Higgy
Les Strongman
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Post by Higgy on Feb 21, 2009 23:05:32 GMT
5-2, i never really had a doubt that we would win tonight even at 2-1 down (2 great Viper goals), both pretty evenly matched numbers wise and they were much bigger than us but we had the better hockey players.
Flat game though, some big hits but generally pretty flat and nothing like the last few games..but it was better than the last few in that we actually won and thats all that matters at the end of the day!
Big crowd even with 750 freebies but zero atmosphere
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Post by focus12 on Feb 21, 2009 23:08:51 GMT
6 out of 6 wasn't it tonight?
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John88
Simon Hunt
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Post by John88 on Feb 21, 2009 23:21:33 GMT
To be honest, I think all the games from now to the end of the regular season are going to be flat and half-hearted. All we can hope if to get a bit of form before the play-offs and stay injury free and I thought the Panthers played pretty well.
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oldman
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Post by oldman on Feb 21, 2009 23:27:21 GMT
Well I got to stage after the second when I didn't care if we won or not but the third again reinstated my faith in the team, also Jade goal was a terrific shot!
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Yotes
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Post by Yotes on Feb 21, 2009 23:48:20 GMT
Not the best game, but not the worst. Lacked the edge of the last few, been a better game had they had more skaters. Still, like Higgy says we won this one, so I'll take that. Also, funny to see Bruce's reaction to being MoM  |
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Post by grumpyminer on Feb 22, 2009 1:15:48 GMT
Not the best game, but not the worst. Lacked the edge of the last few, been a better game had they had more skaters. Still, like Higgy says we won this one, so I'll take that. Also, funny to see Bruce's reaction to being MoM Think Bruce's reaction was caused by Kevin Bergin putting his stick around Bruce's skate. He deserved that tonight, the award, I mean, not the trip.....his 25 seconds of one-man penalty killing when we had 2 in the box was nothing short of incredible. Also incredible was Jade coming through the Vipers D bouncing the puck on his stick, then batting it into the ice before hitting it on the volley as it came back up. While I am on Jade, he made 3 big checks tonight, which was the same number of accurate passes Brendan Cook made during the game. Cook even tried to bank the puck of the boards and collect it again after skating by the D-man, he failed. It's not good when he can't even pass to himself. Take nothing away from Cook's speed and ability to get to the puck, but if he can't get it to another Panther stick it is worth nothing. Bruce had a couple of Brits vying with him for MoM IMO, Mark Richardson and Marc Levers were both superb. Levers big hit on McAllister, rattled the first 3 rows of seats in block 11, he worked tirelessly all night. Richo showed some impressive puck skills and his awareness and positional play shows why he can play D or O. Both earned and deserved their goals. I was shocked to see the shot from Ed Beaky sneak in under Robinson's right leg. I think he was a bit annoyed with himself over that one, we can allow him one slip-up as he makes some impressive stops and his passing is general excellent. The team are confident enough in his ability to pass the puck back to him. I think he is the best nettie we have had here since "The Robber". Had he been in our net from day one we may still be in the race for the title. |
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Post by dodit on Feb 22, 2009 1:35:01 GMT
From what I heard tonight, vipers might be a bit more strapped for cash than we think. I heard that the fans came down on a coach with the equipment and that the players drove down themselves.
I find this fairly interesting tbh
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Lyn
Lorne Smith
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Post by Lyn on Feb 22, 2009 9:45:32 GMT
From what I heard tonight, vipers might be a bit more strapped for cash than we think. I heard that the fans came down on a coach with the equipment and that the players drove down themselves. I find this fairly interesting tbh Have they not done that for a while, travel to away games in their cars I mean. Seem to think I have read this somewhere before? |
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matt44
David Clarke
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Post by matt44 on Feb 22, 2009 10:02:20 GMT
While I am on Jade, he made 3 big checks tonight, which was the same number of accurate passes Brendan Cook made during the game. Cook even tried to bank the puck of the boards and collect it again after skating by the D-man, he failed. It's not good when he can't even pass to himself. Take nothing away from Cook's speed and ability to get to the puck, but if he can't get it to another Panther stick it is worth nothing. He still got 4 points though |
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Post by spik on Feb 22, 2009 10:09:43 GMT
Higgy,John88 and Grumpymier I agree with you all.It's going to be 'grind out the wins' from now on. Oldman has obviously had a knock on the head, were you in the first 3 rows of Levers hit on McAllister... ;D..nearly giving up on the team.tut...and marvelling on Jades efforts....  ....  |
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Shaggy
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Post by Shaggy on Feb 22, 2009 10:14:43 GMT
While I am on Jade, he made 3 big checks tonight, which was the same number of accurate passes Brendan Cook made during the game. Cook even tried to bank the puck of the boards and collect it again after skating by the D-man, he failed. It's not good when he can't even pass to himself. Take nothing away from Cook's speed and ability to get to the puck, but if he can't get it to another Panther stick it is worth nothing. He still got 4 points though Not just that... Brendan Cook is now joint top goalscorer on the team with Johan Molin and David Clarke... all on 24 goals each. Now I don't think there's going to be one single person who is going to fault Johan Molin for pretty much anything (season MVP, I say!) and Clarkie's total is still pretty impressive, seeing as he's only played in just over two-thirds of the games this season. But obviously Brendan Cook is also doing something right. And it's not just against the lower-placed teams, either. Nine of his 24 goals have been against our top 3 opponents (Belfast, Coventry & Sheffield)... so it's not as if he's only picking up goals against the 'easier' teams. Cook does seem to play 'Captain Cough-Up' a little too much for my liking - but even with that in mind, he's still generating a pretty good return. |
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Post by Rob #12 on Feb 22, 2009 10:33:01 GMT
I agree mate.
