Saturday, March 29, 2008

Turn out the lights...

The WHL season is over for the Regina Pats. The Pats lost 5-2 in Swift Current tonight, giving the Broncos that Eastern Conference quarterfinal in six games. Want to know everything there is to know about this year's edition of the Pats? They were outshot 18-5 in the first period, and took a 3-0 deficit into the first intermission! Regina cut the deficit to 3-2 in the third period, before the Broncos scored a pair of empty-net goals in the final minute to launch the celebration at the iplex.

Excuse me, but how in the hell does a team manage to come out that flat when facing elimination? Outshot 18-5? Seriously, if that's the best you can muster, then stay on the bus. Mind you, this year's edition of the Pats found a way to do that (soil the sheets) many times this season. Perhaps that's why they'll be on the outside looking in for the rest of the playoffs.

Are changes in store for next year? They should be. Clearly the status quo isn't getting it done.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am going to goddam scream if anyone dares say "we had a pretty good year and won a pennant"

This was where we pay the big bucks for our coaching staff to pull rabbits out of a hat. Hunt did not have his charges ready to go last night, nor did he have them ready to go tonight. Rowat shits the bed again. 6 shots...3 goals. His inconsistency all season just continued in the post season. It is too bad that they had to wait for a kid by the name of Bosch to come in and stop 25 shots so they even had a sniff..too bad.

I have been saying for a few years now, profound changes are needed. This just crystalizes it for me.

I am too flustered to post tonight but will tomorrow.

Old Fan

Anonymous said...

At least in the Bill Hicke ownership days we knew the Pats were gonna suck. Now we are in the 6-10 year rebuilding stage since the Parkers took over. I'll expect the Oil Kings and the Bruins to get to the Memorial Cup before we ever do , unless we host the event again. It's a good thing i am a Rider fan and am used to 20 - 30 years between championships, or wait it is now 34 years between Memorial Cup Championships.

Pac58 said...

It's gonna take a fairly dramatic change in direction. I'll share my "thoughts" tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

This has become an annual ritual with the Pats. two years ago 1st round exit no goaltending..last year 2nd round exit..no talent...this year 1st round exit...no goaltending...next year 1st round exit...too young. OMG this is becoming a little bit like the movie "Groundhog Day".

Rowat was 14th during the year in goaltending stats. Didn't anyone see that problem? Everyone else did! The lack of speed and skill that was exposed last year against the Hat was never addressed, why? This was the culmination of the four year rebuilding program. Is that all we get for our blood, sweat and tears? Is that it? Is this what we get for the money?

The captain Pyett was not the same player after he returned from the juniors. He seemed less committed and inspired. As the leader goes, so do the followers.

The coaching was unremarkable all year. Hunt is not a motivator in any respect. He tried to employ the trap defensive style game but didn't have the players to do it. You need a top end goalie, great skaters, and a tremendous defense. This has to be accompanied by an unwavering unselfish bunch of players prepared to share the team glory. Coach Hunt in his I believe 10 year WHL coaching career, has never gone past the second round and only been there twice. He has had no playoff success ever.

The scouting staff has done little to bring in the necessary talent. Jordan Eberle is our flagship forward and he was a lucky 7th round pick. Mitchell is OK but he is not Glennie, Roback, Calvert or Schenn. (Same draft). Brandon located three potential 1st round NHL picks that year. Us..None. It is no wonder we have to play dump and chase.

Overseeing all of this is the same management team that has been here for 13 years. Two measly pennants to show for it!! You are right 3:05pm poster, we knew we were going to suck during the Hicke era. This group assured us the dark days were behind us. I sure don't feel it. They say the stars might lie but the numbers never do. A shakeup is needed but I am doubtful one will take place. This has become a little bit of an old boys coffee club. Brent has learned some skills over his tenure but I doubt he has the stones to do what has to be done. Poor results call for drastic measures.....but I am not hopeful. If nothing changes we will be watching the same movie next year at this time.

That was ugly!


Old Fan

Anonymous said...

Marc Habscheid would be the go to guy!!!!!

One word of advice to Parker, this guy is no puppet, stay out of the dressing room and relinquish total control of the team!!!

Parker needs to worry about the off ice department, let Habscheid run the team!!!

Coach

Anonymous said...

We won a pennant big goddam deal wow congrats pats mission accomplished but wait what i'm i forgetting oh yea you guy choked again year after year i am getting sick and tired of being sick and tired of this shit fire hunt now !!!!!!!!!!! trade rowat get some speed and skill in here to help ebs a 17 year old trying to carry the team nice

Anonymous said...

What's your take, Pete?

Pac58 said...

Glad you asked! I'll post my thoughts a little later this evening.

Anonymous said...

Petesky,

Make it good, include a comment on Habscheid, Derkatch, and or anyone else who needs to be considered at the helm. Hunt has done a GREAT job, just time for a change now!!!

Coach is BACK!!!

Pac58 said...

Coach,

Where ya been? Anyway, I posted my thoughts under the title "Post mortem on the Pats season". Check it out.