The Aeros didnt even show up for Game 2.  I am tempted to do the same. Its not the score (although that hurts) as much as the total failure to compete. Losing all races to the puck and battles for the puck, taking bad penalties after needless mistakes, and not taking advantage of a bunch of power plays is what we had. Milwaukee had a fun time tonight, not just winning, but because everything they did, all over the ice, was easy.

How does it change? A lost game in the playoffs is just a lost game, whether in overtime or 7-0 in regulation.  Aeros win tomorrow, its a series again.  Take advantage of consecutive games, fresh legs and depth, and Aeros looking at 2 games at home down only 2-1. BUT, and its always a big butt, they gotta win races, battles and faceoffs in the first period Sunday or its going to be another long night.

Who is going to prove themselves? Those who want to (a) win, and (b) position themselves for next year. Nobody knows the answer to this question, not even the players, but at least we will all know pretty soon. The worst thing to do is hope for something good to happen they have got to make it happen.

Jordin Tootoo, most hated of Aeros enemies, is riding high now. But, he can disappear in a tight checking, controlled game where Aeros control puck and pace.

A few Aeros had ok games tonight, but not more than 3 or 4. Its a team game, and to their credit, they mostly gave this away as a team. Now, pride is at issue. Competing, or the lack thereof, is the key to a players or teams pride even more than winning. To be dominated should be unacceptable. We will now see if thats the case with these guys.

This is why they call it the Grind. Aeros go to Milwaukee, play a fair-to-strong game, and come out losers. They played determined at times, but not all the time.  Milwaukee decided they wanted it more, and thats what they got. Now, there are analyses and reasons and excuses why the Aeros were flat late second and in the third (layoffs hurt), but the key issue was who wanted it more. And, that little batard Jordin Tootoo showed his desire.

What now, brown cow? The Aeros will be more ready and fresher on Saturday. They know what to expect.  There are no surprises left after all of the games these two teams have played in the AHLs division-focused sked.  It is only who wants it more. Two very talented teams, canceling each other out.  Simply a war of attrition. 

Well, the Wild certainly didnt want Alex Daigle playing in Houston to finish out the year.  Some have wondered about the decision, seeing how many points he racked up in Manchester. But, could the Aeros have come around better to start the playoffs? Just goes to show how much more important team and character are to talent. But, there are many NHL and AHL teams going through that analysis right now with nothing else to do

Four IHL teams left in the West. Thats gotta burn up some of the oldtimers of the AHL.  Many attempts were made to soften the impact of the merger, but 5 years later it is having a stronger impact than ever. Probably is not a result of IHL being any better league but that AHL absorbed only the strongest, most competitive franchises with good organizations within and in the affiliations. But, for those of you still wearing the old I jerseys, take some time for some pride.

The Grind continues.   Syracuse out, which was a shock to many but maybe only because the Mooses dont get much attention in this league outside the frigid Canadian prairie. They are a deep, diverse, well coached team.  Interesting matchups left in the new era of scoring and penalties, none of the teams left in the West, and only one and a half in the East, are your classic grinding, physical, character playoff teams like the Calgary Flames. Instead, Milwaukee, GR and Houston have role players for everything checkers, physical players, high-end skill guys, defensive and offensive defensemen. Makes for a good game to watch, and harder to call the series. Might get tougher as the Grind focuses down to fewer teams and they are competing for less and less turf. Officiating (or lack thereof) could play a greater part as that happens.

Whos going to Milwaukee to watch the first two games? I hear the beer is good, well, cheap, there. And they also have chicken wings.  Perfect for keeping that girlish figure.  Thank God for B2 (never thought I would be saying that), now that Grind is on.

In the unlikely event the Aeros win in 4, please stay on the line. Do not panic.  Do not break glass. All will be well. As unlikely as it seemed beforehand, the Aeros dispatched one of its toughest regular season opponents in four straight. The fact the Rivermen were also a hard-working, physical and deep team makes it even more of an accomplishment. But, celebration is premature that wont mean anything to Milwaukee.  And if the Aeros think it means anything, they may meet the same fate.

Aeros picking up young prospects each week first Irmen, then the #4 overall pick in the last draft in Pouliot, and today a big goal-scoring free agent from junior. Pouliot was actually the #2 ranked guy in the draft behind Sidney Crosby, which of course is like being the next best golfer in the world after Tiger Woods. But it does mean that if Crosby had had an unfortunate accident, Pouliot would have been the best player in the draft. For what its worth. Hamilton looks like a very big 46 goal scorer, but who knows what he can do as a pro.

