A relatively light schedule for both teams, so this will be a relatively short. Let’s find out how everyone did, shall we?
Modo Hockey
Modo had another bad week, going 0-3 again. They came close against HV71 only to fall in the shootout. They’re not the worst team in the league, but they’re close. With 8 wins and 30 points in 26 games played, I think it’s safe to say that they’re not very good. However, they have a lot of young kids on their team. I counted at least eight players (one goalie, one defenseman and six forwards) who are 23 years old or younger.
One thing of interest: Modo recently signed former NHLer Donald Brashear (for those of you who remember – yes, that same guy involved in the Marty McSorley slashing incident).
On a positive note, Adrian Kempe continues to see his ice time rise. A week ago, he was up to 16:36 and as of Nov. 30, it’s up to 16:57. That’s up over a full minute from the beginning of the season when he only averaged 15:43 per game. In his last three games, Kempe picked up three points (1-2-3).
Video: Omgång 25. 1-0 William Nylander (Adrian Kempe, Per-Åge Skröder)
Holy speed, Batman!
Omgång 26. 2-1 Nichlas Torp (Adrian Kempe, William Nylander)
This looks like a power play, though I’m not sure. In any case, great puck recovery and movement.
Omgång 26. 3-1 Adrian Kempe (Per-Åge Skröder, William Nylander)
Good dish, better goal.
Intervju med Adrian Kempe som blev målgörare i andra perioden.
Interview with Adrian Kempe who was scoring in the second period. Other than his goal, I have no idea what he’s talking about. Maybe someone who knows Swedish can translate?
Manchester Monarchs
Both Shore and Weal saw their point streaks snapped along with the Monarchs’ as they fell in regulation on Saturday in Springfield.
Friday, Nov. 28
The Monarchs took the lead midway through the first period and then doubled it on an impressive individual effort from Auger early in the third period. However, instead of preserving Berube’s shutout, the Monarchs actually allowed the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (New York Islanders) to come back and score two goals. With less than a minute remaining in regulation, it appeared as though the Monarchs had scored the go-ahead-goal only to have it waved off due to the fact that Shore deflected it with his hand.
Dowd got the eventual game winner in 3-on-3 OT.
Game story: Mayor’s Manor: Dowd buries OT winner for Monarchs
Saturday, Nov. 29
While visiting the Springfield Falcons (Columbus Blue Jackets), the Monarchs’ nine game point streak came to an end after losing 4-1. The red hot Colin Miller got his team on the board with a couple minutes left in the second period, and despite their best efforts, the Monarchs just weren’t able rally this time. It was Manchester’s first regulation loss since November 7th against Lehigh Valley.
In 19 games this season, Miller has 14 points (6-8-14) and has nearly surpassed his point production from a year ago when he had 17 (5-12-17) points in 65 games. Andy Tonge (beat writer covering the Monarchs for Mayor’s Manor) believes that Miller is setting himself up nicely as a replacement for a certain right-shooting defenseman down the road and says Miller’s shot has been absolutely lethal from the point so far this season.
It’s nice to see at least one defenseman make such huge strides and be close to NHL ready.
Game story: Monarchs fall in 4-1 loss at Springfield
Possession
Since we here at JFTC like to discuss #fancystats, an amazing person who goes by @jossweissbock on Twitter has decided to compile AHL fenwick numbers this season.
As you can see, the Monarchs are an excellent possession team this season. I asked Andy Tonge and he said Stothers is drilling the team to shoot more. Interesting to see the different perspectives from different coaches. Morris was more about team structure and defense and Stothers, while not taking away from that, is more about shooting the puck and creating offense. That’s probably important given the lack of high end talent and pure shooters on the team.
Up Next: The kids will travel to Portland to try and further their lead on the VIP Cup. After that, they return home to see Norfolk and will play them on back-to-back nights.