The Bulldogs outplayed the Crusaders in every single aspect of the game last night except 1. The Crusaders actually shot the puck.
I don’t know if it is the stupid netting or the crappy lighting but watching games in Sherwood Park on TV is hands down the worst in the league. Or at least that the Bulldogs have played in as far as away barns. Its gloomy to watch. I have never been in that rink personally so I don’t know what it is like to watch it there, but as for the TV factor its bad. Also the first time the Bulldogs will see their former captain Dimitriadis. Along with Norcross and DiPaolo playing against their old team.
Shots on goal in the first period were 13-7 for the Bulldogs
Bulldogs got a too many men penalty while shorthanded. I never seen so many too many men penalties by a team. Ever. This could be some sort of hockey record that needs to be investigated. The Bulldogs successfully killed that off too.
The Bulldogs got a 5 minute Power Play late in the second period I am not sure if they got a shot off on it and they were down in the Crusaders end the whole time playing pass it around. It is like they all want to make and score the ESPN highlight reel goal. It was quite frustrating to watch. It was watching them play keep away from the Crusaders but just not shooting it at net, which you have to do to score goals, which wins hockey games. 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Shots on goal in the second period were 8-2 for the Crusaders. Yes that is 2 shots by the Bulldogs. The low shot count is shocking yes, it is even more shocking if you would of seen how long the Bulldogs were down in the Crusaders end.
The Bulldogs got another PP with 11 seconds of it being 5 on 3. The Bulldogs managed almost no shots on that whole 5 minute PP and were down in the Crusaders zone playing pass.
Then when they finally shot Jason Davenport scored to make it a 1-0 game on the Power Play. The assists on the goal went to Alex Bosland and Tyler Chiovetti at 1:43 of the third period.
Crusaders got a garbage fluke shot on the second Power Play in a row the refs handed them to tie it up with the credit going to Jeremy Loranger. The assists on the goal went to Kale Dach and John Alex Banks.
Another garbage goal got the Crusaders up 2-1. They shoot the puck something the Bulldogs have not been doing. Their goals are far from pretty but they count and thats all that needs to be done. That goal went to John Alex Banks. The helpers on the goal went to Kale Dach and Poul Andersen.
The Bulldogs pulled the goalie with 2:14 remaining, so they could play pass around and not shoot on the net again. Then when the Crusaders got possession fired it down the ice to make it a 3-1 game and end it. Tait Ross got the goal.
Bulldogs decided to embarrass themselves more 🤔and pull the goalie to let the Crusaders score again. Cooper Sharp was credited with the goal and Joel Purdom got the helper.
Shots on goal in the third period were 14-10. The Crusaders ended up outshooting the Bulldogs 27-25.
Northern Michigan Commit James Venne made 24 saves on the 25 shots that he faced for the win for the Crusaders. For the Bulldogs Lukas Fursten made 23 saves on the 25 shots that he faced.
Three Stars of the game were 1) John Alex Banks 2) James Venne 3) Lukas Fursten
Attendance in Sherwood Park (biggest crowd ive seen on the TV) was 1169. I was kind of shocked usually Sherwood Park will even announce the attendance at 600 and it looks like 200 people are there. It always seemed so quiet watching games there. Last night was packed. I was kind of shocked. I know the Bulldogs sent a bus of fans. Lots of cheers for them also while playing there which was cool.
Bulldogs next game is Saturday March 1st in Blackfalds against the Crusaders again
