It wasn’t a 1980’s cop show, but it was full of drama depending how you want to look at it. Game 2 of Huskies vs Wildcats series was jammed packed with plot twists and turns, but it was a hunch from Gardiner MacDougall that led the Cats to victory. “Sometimes you play a hunch, and the hunch worked out,” said MacDougall after Game 2.
MacDougall broke up the Cats top line which had been together seemingly forever. Ironically it was a change that was sorely needed after the top trio had an uncharacteristically “quiet” night to the least through 40 minutes.
https://youtu.be/dho8mGJivf8?si=qp2tOecXz1gNH1VB
Once again the Huskies controlled most of the play until the Cats fired home two quick goals past Meloche and hung on to go up 2-0 in the series.
Great teams find a way to win, especially in the playoffs, but it hasn’t been pretty, solid or as scripted for the Wildcats to say the least.
For the second straight game the Wildcats lack of execution, puck movement and management was “well below average” at best. In some sequences through the first two games it’s been downright ugly, for the Cats, but have they learned anything from the first two games of the series which will help them in Game 3 or 4?
Perhaps the biggest question that remains for the Cats is how are they going to be more in control of “things” on the small ice in Rouyn?
Skilled teams love their time and space, but the Cats won’t have that up there, and to brutally honest they haven’t had a ton of it through the first two games and it definitely shows with their lack of poise and execution.
https://youtu.be/K3KNKLAQZFc?si=u64nst0QzI4BOJ6p
The Huskies are incredibly well coached and if it hadn’t been for a span of two to three minutes in Game 1 and a minute or two in Game 2 things might look completely different.
The Huskies also need their top guys to be difference makers, they’re incredibly deep, but their other top point getters other than Bill Zonnon need to generate more chances. The Huskies D zone coverage has been spot on, but they have a tendency to sag and over commit on the strong side when the puck is down low which opens up the point on the weak side for the Cats.
The Cats might be wise to take a “look at the tape” to see what has worked for them from a transitional aspect to ensure they’re prepared to support the puck and be more connected on the road for Game 3 and 4.
The Huskies return home knowing full well they can play with the Cats and potentially beat them, but they need to be more opportunistic and composed when the Cats buckle down and apply pressure.
Staying in the moment and not looking too far ahead is no doubt going to be essential for a Cats team that is close to their main objective. Nevertheless, the Huskies will bring an entirely new level of physicality which will pose an issue for the Cats.
The Wildcats have lost the vast majority of puck battles through the first two games and really have to lock in and be willing to engage and execute under pressure.
“Going on a hunch” worked for Game 2, but will we see more variations of line combinations for the Wildcats? That remains to be seen, but always great to see two top well coached teams go head to head.
FDS Sports Blog 