If there has been a game which matched the Rushs' itensity during the preseason games, showing what this team is truly capable of, this was it.
A few things. In the defensive zone the team was very strong in getting back to clear pucks after strong "Batman" stops and redirects into the corners. On the few occasions that the puck was left in front a Rush player was there to pick it up and move it out of the zone. The forwards had a great sense of urgency to get back to their end and help out the defense. Strong skating and great stick checking helped to keep the puck out of the Rush net. The Riverkings were strong on body hits in the Rush zone but the guys did not loose focus and played the puck smartly. While shorthanded (10 times!) the teams heads up discipline shined as players like Wray and Fritshaw harrased the Riverkings with great intensity and determination. Also we cant forget to mention what appeared to be tiered defense by the forwards as they worked very hard to clog up the center of the ice to prevent clean passing into the Rush zone by the Riverkings which really went a long way in support of the defense.
On the offensive transition, where the team turns the puck out of its zone, the team was nearly flawless. The forwards were skating like men on a mission. Strong passing and enough individual efforts, especially by Reaney and Campbell, were more than enough to keep the RK defense on its guard. Speaking of Reaney, this guy is fun to watch... a real play maker and not selfish as he is not afraid to dish it out to his teammates. The goal by Campbell was a thing of beauty as you had to appreciate the angle from which it was taken and how tight it was. A truly bang-bang play. Finally the team crashed the net strongly and put both RK goalies on notice that they were not going to have a quiet night.
Coachs Ferris and Desantis really did a fantastic job motivating their team and keeping them at a very high intensity. Strong line matching and substitution really made the team shine. Great job by the whole team and I am looking forward to tonights rematch. Should be very intense!
A few things. In the defensive zone the team was very strong in getting back to clear pucks after strong "Batman" stops and redirects into the corners. On the few occasions that the puck was left in front a Rush player was there to pick it up and move it out of the zone. The forwards had a great sense of urgency to get back to their end and help out the defense. Strong skating and great stick checking helped to keep the puck out of the Rush net. The Riverkings were strong on body hits in the Rush zone but the guys did not loose focus and played the puck smartly. While shorthanded (10 times!) the teams heads up discipline shined as players like Wray and Fritshaw harrased the Riverkings with great intensity and determination. Also we cant forget to mention what appeared to be tiered defense by the forwards as they worked very hard to clog up the center of the ice to prevent clean passing into the Rush zone by the Riverkings which really went a long way in support of the defense.
On the offensive transition, where the team turns the puck out of its zone, the team was nearly flawless. The forwards were skating like men on a mission. Strong passing and enough individual efforts, especially by Reaney and Campbell, were more than enough to keep the RK defense on its guard. Speaking of Reaney, this guy is fun to watch... a real play maker and not selfish as he is not afraid to dish it out to his teammates. The goal by Campbell was a thing of beauty as you had to appreciate the angle from which it was taken and how tight it was. A truly bang-bang play. Finally the team crashed the net strongly and put both RK goalies on notice that they were not going to have a quiet night.
Coachs Ferris and Desantis really did a fantastic job motivating their team and keeping them at a very high intensity. Strong line matching and substitution really made the team shine. Great job by the whole team and I am looking forward to tonights rematch. Should be very intense!