Post by whalersgm on May 8, 2009 23:13:10 GMT -5
NEW ENGLAND SPORTS TRIBUNE
Most experts, including a majority of Whaler fans, had them making an early exit from these playoffs. Many of those fans interviewed were even saying they would be hard pressed to even win a game in their first round series vs. the Jets. After getting destroyed in game one of that series, coach Wilson made some major lineup changes. The biggest would be the switching of captain Jeff O'Neill to center. He had played that position in junior but this would be his first crack at it in the big leagues. "We were getting dominated at the center position most of the year because most teams would focus on Doug (Weight) and basically we had not much else to counteract on the nights when he would get shut down. First game and first loss in the playoffs meant there was no time to lose. Jeff (O'Neill) had learned enough after playing on his wing the last couple of years, so i felt this would be the right time to try and spread out our scoring and play Jeff at center like i had planned for next season." So far so good for Wilson's strategy.
This team, by no means is happy to be here. With guys like Weight, Blake and O'Neill leading the way, this team handed the powerful Crusaders their first loss of these playoffs in game two, on the road, then went on to hand them their second loss in game four at the Hartford Civic Center. "You look around this room, and figure there's an odd mix of youth and veterans. The two biggest influences on my career by far have been the two alternate captains. They just ooze confidence and never let you feel like any game is over. The intensity and leadership they show in the biggest games kind of makes you believe you're never out of a game." This from the captain who really took it upon himself to make amends for taking a crucial high-sticking double minor in overtime of game three. The Crusaders scored on the ensuing power play to win that game. O'Neill came back in game four with a vengeance, scoring two goals and just being a monster all over the ice in this crucial game. "I've been around hockey for years but I don't think I've ever played with two centers such as these two. With them on our side anything is possible." Rob Blake commending the two centers on their efforts thus far. If it all ended in this round most fans would say great because they've never seen their team get out of the first round. The players who are playing the games are gaining confidence with every win along with the fans. As the first round series proved for the Whalers, impossible is only possible if you believe it.
Bob Cobb,
New England Sports.