Niagara @ Brampton 3/6/08 7:30PM

[WellandDogsFan]

The IceDogs return to the PowerAde Center Friday night. While they are still matematically alive to win the division title, it looks bleak. Both teams have 5 games left and Brampton holds a 7 point lead.

Brampton is on a 4-0-0-1 streak and is 7-2-0-1 in its last 10 games. I believe Brampton has won its last 8 home games as well. Niagara is on a one game losing streak and is 6-4 in its last 10 games.

Luca is one goal away from reaching the 50 goal plateau. He is in 3rd place in the scoring race with 107 points, 1 behing Brett Maclean of Oshawa (he is actually tied with Tavares but Caputi is listed 3rd due to the fact that Luca has more goals than Tavares). Brampton does not have a scorer in the top 10, their highest ranked scorer is John Hughes with 85 points (27g 58a).

Not sure who to expect in goal. Is it time to rest Sebastian for the playoffs? As for Brampton, they seem to be alternating their goalies.

Last I heard, a lot of forum members are making the trek to Brampton to watch this one.

[myleslong]

The IceDogs return to the PowerAde Center Friday night. While they are still matematically alive to win the division title, it looks bleak. Both teams have 5 games left and Brampton holds a 7 point lead.

Brampton is on a 4-0-0-1 streak and is 7-2-0-1 in its last 10 games. I believe Brampton has won its last 8 home games as well. Niagara is on a one game losing streak and is 6-4 in its last 10 games.

Luca is one goal away from reaching the 50 goal plateau. He is in 3rd place in the scoring race with 107 points, 1 behing Brett Maclean of Oshawa (he is actually tied with Tavares but Caputi is listed 3rd due to the fact that Luca has more goals than Tavares). Brampton does not have a scorer in the top 10, their highest ranked scorer is John Hughes with 85 points (27g 58a).

Not sure who to expect in goal. Is it time to rest Sebastian for the playoffs? As for Brampton, they seem to be alternating their goalies.

Last I heard, a lot of forum members are making the trek to Brampton to watch this one.
With last night's loss in Erie, I am ready to concede the division to Brampton, and apparently, so are the boys. Just like the game two weeks ago, they appear unprepared to take Erie seriously. It was a case of inspired vs. uninspired play. Too much levity on the bench, and half-assed effort,mainly the so-called "big guns".
In my opinion, Dahm's poorest performance since joining the team-three of the goals were weak, and his strongest asset, agressively squaring to the shooter and strong on angles, was just not there.
I suppose it's fair to cut the boy some slack, but perhaps it is time to shut him down for 2 or 3 of the remaining 5 games,in hopes that he gets his groove back.
For those attending the Brampton game-loud and proud! GO DOGS!

[Phil Margonis]

i think it will be pitton in the nets friday for brampton. he started 2 of 3 last weekend, getting the afternoon off following a night game. good call stan butler, that's the way you handle your goaltenders.

brampton can clinch the Central Division title with a regualtion win friday

[ItsGameTime]

good call stan butler, that's the way you handle your goaltenders.

Let's also realize what choices he has in goaltenders as well here before we start subtly knocking our team for not playing Lobsinger. Killeen has been playing strong all season long and Lobsinger has started 2 games. It's a bit easier to give Pitton a break when you have a guy like Killeen waiting in the wings.

[ItsGameTime]

It's also easier to give your guy a rest when you have a 7 point lead in the division. I can guarantee you that Lobsinger would have played at least one of the Erie games if we were in Brampton's position.

[Phil Margonis]

whats the difference? giving the guy a day off with a 7 point lead or 7 point deficit
same thing. you have to show you have confidence in your back up or he won't have any.
Lobster could have let in a soft winner vs brampton or allowed 5 and 7 vs erie too. at least it would have got him some needed action. dahm hasn't been sharp in his last 3 anyways
there were several spots we could have got back ups in this yr and haven't.

[Casey]

Lobster could have let in a soft winner vs brampton or allowed 5 and 7 vs erie too. at least it would have got him some needed action. dahm hasn't been sharp in his last 3 anyways
there were several spots we could have got back ups in this yr and haven't.

Totally agree. Maybe Dahm does need a bit of a rest... too bad we have a lot of challanging games. I am thinking Lobby should start in the Missy game

[ItsGameTime]

whats the difference? giving the guy a day off with a 7 point lead or 7 point deficit
same thing. you have to show you have confidence in your back up or he won't have any.
Lobster could have let in a soft winner vs brampton or allowed 5 and 7 vs erie too. at least it would have got him some needed action. dahm hasn't been sharp in his last 3 anyways
there were several spots we could have got back ups in this yr and haven't.
I dont disagree with the fact that earlier in the year we should have used Volpe a little more but this is the stretch run and we were/are still going for a division title which means you play the best available goaltender. its not the same because brampton has a cushion as well as 2 very solid and proven to be solid goaltenders. lobsinger has looked shaky in his 2 starts this year. i have no problem with dahm playing all these games. and i dont think theres anyway you don't start dahm friday and sunday. at most regardless of the situation lobsinger will play 1 more game, you cant have dahm going into the playoffs on the bench

[Phil Margonis]

good convo we got going i like it.

