Post Game Review vs Storm

Photo Credit via X/Twitter @TheAbbieC

Emotional, Poignant, Respectful, only one element mattered, Adam Johnson

The opening frame went as expected, cautious, considered, subdued. The arena as a whole had those undertones, from the initial tribute all the way to the final whistle.

It felt at times like a scrimmage and who can blame the teams and officials even, the emotions that must have been felt leading up to this game, then from puck drop would have been raw, dizzying and overwhelming for some.

The fact they suited up, got dressed and went out there was enough for everyone last night, win or lose for the home team, just getting that overall frame done and then the game was definitely needed.

Photo Credit via X/Twitter @Block13Devils

Tale of the Tape

Storm took the lead from a broken run of play, leaving the back door wide open and that was when the situation clicked for most and the game kicked up a gear.

Following the goal, some exchanges of penalty minutes went around, where on the power play, the Devils answered back with a thunderous one-T goal by Brandon Alderson, absolutely blasting through the excellent Storm goalie.

The tone was set for the third, but it seems fatigue set in around the Devils bench, of which there are no complaints.

The game was tightly played, but a lot of sloppy passing and puck handling each way, shown that heads were not focused 100%, allowing the visitors to take advantage when they could, eventually retaking the lead then cementing the win with an empty netter.

From the coaches interview afterwards (found here https://youtu.be/D8UjxXcGmyM?si=SzhwYfzo2hdMBXOA) it encapsulated the mood of the evening, providing insights into what likely each club has been going through.

So it is important to reserve typical judgement if the performance didn’t meet the usual standard or expectations, because some of those players were friends with Adam Johnson, PR coached him, it could have happened to anyone out there. That’s the mindset for right now and the weeks to follow.

Hot Goalies

Regardless of the result, both goalies posted high SV%’s, Bowns with 94.59 and Weninger at 95.83 respectively. They each faced a total of 116 shots with 62 SOG between them.

For the home team, it was one of the lowest shot efficiency rates, at 4.17% – advocating the cloud of forlorn and sorrow that was evident from the ice.

Team Stripes

Another thought is for the officials too. Although none on the ice last night were present last weekend in Sheffield, they would have still understood the effects and conditions of that unique and extraordinarily tragic moment, so credit to each official who was there for each game this weekend.

I know for a fact they would have rallied around the stripes from that game, so sparing thoughts and understanding to the EIHL officials is just as important as the teams that play too.

Three Stars vs Manchester Storm

Third Star – Brandon Alderson (1G)

Second Star – Ben Bowns (35 Saves, 94.59SV%)

First Star – Evan Weninger (23 Saves, 95.83SV%)