AP
The way the Maddogs (4-2-1) have played over the past few games, it’s hard to imagine they could be in contention to regain their place atop the B2 division. A blazing fast start followed by lackluster play has the Maddogs lumped together with five other teams. In fact, only three points separate 1st place from 6th.
Tonight they face the 1st place Mayhem (5-1-1) after a long break for each team. A lot has been discussed over this time, and we’ve heard there will be new lines tonight to hopefully get the team back on track.
Ultimately, the Dogs have stopped playing basic hockey. If they are to get back to their winning ways, they’ll need to keep it simple by:
- Getting OFF the ice no longer than 1:00 for your shift. Don’t be selfish.
- Defense: Don’t let guys just stand in front of Larry. Move them out. Make sure if you have the puck in the defensive zone, hit the open forward for the breakout. Watch your turnovers. If nothing is available, just send it down the ice. And get off the ice within 1:00.
- Offense: You need to play more two way hockey. Actually, we have not been doing this much at all. You better be in the defensive zone if we don’t have posession. And the center is going to need to be more defensive minded throughout the game. Move the puck around. Lastly, if the defensemen skates the puck up, make sure that wing DROPS BACK. And get off the ice within 1:00.
- Goalie: Just play goalie and do what you can to stop the puck and limit rebounds. No need to talk to the refs after/during each play. Goalies shouldn’t have more penalty minutes than most of the team.
Overall, I think it’s clear there are issues with this club, but nothing they can’t overcome. Just get back to the basics and have some fun.
The HO Chunk has the Mayhem as a 2 goal favorite. Unreal.
AP
We’d first like to apologize to our loyal readers for not delivering timely articles. We had to renegotiate our CBA with management and we can now concentrate on the AHA.
The Maddogs (4-1-1) started off hot earning wins in their first four games. They’ve followed that up with a 2-2 tie with the Leftovers, a quality opponent, and a 7-6 upset loss to the Chiefs. The second quarter of the season has definitely been different and there are many reasons. First of all, the effort level seems to have fallen off since the start of the season. They’re getting beat to the puck and not playing smart. Many players are staying on the ice for much longer than they should, and easily exceeding a one minute shift. Forwards are not helping out the defense on the breakout. They need to make themselves available for the breakout pass. Defense needs to recognize when there is an easy pass to make and send it. Many times they’re turning the puck over by trying to skate around 2-3 guys. And Amundson needs to only worry about his own job and not make every else’s harder. Ultimately, the Dogs need to get back to the basics. Play hard, play a smart defensive style (which will create offense) and help each other out.
Up next are the Outlaws. A very talented team but one that spends a lot of time in the penatly box. They have two players that have the majority of their goals and they’ll need to be watched. This would be a great opportunity for the Maddogs to re-establish themselves as a top team in the league. It’ll take a much better effort, but one I believe they’re up for.
As one professional sports players (sort of) once said: “time to put the women and children to bed and start lookin for dinner”.
And one more: “came here to do two things…kick some ass and drink some beer. Looks like we’re almost outa beer” -Clint
HO Chunk has the Maddogs as a one goal favorite.
AP
The new look Maddogs (4-0) travel to face the Leftovers (3-2) on Saturday night at The Breck Arena.
The Maddogs have won their first four games, although the competition hasn’t been to the level this was game will present. The Leftovers are coming off a surprising loss to the Moose and will be looking to take their frustration out on the Dogs.
If history is any sort of example, the Dogs struggle against this team. Last year, the Leftovers swept the season series and then beat the Dogs 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs. The Dogs have notched one victory against this team over the past two years. This year could be different. The Dogs are very talented and if they play hard and move the puck around while limiting their turnovers, not many teams will be able to keep up. Of course, they’re not immune to the common breakdowns either. Last game, there were certain players that spent will over a minute on the ice without a change and having some difficulty breaking out of their zone. These issues could be exposed vs a team like the Leftovers. We’ll also see how the holiday layover impacts their first game back.
This should be a great game and one where the fans will get their money’s worth.
HO Chunk has been correct so far this season on all their picks. The line for tonight’s game favors the Dogs by 2.
AP
Maddog fans are having a fun start to the season by seeing their beloved team win their third game in three tries and now lead the B2 division. Next on tap is the Moose (1-1). This is a familiar opponent and a playoff team from last season, so they can be dangerous. Tickets are still available for standing room only and the game starts tonight at 9:30.
The Maddogs (3-0) beat the Venom (1-1) last weekend, but it was not an easy game. For the first time this season, they were outshot and just about gave the lead up back after being up 6-3 through two periods. This same effort happened the week before against the Heat. If the Dogs are to be a top contender, they’ll need to learn how to put teams away after taking a two goal lead. On the positive side, Zagorski recorded the first hat trick on the young season and Warren added three assists. He was seen earlier this week getting a “playmaker” patch sewn on his Maddog jacket.
The HO Chunk Casino has the Maddogs as a two goal favorite this evening.
AP
The Maddogs (2-0) won their second game of the season after scoring three goals in the first and held on to beat a fiesty Heat (0-2) team 5-4 in front of 15 fans. It was the largerst turnout of the season.
Moeller led the way with three points (2-1) and Nielsen added a goal and an assist. MJ was welcomed to the team and in his first game notched a goal and Bogie returned and had an assist and a penalty for diving. Amundson turned away 23 of 27 shots but played much better than what the stats reflect. Wyant of the Heat ended the game with the hat trick and almost single-handedly brought his team back from a 3-0 defecit. The Dogs learned that no lead is safe against anyone and that effort is needed for three full periods.
If the Dogs are to improve upon this game, they’ll need to take better care of the puck and play better as a team. There were too many turnovers and not enough puck movement. This game was much different than the first where they dominated for the majority of the game.
Next on tap is the Venom (1-0) this Sunday at SLP E at 7:55PM. They dismantled the Moose 7-3 in their season open and return to the B2 division. They’re led by a number of talented players including #19 McGrath (2-2:4). The goon is #8 Cherne. This has been a long standing rivalry that has gone back and forth. Whichever team comes and wants it more will win.
The Maddog roster appears to have all the regulars returning so lines will be set prior to game time.
HO Chunk casino has predicted both victories and they’re again taking the Maddogs by 1 goal (+115).