I have been away for a couple of days on work and stuff, but just noticed my last entry had said next up, the demise of the AHL. I meant to say IHL. What happened.  One big cause, with the rest following. The commish challenged the NHL to a fight, opened franchises in NHL cities, and encouraged its teams to pay high salaries and try to compete for then-current NHL players, like the WHA had done.  The expected to lose money, then try to force a merger with the NHL, as the WHA had accomplished.  Its team owner roster was dotted with guys who wanted to own NHL teams. Unfortunately, they discovered pro hockey was a heartless biz (see the demise of WPHL, WCHL, ACHL, etc.).  Side effect was the IHL attracted players how were either too old to play in NHL, or close but not willing to work hard enough to play, and found an easier place to make a little less money.  Then, also, were guys not good enough to be NHL prospects, and found their way to fill out the rosters. So instead of Houston seeing a Bouchard, Koivu, Pouliot or Harding hitting the ice, you would see Brett Harkins, Steve Maltais, or even Tom Chorske after his career was over. The older guys cost more than twice as much. Diagnosis: youre going out of business.

Well, it will be some of the old guys Murphy, Law, Lingren and Berry, battling it out.  But, the interesting thing in hockey will be the prospects of two organizations with the top prospects in hockey going up against each other (Wild is #2, Ads #11 in Hockeys Future). Further sub plot will be (except Harding) the Aeros top young prospects are forwards (OSullivan, Voloshenko, Pouliot, Foy, Irmen), while the Ads are defensemen or defensive players (Weber, Klein, Upshall). Will it be the unstoppable force or the immovable object?

Game 3 is a rout and I cant see it because B2 wouldnt work for me.  Hope this wasnt the case for all Aeros fans. Might have been all the kids in the neighborhood doing their homework online, taking up the signal.  I did see first 15 minutes, and Aeros came out with determination and fire.  Peoria didnt even get a scoring chance in that time, as far as I could see. Scoresheet said Peoria had a lot of shots, but those might have been from all the dump-ins and long shots from guys unable or unwilling to get closer to the net, like last years Aeros (who lost so many games despite outshooting opposition by 15 shots or more). Ken Double made it sound exciting and like Harding was having a great game, but there is no way of knowing without the video the Deuce could make Blackhawks v. Blues in final game of season sound exciting.

How do you not play Shishkanov in Game 2?  He didnt look like he was nursing any injuries in warm-up. I gotta say, I didnt see DJ King (his replacement) after the first period.  Must be weird around the Peoria team every day the rumors are around that Larry Pleau is being let go in St. Looey and John Davidson is taking over.  Of course, thats Steve Pleaus (Peoria coach) dad. Doesnt make for the most comfortable atmosphere as you prepare for playoff games. AND the players dont know who they are trying to impress for next year

From around the redundant West division of the Western Conference (good thing they dont play in the Western League); Iowa has managed to take only one from Milwaukee Ads have Rinne and 3 of their best skaters up with the Preds, and Nashville may only go one round if they get out of this one, Milwaukee might have a much better team for second round.  Grand Rapids is up 2-1, and this series probably should not be in doubt (at least on hockey grounds), save for the fact historically GR hasnt won playoff series when they are supposed to.  And Syracuse is not getting the best out of their players they have a Chicago Wolves-like team, with talented vets who will either play or not on a given night according to their whim.  Always dangerous (see Chicago Wolves 2002) but sometimes not there.  Not sure yet who we want to win for Aeros purposes teams like GR and Nashville could lose their best players to NHL playoff teams at any time. Whoever the Aeros play, you can be sure Rob Daum will do his best Lou Holtz impression about doom and gloom: Appalachian State may be the best team in the country right now, itll take everything we have to beat them. But, thats a lot better than doing his best Dave Barr impression from 2001 Weve won 3 games, who do we play next?

What happened to the IHL?  I was just having a long conversation with a guy about it.  That will be next up the Demise of the AHL.

Aeros win 2^nd in a row in overtime.  Now thats entertainment.  Although, without bad penalties, it would have ended sooner.  But, at least the Aeros are playing playoff hockey now, unlike the first night. Nobody knows if the winner hit Matt Foy or not, but the way he played the first two games, he earned hero status. First big omen of this playoff season neither player was claiming the goal, just loved the win. Unlike 2001-2002 Aeros, who would have had a scrum at the scorers table for 10 minutes after the game, and would have had to settle that argument with a shootout.

Kirby Law may be a great AHL player, and recently said he had NOT signed anything in Europe, but acting is not going to be his second career. Dont feel bad, Kirbs even Alex Daigle couldnt make that work.

