I may never get a handle on what make's this year's edition of the Regina Pats tick. 24 hours after getting annihilated 9-0 in Swift Current, the Pats rebounded to hammer the same Broncos 6-2 at the Brandt Centre. A big night for the rookies, as Jordan Eberle notched the hat trick, Jared Jagow sniped twice, and Derek Hulak added the singleton.
So, how can a team be so putrid on the road, and look so good on home ice - all in the same weekend? I agree with Rod Pedersen's theory that goaltending has a lot to do with it. Linden Rowat was good between the pipes for the Pats last night, while Broncos starter Travis Yonkman was yanked after giving up three goals on nine shots. The previous night Rowat was pulled after surrendering Swift Current's 4th goal.
Go figure.
5 comments:
The Pats seem to win a home OK.
Rowatt has played well at home the last two games.
The teams problems seem to surface on the road. It hasn't mattered if Hunt or Perkins was behind the bench. They have been awful on the road. I agree with you that it starts from the net outward.
Reekie may not have been the answer but I don't think Tartaglione is either. He is likely a very nice young man, but the Pats actually needed a veteran presence to stabilize Rowatt.
The Vancouver Giants know how valuable goaltending is. they have made a goaltending move but I hear they are still looking to do something different in that area. The PG Cougars have Cyr but are also said to be looking at Slade. A hockey team will only go as far as the golatending will take them.
Rowatt will be better as an 18 and 19 year old, once he becomes more consistent. Goaltending usually makes or breaks any team. I really think the Pats could use a steadying type older goalie for the run. Just think about this! What if the Pats get on a run and Rowatt gets a injury? Then what? I don't think Tommy T can carry the mail the balance of the way. Another veteran D-man would be a great help as well.
I still maintain 17 is too young (except in exceptional circumstances) to be anointed a starting WHL goalie. However, bringing in a veteran now would probably kill whatever's left of Rowat's confidence. Damned if ya do, damned if ya don't. Having said that, I wonder if we could pry Perricone out of Moose Jaw?
Agreed on the veteran d-man. Fraipoint hasn't been gawdawful, but he's a long way from rock-solid as well.
Yes I very much agree annointing a 17 yr old is risky. The PA Raiders tried and it didn't work. You rarely see a team in the Mem Cup final game with a 17 yr old tender. Rowatt is very young and he does have talent. We may not see that completely until next year or the year after. If he can lead the Pats this year to a run is anybodys guess! Having an insurance policy is usually prudent.
Fraipont has only had a few games of WHL experience under his belt so I am not sure what the expectations of him can be. Delehay is out with a concussion and we all know how those things can act up. Look at Schenn and how it esentially ended his career. I hope for the young mans sake it gets better, but concussions are nasty. If another D-man goes down then we will be very thin once more(Deck does have a wonky knee). Again a big veteran stay at home guy might be a good insurance policy.
It's all up to the Pats. If they think they still want to make a run for 1st place, they will have to have consistent quality goaltending. Is Rowatt that guy this year? He may be that in the future. The Pats future however might be right now. If they are deferring to next year, just go with what they have got.
I suppose that's the big question that has to be answered between now and the trade deadline on Wednesday. If the Pats braintrust feels this is the year, than it would certainly make sense to bring in a veteran goalie and/or defenceman.
If they're still building for next year, than don't bring in a goalie - it'll just mess up Rowat's confidence. Anyone else notice the quality of goaltending has dropped off since Chad Mercier left the coaching staff?
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