How can one write about the unexpected? How can one make predictions or form a critical analysis and projection of future performance when everything gets thrown out the window? It’s Game 7 between the Moncton Wildcats and the Blainville Boisbriand Armada and perhaps the best way to predict what’s going to transpire would be just to say expect the unexpected.
No expected this series to go the distance. Of course, some prognosticators indicated a long series, but no one said, “this one’s going seven games,” and if they did, they said it at the halfway point of Game 1 during the second OT, which should have provided a touch of foreshadowing for what to expect from the rest of the series.
Game 2 didn’t disappoint with the “proverbial” late 3rd period Wildcat surge to victory. Game 3 was a touch lopsided, but it to was tight checking until the Wildcats turned it up and played their style or brand of hockey.
Game 4 was highlighted by a tremendous performance by William Lacelle and uncharacteristic and untimely lapse by the Wildcats.
Game 5 had some nervous vibes at times from both clubs and then the Wildcats turned it on and surged past the Armada.
Game 6. Well, that was one for the ages. Did the Wildcats lose that game or did the Armada win it?
“Battle Tested” Confidence…Don’t Leave Home Without It
That’s how things have gotten to this point and it’s easy to say expect the unexpected, but Game 7 could be a massive blowout or a really tight OT game, we just don’t know right now and that only adds to the allure of playoff hockey. Nevertheless, we can look at some tendencies and observations that have occurred over the season and playoffs with both groups to shed some light on a possible outcome.
The Armada are a “super team” everyone knows that they went out and acquired the vast majority of all of the best players available while the Sags acquired the others. Perhaps the worst or best thing that has happened to the Armada this season would be the adversity that confronted them at every turn.
The injury bug didn’t bite them it actually enveloped them. That adversity provided a “battled tested” mentality that has become a rallying cry for the group especially given Zach Pelletier’s Game 6 performance.
When you have players that have experienced playing in every situation, under the microscope of public opinion and your thrust into a role to be a “go to guy” when you’re usually a role player that’s some messed up pressure. You see that pressure has galvanized the Armada all season long and now with their season on the line, they have believability especially coming into a series as the underdogs. Ironically in a year that they were supposed to be ultimate contenders this constructed “super team” have been underdogs all season long, and you want to know something, they unlike their opponents have nothing to lose and enter Game 7 knowing that which provides an element of “battle tested” confidence which is invaluable. The Armada didn’t look sharp and were nervous to start to Game 5 at the Avenir Centre, they know what to expect, so at this point the bigger question is can they check their nerves and play as structured and confident as they did in Game 1 and for about 58 minutes in Game 2 in enemy territory? The Armada showed that “battled tested” unwavering confidence in Game 6, for their sake they better not leave home without it.
The Fine Line, Confidence, Fatigue and Closure
Gardiner MacDougall continues to mention “The Fine Line” between his hockey club and the Armada. An evenly matched series, but it’s some of the Moncton Wildcats tendencies that provide a potential small glimpse into their subpar uncharacteristic spirts of performance during this series. It’s hard to fathom writing this, especially given their speed, depth and talent, but the Wildcats haven’t been the most confident group at times during this series. Again, give credit where credit is due, the Armada are a hell of a group, but could the lack of overall execution at certain times indicate a slight chink in the armour of the Wildcats team and individual confidence? It’s no surprise that MacDougall plays his “top guys” a lot and in every scenario imaginable.
Can the lack of execution, missed assignments or mistakes at key times indicate the fatigue factor amongst his “top guys” because we haven’t seen this group struggle in those moments during the season. “The Fine Line” between winning and losing gets amplified come playoff time, and when it comes to being pushed and “battled tested” the Cats have no doubt felt their most adversity in this series and this series alone. Sure you can point to a handful of games throughout the entire season as measuring stick games for the highly touted Cats, but you’re only as good as your next shift or your next game and the Wildcats next game is on home ice and in a Game 7 scenario which also provides an element of confidence, but also nervous energy and anxiety.
Is it too late to use all of the sayings and abbreviations that have become the Wildcats mantra over the last two years or is it time to double down and trust the process even more with their backs against the wall in a win or go home scenario?
The Wildcats could come out tomorrow night and steam roll the Armada.
The Wildcats could come out tomorrow night and struggle and lack execution or second guess things.
You see those that have followed the team over the last two seasons have witnessed ultraconfident teams with swagger, poise and a sense of laser like execution and focus on winning and that’s not what we have seen in spirts during this series which has been unexpected to say the least.
Everyone will see what the Moncton Wildcats are made of tomorrow night. They will see a very talented group with tons of depth and confidence, but will they see that group be collectively confident when it matters most.
The storyline of this Game 7 might be “expect the unexpected,” but it will all come down to which group will handle the pressure or the moment and be confident enough to execute when it matters most.
Who would have thought it would come down to confidence with two highly skilled teams like the Moncton Wildcats and the Blainville Boisbriand Armada? That’s where we are, it’s Game 7 and anything can happen, but you better expect the unexpected.
The Quick Shift 