Comment 1
Identity trouble
Ruslan Zaporozhets was selected as the first star of this match with three assists. People who have never seen him play might say that he is a good playmaker, but his playstyle and his mindset is to be a sniper. Throughout the season it feels like he can't keep up the pace with other snipers in the league. He seems more like a playmaker rather than a sharpshooting machine. Is it because of his linemates? He's playing with a playmaker and a power forward which should automatically make him the sniper, but somehow it doesn't. Only the future will tell whether Ruslan can get back to his sniping habits or he will remain rather a passing type of player.
Comment 2
The underdogs
Coming into the season Maine Timber are the ultimate underdogs. It's projected they will fight with two other teams for the final playoff spot in the east. Will they be able to make it? With new fresh rookies looking to prove themselves they have the ground to make some noise. Sondergard a draft number 1 and Danke number 10, who was predicted to be drafted much earlier are a duo of players that will make the team better right now, and even better in the future. Maine is in what you can call a weaker conference. There's one basically unbeatable team in Detroit but other than that a winnable matches.
Comment 3
Discipline
Both teams showed some lack of discipline. This was probably the reason for Maine's downfall in this match. St. Louis have a really well-oiled offense, especially on the powerplay so taking penalties against them isn't the smartest idea. Of course it's hard not to take penalties against a team like St. Louis, where Scarecrows players can get into great scoring spots thanks to their skill, and then on defense Timber doesn't have many options. Maine needs to get faster, use their legs more, and work on their stamina. If you don't skate, if you don't work hard you will keep taking penalties that will decide the games. If Maine wants to make the playoffs this is the area where it's within their control to get much better and tilt the close matches towards them.