I give Lobster big props for the kingston game. we were on our way to a loss and playing very uninspired until he fought. that rallied the troops for sure and got 'em going. he deserved as couple starts just for that even.

yeah i'd start Dahm friday and sunday though. those aren't spots for your back up.

[Casey]

I give Lobster big props for the kingston game. we were on our way to a loss and playing very uninspired until he fought. that rallied the troops for sure and got 'em going. he deserved as couple starts just for that even

I totally agree with that too! That was amazing and it really did get the guys going. I was able to talk to Lobby about that fight, I told him even the fans really liked it. He seemed proud and appreciated that it was really recognized! Like I said, I am thinking Missy game would be a good game for him. Our guys play very well at the cottage. And Lobby has lots of practice on that ice

[MadMann]

We should have seen Lobby in that home game against Erie.100%. starting Dahm was just a bad decision.

[ItsGameTime]

We should have seen Lobby in that home game against Erie.100%. starting Dahm was just a bad decision.

Hindsight is 20/20

Starting Dahm is never a bad idea though. look at what he has done with us in his short time here. minus the 2 erie games.

[ItsGameTime]

good convo we got going i like it.

I give Lobster big props for the kingston game. we were on our way to a loss and playing very uninspired until he fought. that rallied the troops for sure and got 'em going. he deserved as couple starts just for that even.

yeah i'd start Dahm friday and sunday though. those aren't spots for your back up.

while i agree with you on the fact that his fight rallied the troops we cant have him start shaky then pick a fight every time he plays. id rather he play solid and not have to scrap at centre ice.

[MadMann]

Hindsight is 20/20

Starting Dahm is never a bad idea though. look at what he has done with us in his short time here. minus the 2 erie games.

Hindsight is 20/20. But my foresight was saying th exact same thing. PM and I couldnt belive it when we saw Dahm come out to start that game .

[ItsGameTime]

Hindsight is 20/20. But my foresight was saying th exact same thing. PM and I couldnt belive it when we saw Dahm come out to start that game .
At that point we had a much better chance at the division. I don't see why he wouldn't have started.

[MadMann]

At that point we had a much better chance at the division. I don't see why he wouldn't have started.

He shouldnt have started because we were playing the worst team in the league. And now were going to be going into the playoffs with a completely cold backup and a tired starter that let in 12 goals in two games agaist ERIE! That cant be good for confidence.

[Phil Margonis]

it was 3rd game in 40 hours vs the worst team in the league. that is the exact spot a back up is made for.

[ItsGameTime]

He shouldnt have started because we were playing the worst team in the league. And now were going to be going into the playoffs with a completely cold backup and a tired starter that let in 12 goals in two games agaist ERIE! That cant be good for confidence.
A cold back up? I don't think theres anyway to go into the playoffs without a cold back up... Hes started in 2 games!!! I don't think the 12 goals are reflectively of his play. I know he hasn't played strongly in the last 2 games but I'm going to assume the same thing would have happened to Lobby based on the effort of the team infront of him put forth.

[myleslong]

At that point we had a much better chance at the division. I don't see why he wouldn't have started.
Exactly!Backi on Feb.15,in Erie,, at the time when the Dogs were seriously in the hunt for the division title, and needed all the points they could get, coach started Lobsinger. If the idea was to spell Dahm, or get Lobsinger some ice time, fine.But as long as the title, and #2 playoff seed, was up for grabs,the team deserved to go with their best. Now, then, that the race is pretty well over, is the time to put the backup in. GO DOGS!

[cope]

I totally agree with that too! That was amazing and it really did get the guys going. I was able to talk to Lobby about that fight, I told him even the fans really liked it. He seemed proud and appreciated that it was really recognized! Like I said, I am thinking Missy game would be a good game for him. Our guys play very well at the cottage. And Lobby has lots of practice on that ice

I don't disagree with what Lobby did, and I understand your feelings toward giving him a start because of it.

However ask yourself the reason he decided to get in the fight, reality is he knew the team had a better chance that day with Dahm in net and their number one goalie for Kingston out of the game. Lobby has an incredible sense of the game inside the game, but you said it yourself he was losing that game for us until he fought and took himself out of the game.