The reffing has been surprising ok so far.  Usually the playoffs bring out the worst in them. The Aeros did not skate hard enough or drive to the net enough to earn penalties in Game 1, tonight the earned a few (and took a few deserved ones, with the exception of Tets first).  If youre not outworking the other team, it is useless to complain about the officiating.

Aeros role players are going to have to step up next.  Up 2-0 and going to Peoria means they are going to be desperate and playing at home, while the Aeros might be comfortable with their series lead.  Who changes those type of games?  The Olson/Ward/Irmens of the world. Play hard, take body and take momentum on the road. Tough order, but we need it.

On a direct question, Aeros PR department claims (upon further review) Aeros have higher win percentage under Wild management (since 2001-2002) than under prior ownership. I dont have access to info to verify. Would be interesting if Aeros had won more as a development team than before.

But, will it play in Peoria?  Only time will tell, but this blogger is saying its gonna be tuff, tuff tuff

Aeros win in overtime.  After one of the poorest 2 periods of playoff hockey imaginable.  The coach must have snapped after 2, because the team came out like real warriors to start the third, and the 2 goals scored to tie it up were only the symptom of the change of momentum in the game. The team was now taking faceoffs, battles, and races for the puck seriously. 

What will it take to defeat the Rivermen, a mature and NHL-seasoned team?  WE will find out, but it is going to take contributions from everyone.  The young guys cant be deer-in-the-headlights like they were tonight. If you nervous, tense, etc. you may not be able to score but you at least gotta battle and gotta work.

The usual suspects came through in overtime.  Its gonna take other guys to win 15 more games, though. Heres to hoping it happens, but heres to making sure it happens which only three things can do: Commitment, Detail, Sacrifice.  Commitment to Excellence, attention to the detail (especially on defensive zone and odd man rushes) and Sacrifice (of body, role, etc.) are the three keys to winning in playoffs.

The Bomber is back. Gadzooks, Garrity should be happy.  First day on the job in August of 2003, hes still measuring his office for furniture, and the Director of Marketing comes in and tells him heres the release for our logo change today. But it only got worse when the former owner called and asked him why he changed the logo the first day. Uhh.the League requires a years notice and the artwork alone and producing the sweaters takes 3 months Im afraid your people did it, didnt they tell you?  Well, at least the Aeros arent last in the league in merchandise anymore

Irmen v. Backes.  Theres an interesting matchup in the playoffs, two linemates from youth hockey to junior in Lincoln who played against each other for 3 years in the WCHA. I know who my moneyd be on.

Murphy and Law are leading this team like old Roman generals first into battle, and dont leave until all men accounted for. Should be a much better approach than the vets who stood in back in 2001 who gave up four in a row to hated Manitoba (we hope). Peoria is going to want blood to start, though with 3 top scorers and a great goalie, everyone and their uncle knows how they will come at us to succeed. Sharpen the elbows.

Aeros looking for first playoff win at home in quite some time.  Lets get it Friday.

Last game played before the Grind begins. Arena bookers have provided Aeros with a bit of a blessing four days off before starting at home. Aeros lost their chance at a division title in Chicagothey would have won it in Iowa. In an otherwise meaningless game, many Aeros had something to prove. Westrum-Law-Voloshenko wanted to make sure Kirby won the scoring title, and many of the players in this game were looking to show they couldor shouldplay in playoff games. Result was thoroughly outplaying the oppositionwithout 3 defensive mistakes, would have been a blowout.

With Harding, Westrum and Reitz back, and the new additions like Danny Irmen, the team looks a lot different than it has the past couple of weeks. Hopefully, the guys coming down will be like Milwaukees guys in 2004 (to prove something) and not Manchesters in 2003 (who wanted to just go home after leaving the Show).

Who knows what team is going to come togetheror show upfor the Grind.  Those willing to suppress their own issues and fatigue and willing to sacrifice are the ones who make it farthest in this part of the game. The top regular season teams have been early playoff exits in the last few years.

Only two players remain from the last Championship team. But, many of the Aeros have been part of champions, well just have to find out how much that translates. Belle, Westrum, Law, Murphy, Lundbohm, OSullivan, Tetarenko, and Irmen all won as amateurs.  Murphy, Reitz and Olvecky have also won as pros.

Who will take the lead and when? The 2003 team was carried by the vets early in the Grind, and won it with the younger guys coming on in the Finals. Any combination can work, as long as at least one group is stepping up at the right time.

The Aeros go into the playoffs with 3 of the top 4 scorers in the West, the top all-around defense and the goalie everybody wants. So, theyve got the talent, and guys who have an idea what it takes. Now what makes them do it? What will set them apart??? Stay tuned.