Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya checks in each week with his 10 Thoughts - a series of observations about the team and the hockey world in general.
1) With the eight-point divisional swing this weekend going to OKC, the Checkers only have a two-point lead on the Barons in the South and have played one more game than them. It’s amazing how optimism is blighted in only two losses.
2) As Dan Ellis skated off the ice after being pulled from Sunday’s game in the second period, I reminded fans that Ellis wasn’t to blame for any of the goals allowed. It was the team in front of him that collapsed. Ellis did everything he could but no goalie could sustain the kind of barrage he faced in just over half a game. Not only did he face 29 shots but the majority were high quality from the Barons’ top line. Sure hope the guys apologized to him.
3) “I’m from the government and I’m here to help” were once dubbed the nine most terrifying words in the English language by President Ronald Reagan. But, terrifying no more as the NHL and the PA have agreed to allow Federal mediators to become involved in the CBA negotiations. I guess things can’t get much worse, right?
4) How did Charlotte go from putting up one of their best efforts on Saturday to the biggest dud of the season in less than 24 hours? This is the question that should plague the team for the next few days until they play Rockford again.
5) Rumors abound that
William Scott Bowman will be in attendance at this weekend’s game inside Time Warner Cable Arena.
6) I heard the word “scared” uttered in the post-game comments after Sunday’s loss. It was in the context of suggesting the Checkers were scared of the Barons' top line, thus the hesitant play. Being scared is for children, not grown men.
7) Zac Dalpe was absolutely dominant in Saturday’s game. He had many great chances and finally struck for a goal in the second period. If Dalpe continues to play with that kind of willpower, he won’t be stopped many times.
8) Great to see John Forslund at the game on Sunday. I know he’s absolutely devastated he can’t get into the booth and call the action for the Canes. Not being able to flex the broadcasting muscle because of circumstances beyond your control must be agonizing. John is one of the best in the business and we look forward to his return to the booth and the eventual return NHL hockey.
9) Paging Donald White… the bus is still waiting for you.
10) Smartest thing I’ve heard during this lockout came from Roman Hamrlik when he demanded the players be given a YES or NO vote. Roman believes that in a union, individuals should have a voice over the whims of union bosses. Silly hockey player.
11) Happy belated birthday to my buddy Thomas Smith, a big shot here at the Checkers. Earlier this month he took me out on my birthday. He invited a bunch of friends and we had a great time. I reciprocated on his birthday by going straight home and directly to bed. I did text him the next day to wish him the best but he didn’t return my message. What a jerk.
12) Star Wars night coming up on Saturday. I’ve never seen the movies before. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about but something tells me I am in the minority.
13) Our TV broadcast Saturday has moved from Time Warner digital channel 520 to 522. Please note.
14) On Saturday, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs take on the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2012 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Let us pray.
15) The team is wearing black jerseys this weekend, which according to Checkers superstition, means bad luck for the team. Except when they win in them. However, negation of bad luck caused by a victory in black jerseys is destroyed by subsequent losses in the aforementioned jerseys. Furthermore, according to the bylaws of black jersey superstition, they are responsible for bad d-zone coverage, unfortunate bounces, missed shots and lucky saves by the other team’s goalie.
