Why can't we close?

[Freddie]

By my count we've failed to hold leads 11 times, resulting in 3 ties and 8 losses, all in conference play. When you consider how tightly bunched the standings are, imagine where we'd be if we had held just a couple of those leads. A month ago, we looked in good shape to get home ice...now even making the playoffs at all isn't a lock.

The numbers speak for themselves, and we can't hide from them. Scoring by period for the conference season:
1st BG 23, Opp 9....2nd BG 28, Opp 18....3rd BG 22, Opp 31.... OT BG 1, Opp 4

The way I see it, there are only a few possible reasons for this continued pattern:
1. Inadequate physical conditioning.
2. Inability to counter mid-game adjustments made by opponents.
3. Lack of depth
4. "Head" problems

I'm curious what some of the rest of you feel is wrong.

Side note to IBleedOrange...Suggestions for shutting down the program, converting the ice arena into a day care center or similar absurdities do nothing to advance the cause, and simply provide positive proof to the fact that you're a massive tool.

[BGhockeyfan94]

From what I saw this season so far, we just get outplayed at the end of the game. We have no idea how to hold on to the lead. I am not sure on what it is, but conditioning might be it, and it might be mental too. They score to tie it up and we just give up and lose focus. I saw the opposite in the past, we got down by 3 (FSU/OSU) and we battle back and win. I don't think we know how to handle losing the momentum, because we are used to us being down and regaining it.

That is my opinion.

We could turn the ice rink into a big broom ball arena...the football team would like that, they were not looking to hot last time they played broom ball.

[pdt1081]

I've been saying number 1 since Ward left the Strength and Conditioning position for the football team. It's been better the past few seasons, but it's still lacking.

Number 4 is a result of number 1. They just don't have the confidence in themselves and often times are obviously gassed by the middle of the third period, if not long before that. There's been a lot of mental mistakes due to fatigue and players trying to take shortcuts to preserve some energy.

Number 3 is definitely not a problem. The "fourth" line guys could easily be on the first or second line. Everybody is scoring. There's only one non-goalie on the roster without a point, and I don't think he's seen game action this season.

[poltergeist]

my opinion...it's number 3, but specifically depth at D. plenty of depth at forward.
the earlier experiment with putting Dajon on the blue line, dressing 7 D-men @anchorage...we don't have the horses to shut it down defensively.

[apollo]

Our defense and goaltending are not strong enough....the scary thing is we havent played any offensively skilled teams the second half with the exception of BC. Burke should start every game from here on out and the defense needs to do a better job moving the puck out of the zone.

[IBleedOrangeAndBrown]

Coaching...

A Daycare Center would bring in more revenue than the team we're putting out on the ice... Just saying. Turn it into a recruitment "tool" for future falcons.

[musicman2343]

I think it's a combo of #1 & #4, and like pdt said - #4 is a product of #1.

Whenever we get a lead, we mentally lapse - it becomes "play not to lose" instead of putting the game away.

[unfalconbelievable]

Ibleedorange is either Carol Cartwright or Greg Christopher haven't figured it out yet from the posts but willing to bet its one of the two.

[BGhockeyfan94]

I bleed is a Toledo alumni. He is jealous that his alma mater doesn't have a hockey team that is D1 so he takes his frustrations out on the internet...like a child. But hey, it gives me a good laugh to read his comments.
He should ride his rocket back to Toledo.

[poltergeist]

I bleed tried to learn to skate once, but could never stand up without his walker. oh, the humiliation. sadly, he has never moved past his butthurt, and is now a teenage troll.

[Falcon Fanatic]

Ibleedorange is either Carol Cartwright or Greg Christopher haven't figured it out yet from the posts but willing to bet its one of the two.

It is ABSOLUTELY NOT Carol Cartwright. SHE is the one kept this program alive. Trust me, I was there and saw it all first hand. No question. Period. I will forever be grateful for all that she did and how she stepped up and listened the alumni players and fans. She even came to quite a few games and learned a bit about the game!

[factman]

Can't be said for Greg Christopher! Bye, bye!

[apollo]

I doubt it is Greg Christopher. He handed Bergeron an extension the same way he handed Louis Orr one. If he were still here he'd be saying "directionally" the program is headed in the right direction. Plus I think GC is too busy finding ways to deceive Xavier into thinking he's a good fundraiser. I'm sure he's well on his way to running that department into the ground

[factman]

[IBleedOrangeAndBrown]

Just a normal guy tired of watching a piss poor hockey team. I'm honored that you guys are so interested in who I am, it means a lot really.