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October 22, 2009
Well folks, there is no mistaking the fact that the Marlies and Abbotsford Heat are in the same division, and will be battling for important points all year. The series started off in a big way with six more meetings still to come. Over 240 penalty minutes, 20 fighting majors and four ejections were handed out in the first two games between the squads this week. Hard to believe from a Flames affiliate that has spent the last few years in the West Division in either Quad City or Omaha, and having Toronto only see them twice a year.
You had to know things were going to get a little rougher in the second game with a few line-up changes on the Heat end of things. This is going to be one heck of a season series between the two teams, and I'd be ordering my tickets right now for the four games that Abbotsford will play in Toronto at Ricoh Coliseum. These two games were as physical as you'll see in the regular season. The first game featured a highlight reel of crunching body checks that would make Grapes himself proud. Then, an old fashioned line brawl in the second game, just for good measure. Don't be fooled, the hockey was pretty good too. That's the kind of intensity you love to see in a regular season game though, as it makes you crave a playoff spot even more.
The two game set also feature some firsts as Dale Mitchell and Tyler Bozak both scored their first AHL goals. For Bozak, it's a good thing as it started to look like he might be squeezing the stick a little tight. Now that the monkey is off his back, he won't have it on his mind and will probably find himself on a bit of a roll now.
Mike Zigomanis made a solid impact in his debut with 4 points in the two games, but his strength in the faceoff circle will go a long way to help Toronto. Ziggy was 63% for the Penguins last year and has a career NHL faceoff percentage over 50%, which is helpful when you need those big draws won in games.
Christian Hanson also had a big trip with the Gordie Howe hat trick in the first game. Anyone want to take an over/under on how many SlapShot references will be made in newspapers on the road this year when Hanson has a big night? It's one already in Abbotsford.
Adam Munro has been solid if not spectacular at times in goal over the last three games. He has come up with some big stops when the Marlies need him and is doing a great job of stepping back into the Marlies net.
Now, it's a few days off for the team to travel and re-adjust to the Eastern time zone where they'll face their old pals Jeremy Williams and Kris Newbury in Grand Rapids on Saturday night.
The two game set with the Heat may have warmed up the Marlies play to set up what might be another night of fireworks at Van Andel Arena.
And now some random thoughts....
* It might be a 5 hour flight and 3 hour time change to come play out here in British Columbia, but I'll take the Rocky Mountain view any day on the ride to the rink.
* If you ever wanted a reason as to how reality TV has got out of control and crossed into families lives, look no further than the Jon and Kate saga, or even worse, the balloon boy family. Seriously people, stop exploiting your children on national TV for financial gain!
* Ok, take this with a grain of salt for a moment, but how much fun is it to watch Battle of the Blades on CBC? Tons! It's the greatest "couples" sports show ever on television. The men can watch former NHL stars do something that's out of their comfort zone, but manly. And the women, well they can actually say they watched figure skating with their men. See, perfect show! And, to make it even better, for just $5, you can see it live in person at Maple Leaf Gardens, which is incredible! Who knew, for $10, you can take your lady to the arena for a date night she'll actually love you for! Genius.
* And on that note, Craig Simpson, Claude Lemieux and Stephane Richer are my top three picks to win. Richer is the comeback skater of the year so far. Awesome double pump lift move last week. Simpson is getting close to doing some jump or something big, you can see it. And who knew, Claude Lemieux had such grace on the ice?
You can email John with comments and questions about the blog or the Marlies anytime to marliesradio@yahoo.ca.
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