|
1980-81 END OF SEASON
The season has ended and the Whalers have finished 3 games above .500. Pretty good, and certainly better than the historical Whalers who missed the playoffs a few years running at a time when most teams made it.
We were very streaky though, and had hot months and cold months. In some ways we played worse than last season, as we finished with a -13 goal difference.
I brought in Howatt as my enforcer and Brackenbury as my agitator. I'm not sure if this made any difference, as we were still dead last in power play opportunities. I also changed my RD guys from two-way to stay-at-home types for now.
Anyway we roll onto the playoffs, and by the standings and playoff system in 1981, we should be facing the Islanders again. But instead we'll be facing the Maple Leafs. At least we try out a couple different teams before we face the Bruins and Canadiens all the time, but I am looking forward to that playoff system and the rivalries it will generate.
As far as the stats for the season go, Blaine Stoughton was the highlight as he sniped 56 goals including 25 on the power play. If only we got more power play chances! Unfortunately Mike Rogers failed to hit 100+ points, and I'm not sure why given that he had Brian Propp on his line this year, who played well himself. I guess the points are more spread out now?
Secondary scoring was pretty good, although we seemed to give up too many goals. But we were around the middle in both goals for and against, so I think going forward I'd rather just score more... which means more Brass Bonanza... the point of this dynasty!
|