Sunday, September 18, 2011

Blues Unbeaten After MJHL Opening Weekend

Last year was soooo 2010/11.

The Winnipeg Blues have put the past behind them, and began the 2011/12 campaign with two straight wins in a home and home series against the Selkirk Steelers.

To put that in perspective, the Blues only won two games in a row twice all of last season, and didn't get their first win of the season until game number 9. 

In the season opener, the Blues headed into Selkirk, and doubled the Steelers up 4-2.  Dylan Kelly had a pair, Jeremy Olynik had a single, and Derek Gingera also notched a single against his former team.

In Game two Saturday night at the MTS Ice Plex, the Blues took their home opener 7-4.   Kelly had another two goal performance, while Channing Bresiani, Jared Morris, Cole Murdock, Joel Schreyer, and Gingera all found the back of the net in the win.

Selkirk's David Conrad had a great night for the Steelers in defeat, notching all 4 of the Steelers goals, as well as dropping the mitts in the third period with the Blues Paul Bonar.  

Blue Head Coach and GM Don Macgillivray has been happy with the way the season has started for his club.

"I really like the way every line has been contributing so far this season.  All four lines have been producing and playing really well"

In the two games, seven players have lit the lamp for the Blues.

Both goalies played well last night, even if the score didn't indicate it.   Blues Nate Phillips made the saves he needed to to keep his team ahead, improving to 2-0 on the season,  while Steelers netminder Trent Michalick was under seige from the opening puck drop, and made some big saves for his club to keep them in the game, he falls to 0-2.

Overall, the Blues will take the two wins to start the season, but Macgillivray knows it's a long season, and there's still a lot that needs to improve.

"We have to be more disciplined, and play a full 60 minutes of hockey.  Giving up that powerplay goal late in the third, even though it didn't cost us the game, those are the little things that can cost you points if you don't compete to the end, so we have to get better in those areas."

And the Blues will have a few days off to work on things as they get set to face the defending MJHL and Anavet Cup Champion Portage Terriers next Friday night at the Ice Plex.   Puck drop is set for 7:30.

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