ptbopete
Registered User
Similar to what OMG said, the fact that anyone is praising the Petes' coaching and defensive system now is ironic given that both the defense and coaching has been a main criticism all season, including from yours truly .THe bottom line is that the players we drafted to be the big guns and provide leadership in the playoffs have yet to do it.
This team looks worn out and beat.
The Petes are not a better team. If they were they would have been in the hunt for 1st but they never were.
They are not a faster team.
The big difference in this round is not the players but the coaches.
Peterborough realized that they could not play run and gun with us so they went with what has worked every time they get up against a better offensive team.
They play a defensive system that does not allow for shots on the net and keeps the other team off balance.
n the regular season fans would kill the coach if he played every home game like this but in the playoffs it is amazing.
Other have noted here that the 67s alleged injuries and relative youthfulness have played a factor in their struggle vs the Petes and I agree.
Another key way to explain this series so far is the difference in energy on the ice. The Petes have consistently won puck battles in the dirty areas and I wouldn't be surprised if those 67s alleged injuries are a factor there along with the overall smaller size of the 67s players.
While the Petes are encouraged to play physical (honestly they rarely draft non-physical players) I rarely see 67s players making hits or playing aggressively. Matier and Pinelli are an exception perhaps there and I did see either Gerrior or Rohrer (for some reason I get these guys mixed up) take a big hit and then proceed to nail Spearing in the corner. They need more of that. (but could you do it next year cause I really want the Petes to win