Detroit Falcons Preseason Review

With the SMJHL preseason coming to an end, it is time to take a look at how the Detroit Falcons fared this year.  With a record of four wins and three losses, the preseason seemingly went O.K. for the team, but could have been better. 

Game 1: Detroit Falcons versus Maine Timber

A few main takeaways from this game include: The Falcons need for scoring, work on discipline, and the Falcons questionable defense.  Detroit had 12 total penalty minutes while Maine only had a single minor penalty.  While this is only preseason, it is important for these young players to learn just how hard it is to score in this league if they are in the box all game. 
With their only goal coming from Lillehammersson in the second period, the team looked tired and deflated by the end of the third.  Maine scored three goals on 24 shots highlighting the weak defense by Detroit early in the preseason. 

Game 2: Detroit Falcons versus Newfoundland Berserkers

Detroit’s offense woke up in this game, scoring four total goals to defeat the Berserkers 4-3 in the shootout.  The game started slow for the Falcons, as the proceeded to take 3 penalties and one powerplay goal against in the first twenty minutes of the game.  Many fans were worried this would be a repeat of the first game, but alas the coaches fired the boys up during the first intermission and was followed was fast, disciplined hockey from the Falcons.  With two goals and only one penalty in the second period, they went into the third with the game tied three to three.  With the third period starting with a quick goal from the Berserkers, Luc Blouin scored a powerplay goal at 11:38 to tie the game for the Falcons.  The teams would complete a scoreless overtime and the Falcons would win in the shootout to take the game at 4-3.  Overall, strong performance by both teams. 

Game 3: Detroit Falcons versus Maine Timber

Unfortunately for Detroit’s offense, it seemed that Maine’s defense had their number.  With no goals scored for the Falcons and three goals scored on twenty shots for Maine, the falcons seemed to need help in offensive and defensive departments.  The falcons repeatedly were giving up high danger shots and leaving their goalie out to dry, while simultaneously getting scored on during the penalty kill again. 

Game 4: Detroit Flacons versus Vancouver Whalers

The Falcons really flexed their offensive muscles this game, defeating the Whalers by a score of four goals to two. While the Falcons looked great, there is still room for criticism.  They allowed thirty-four shots on goal and witnessed an all-star performance in their net.  The Falcons played a far more disciplined game only receiving two minor penalties and winning thirty faceoffs. 

Game 5: Detroit Falcons versus Maine Timber

Much like a broken record, this game stood to reinforce the repeated message of Maine’s dominance over Detroit.  With the Falcons losing four to two, the main bright spot of the game could be that they scored two goals against Maine’s defense, and fired forty-three shots on net.  The shooting volume was absolutely there, the quality of shots just needed to improve for the Falcons. 

Game 6: Detroit Falcons versus Kelowna Knights

This game showed that the Falcons roster is much more skilled that that of the Knights.  Detroit relied on this skill disparity to win the game two goals to none while still taking sixteen minutes in penalties and giving up thirty-eight shots against.  This was a terrible loss for the Knights, and if anything it showed that while the Falcons may have holes in their game, at least they can pull out a stellar victory from a tough fought game.

Game 7:  Detroit Falcons versus Colorado Raptors

This is the game all the fans, players, and coaches of the Falcons wanted to see.  Winning by a score of five goals to two, the Falcons executed their game plan perfectly.  Instead of focusing on quantity of shots, they focused on quality.  They played a much more physical game than the Raptors, and it paid dividends.  The final two games of the preseason has Falcons fans excited for what is to come.

@Pickle Juice GRADED! +5 TPE.