Sønderjyske 28 December

Initial Impression
Sønderjyske December 28, 2009

The outcome of the game was obviously disappointing. We play the top team in the league and are tied in the 3rd period with the momentum in our favour, it comes down to a 20 minute game. Basically it is now win a period and win the game. Unfortunately we gave away the game winning goal by leaving a man all alone in front of the net, the area of the ice we want to protect the most. This was the most disappointing part in my mind, as we are counting on players to rise up when we need it most. This was one of those times in the game and the season.

Vojens showed why they are the top team in the league. They are resilient and more importantly rely on offensive contributions from their 3rd and 4th line players. Over the course of the season, this is a huge factor in winning games.

We identified several key areas before the game that we wanted to succeed at in order to win. We wanted to score the first goal; and we did. We wanted to win the “special teams” (also known as the power play and penalty killing situations) and we came out even in this area at 2-2. We wanted to keep the Sønderjyske Big Line off the scoresheet at even strength; and we were able to do that also.

Our ultimate goal at this point is to put together the full 60 minute game. Tonight was not a defeat in terms of effort, but instead about maintaining focus in the critical moments of the game. This was most notable in the third period when some poor decisions, bad positioning, and lost battles cost us the game.

Bulldogs fans, along with a very large Vojens crowd, created a raucous atmosphere tonight in Vestfyen Arena which was wonderful to see and hear. It was a rousing farewell to 2009 and we are all looking forward to more successful results in the New Year.