In an overtime loss, did the Thunderbirds finally find their identity? Did we see Seattle play with the type of intensity that was so key to their successful 2021-22 season? Time will tell but a good portion of that game Saturday versus Calgary reminded me of the second half of last season.
It was relentless, shift to shift, pressure. It was a majority of the puck posession. They constantly disrupted Calgary on their breakouts, They slowed the Hitmen entry into the offensive zone. Over a stretch from the start of the second period until Seattle scored their third period goal, the T-Birds had a 21-4 shot edge and it was no mirage. In fact, if not for a few posts and crossbars, it would have been even more lopsided. The Calgary goalie stole that game.
A slow start by Seattle may have cost them the W too. The Thunderbirds first period was sluggish and Calgary took advantage to score the games's first goal. Seattle shook off the bus legs and were fairly dominate the rest of the game. Had Seattle started the game the way they started the second period we're probably talking about a 1-0 win rather than a 2-1 OT loss.
Travel affects every team in the league. Seattle was coming off two long bus rides to Kamloops and Spokane. It's just the nature of Junior hockey. But this was the perfect storm if you will. Calgary had traveled west and was in Kent Thursday. They hadn't played since the previous Friday. They were here resting up while the Thunderbirds traveled back and forth to Spokane. The Hitmen were riding a five game winning streak and a hot goalie. There will be a point this season where the T-Birds will get that advantage but the schedule gave a distinct edge to the Hitmen even though it was a Seattle home game.
Zero for eight on the power play and just 3-for-their-last-31 with the man advantage. That's a main culprit in the Thunderbirds being just .500 (3-3-1-0) over their last seven games. You probably think that can't be so with all the fire power on this roster. But Seattle went through a similar stretch with their power play last year at this time. It's just something they need to work out. Remember too, Seattle wsa without one of their top power play weapons for three games in Jared Davidson. That will disrupt your power play success.
They fixed it a year ago with the acquistion of Lukas Svejkovsky. The trade for Luke Prokop should help get the power play on track this season. Remember, since he joined the team Wednesday in Kamloops, Seattle has had just one full, non game day practice due to their travel schedule. Once Prokop gets more fully integrated into the systems the power play (knock on wood) should improve and they have a week of practices ahead before their next game.
Another similarity to last season? The goals Seattle is allowing. The last four goals surrendered in regulation have all been, essentially breakaway goals. The Thunderbirds are not giving up a lot of scoring chances, but the ones they are allowing are too high quality. I remember talking about this very thing a year ago. Seattle tightened that up when Sam Knazko arrived. Prokop should help fix that area too.
Don't skip over that point though. Seattle has only allowed four goals in regulation in their last three games. Things are improving as the young back end gets more and more playing time. They held Kamloops to one goal Wednesday. In their next game, the Blazers scored six against Kelowna. Seattle limited Spokane to just two goals Friday night. The Chiefs had scored seven in their previous game before losing to the T-birds, an 8-7 overtime setback to Portland. Then, after losing to Seattle the Chiefs but up seven again in their very next game, Saturday versus Tri-City.
One common demonitor over that stretch? Goaltending. Seattle goalies Thomas Milic and Scott Ratzlaff have been exceptional. Each earned a star in their road wins. I'm biased but I think Seattle has the best 1-2 punch in net in the Western Conference.
Big picture? Seattle earned five of six points in the three games in four nights played this past week. Two of those games were on the road and there were a lot of miles in between all three games. They played each of those games with players missing due to injury or away from the team. This is why I think this team is starting to find their identity.
Seattle needs the Mekai Sanders we saw Saturday. He was flying, he was creating chances, he was delivering big checks. Remember, he missed eight months. it took a couple of games but it appears Mekai is back! Get Gabe Ludwig and Coster Dunn back form injury, the return of Tij Iginla from the U-17 World Hockey Challenge and Seattle's depth is restored
My T-birds Three Stars for the Week.
Third Star. C/W Sam Popowich. Three really good efforts in all three games. He had a Gordie Howe hat trick for the week with a goal, an assist and a fighting major. He is such a key piece of the puzzle for the T-birds because he can play effectively on all situations.
Second Star: G Thomas Milic. He was the show Wednesday in Kamloops, making 38 saves in the overtime win, then went toe-to-toe with Calgary's Brayden Peters in the OT loss Saturday. A couple of crucial third period saves allowed Seattle to earn a point.
First Star: C/W Jared Davidson. He missed three games due to injury but returned Friday and picked up where he left off. He is now riding a ten game point streak (7g, 14a). He is tied for seventh in the league in scoring but of the top scorers only Logan Stankoven has played fewer games (11 to Davidson's 12). He's averaging just under two points per game.
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