I want to see Lobby to, but we gave up a bit to get Dahm, Dahm needs to be the guy and Lobby needs to practise hard and be ready in the event we need him to play like he did a year ago before he got hurt.

[cope]

Exactly!Backi on Feb.15,in Erie,, at the time when the Dogs were seriously in the hunt for the division title, and needed all the points they could get, coach started Lobsinger. If the idea was to spell Dahm, or get Lobsinger some ice time, fine.But as long as the title, and #2 playoff seed, was up for grabs,the team deserved to go with their best. Now, then, that the race is pretty well over, is the time to put the backup in. GO DOGS!

I agree it would be nice to see Dahm get a game rest, and Lobby start, but if it happens it needs to happen soon, we need Dahm to get on a good role for the start of the playoffs.

Like you and I saw last night, Dahm let in two soft goals, one through him and one he got caught cheating on, the rest of the goalies were breakdowns that caused the chances that left him to much to handle alone.

Maybe you could convince me of a third goal that went over his catching hand in the second, I don't recall if he was screened or the shooter was left open with Dahm moving across the net.

[bry4n]

Dahm Needs a night off..he looks tired and frustrated out there.

[Bad_Kitty]

Did I hear that right??

We got the final goal as an open net??


:thumbup::w00t:

[Bad_Kitty]

Great Job Dogs!!! Yet again!!


5-2

[tml]

Excellent! That was a four point game! Good rebound from a disappointing loss in Erie.

[habsfan]

yeah, they pulled the goalie and Swift hit the post on his first attempt, got his own rebound, circled thenet and put in a backhand. There you go... lol :thumbsup:

[GoDogsGo]

great to see the win.... way to go guys.....

[IceDogs5]

:thumbsup: Great road win! Coming out strong in the first was a huge factor in this game. Oshawa next - bring it!!! Go Dogs Go!

[RioBravo]

Nice win..wish it could of been that past home game instead:(

[skatee]

go dogs go
way to scare pitton from the pipes

[ItsGameTime]

This is how we need to play from now on! Dahm was very good tonight. Best thing for him after 2 shaky games

[GoDogsGo]

i didnt even get to listen to the game... damn work.... by the looks fo things it was a soild game by all...

[Cold Pooch]

It's also easier to give your guy a rest when you have a 7 point lead in the division. I can guarantee you that Lobsinger would have played at least one of the Erie games if we were in Brampton's position.


I wish the fans would just give it a rest about the goaltending. Dahm is the man, he is a horse and they traded for this very reason.

Get over the fact about him resting. He will play the remainder of the season and the playoffs.

Get use to it.

[fishfan51]

I wish the fans would just give it a rest about the goaltending. Dahm is the man, he is a horse and they traded for this very reason.

Get over the fact about him resting. He will play the remainder of the season and the playoffs.

Get use to it.

I would like to think that Lobby gets the start in the last game of the season VS the Petes.

[habsfan]

I believe our first 2 shots went in, so it was easy to get the momentum early on. Pitton helped us out tonight! Guys stood up for each other tonight which was good to see (Pietrangelo for Foreman, who I’m sure didn’t need the help, for example). Apparently Legein went to the ref after he was given the goal and said it wasn’t him and it was then changed to … I forget! AS far Dahm goes, He came up big when <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://forum.icedogfans.com/ /><st1:City w:st=Brampton</ST1:place</st1:City> took it to us and was named first star of the game. Great to see him back on track. I thought he still fought the puck a little bit tonight, but hey, who gives style points for a “W”?? And yes, he needs to play!

Good win for the dogs tonight. What kind of win?? A dahm good win!! :thumbup:

[Cold Pooch]

I would like to think that Lobby gets the start in the last game of the season VS the Petes.


Why???

This is not what the go to guys want, they do not need to start the playoffs after sitting out.

[ItsGameTime]

I wish the fans would just give it a rest about the goaltending. Dahm is the man, he is a horse and they traded for this very reason.

Get over the fact about him resting. He will play the remainder of the season and the playoffs.

Get use to it.
Get used to it? I've been saying play Dahm this whole time.

[cope]

Apparently Legein went to the ref after he was given the goal and said it wasn’t him and it was then changed to … I forget!

I don't know what was said to the ref, but Legein needs to keep his mouth shut. The ref warned him numberous times and he wouldn't stop. Enhance the 2 minute unsportsman like.

That penalty could have cost us a series in the playoff.

[WellandDogsFan]

Great game by the Dogs tonight. They came out firing on all cylinders. Dahm was more than solid in net. Traccitto and Foreman came out of the game a bit dinged up. I spoke with George after the game and he assured me he would be ready to go Sunday.

