End of a Season

(No computer access is really frustrating...)

April 11th at the Allstate Arena concluded the Wolves' 08-09 season. A crowd of over 16,000 cheered on our team to a 5-2 victory.

Team	GP	W	L	OTL	SOL	PTS
MIL	80	49	22	3	6	107
PEO	80	43	31	2	4	92
HOU	80	38	31	2	9	87
RFD	80	40	34	0	6	86
QC	80	36	31	6	7	85
CHI	80	38	37	3	2	81
IOW	80	33	33	4	10	80
SA	80	36	38	2	4	78

Looking at the standings, it seems like it's right there, yet so far away. About the first half of the season whenever we suffered a loss, my dad would always say, "It's just one game. You can afford to blow off some early." But seeing as it was only a few games that kept us from the playoffs, does it still seem like not that big of a deal? For those guys who played like they didn't give a crap - if they put forth some more effort just a few more times, the season wouldn't be over now.

Yet, maybe it is those guys who didn't give a crap that made seem missing the playoffs a bit less disappointing. Even some of our best didn't always play with that full effort and it would of been embarrassing to get swept away so easily. Pavs is getting knee surgery, which would of left us with Krahn between the pipes and a poor performing team in front of him. I'd say this is surely a team with playoff potential, and it could/should have happened. But alas, that is not the case.

The Blackhawks have made the playoffs after a seven year drought, so that is a team I will be rooting for, continuting my hockey season. Following this though, it does seem like a long summer ahead. Throughout this summer I hope Wolves management takes notice on some things and pays attention to what the fans say.

One of the biggest things in recent mention in head coach, Don Granato. When things aren't going well with a team the coach needs to be there to put things together. The very beginning of the season presented a winning team, but one that had not yet found it's identity. While it seemed that it was finally coming together, it was lost just as fast. It's been too long that I've seen a bunch of individuals playing with each other, rather than a team. Two lines were overworked and those with good skill and potential were not played. Hoff who wasn't afraid to drop the gloves gets benched for sticking up for his team. Don did not get things together, and before you know it, it is too late. There may have been higher expectations coming from a year we recently won the cup, but it still should have been better than what we have seen. Many fans want Don kicked out, but reading comments from management has made it seem like they want him to stay. It is very disappointing and I, along with the many other angry fans, are frustrated with Granato. However, this is his first year behind the Wolves' bench. In my opinion, I give him one more year to show us what he can give. If another disappointing year shows again though, I hope he starts packing his bags soon.

Also, rumor of Rush Cheerleaders coming here? Err, as a female, girls waving their pom poms around doesn't seem very entertaining. Even if it does attract a new audience, which yes, that is what sex appeal does, I don't think it should be in our den.

A Dreadful Wek

Illness still lingering, a computer not loading, and a team not making the playoffs. Can't get much better than that. A busy past couple weeks that are not the most friendly.

As one sickness leaves, another attacks when I'm weak. Not enough to keep me bedridden, but still enough to keep me slouching around like a sloth. Then my head bouncing around making me feeling like an illiterate fool.

Living with the family can be fun, but my dad lives like he is still in the 60's. According to him, a computer is pretty much only need for work and school. When it comes to personal reasons, well, it's all about him and playing poker. Yet he acts totally surprised when all four of us need to be on at once for school/work. On top of that, nothing wanting to load just makes things totally great.

Then the best(worse) for last, as the Wolves just suffered a 3-2 loss to Milwaukee, playoff chances are statistically eliminated. It seems like majority of fans had already given up on on the playoffs, but I guess I can say I was one of those who held on to that slim bit of hope(although not much confidence behind it).

The effort in some of the past games was pretty pathetic and tonight wasn't much better. Names that come to mind of guys who stuck out(in a good way) are Jordan Lavallee, Matt Anderson, Brett Sterling, & Mike Hamilton. Haven't found many good things to say about the defense as of late, and tonight really is no exception.

The Wolves started off with a sloppy first period giving up all three of Milwaukee's goals. There have been mixed views on Skinner's play, whether he was a good asset to his team. I found much more things I was happy with, compared to faults I found in his play. Although tonight just gives a big red "X". Just coming from behind the net to lead a rush into the offensive zone on the PP; the usual. But unlike the usual, Skinner makes a faulty play in his on zone, giving up possession and letting Milwaukee soar the puck over Krahn's glove. From there nothing really seemed to go right.

With less than three minutes left in third, Joe Motzko lit the lamp, sliding one past on his knees. With so little time it really didn't draw much spark, as even Motzko has a disgusted look on his face after that. Less than a minute later though, Brett Sterling got one through and it definitely had a change. The smile shown on guys like Lavallee & Steve Martins as they saw the puck hit the back of the net gave clear to they knew it wasn't over. With the last shred of hope they had, they definitely were hungry for the puck and were getting their chances, but couldn't capitalize.

Guess we get to save money on playoff tickets. *Shrug* Unfortunate, for I was hoping to put my photography skills to the test more than one more time this season. Was never big on photography, but was catching more of my interest as of late. So I took my father's camera to the game on the 28th and tested out my skills. I had done it before, but only gave it a few shots.

Here are some of the photos I came out with:

I know the quality isn't great and I shrunk them down quite a bit, but these would be some of best out of the 100+ which I took(including the one up top). Wish I had more than just April 11th to give this camera another shot behind the glass, but the classes I'll take will give me time to improve and such.


Another thing in addition, is Pavelec getting recalled from from the Wolves & making the switch with Dan Turple. Honestly, I've been hoping for Krahn to get the start for quite some time & giving the work-horse Pavs a break. Unfortunately Krahn's start in quite some time had him behind an unorganized team. Can't exactly say Pavs would have been a better choice behind the pipes, as it didn't seem Milwaukee had too many quality chances, but either way, that is the past. Hope to see him start for the last few games.