Shutting out the Texas Brahmas? That's a different story.
Robert Keith of the Texas Brahmas Insider had this to say about the Bucks' 2-0 win last night:
Well, I didn't see a comfortable face in the NYTEX Sports Centre all night as the Brahmas probably had their worst game in the venue this season.
I didn't see the game, but I'm guessing the Bucks don't mind grabbing an "ugly win" at a time like this. In Robert's photo album from the game, there are some neat fight shots (and some pictures of a bloodied-up Nathan Saunders after his tussle with James Hiebert).
This is for some reason my favorite:
I find it amusing that all the officials are tangled up while Hiebert's over on the side with an "Oh no, you didn't" face on.
Coach Ruskowski has said all season long that this team is too soft, and it seems getting Hiebert back in his lineup may have been just what the doctor ordered.
Hiebert obviously loves throwing his body around and doesn't mind dropping the gloves one bit, and it seems to already be rubbing off on the players around him.
He was obviously a bit out of shape to start but seems to become more and more of a factor with each game he plays, nabbing his first assist on Friday and scoring his first goal last night.
Keep in mind, this is all before Rick Kozak comes back, and you know he's going to love to be a part of this more physical style of play. If he's not back tomorrow night, he definitely should be for the doubleheader against the Brahmas this week.
Of course, you can't disregard Igor Agarunov's part in the team's (very) recent success, as he is now at a career-high 18 goals for this season and four points shy of the 38 he had during the 2006-07 season. He has five points in the past three games.
Andrew Martin seems to have had a pretty good game last night, as he earned his first shutout with the Bucks by stopping all 25 shots from a team that has scored a division-high 211 goals this season.
I'm guessing that tomorrow's game against the Corpus Christi IceRays is still going to be a big one, as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (31-24-5, 65 points) have a chance to move back within four points of the Bucks (33-22-5, 71 pts.) when they face the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs this afternoon.
Tomorrow, the Bucks are looking for three straight wins and also looking to beat the IceRays for the first time since Feb. 5.
As Greg Rajan has reported, the IceRays lost two defensemen in T.J. Reynolds and John Adams and picked up a forward in Nicholas Romano, who played in the IceRays' wins over the Killer Bees this weekend.
What the Bucks are probably more concerned with is the success that Jereme Tendler has had against them the few times he's played against them (with the IceRays and the Tulsa Oilers). He's had four goals and an assist for five points in three games, all at the LEC.
I'm going to close this post with the schedule for year-end award winner announcements, and I'm guessing Thursday will be the day that matters around here. Well, Tuesday, too.
Monday, March 16
Equipment Manager of the Year
Gunner Garrett Athletic Trainer of the Year
Tuesday, March 17
All-CHL Team
All-Rookie Team
Wednesday, March 18
Rick Kozuback Award
CHL’s Man of the Year
Thursday, March 19
CHL’s Coach of the Year
CHL’s Rookie of the Year
Friday, March 20
CHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman
CHL’s Most Outstanding Goaltender (Scott Brower Award)
Monday, March 23
Joe Burton Scoring Champion
CHL’s Most Valuable Player
Almost every vote I've heard about for MVP has been different, so I have to admit I'm curious to see who wins that one. I guess the other two major awards are also hard to peg, but not as hard as MVP. We'll see what happens.
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