Thursday, February 18, 2010

Broncos Move into 7th

Stepan Novotny scored twice while Justin Dowling added a goal and two helpers to pace the Broncos to a 4-1 win in Lethbridge.

The game concludes a successful mid-week two game road trip in which the Broncos won in Kootenay and Lethbridge to gain a bit of elbow room in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Broncos third win in a row moves them into sole possession of 7th place in the Conference and a full five points clear of a playoff spot over 9th place Prince Albert.

Another Bronco goaltender was on top of his game. This time it was Mark Friesen’s turn. He made 29 saves and played a pretty cool game in the crease.

D Derek Claffey opened the scoring in the 2nd period on the PP. He would later add two assists.

The Broncos have been in lock-down mode lately. They’ve surrendered only three goals in the last three games and six in their last five games. It was an area for concern in the month of January.

The club also improves to 13-7-0-2 in their last 22 road games. This after starting the season winless in ten away from the Credit Union I-plex.

Getting back to goaltending, either Mark Friesen or Morgan Clark have been in our broadcast’s three-star selection in eight of the last nine games. Their numbers have been sensational.

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I was a big hit up in the press box tonight. Elaine Lowry’s homemade skor bars were a hit with the rest of the media folk. There was plenty left for the ride home. She should patent that recipe. Thanks again.

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The Broncos host the Chilliwack Bruins Friday night to begin a five game homestand. In their short history, the Chilliwack Bruins have never scored a goal against the Broncos in nine periods. Travis Yonkman has blanked them twice while Mark Guggenberger followed suit in Chilliwack last season.

2 comments:

smackitsakic said...

Jon,

In response to a comment a few posts down about it being open season on Bronco defenseman...I agree that a lot of this is body positioning, but is it also not a huge lack of team toughness?

There isn't a Bronco on the bench that 'strikes fear' into the eyes of the opposition. Sure you may get fined or suspended for a dirty hit, but you won't have to face an enforcer the next time you meet up. I have been frustrated by the lack of a proven tough player in years past and this year is no different. There is a reason almost every NHL team has one guy on the roster whose job is to drop the mitts.

Jon Keen said...

Yeah, that's a very good point. I'm sure it plays a factor.