Game Recap - Moncton Wildcats vs. Halifax Mooseheads

Moncton Wildcats vs. Halifax Mooseheads

Final Score
Moncton - 3
Halifax - 0

Goalscorers
Moncton: Eric Leger, Will Smith, Christophe Lalonde
Halifax: (None)

Goalies
Moncton: Alex Dubeau (W)
Halifax: Kevin Resop (L)

Moosehead Player of the Game

Max Fortier. There weren't too many bright spots for Halifax in this game, but Fortier was one. After having a short stint last year, he looks to be a top-liner this year. Right now it looks like he will not disappoint.

Honourable mention to Resop, he stopped 21 of 23 shots he faced. Both goals he let in were while the team was shorthanded and the defence were not properly covering the guy in the slot.

Thing That Annoyed Me

I scraped the worst player part since it just turned into what I thought the team did bad rather than just one individual. I know that the team isn't currently at full strength thanks to injuries and NHL training camps, and the some problems happened early last season. That being said, they looked sloppy when retrieving loose pucks. They seemed to take the extra stride beforehand rather than trying to quickly counter-attack.

Game Notes

• I was surprised that the home opener was not a sellout. Still a good crowd (8000+) but it seems like home openers should have every seat full.
• One thing I am trying to do this year is track the Mooseheads zone entries. Granted, I might only be able to track a quarter of all their games, but it'll give me a better insight on this team.
• That being said, two things to note. 1) Fortier is pretty good at gaining the zone (no surprise); and 2) Brandon Vuic was surprisingly good at entries.
• I feel this will reoccur in the "Annoying Me" part, but the powerplay needs to be fixed somehow. Moncton wasn't biting on the overload in the first and for the rest of the time it looked like they were playing 5-on-5.
• Again, it's early, but I am leery on the defence. This group might need an upgrade later on in the season. Murphy will be back in a bit (after the Sens training camp), Lussier will be out a while with a broken wrist.
• GARLAND UPDATE (I'm doing this because, even though he plays for the enemy, dammit he's good): 1 assist, 3 shots, and 3/4 at the faceoff dot.

Game Pics

New Season, New Seats. A true season ticket holder nomad.

Team introduction before the game.