Cookies job is to score goals as a sniper. Not every aspect of his game is going to be perfect, especially in his first season.
I hope he is back next year as he has done what I expected him to do. Eveytime he gets the puck, he can make things happen with his speed and movement alone. Look at his solo goal last Tuesday against Cov.
For once I agree with Simmsy.
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John88
Simon Hunt
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Post by John88 on Feb 22, 2009 10:36:28 GMT
When I saw Cook for the first few weeks, I thought he wouldn't last until Christmas with the way we chop and change players but credit to him for pucking the puck in the net.
However, I'd have thought he was in the "can improve on" section in Corey's notebook for next season if we are going to go one step better.
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matt44
David Clarke
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Post by matt44 on Feb 22, 2009 11:03:53 GMT
I wouldnt be surprised if Sheffield go in for him. He fits their game plan of having quick guys who can try to get on the end of their dump and chase game.
As Shaggy and Rob said, he's a sniper, its not his job to make perfect passes. He's scoring goals which is what's been asked of him.
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Helen B
Terry Kurtenbach
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Post by Helen B on Feb 22, 2009 11:12:56 GMT
From what I heard tonight, vipers might be a bit more strapped for cash than we think. I heard that the fans came down on a coach with the equipment and that the players drove down themselves. I find this fairly interesting tbh Have they not done that for a while, travel to away games in their cars I mean. Seem to think I have read this somewhere before? They have done this before. I don't think it's anything new. It probably somehow does work out cheaper. I'm not sure if they did it last weekend though. |
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oldman
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Post by oldman on Feb 22, 2009 11:31:13 GMT
not a bump on the head could have a dodgy pint on the way maybe, anyway seriously Jade took his goal well, I cant argue with that very impressive, but still want more from his general play, and from the way he was hammering the side of the rink in frustration so does he! Loved the way the Donkey refused to dance with Ndur, but I suppose he could say 'under orders not to' with the amount of out skaters they had, one thing was evident again they did not bully or own our rink with Ndur back on the ice!  I thought big bird (captain beaky) goal was ok shocked me as much as robbostop, but his miss later was really funny though! ;D One or two equipment gripes M Richardson name blanked out on the shirt, can we get one with the same number and name for him he has earned that this year and next I feel, the three brits I would sign now for next season, are him , myers, levers, and also Robbostop had no name on his shirt, this looked bad and very unprofessional not as if he was a last minute stand in nettie is it? Ok moan over!  Ok back to the game Smith's has to be one of the worst ref performances this season in the NIC we had guys getting practically mugged on the ice and he stood next to it and called nothing! Agree with above out of the imports for sure I would want Cookie back, with a bit more work done on passing and puck retention that's all! In the end good win tedious first, boring inept second, but hey brilliant third yet again, so in the end 2 points well done! Brucie spend the rest of your carer here please you are awesome in the way you play and what a character with his MOM routine! ;D |
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Post by dms41853 on Feb 22, 2009 11:58:56 GMT
A good win and a good way to complete a season sweep against the vipers however as many have said flat/dull/boring but we just need tio get the winning mentality before the playoffs.
before i give my opinion on the players i would like to say it was a joke and very disrespectful the vipers being late onto the ice surely they get the same call advising it is time to get on the ice as the panthers and doing this as the away team was a joke, i mean richie lawson was lef ton the ice at warm up... maybe it was all mind games from the vipers but it didn't work and to use a cage favourite phrase it was a bit classless.
brendan cook- apart from the 2 assists he only made 3 tape to tape passes all night which is not good enough however he was in the right place at the right time with a good couple of finishes and if we have to drop a forward for the playoffs i would rather it be...
... Jade Galbraith, he had an absolute stinker to be honest, yes he actually threw a couple of hits but he also backed out of a 75/25 puck that was in his favour, his passing wasn't good, he constantly complained at himself rather than jsut getting on with the game, the petulant outburst was the most passion ive seen from him all year, as oldman said his goal was a great finish... actually scrap that it was an excellent strike however it does not gloss over the fact it was a poor effort
Rumun Ndur- he fanned/turned the puck over about 3 times which you would not expect from a young player never mind an ex-nhl'er however he was in the faces of the vipers all night he carried the puck out of the zone and made simple passes, payette was not interested and he was that frustrated he resorted into chirping at derek campbell which was never gonna happen.
