New sense of optimism

[hockey123]

This is a very different team with the addition of Dahm. He really is a fantastic goalie. He makes even difficult saves look very easy. The 2 breakaway stops on Stamkos were a huge boost to the team. His puck handling is a big asset as well. I really can't wait for Legein, Agozzino and Corrente to return.

Having Sanderson back last night was a big boost. He was very physical and responsible as usual and gave them some much needed jump. To come back from a shoulder injury and hit the way he did was something. The kid is a true gamer. I really think he will be the captain of this team in two years.

I got on Bergeron a lot at the beginning of the year and with just cause, but I'll give him his due he has been playing some good hockey for quite some time now.

Alex Friessen is getting better every shift.

The big man, Fletcher was very solid last night. Played a regular shift and looked good. Also had a highlight reel hit for the second home game in a row. He was a force.

Both Caputi and Foreman played well last night but their play the last 2 weeks was on a different level. As excited as I am about Dahm, the fact that Foreman looks better playing on the second line then the first may even be more exciting. At times early in the year he seemed to really hold that big line back. I think the big reason for that is he didn't have the puck enough playing with Caputi and Legein. I think both lines are now better with Swift moving up and Foreman moving back. Foreman has been playing with a swagger he didn't have before. He's carrying the puck a lot more and it is showing on the score sheet. Has there been a better one, two punch in the league in the last month then Caputi and Foreman?

The reffing was awful last night. I am not one to complain about the officials but the Dogs won last night in spite of the refs.

[back2back]

I agree that the team is playing better, especially the top 2 lines. So what should the team do when Legein and Aggozino come back? I think they should keep the Swift, Merret and Caputi line as is and put Legein on the #2 line with Foreman and someone else. Not sure who that someon else should be though, maybe Desousa or Aggozino or Sanderson and maybe even Bergeron who is playing much better now.

[puckhound]

I agree that Merret should stay with Swift and Caputi. I'm asking myself where Merret was the first 3 months of the season. We all know that he is not a defensive liability. But he has also proven that he knows where to position himself and when the time comes, he has the hands. There is a chemistry here that deserves to keep intact.

[hockey123]

I would like to at least give Legein a shot to play with Swift and Caputi when he comes back. Assuming everyone is healthy maybe something like this...

Legein-Swift-Caputi
Desousa-Foreman-Sanderson
Merret-Friessen-Agozzino
Bergeron-Scisca-MaCeachern/MaCissac

[fishfan51]

hockey123 said:

I would like to at least give Legein a shot to play with Swift and Caputi when he comes back. Assuming everyone is healthy maybe something like this...

Legein-Swift-Caputi
Desousa-Foreman-Sanderson
Merret-Friessen-Agozzino
Bergeron-Scisca-MaCeachern/MaCissac

I would like to see a more balanced attack.

Putting Legein on the #1 line and dropping Merrett leaves us with one real scoring line.

I would like to see...

Merrett-Swift-Caputi (they have gelled and are becoming a force)
Legein-Foreman-Desousa (2nd scoring line that can also crash)
Aggie-Freisen-Sanderson (small but can fly)
Bergeron-Sisca-MacIsaac (I have no use for Machearn)

[hercor]

The Ice Dogs had an open practice in Niagara Falls(Stanford Arena) the response was quite surprisingly to me there seem to to be 200+ people there to watch a practice .My friend talked to Mr Burke He seemed very happy at the turnout He said He was very optimistic that the city of Niagara Falls along with other communities will embrace the Ice Dogs as their team
The players put on a good show on the ice and allowed minor hockey players to join them which again was a good move on management part. they even staged a mini brawl much to the delight of the fans I believe it was all in good fun.The players and coaches stuck around after the practice for autographs, all in all it was a good afternoon and it will go a long way to solidify this team in the Niagara area

[back2back]

The IceDogs need to do a lot more of this as it breaks down the walls between cities. Hopefully they sold a few season tickets for next year while they were there.