The Thunder, last in the CHL in shots (25.75), went nine straight periods with single-digit shot totals before posting 11 in the third period against Rapid City on Sunday.
Coach Brent Bilodeau said it’s a “little bit” of a concern.
“I don’t know if we need to have a shooting practice, or a practice with no shooting,” he said. “Obviously, it’s not getting through – I want everyone to shoot the puck more.
“Part of that may be the past, where they came from. Maybe they’re trying to do it themselves or take that extra step or make that extra pass, and they’re not able to do it at this level.”
Growing pains: Bilodeau said his youthful team may be having trouble adjusting to the physical and mental demands of professional hockey. “Having a young team like this, some of these guys are used to playing only one or two games a week,” he said. “They have to learn that you have to come every night ready to play at this level. You can’t turn a switch on and off.”
Roster updates: Jonathan Bernier may play on Friday, but Bilodeau was non-committal. Bilodeau, who doesn’t like to get specific on player injuries, said defenseman Pascal Bedard is day to day.
Nice pipes: Maybe I’ve simply been in a patriotic mood lately, but it seems that the National Anthem singers have been outstanding this season. The Good Guys, as always, were way better than good at the home opener, and the Goddard High School Madrigals were outstanding on Sunday.
Whatever happened to…: Not that I’m obsessing over the former Thunder stars, but I couldn’t help but notice that Travis Clayton and Joe Blaznek each had three points in Bossier’s 9-3 victory over Tulsa on Halloween.
Note to self: Find out the whereabouts of Dallas Anderson, perhaps the most despised opponent in Thunder history. I understand why Thunder fans hated the guy, but he was a great quote and a lively interview, which made him OK in my book.
3 Comments
I have to disagree with the National Anthem part. While I wasn’t at the game Sunday to hear the Madrigals, I do have to say that “The Good Guys” always suck big time, and whoever those idiots were on Halloween night may have actually been even worse. If you don’t like singing the Star Spangeled Banner then sing something else or find a new gig. Quit screwing around with the National Anthem!
Got to get these guys shooting! Even if what you’re throwing at the net isn’t “pretty” when you send enough that way something is going to go in! And the ugly ones have the same value as the pretty ones!
Dallas Anderson – Nah I’d say Doug Lawrence – we all loved to hate Dougie
And I agree – I think the singing has been great!
I don’t think Kollen was around in the days of Dougie, but he was fun to hate. One difference is Dougie had some skill, Dallas not so much.