A Vote of Confidence
“First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert shots into goals.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt
It’s Saturday night. We all know what that means: epic failure. Horrendous meltdowns. Offensive ineptitude. Defensive negligence. Etc. Condescending comments about how we “deserved better” or “should have won” made from the comfort of the winners’ circle. Despair-laden comments about “ugly hockey” and curse words I won’t print here coming from… me.
Really, why? I don’t understand. It’s not like tUMD is running trick plays or something. It’s not a “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain” situation where we can’t play a quality lineup every night. I don’t think they are under any sort of gypsy curse or other miscellaneous hex. So why does Saturday after Saturday end in complete and utter disaster?
I recognize trying to remedy this wretched trend in Anchorage is not an ideal situation. But why not? So tUMD hasn’t swept in Anchorage since before anyone on the team was born, or something horrible like that. There’s a first time for everything. So, Bulldogs, don’t let fear run your lives. Get out there and win a freaking Saturday game.
Runnin' With the Dogs 
Nice win in Anchorage. What do you see for second half? Tony C is kicking ass but what is wrong with Austyn Young? And why can’t Bassaraba get going?
Austyn Young is probably okay but gets limited playing time, and isn’t playing with the most dynamic guys right now. It would be interesting to see him mixed in a bit in other situations. Next year will be a breakout year for him.
Basaraba is just… probably not what we would like him to be. He’s not a pure skill guy, nor does he have the ability to just basically will things to happen (ala Seidel). I have adjusted my expectations of him.
I expect the same ups and downs we’re having now, but I do think the team will benefit from having some time off to practice together, have some fun, and get themselves synched up. If Hendo can keep up his offensive output and get Flaherty going, things could really get moving. Oh, and if the team defence tightens up, of course.