Coming off a tough tie against the Polar Vortex, the Heartland Red Liners met up with their oldest rival, the Whalers. It was a penalty filled game on both sides as frustration pervaded the Liners bench. The 8-0 loss ties for the most lopsided loss for these Red Liners (they lost 8-0 in their first game of the Spring 2014 season).
The sign of things to come appeared very quickly in the game. The Whalers popped in a goal on their very first shift (58 seconds into the game). The would put in 2 more goals in the remaining first half of the first period. The Liners did get a power play opportunity but could not capitalize on it. The faster skating and strong goaltending by the Whalers made it very difficult for the Liners to penetrate the Whalers’ defense. The second period was a repeat of the first. The Whalers again scored early and then knocked in two more goals in the period. The Liners again had a power play chance but could not score on it. The third period only had two goals scored by the Whalers because of a large number of penalties on both sides. Signore Franco was eventually ejected from the game for protecting his teammates. Big Daddy got called for hooking twice where the Liners only killed one penalty successfully.
The lopsided loss showcased flat playing on the Liners. Players were remarked that they were just not thinking clearly during the game. This could explain the many blind passes and puck dumps during the game. An offensive attack could not easily be generated. They’re back on the ice in Prime Time against Jokerit on Sunday, April 24 at 5:30pm. The Liners are the only team to have beaten Jokerit this season.