Jets weekly
January 21, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Friday Night The Jets came out in the first period with some jump in their stride but couldn't put together a solid 60 minutes and are dropped because of it, 5-3.
The opening score of the game went to the Express's Brandon Brodhag just 2:18 in and the crowd was stunned. But it didn't take long for the Jets to respond courtesy of Tyler Swanson on a rebound from tender Scott Pederson making it 1-1. As each team exchanged scoring chances for the next few minutes until CJ Willms made it hurt with an ugly play out in front of Jets goalie Scott Zacarias to regain the lead at 2-1. Not more 20 seconds later defenseman Tim Niedzielak took a wrap around from behind the net to tie the score again at 2-2. So everything seemed to be flowing for both sides of the puck and the Jets went on a power-play that would lead to celebration. From the top of the right circle on Pederson, Mason Swenson let a ripper go down to Mark Johnson and he caught noting but the back of the nylon for the 3-2 lead that wouldn't hold in the end. It would be Brian Arrigoni who buried the Jets with the third goal of the period for the Express and it would end 3-3 after one period of play.
An absolute collapse in the second period costs the Jets any chance of hope towards a victory as a power-play with a 5-3 crushed the Jets. It was Ben Beaudoin who got the perfect pass up and over Okland for the go ahead goal at 4-3. Back on a regular PP it was Arrigoni who struck again with help from Willms and the Express never looked back at 5-3. The Jets would out shoot the Express 28-19 in the second but that didn't even matter because they couldn't get them to count. So with two periods in the bank it looked as if it would take a miracle to mount a comeback.
The third period would start with a bang as more power-play opportunities would come the Jets way and be missed again. Shots would ring off the post and off Pederson but nothing would get in. Fans watched in frustration as the PP seemed dead and the Express skated past a tired and out of sync Jets squad. After finishing the game (0-7) on the man up and couldn't kill off the threat of Southern MN who moved into second place in the Central with the 5-3.
This was the second straight 5-3 loss at home for the Jets as they haven't won at the John E since November 2007. Overall the game was kept close as Okland entered late in the first with the score tied at 3-3. The Jets out shot the Express 42-31 but couldn't match the fire power. All three goals scored were from the blue line which means the defense out played the forwards. With the Jets in town for a set with Alexandria and Bismarck it doesn't get anymore easier from here on out. Come out and catch the action starting at 7:35pm on Friday as the Blizzard brings their turn around into town.
No Need for a Power Play With every opportunity to get back in the game late in the third the Jets failed on the man advantage after trailing 5-3 with only one period left on the map. Another (0-7) night has meant the Jets are 1-2 in their last three games and a horrendous (1-22) with an extra skater in those games. What started off as a blessing in the early stages of the season has been insufficient and inconsistently plagued the team. Overall the Jets are 35 for 214 with a 16.36 percent with the advantage while giving up five short-handed biscuits away. As for killing off the penalties it's a meager 82.02 percent with only four short-handed goals accounted for.
Turn on the Engines It's time to get this jet off the ground before it hits the end of the runway because ground is the only thing that is being lost at this point. With Bismarck trying to find them selves and Alexandria on the way up the Jets have no easy task this weekend. With games in the division from here on out the Jets will need to produce in order get them selves in position to make the playoffs and possibly into third place to avoid drawing North Iowa in the first round. Already down 0-8 against the Outlaws, it would only be fitting to avoid that meeting at all costs come seeding time.
Home of the Winless Jets It has been quite some time since the Jets have produced a home win. Actually the day was Friday November 9th, 2007 in face it was against Marquette 6-3. So looking back the famous phrase "home sweet home" doesn't apply here. With plenty of tour dates at the John E, the Jets can change their luck this coming weekend against Alexandria and Bismarck.
Weekend Line-Up A week of preparation for the fourth place Blizzard and last place Bobcats is the at hand for the Jets in practice. The last two times Alexandria has steamed into town they've collected wins and sit just one point ahead of the Jets. The Blizzard used special teams to aggravate the offense managing three points and a short-handed goal by Brandon Bahnemann in Sunday's matinee. Fans who provide a visible tattoo on Saturday night will receive a ticket discount as the Jets celebrate the 2nd annual "Tattoo the Bobcats," sponsored by Addictions Tattoo in Fargo. Game times are 7:35 and 7:05 Friday and Saturday.
Look Around the League
Topeka vs. Springfield W 5-3 and L 2-1 OT
North Iowa vs. Bismarck W 4-2 and W 3-0
North American Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2008
- U.S. National Under-17 Team Closes NAHL Showcase With 4-1 Victory - U.S. National Team
- NAHL announces Top Prospects Tournament rosters - NAHL
- Jets weekly - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Jr. Blues Split with Topeka; Maintain Second Place in Central Division - Springfield Jr. Blues
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