Gilbert dressed but didnt step foot on the ice, not even when Traccitto was out with his injury.

Off topic: How many GPS units does it take to get to Brampton? Apparently 3, Conchar and Cope brought theirs because they didnt know we had gotten one last night. On the way up it was dueling GPS's:D

[Rolston87]

We came out gunning tonight.
Legey needs to keep his yapper shut.
As cope mentioned.. it would definitely cost us in the playoffs.
I almost forgot to mention..
It was great seeing you on there WDF
I also spotted Mr and Mrs Conchar and a few others.

[WellandDogsFan]

How could I be so remiss??

CONGRATS LUCA!! 50 goals and still going strong!!

Next milestone for a Dogs player is 100 points for Swifty! What a way to go out!! Only 4 more points for our Captain to reach the 100 point plateau!

[skatee]

I wish the fans would just give it a rest about the goaltending. Dahm is the man, he is a horse and they traded for this very reason.

Get over the fact about him resting. He will play the remainder of the season and the playoffs.

Get use to it.

:iagree:
exactly!!

[GoDogsGo]

way to go... and swifty... lets see it on sunday....

[skatee]

way to go... and swifty... lets see it on sunday....

that would be great to see them both do it
they both have been important parts of each others seasons

[Phil Margonis]

only saw some of this as i was at work and switching back and forth between the kitchener game. but it looked like the dogs outworked brampton? is that safe to say?

[theradioguy]

Legein isn't alone in the league to get pissed at the ref's!
Leave the raggin' on our players to the coach's.
If we're going to win this thing ...
It's time to be REAL SUPPORTIVE FANS !
We all know the players follow our comments on here so let's accentuate the positive.

Come on DOGS, we all know beating on the ref's gets you no where.

The mark of a GREAT and victorious Memorial Cup Winner is their ability to rise above the petty and with blinders fully affixed, concentrate on being the best they can be.

Focus on the puck and on where your mates are.
Shoot at the corners and the posts not the goalie.
Give it 110 % every shift, golf is a great game but only in July & August.
Don't let the opposing team stand in front or at the corners of your net without paying for it!
Never give them time to look for someone to pass to. Play in their face.
Let's hear some ARF! ARF! ARF! on the bench!
Celebrate each goal with your fans. Bump up against the glass more often!

You and only you are going to celebrate next season after winning the Memorial Cup this season! Remember that.. if nothing else!

GO!... DOGS!.. GO!

[Phil Margonis]

Swift extended a points streak to 12 games, the longest active such run in the league. He has 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points in the span. Swift has six goals in a four-game scoring streak … Caputi ranks third in goals, trailing Brett MacLean of the Oshawa Generals with 58 and Steven Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting with 54. Caputi is fourth in league scoring with 109 points

http://www.battalionhockey.com/hm/inside.php?sid=4&id=4627

[crash*29]

I don't know what was said to the ref, but Legein needs to keep his mouth shut. The ref warned him numberous times and he wouldn't stop. Enhance the 2 minute unsportsman like.

That penalty could have cost us a series in the playoff.


That could cost us a series! The TV broadcast made it sound that he was agruing over and offside call, that's a bit petty!

[crash*29]

How could I be so remiss??

CONGRATS LUCA!! 50 goals and still going strong!!

Next milestone for a Dogs player is 100 points for Swifty! What a way to go out!! Only 4 more points for our Captain to reach the 100 point plateau!

Luca played his best overall game of the season! Defensively solid! Out of the boards late in the game not through the middle of ice! Smart hockey!

Forzy was awesome again! Under appreciated by most!

[ICEDOGFEVER]

Any news on last nights injuries, both Traccitto and Foreman skated off and didn't return.

[Dogie style]

they both have lower body injurys..... but fortunately are day to day returns...... we need more injuries like a hole in the net!!!!!!

[WellandDogsFan]

only saw some of this as i was at work and switching back and forth between the kitchener game. but it looked like the dogs outworked brampton? is that safe to say?
I am curious, why would you watch another OHL game when the Dogs are playing??

Yes, the Dogs clearly outworked Brampton last night. Looked like the hunger has returned to our boys.

[WellandDogsFan]

Any news on last nights injuries, both Traccitto and Foreman skated off and didn't return.
I talked with George after the game and he said he would be ready to go Sunday. He is definitely a "gamer"

[cope]

That could cost us a series! The TV broadcast made it sound that he was agruing over and offside call, that's a bit petty!

Ref's don't call penalties on disputed offsides.... Logic says it was more then that.

[crash*29]

Ref's don't call penalties on disputed offsides.... Logic says it was more then that.
Yes! I realize that; he must have use a few choice words and when took the hooking penalty they added the unsportsmanlike!