A sweet victory that comes better late than never for the Mavericks. Jared VanWormer scores the game winning goal with just 1:46 to go in the game. Tyler Parsons bounces back and they are able to get their revenge after a tough game last night.
Finding Their Lucky Charm
Last night brought some ugly goals with some even uglier hops and flips. Tonight all of those were avoided or close calls but not finding the back of the net. Multiple pucks were sliding through Parsons but his positioning was good in the sense that when it got through him, he was not square to the net so they would go wide. Even after their go ahead goal there was a period of time where it looked like the Rush might tie it back up again but they were able to clear the puck and played a cleaner game tonight.
Unlucky 13
The number 13 seems to be a cursed jersey number for the Mavericks in the last couple weeks. The previous player to wear that, Dan Correale left the team to pursue and opportunity in Europe. With Nick Miglio being a new addition to the team, he opted to wear that number on his sweater. Tonight he took a slap shot to the face from his own teammate. He was screening the goalie and the shot came higher than anyone expected. At first he appeared to be bleeding from the nose or mouth, but after checking with the training staff it was confirmed he was bleeding from his cheek bone. He did not return and there is no word as to weather he has fractured any bones in his face or will require stitches. Keep in mind, the shooter was Bryce Aneloski. A defenseman at the point with one of the hardest if not the hardest shot on the team.
Not Done Yet
Even getting the W tonight is not really enough for the dynamic of the team. Coach John-Scott Dickson was not too impressed with the play tonight and credits the win to Parsons efforts. “I didn’t see a lot of positives. Making stupid plays. Veteran d-man making mistakes simply by not bearing down on the puck. It’s simply not good enough.” “Our leaders need to step up and take control.” Leadership has appeared to be wavering for this club. Captain, Tyler Elbrecht leads his team with his fists. They get down in a game, the energy isn’t there or a guy lays a bad hit on one of his teammates he’s the first one to drop the gloves. With their play and fighting getting mixed up too much in the last couple of weeks, there has been less of that. It appears that when the leaders are stepping outside of the bounds of their primary job they feel a bit lost. It also can’t be easy losing every day players to injury or call ups either. With different players in the locker room almost on a weekly basis, it has got to be hard to really grasp the reins of leadership as a player or coach.
Game Changing Tyler Parsons
“Some nights, is part of the game where its not bouncing your way. That was my game last night. You gotta stay mentally strong. You just got to let it go and come back strong for the next game.” Tyler Parsons may have been thinking this, but he was also showing it as well. He looked a lot more relaxed today and was able to find more of a grove in his crease. You could tell he thought a lot about his game last night and came to the rink tonight with a clean slate. He was better moulded into the goalie he was before his injury tonight and with more games to come, it is expected for him to only get better. He stopped 34/35 shots tonight. 17 of those coming in the 3rd period alone.
The Mavs have a brief two day break between their next game. They will play Tuesday night against the Colorado Eagles as they extend their lengthy home stand.
