COMMENT ONE: Lack Of Aggression With A Lead?

-The Raptors started with the lead 2-0, after outshooting the Armada 9-6. However, the Raptors shifted to more defensive tactics with the lead and then the Armada outshot them over the last two periods 19-14. The Raptors work best when playing a consistent even strength system, and deciding to focus more on defense and letting the Armada have the run of the play was a mistake that helped cost them a point. The Raptors also had the best chances in overtime, but weren't willing to overcommit to set up good chances and it degenerated in 1-on-1s and 2-on-2s at both ends.

COMMENT TWO: Special Teams Not So Special

-The Raptors poor special teams this year let them down again, as they gave up a goal on the PK and failed to score on 3 powerplay opportunities. The Raptors mess of a powerplay unit does not make sense, given that they have the veteran core of guys like leading scorer Alexander Selich, playmaker Zivan Zidek, and a good puck-moving defenseman in Cassius Darrow. Theres a lot of talent in what is looking like the best rookie harvest of the S45 draft to back that up too. What is going on here? Is it bad strategy, or puck luck, or the core being overused at even strength? Whatever it is it needs to be fixed fast, or the Raptors might be left in the cold amongst this 8 team playoff race.

COMMENT THREE: Shootout Did Not Go To The OK Corral

-Ultimately, despite all the problems the Raptors had keeping the lead and doing anything on the powerplay, they still had a chance to win it all via the shootout, and couldn't do it. Ushakov did his part by stopping the first 3 shooters, but didn't get support back. OBviously the penalty shot is less of a focus in practise at the J level, with prospects wanting to improve their basic skills to impress the pro team brass and get the callup. But in a shootout, your best players have to be your best players. Konstantin Voloshin had to at least make the Armada earn it by forcing a save out of Peter Larson, and instead he missed the net. For a veteran who is supposed to be leading the youth and showing them the best example to create a Golden Generation for the Raptors, thats just not good enough.