Time for Round Three

After playing the Spokane Chiefs in back-to-back home games, separated by two off days, Seattle hits the road for tonight's third consecutive game against their division rivals. The two teams square off again tonight at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

Last night the T-birds nearly overcame a slow start with some tremendous offensive push in the game's final five minutes but, alas, got no puck luck and fell 4-3. It was a very intense and entertaining game most of the way as the lead changed hands a few times and the action was back and forth. There was a lot of punch and counterpunch throughout the evening.

Nice job by Daniel Wray to try and light a spark under his team late in the first period. Wray and Spokane's Adam Smith went toe-to-toe. Not a lot of punches thrown but just a few minutes later Seattle got their first goal of the night from Shea Theodore.

I liked the way the T-birds finished out the first period. Instead of coasting to the end of period horn, they played to the buzzer and it resulted in that tying goal. That attitude nearly paid dividends at the end of the game. Plus, Seattle needs to get their offensive defensemen, Shea Theodore, going again, so it was nice to see him pick up his 8th goal.

Mitch Elliot has been showing lately that he's not just a big bodied enforcer. He's started to show just how well he can skate and handle the puck too.

He was rewarded with his second goal of the season last night, an unassisted marker giving Seattle their first lead of the game at 2-1. Props to Michal Holub for forcing a Spokane turnover in the neutral zone that led to that goal. In fact I've liked the spark the combo of Wray-Elliot-Holub have provided since they were put together on the same line.

As the game wore on Seattle did a better job of moving the puck up ice, especially getting through the Spokane defense in the neutral zone. This was something they did very well the first half of the season. A good sign moving forward.

Brandon Troock has only played in 13 games but he has nine points, including two last night with a goal and an assist. He still needs to work on puck management and distribution but he definitely is an offensive force and could be a point a game player in this league. Getting him back and healthy at the midway point of the season, after missing most of the first half due to injury, is like adding a player at the trade deadline...only at no cost to the T-birds.

In memory of Bruce McDonald, 1971-2012