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) Friday was the first time I’ve seen Jeff Daniels get a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. His disposition on the bench is never bellicose. Many coaches are quickly agitated at mistakes by officials, but Daniels’ reputation for professionalism precedes him and the official should’ve known better. The penalty on Daniels and Bellemore (the call he was arguing against) gave OKC a full two-minute, two-man advantage. It was the turning point and it ended up costing the Checkers the game.
2) I hardly ever talk about the referees because they have a hard enough job trying to get things right while not being the focus of the game. It’s understandable that they are going to get things wrong from time to time. But, I still don’t understand how you can give a team two subjective penalties on the same play resulting in a two-minute five on three advantage.
3) In eight games with the Checkers this season, Luke Pither has only been held off the scoresheet twice. Can he keep this pace up?
4) The Texas Stars show no signs of slowing down. They are 8-1-1 in their past 10 games. They’re one point ahead of Charlotte and have two games in-hand. Perhaps, at this moment, Texas is the best team in the AHL.
5) How many people thought that going into week 3 of the season, the rumors are that Roberto Luongo would be kept and Corey Schnieder traded?
6) At the risk this column being perceived as a perpetual eulogy to the departed that have influenced me, let me recognize the loss of the great guitar player Gary Moore. He passed suddenly two years ago today. If you’re into musical genius wrapped in a tornado than I recommend him.
7) It was nice to see my color commentator Chris Jablonski at the XI center right before I went on for practice with the Checkers on Sunday. He showed his undying support by sticking around for 15 seconds before he left to go eat breakfast. Thanks, Jigs. You’re always there for me.
8) What was your favorite Super Bowl moment??? Oh wait, I don’t care.
9) Checkers player were very happy for Zach Boychuk’s new opportunity with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not many players are given a second chance and Pittsburgh delivered the opportunity of a lifetime. In the words of Horace, “…envious times have already fled, seize the day, trusting as little possible in the next…” He must seize this moment. Good luck, Zach.
10) The Washington Capitals are playing to their level of incompetence and Alex Ovechkin has been promoted beyond his ability. If the captain is out there floating around aimlessly, their total collapse is inevitable.
11) Contrast Ovechkin with Hurricanes captain, Eric Staal. I don’t even really need to elaborate because the differences in everything from production to leadership are obvious. Last night in Toronto is a great example of what Eric Staal is capable of accomplishing and bringing the entire team along.
12) Television game this Saturday against San Antonio… If you aren’t coming to the game, (or if you come you should record it on your DVR) Derek Wilkinson’s segments during intermissions are brilliant. I think we need to start uploading them to our YouTube Channel.
