It isn't the defense

A quick look at the Team Shooting Stats on Pointstreak makes it clear that the problem with the Thunder lies with our inept performance by our wings. The league wide shooting percentage is 10.07%, the Thunder’s is 6.97%, which is 3.10% worse than the league average and 1.79% worse than the next lowest team (Arizona) and 2.32% worse than the 3rd worse team (Corpus). In addition, the Thunder have taken 226.4 less shots (846) than the league average (1,072) and 125 less shots than the 2nd worse team (Tulsa), while actually being better than the league average in shots allowed (1,040 vs the same 1,072). The powerplay stats are just a telling, with the Thunder dead last with an 8% PP percentage, over half of the league average of 16.2% and 4% worse than the 2nd worse team (Corpus). Again, in Penalty Killing, while still near the bottom, the Thunder aren’t the worse team, with a 79.8% Kill % versus the league average of 83.8%.

The complete lack of talent on the 3rd and to a lesser extent on the 2nd wing lines are clearly shown when watching this team play. The only line able to execute a decent breakout and attack on the offensive end is the Detulleto line, half the time the 3rd line can’t even get the puck out of our zone, much less through the neutral zone and into the offensive end, where, if the Gods are smiling, a weak shot from the boards near the top of the circle is offered at the net (Not a high percentage shot).

The good news is that there are still teams looking for good defensemen and the Thunder haven’t had to give up much in our trades so far (Ofukany, Boron, and Truelson) in an attempt to get some decent wings (Kelly and Cooper, with a Dman to boot). The trade deadline is coming up and team will be looking to strengthen their bluelines, the one place where the Thunder actually have some talent. As soon as possible, the Thunder need to work a few more trades so that Hanson, Thompson, Bruce, and Ottman aren’t the core of the 3rd line, its clear watching them that they aren’t cutting it as a group. You can keep one or two of them to compliment two decent wings, but to have them out as a line is a guarantee of more 3-1 and 4-1 losses.

One or two wings dramatically changes this team, we could get 6 wins, at least tying the record.

Al?

RLR

Isn't the record 9?

I think he means six more...

My bad. Got ya.

I nearly had a stat-tastic nerdgasm reading that first paragraph.

I think it made BT die from a Statgasm.

Al?

RLR

this team died months ago

I still feel that leadership, or lack there of, in the lockerroom, is one of the biggest contributions to this team's woes. If his play on the ice is any indication to his leadership skills, then McAllison sure must half ass his captain resposibilties. Not to mention the fact that the front office keeps defending Thompson for his leadership contribution. The guy is a proven loser. So what is his contribution? And then there is Duda. How many seasons did he go without a "C" or an "A", because he didn't want the responsibility? And now he's the overall leader of the team? Not to mention the fact that the team has NEVER won a Championship with him in the lineup, and only made it to the finals once since he's been here. In 14 seasons? I know his time behind the bench has been a "band-aid", but Rob showed more of a contribution behind the bench alot sooner, and more often, when he was the "band-aid". Three guys that the other players are supposed to look to for leadership, and I see three empty jerseys.

Re: It isn't the defense

speedrissr wrote:

A quick look at the Team Shooting Stats on Pointstreak makes it clear that the problem with the Thunder lies with our inept performance by our wings. The league wide shooting percentage is 10.07%, the Thunder’s is 6.97%, which is 3.10% worse than the league average and 1.79% worse than the next lowest team (Arizona) and 2.32% worse than the 3rd worse team (Corpus). In addition, the Thunder have taken 226.4 less shots (846) than the league average (1,072) and 125 less shots than the 2nd worse team (Tulsa), while actually being better than the league average in shots allowed (1,040 vs the same 1,072). The powerplay stats are just a telling, with the Thunder dead last with an 8% PP percentage, over half of the league average of 16.2% and 4% worse than the 2nd worse team (Corpus). Again, in Penalty Killing, while still near the bottom, the Thunder aren’t the worse team, with a 79.8% Kill % versus the league average of 83.8%. The complete lack of talent on the 3rd and to a lesser extent on the 2nd wing lines are clearly shown when watching this team play. The only line able to execute a decent breakout and attack on the offensive end is the Detulleto line, half the time the 3rd line can’t even get the puck out of our zone, much less through the neutral zone and into the offensive end, where, if the Gods are smiling, a weak shot from the boards near the top of the circle is offered at the net (Not a high percentage shot). The good news is that there are still teams looking for good defensemen and the Thunder haven’t had to give up much in our trades so far (Ofukany, Boron, and Truelson) in an attempt to get some decent wings (Kelly and Cooper, with a Dman to boot). The trade deadline is coming up and team will be looking to strengthen their bluelines, the one place where the Thunder actually have some talent. As soon as possible, the Thunder need to work a few more trades so that Hanson, Thompson, Bruce, and Ottman aren’t the core of the 3rd line, its clear watching them that they aren’t cutting it as a group. You can keep one or two of them to compliment two decent wings, but to have them out as a line is a guarantee of more 3-1 and 4-1 losses. One or two wings dramatically changes this team, we could get 6 wins, at least tying the record. Al? RLR

I watched your team last night. First, you can't take shots if you don't have control of the puck. Bichita did a good job of clogging up the center and attacking. The Blunder actually played pretty well against Allen for the first two periods, it was a close game. Then, it appeared to me, that the Blunder players "ran out of steam" in the third and took too many penalties puting them at a disadvantage way too often. The Blunder had 10 penalties for a total of 20 mins. They played a whole period a man short....just can't do that. Have to admit Kesr played well, made some good saves and had luck on his side a few times.

The Blunder will win a game soon, the new people are making a difference. If Spuda can just get some endurance from the players and get them to stop taking stupid penalties, you guys will have a 10 win season!!!


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Duda needs to conduct a few bag skates. That'll straighten 'em out.