As we close the S33 season here in Portland, we look forward to what the future holds here in the Northwest corner. While there is disappointment all-around for not making the playoffs, it doesn't come as a surprise to many as predictions still have the Admirals a season or two out. What there is going on is plenty of improvement and enormous amounts of excitement!
Scoring Touch
While finishing dead last in the S32 campaign with 1.94 goals per game, we were able to turn that around to the tune of 2.76 goals scored per game. An improvement that was led by Chernika Banananov (30), Ray Pejonis (20), Jonathan Lundberg (19) and Max Weber (12). This ideally correlated into a drastic shot increase as we averaged a full 6 more shots per game. In addition, our power play improved from 12.88% to 18.71% which speaks alot towards our development in lines and strategy within our special teams units.
Defensive Struggles
It isn't a surprise that defensively we would struggle during a season of development for our defensive corps. Not one defenseman would finish on the plus side of the plus/minus statistical category and only one would finish with more than five goals (Weber 12). Surprisingly, the one leg that we could stand on was the penalty kill as we finished 3rd in the league with is a great improvement from last season. Unfortunately... still were in the bottom tier of shots allowed per game.
The Sieve
During his rookie campaign, Wahlgren showed many ups and downs. As his struggles were defensive support in St. Louis, it seems to have carried over in Portland. Wahlgren has the attributes to be a long term stay between the pipes for Portland, especially with a goalie-centric bench coach advising him in terms of development. There is plenty of confidence in The Finnish Wahl and fans look forward to the youngsters development.
Off-Season Movement
It will be interesting to see of the off-season approaches. With potentially $10+ million in salary cap space available, targets can be aplenty as we look to fill holes and aggressively secure SHL-ready talent. Ideally we are really looking to shore up another shoot-first forward and then would like to add a defenseman or two this off-season as we finalize our roster.
S34 Prediction
I feel the Portland will be in the hunt for a playoff spot next season. We knew it would be a reach this season being in the West with the enormous amounts of talent, but we feel with a few key off-season moves we will be in position to finally end this franchise long playoff drought.
[b]Are there any notable free agents you will be looking to acquire during the off season?
For Portland's sake, we obviously won't name our targets, but there are definitely both defensive and forward players that we think would fit great within our team.
Do you think your aggressive/impatient contract signing strategy is driving away players?
I would definitely look towards two different transactions being impacted in this question. Unfortunately back in time of teetering between rebuild or having a core moving forward, Mattias Holmberg unfortunately wanted to test free agency. It was simply too much of a risk for a team with very little to offer to let a quality player go without any return. The second being the Reed Laing incident, which I will no longer address. While, Holmberg was upfront and honest about desires and possibilities I can't say the same for the latter.
As you look up and down our roster, we have players on one-year contracts and players on five-year contracts. Players committed for short term and some committed with a long term interest. It isn't of our pressuring to make any one player feel a specific way, we simply find those players that fit the needs we have and the best interest of the future of Portland.
What team has been your least favorite team to play against or negotiate with?
I would have to say play against... Definitely Edmonton. We simply just get our bell rung every single time and we simply had no answer. Negotiate wise... that's a difficult one. Mainly it is difficult to negotiate with those who simply ask what you are looking for or refuse to make a starting offer.[/b]
[b]On a personal note how did it feel getting your first taste of SHL goaltending? Are you feeling good about your future in the SHL?
To be honest, it was great to finally be up in the bigs. Obviously it came with a curve with our team developing. I really am feeling good moving forward though as we look forward to S34 and S35 as our defense really finds its identity.
What was the best part about the S33 seasons for the Portland Admirals?
Honestly... The chemistry amongst the team. Everyone truly adds an element in our locker room and I absolutely am loving it. While it is great to win more than 7 games, from the vets to the rookies everyone wants to be a part of what we are creating in Portland.
Is the West Coast big enough for the both of us?
Man, this west coast is going to be scary. Regular season year in and year out is simply going to be a gauntlet. I'm excited for the conference in general, but damn it would be a bit easier being out East.
How do you see the S33 playoffs shaking out? Any favorites?
I have mixed feelings here. Logically, I think Calgary takes the Cup one more time before starting to ascertain growing youth within their system as they are aging. In my heart... I'm pulling for LA.[/b]
[b]Since you're missing your first round selection in this draft, will you be looking to trade up/move pieces in order to grab a first round pick?
The thought is potentially there as I do have interest in a couple potential prospects. Our problem is we lack the potential pieces. Not only do we not have a 1st, but we also lack a 2nd. In order to move up, our best chances are leaning on our future 1sts should we choose to make a move of some sort.
Are there certain positions you've identified as weaknesses on your roster that you plan on addressing via the draft (aka a more long-term solution as opposed to an outright fix)?
Straight-forward we are looking at shooters and defensemen. With a few veterans here for a short time we are looking at needing to fill those gaps at some point, so our focus will be wingers and defensemen this season and the next couple to come.[/b]
To say the least, I'm very disappointed to not even be the first goalie off the board. Here I thought people would want the proven guy who runs the sim.
To say the least, I'm very disappointed to not even be the first goalie off the board. Here I thought people would want the proven guy who runs the sim.
Since you're missing your first round selection in this draft, will you be looking to trade up/move pieces in order to grab a first round pick?
Are there certain positions you've identified as weaknesses on your roster that you plan on addressing via the draft (aka a more long-term solution as opposed to an outright fix)?
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