NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues

Jr. Blues deafeated by RoadRunners

Published on February 13, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release


Another night brings another opportunity of victory over the Southern Division leading rivals, the Topeka RoadRunners. The Jr. Blues came out ready to play last night and scored early to take a 1 - 0 lead over the RoadRunners, but that was the high point of the evening. From around the middle of the second period Topeka took control of the game and showed all in attendance why they are at the top of our division and why they have to be considered one of the favorites to take the Robertson Cup this year in Wenatchee, Washington. One thing that all the RoadRunners need to take into consideration though is the fact that to get out of the first round of playoffs, they must travel through Springfield. (That's how it looks right now with Texas taking over third place in our group.) Two years ago North Iowa clinched the division on our ice and the ensuing celebration on the north end of the ice wasn't forgotten as the good guys knocked them out in three straight games. Are you listening Topeka? With all the injuries to our team all year long will now have everyone healed and ready to play. Bring on the playoffs!

I received a nice, encouraging email from some of the fans from Topeka telling me how much they have enjoyed reading and sharing my articles this year. Once again, I must say how much appreciated those remarks are to me and thanks for sharing same with other fans. Still, I cannot wish you all out West from us good luck, but then I know (as hockey fans) you do understand.

Tonight we are hoping that the good guys come out on fire and stay hot for the whole game. If they play like they are capable we'll salvage a split for the weekend series. Let's go Blues!

What a difference a day makes! Last night the Jr. Blues played really well and tough in the first period and led at the end of one 1 - 0. Tonight, well, it's a different story. Poor passing, poor puck control by our guys and yet they are tied at two goals each at the end of one. You just cannot account for the bounces and unusual happenings during a hockey game. If the Blues continue to play like they did in the first period, we will have a difficult time putting this game in the win column. At times the crowd seemed like they were getting into the game, but the next moment it was all quiet on the Nelson Center front. Maybe the lethargy can overcome the visitors and we can sneak out of here with a win...Time will tell. In the meantime...Let's go Blues!

Period two was more of the same, hard hits and tough play. Mike Schaber score the go ahead goal to make it 3 - 2 at the second intermission and that is the way it stands as we start the third and final period.

Outshot 19 - 4 in the third, the Jr. Blues picked up two penalties in the final minutes and ended the game playing on the short end of a 5 on 3 advantage. Coach Maher argued the two calls by Referee Andrew Wilk and ended up being ejected from the game, and we bite the bullet again, final score 4 - 3. What can you say, not the best play throughout the game by the good guys, and I have to admit that the best team won again tonight, but losing still is difficult to swallow.

Congratulations to the RoadRunners. They are good and last night and tonight they showed the folks in the Nelson Center why they are in first place in the Southern Division. Maybe, just maybe we have them right where we want them for the playoffs. Hmm, can you say "sandbag"? We can only hope.

The guys have next weekend off, then a Wednesday game in St. Louis and a weekend pair at Janesville. Until then, stay safe, and win, lose or draw, we still love our Springfield Jr. Blues!

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2010


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