Corey- after a shocking game against the blaze our player coach was much more assured on the puck was trying his best to put the puck on the net, much better glad it seemed it was a one game blip.
Bruce Richardson- that one man penalty kill he performed is quite simply the most dedicated, committed and best sequences of play i have seen all year, i'm glad he got his MOM and hope it is announced that he is defintely back next season.
The Ref made 22 hooking calls in the first now whilst they were penalties they were never hooking in a million years if anything it would have been holding he really needs to get back to basics i hope simon kirkham was watchin because it was embarrassing.
I'm looking forward to next weekend which should bring us 4 points and give us some more confidence going into the steelers game on the 7th.
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Post by rangers on Feb 22, 2009 12:02:40 GMT
Quite enjoyed the game last night. Thought we were the better team through 40 minutes, but for the last 30 we were all but down to 9 skaters (no Holland, Wilson, Burt, Tinsley, and Payette only had about 3 shifts in the second half), and the tiredness shone through.
Also, vipers need work on the special teams - our PK and PP were awful (when we were on the 5-3 it was difficult to tell who had the advantage)
Highlight was the awesome save by Verner in the first, incredible.
Loved the banter with the block 4 boys - think they met their match last night.
Some of our chants (helped by the steelers contingent) were very funny - like the good old days.
If we played like the 1st two periods, think we would be much higher in the league than 7th.
Think Bruce has been taking diving lessons off tess - went down very easily, drew the penalty and was up like a flash - hence the mom celebrations, i guess.
The first pen was also a joke - there was a good gap between the hit, the panther player going down, feigning injury and then the hand going up.
But overall I thought the ref was ok - even if he did miss 2 blatant too many men calls - one for each team.
Vipers have regulalry travelled on their own - heard stories of Payette getting lost (no surprises) and Shuggy turning up late after working in his 'day job' before.
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Shaggy
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Post by Shaggy on Feb 22, 2009 12:15:04 GMT
If we played like the 1st two periods, think we would be much higher in the league than 7th. Funny, that... a couple of us were saying last night that if it wasn't for Verner, the Vipers would be welded to 10th place. All 3 times at the NIC this season, he's been the only thing that's kept the Vipers within any kind of shouting distance. I'm sure you won't agree with me... but from what I've seen (and heard from others) - the Newcastle Vipers this season are little more than 'Andrew Verner & Friends'. |
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Post by rangers on Feb 22, 2009 12:19:45 GMT
he had a pretty poor game last night - the miricle save aside.
He has been the star of the team, but I thought last night we played hockey, arguably had the better chances, and if we had a slightly longer bench could have gone away with something.
That was the best I've seen us play since our playoff season(bearing in mind I only get to see us 6-7 times a year). A mix of tactics that wasn't just dump and chase or dump and change.
5-2 was very harsh on us, I thought
Oh, and completely agree - no Verner this season = Vipers in 10th place
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Higgy
Les Strongman
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Post by Higgy on Feb 22, 2009 13:02:05 GMT
That was the best the Vipers have played here this season,they may of scored a few more if they didnt bottle it in front of net so often.
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No 29
Jade Galbraith
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Post by No 29 on Feb 22, 2009 14:08:03 GMT
Bruce Richardson- that one man penalty kill he performed is quite simply the most dedicated, committed and best sequences of play i have seen all year, i'm glad he got his MOM and hope it is announced that he is defintely back next season. Totally agree - that was worth the admission on its own. Rangers - you weren't just outplayed on a 5 on 3, you were outplayed on a 5 v Bruce. By the way, Spence, it's already been announced that Bruce is back next year as Corey's no 2. |
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Post by Mark Mac on Feb 22, 2009 14:22:26 GMT
Bruce Richardson- that one man penalty kill he performed is quite simply the most dedicated, committed and best sequences of play i have seen all year, i'm glad he got his MOM and hope it is announced that he is defintely back next season. Out of interest, what were our other players doing whilst this was happening? |
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Post by dms41853 on Feb 22, 2009 14:28:53 GMT
Bruce Richardson- that one man penalty kill he performed is quite simply the most dedicated, committed and best sequences of play i have seen all year, i'm glad he got his MOM and hope it is announced that he is defintely back next season. Out of interest, what were our other players doing whilst this was happening? stood watching in admiration bruce was at the fron of the 3 man pk unit and whilst whoever the other 2 were got into position bruce would not let the puck get past him so it was like a one man effort |
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Post by dms41853 on Feb 22, 2009 14:30:17 GMT
oh and another note the vipers fans seem to think that we were out of order for palying national anthem before they were on the ice when they were over 5 mins late and as etiquette goes the away team should be on the ice first and then the home team is announced
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