“Atrocious.”
That’s the word Gardiner MacDougall used to describe the Wildcats first period last night in his postgame presser. So, what was said between periods? How did he wake up a team that hasn’t started on time for quite some time? What was said between periods? That’s what everyone wants to know.
We will never know what was said in that room and rightfully so. It’s none of our business, but that’s the kind of stuff that makes for a great story years after the fact between players and perhaps for those that dare recount those moments.
What was said in the room isn’t the story, how the Wildcats responded sure is. Every once and while a message has to be sent, and you can bet your ass Gardiner MacDougall has sent those messages a time or two before. Was it directed at certain players or the entire group. The real story of that game last night is what MacDougall referred to as the “Scotty Bowman” method.
For a man known for his superstitions and not so subtle nuances and routines, Gardiner MacDougall changed things up. He split up lines and created a plethora of other combinations and then went back to the originals. He juggled the lines nonstop to get the best out of the group and his players and that right there is the story of the game and essentially why they won that hockey game.
You can talk all day about the Wildcats getting their “offensive mojo” back and perhaps that was “Lady Mo’s” first appearance at the Memorial Cup, but the real story is MacDougall’s willingness to change things up to spark and spur on his hockey club to victory.
Some people would call that a hunch, which MacDougall admitted that he played one of them in Game 2 of the Rouyn Noranda series when he broke up the Cats top trio of 26, 18 and 88. There’s no question the Cats offensive output and overall performance to that point last night was stagnant at best. It was clear that the final 40 minutes was more characteristic of what and who the Moncton Wildcats really are.
The Wildcats quest to hoist the Memorial Cup is still alive, but they face a rested and one would imagine very angry and focused London Knights team. Mathis Rousseau’s exploits in the past several games are well documented, but if the Wildcats fail to show up again and not start on time London will make them pay a price.
What will Gardiner MacDougall do to get his group ready for London? Will he have to dig down deep into his pregame speech reserve to find another magical motivational message or will the group respond on their own and finally play a full 60?
Sometimes messages need to be sent and changes need to be made. Perhaps another “hunch” or change in the Moncton Wildcats pregame routine or ritual might be on the horizon to get everyone to start on time.
FDS Sports Blog 
What was said between periods was probably not something you would think. Suffice to say from past experiences. It had a lot to do with the integrity of the ❤️ heart. What was said needed to be said.
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