Comment 1: Rookie Watch
This was a hard-fought game by both sides, with most players ending up with even +/- ratings. Often times in Juniors games early in the season, the difference makers are the young rookies and how much above their potential they're playing. Let's look at one standout from each team:
Barromini Cannellini - 4 shots, 2 hits, 1 shot block, 8/16 faceoffs - Although he didn't show up on the scoresheet, 2nd line center Cannellini had himself a decent game in 15 minutes of ice time. He made his presence known on both sides of the ice and won half his faceoffs. Nothing to scoff at, especially when you're facing wiley veteran Derek Bohne half the time.
Jerry Mander - 3 shots, 3 hits, 1 assist, 2/2 faceoffs - Mander hasn't had a great start to the year, but he's doing what he has to do, and that's hit people while getting the puck to his faster linemates. He got on the scoresheet this time around, which is a big added bonus.

Comment 2: Who Blew It?
This is a little morbid, but it's important for teams that lose these close battles to really determine the root cause of the loss. In this particular box score, it isn't as glaring a miss; most people are at a 0 +/-, a few different lines contributed, etc. However, 3 of the 5 combined goals in this game came on the power play, so special teams was a little suspect for both sides. The Whalers were 2/3 on powerplays, which is, frankly, unacceptable for any team looking to go far in the playoffs. For the Outlaws, it's easy to blame the entire PK unit for losing twice, but it's even easier to blame the one guy who got in the box for what would be the GWG, and that's Jonny Jokihoki. The rookie hasn't been in too much trouble this year, so let's hope this is a learning experience.

Comment 3: Goalie Advantage?
One important thing to note is that Anaheim started their backup goalie, Tibuk Soonika for this matchup. It was an interesting management decision to go with Soonika over Mike Hunt who's had a red-hot start and already recorded 2 shutouts in the young season. Then again, it's important to get playing time in for everybody. Even though Soonika did very well in this game, his lack of experience with the defensemen, especially on the penalty kill, could have led to more miscommunications and letting in those 2 goals. On the other side of the ice, Casimir Stevens has had a solid start to the year. He wasn't hit by many shots in this game, which is almost tougher down the stretch as he needs to stay alert. He didn't face more than 10 shots in any single period, and only 20 total in the game - and his 90% save rate is fairly even with his season total to this point!