MAINE TIMBER vs CAROLINA KRAKEN - PGS - GAME 10

FINAL SCORE: MAINE - 2 / CAROLINA - 1


THREE STARS
3rd Star: C Konrad Danke Timber - 1 G, 0 A, 1 P
2nd Star: LW Dwight Knight Kraken - 1 G, 0 A, 1 P
1st Star: D Valentin Kalashnikov Timber - 0 G, 2 A, 2 P




The Maine Timber and the Carolina Kraken feverishly fight for that last remaining playoff spot in the east – with the format changes, the last place team in each respective division will now miss the playoffs. Perhaps the Timber and Kraken will be a preview for an Eastern final in a few seasons – Combined with the most rookies in the league, the Timber and Kraken played to a 2-1 decision favouring the Maine crowd.
Period 1 was absolutely action packed (at least in comparison with the rest of the game). Valentin Kalashnikov fed Konrad Danke for his 2nd of the year to open up the scoring. This was short live as, Dwight Knight lit the lamp less than 5 minutse later. Veteran Ambacas Cuddles received the apple. With this period being action packed, we couldn’t depned on a tie – less than 15 seconds later, the Kraken allowed Kalashnikov to get his 2nd assist of the game, feeding Kyle Sutton for his first of the season.
In the second, Carolina had two  powerplay opportunities that they failed to capitalize on. This sparked Adam Friedland to drop the mitts with Von Arx, However, this was to no avail, the the Kraken dropped a 2-1 decision to their division rivals.


THOUGHTS AND ANALYSIS:

Kraken Up under Pressure: Carolina CANNOT score, perhaps it was the Timber’s superb goaltending. Despite outshooting the Timber 42-24, Carolina scored but one goal. This Carolina squad is young and inexperienced – once the leaders go to the big leagues, can they pick up the scoring? As their rookies and sophomores age, we should see the production increase. Hopefully we see some more “finish” – 42 shots is a dominant performance, one goal however, is indicative of scoring problems.

Saving the Day: With Saarinen playing absolutely lights out, posting a .976. Frans Eller was hung out to dry despite posting a respectable .916. The three stars included NO goaltenders, but the two starters deserved to be there.

Spark the Team: When you’re down one goal in a tight playoff race, you need those players who spark your team – be it a big hit, a motivational speech, or a big fight. Adam Friedland is undefeated for a reason – he’s an absolute beast, so when he dropped the mitts with Von Arx in the late 2nd period, the entire crowd stood up. Fighting is definitely not a dying art in the J – these kids are trying to improve their draft stock. Friedland certainly does that by remaining undefeated.