Comment 1: Anaheim’s Third Line – A strong but silent contribution
The Anaheim Outlaws have plenty of offensive superstars, and often they are the talk of the game. However tonight the entire Anaheim third line stepped up in a big way that may not have been simply seen by looking at the stat sheet. Kevin Robinson, Gunnar Petrov, and Jukka Jokinen may have only had a point each, but they shut down the Montreal Militia offense and finished the night with a solid +2 each. Their strong performance solidifies that the Outlaws are a solid 3 line team and while the top two lines are out scoring, the third line can shut down the other team’s top line while pitching in themselves. It is scary to think how good Anaheim might be come playoff time as this line continues to grow.

Comment 2: Jerry “MVP” Mander
It’s not every night you get to see a defenseman get a hat-trick, but tonight was indeed a very special night for Jerry “MVP” Mander who netted a hat-trick and an assist to boot! It was a truly stellar performance especially when you consider only one other Outlaw had multiple points (Ivan Maximus with two). That wasn’t Mander’s only contribution to the score sheet, he also racked up 6 penalty minutes all in the first period. While penalties aren’t really a positive, it just goes to show that along with his skill, Mander plays a feisty game that makes him one of the most feared players in the SMJHL. It is a shame he has decided to not continue his career to the SHL but I’m sure the Outlaws don’t mind at all.

Comment 3: Rough Night for Both Montreal Goaltenders
It was a rough night for both of the Montreal netminders tonight. Mike Hunt started the game but was pulled after letting in three goals on seven shots. The fact that Anaheim only managed four shots in the first period and two of them went in pretty much spelled game over for the Militia faithful. Halfway through the game Mitchell Maverick came in for relief and while he played slightly better making 13 saves on 15 shots, his 0.867 save percentage wasn’t nearly enough to stop the Anaheim onslaught. Hockey is always a team game but it’s hard not to put most of the blame for this loss on the goaltending difference. Montreal fans will sincerely hope that this game was just a one off if the team hopes to seriously contend for a championship.