|
|
Barons fight back to .500 mark
with wins over divisional foes
Schaefer gets back to
his winning ways in goal
11/14/04 - by Craig
Haueter
In a week that saw the Cleveland Barons rack up lots of
frequent flyer miles to California, back to Cleveland and up to Ontario, strong
goaltending and improving defense stood out as positive signs heading into the
remainder of November's schedule which has a home flavor to it-four of six
games at Gund Arena. To continue the winning trend established this past week,
the Barons must improve on the penalty kill (currently dead last in the AHL)
and learn how to win at home.
Even with Thursday's shootout win over
Manitoba, Cleveland has struggled out of the gate this season at home with a
meager 1-3-1-0 record. Even moving Tuesday night's home game to San Jose and a
big crowd didn't bring the Barons any luck. Former NHL goalie Tyler Moss fought
off eight Cleveland power plays to lead the Edmonton Roadrunners past the
Barons, 2-0.
Goalie Nolan Schaefer gave the Barons a much needed spark
in back-to-back victories to close out the week. Thursday night, Schaefer gave
his team lots of momentum early in the first period recording several agile
saves. He continued to keep the Barons in the game and waited through
regulation and overtime into a shootout for teammate Ryane Clowe's shot to find
its way through the pads of Manitoba Moose goalie Alex Auld and trickle over
the goal line, securing a 3-2 Barons win. Schaefer made 26 saves in regulation
and two in overtime. Playing in a shootout format for the first time in two
seasons as a pro, Schaefer was beaten by Manitoba's first shooter, Josh Green.
But he stuffed or altered shots on the Moose's next four attempts including one
by AHL-leading scorer Jason King.
The Barons were leading, 2-1, early
in the third period when a controversial penalty opened the door for Manitoba
to tie the game. In pursuit of a loose puck out front, goalie Alex Auld and
Barons right winger Riley Armstrong arrived at the same time. Armstrong banged
into Auld, drawing a charging call from referee Brian Pochmara. Midway through
the power play, Moose left winger Jason King slipped a rebound past Schaefer.
The Barons insisted that the goal was a hand pass, but Pochmara allowed the
goal.
Saturday night at Hamilton, Nolan Schaefer came up strong again
in net with a 33-save shutout over the Bulldogs, 3-0. After a quiet first
period, Schaefer stood on his head for the opening five minutes of the second
period and shut down three Hamilton power plays in the stanza. In the third
period, Hamilton failed to score on a third period five-minute power play,
finishing the night 0-for-5 on the power play. Schaefer made 18 of his 33 saves
in the third period alone. Christian Ehrhoff, Shane Joseph and Garrett Stafford
scored the Barons goals.
Barons Notes: The Barons made a dent in
the shots on goal deficit they had been accumulating. On the week, they out
shot their opponents 94-88 including a 33-25 advantage over Edmonton Tuesday
night and 37-30 advantage over Manitoba Thursday night. On the season, the
Barons have been outshot by their opponents in 10 of 14 games. Their penalty
kill improved slightly in those three games, working at 80 percent (2 goals
against in 10 chances).
Gary Allen of Cleveland traveled with the
Barons to the San Jose this past week along with WKNR personality Kenny Roda.
The radio flagship station of the Barons broadcast from HP Pavilion during the
evening on Tuesday. Allen was the winner of the first ever "Do you know the way
to San Jose Flyaway" promotion.
For you pro wrestling fans, WWE Superstar Rhyno made
an appearance at Gund Arena Thursday night, signing autographs prior to the
game and dropping the ceremonial first puck.
The Cleveland Barons
Player of the Week is right winger Patrick Rissmiller. Rissmiller, who
typically lined up on left wing or center last season, is playing on a line
with Ryane Clowe and Marcel Goc. He recorded one point in all four games last
week. In total, he recorded three goals and one assist. His three goals came on
nine shots.
The Barons have now played three regular season games at an
alternate NHL rink. The previous two games prior to this season came in
Columbus at Nationwide Arena against the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the
Blue Jackets. The Barons are now 1-2-0-0 in games at NHL rinks.
With
the holiday season approaching, keep the Scott Sterneckert family in your
thoughts and prayers. Scott is the Director of Sales for the Barons. Scott's
wife Lisa gave birth to twins earlier this year. One child did not survive and
daughter Amanda was born suffering from a rare condition called hypoxic
ischemia encephalopathy causing a traumatic brain injury. The hyperbaric oxygen
therapy she needs is not covered by their health insurance. Amanda is
undergoing her first therapy treatment in Houston, Texas. Donations to help
Amanda can be sent via the Barons front office.
On the injury and
transaction front, left winger Glenn Olson has been sent to Fresno of the ECHL.
Olson was on the Barons roster but had not yet made an appearance. Olson was
signed as a free agent back in September of 2003. Defenseman Scott Ford
continues to work his way back from injury. Ford was signed as a free agent on
March 31st and has yet to play in a game for Cleveland. Defenseman Doug Murray
has missed the past 10 games for the Barons with a hip injury. His last
appearance was on October 22nd in a game at Houston. Murray is not expected
back before the end of the month.
 |
| What did you think of
this article? Post your comments on the
Feeder Forums |
|
|
|
| |
|
