Some thoughts...
Goals against:
1. Nobody was right on this one. Walton and Eichler let the guy get by them, then Costanzo lets in a big rebound, and the trailing Spitfires didn't get him, either. An ugly way to start.
2. Cristoforo with the puck behind the goal, gets rubbed out and appears to be hurt. Play continues, two NB guys at the top of the crease overwhelm Costanzo and the D.
3. Costanzo doesn't know where to play it. Goes glove side, right to the NB guy, who passes out front. Guy there has an open cage. Just a bad play all around.
4. A very slick move by Van Steelsel, going around the D-man, then cutting in front of Costanzo. Looked like Costanzo went to poke but missed and VS, while sitting down, taps it in. If you don't poke, you could probably stop it, but it's a beauty move, regardless.
5. VS gets behind Walton, gets the puck, two whacks at it glove side and it's in. Walton was soft on him, Costanzo should have had the post... not a great goal to allow.
The Good:
- The last 10 minutes? They played regular Spitfires' hockey there, getting the puck on goal, opportunities, and skating like their game depended on it.
- Morneau and Greentree looked okay for much of the game.
The bad:
- A goal 19-seconds in, then two more to end the first, can't happen.
- A few defenders were too soft on the puck or left Costanzo hanging dry.
- Costanzo didn't have a great game, from the turnover to the hugging of the post.
- You can't have a 5-on-3 for 1:30+ and not score at least once. They felt hesitant, like they were waiting for the perfect play.
- 3 shots in the first? Unacceptable. Credit to NB for defence but...
This is one of those games that happens when you think talent can beat hard work. NB showed them how to play and it's a lesson.