Itty Bitty Hockey Rant

Okay, so I haven't said a whole lot about the Sea Dogs versus Rouyn-Noranda semi-final series. Game 2 was tonight, and so far we've lost both. I listened to the Internet radio webcast, and I'm glad I wasn't there to see it in person.

The game last night sounded like the Sea Dogs weren't playing their best. (I actually wondered if some were napping during the second period.) But it's a long haul to get to Huskies country, and I'm wondering how much the travel played a part in it. In short -- I had no problems with them losing last night. Rouyn-Noranda simply played better.

Tonight, on the other hand ...

Heading towards the end of the period, the Sea Dogs were losing 6 to 5, when one of our leading goal scorers, Scott Howes, took a shot that was clearly going to score. One of the Rouyn-Noranda players, either accidentally or on purpose, knocked the net off its moorings, thus preventing the puck from going in. This definitely cost the Sea Dogs a goal, a chance to tie it up, and possibly the game itself.

My issue? There was no penalty call. Now, I'm no expert, but if even I think that it should have been some sort of penalty ("delay of game" probably would've worked, since it took a bit to fix it), then what on earth were the refs thinking?

I'm thinking that it took the wind out of our team's sails and cost us the game.

I'm also thinking of picking up a copy of a certain book in case these refs wind up officiating here in Saint John next week. I think they need it.