Some thoughts...
- First goal against was just an unlucky play with Cristoforo blowing a tire. Turns into a 2on1, one-timer goal.
- Second goal, Swick got all alone behind Kennedy and Walton. Perfect pass and tip in.
- Third goal, Costanzo looked like he wasn't playing the angle right. A bit of a toe-drag, snap it blocker. I'm sure Joey wants that one back. His body language screamed, too.
- Fourth goal, Costanzo plays the puck at a weird bounce, goes backhand, misses Kennedy. Puck goes to the Rangers, who throw it out front before Costanzo can get set. It's easily in.
- The word, pre-game, was that Greentree had flu-like symptoms. That was re-iterated on the post-game with Beller. I don't know how long he's out for, or who he's been around, any of that stuff. I just hope he's feeling better for Sunday.
- I have no idea why Walters put Brocklehurst with Morneau and Protas to start. I'm a big Brockle hopeful; the kid has so much potential. However, top line in this game has to be the veterans. Throw Nesbitt up there instead and you've got the big body who can score to replace Greentree.
- The Spits looked out of sync to start. I said "this feels like a team thrown together at the last minute, versus a team that's been together forever." It shouldn't be like that.
- That said, they played better in the second and third, once they seemed to find a bit of chemistry. There were multiple pushes, which you like to see.
- Costanzo looked human tonight, while Parsons looked like a robot. That's going to happen. You just hope for the bounce back now.
- Losing Lemieux to another hit really hurt. I don't think he returned. They almost lost Costello, too, to I THINK a spear? He was able to return, though, and had a chip on his shoulder.
- Looked like Gaymes and Hlacar were talking pre-game. Andonovski challenged Gaymes multiple times but Gaymes didn't want to... which makes sense when you lose Greentree and Lemieux like that. I'm sure they'll find their time eventually.
- On the post-game via YT, Walters said health is the most important thing and "they'll play when they're ready." "I don't know how it's happened, why it's happened, but we still believe in this team. When you lose your captain 15 minutes before the game time, then you lose Lemieux, now you're at nine guys and it's tough. I'm just proud of these guys." Walters said Greentree is ill, "battled through" Game 4, but tonight "just wasn't able to go." Walters looked dumbfounded and kind of "what can you do?" Which I don't blame him for at all. He literally had to play Carter Hicks up front... I mean...
All you can do now is get as healthy as possible, maybe get a guy or two back (Greentree, please and thanks!), and go into Kitchener with hope for a win. If they lose, Game 7 on Tuesday at home. Would it be crushing to lose this series, especially in this fashion? Abso-freakin-lutely. But, I don't remember the last time anyone had this many key injuries/illnesses. It's a freak of nature and you have to play through it, somehow.
