out of training camp and that he will be a valuable team player.
I agree with you on Harrison. He seems unable to handle the speed of the NHL game; but maybe I am wrong about him.
Some of you are probably wondering how much I pay Cory to say all these nice things about me. It’s not enough!!
Seriously, thanks all for the kind words, I really appreciate them.
I also appreciate the offer for funds, but I was looking for an excuse to come up North and visit family anyway. The timing worked out well as far as being away from the day job, so I took a few days vacation and made a detour to Albany in the process.
Maybe save the offers for when I go to Los Angeles and cover the draft this June. :-)
GM of CanesCountry.com
then we need an excuse to have a party for all of CC members
to raise money for your trip,
maybe have a few brews and some food and review a game from this past season that was good
put me down for 20.00
just thinking out loud.
by jej on May 1, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
