Difference between win, loss is a fine line
Advertisement
Text size: small | medium | large
By John Packett
Published: January 5, 2009
As far as the Richmond Renegades were concerned, it may as well have been Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe skating together.
Knoxville's top line -- Kevin Swider, Tim Vitek and Mike Carter -- was on the ice for all of the Ice Bears' goals in their 7-4 win before 2,171 at the Coliseum yesterday.
Swider contributed a hat trick and two assists, Carter added two goals and three assists and Vitek had a goal and four assists for the Ice Bears (18-8-4), who took over first place in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
"There's guys who can say it, but there's guys who will say it and will do it," said former Renegade J.J. Wrobel, now a member of the Ice Bears. "When they want to take a game in their hands, they can do it."
The Renegades (16-14-1) were able to keep Knoxville's No. 1 line mostly under wraps in Saturday's 5-4 shootout win, but their defense let them down yesterday, giving the Ice Bears too many excellent chances.
Pregame strategy: "Before the game, that's one thing I reiterated. That [Swider] is the leading goal scorer and point scorer in the league every year for a reason," Richmond coach Brian Goudie said.
"You can't just leave him wide open in front of the net. You've got to take the body and make him pay."
Swider and Co. were allowed to roam in Richmond's end, and the Renegades paid the price.
Richmond managed to slice a three-goal deficit to 3-2 midway through the second period, but the Ice Bears scored three times in a span of 3:21 to nix any comeback hopes.
Swider had the first two in less than a minute, giving him 22 for the season and tying him for the league lead.
Defensive shortcomings: The Renegades gave Swider's line too much space, and the Ice Bears trio capitalized.
Especially after Richmond had worked to climb back into the game in the second frame.
"That's when my Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde came out on the back end," Goudie said. "I don't know what's going on. One game they play great, and the next game it's hit or miss from one period to the next. It's very sporadic back there.
"You'd think after 30 games, they'd start learning how to play a 3-2 game. I don't know if everyone is waiting for Vandy [defenseman Dan Vandermeer] to get back or what. Guys have to step up back there."
Slow start: The Renegades fell behind 2-0 after one period, thanks to goals by Swider and Carter. Both of them beat Richmond goalie Ryan Person high with close-range wrist shots.
Person was making his first start since signing with Richmond last week. He was replaced by Ryan Scott in the second period after allowing five goals on 15 shots.
Beau McLaughlin had a golden opportunity for the Renegades, but he hit the near post with the net wide open during a power play.
Back in the game: The Ice Bears increased their advantage to 3-0 before Richmond rallied in the second period.
A short-handed score by Trevor Karasiewicz into an open net off a nice feed from Ryan Busby made it 3-1 at 8:18, then Busby set up Justin Joy for a one-timer from point-blank range at 12:27.
But Knoxville quickly put the game out of reach with its three-goal assault.
On deck: The Renegades are off until Thursday when Fayetteville visits (7:35 p.m.).
Contact John Packett at (804) 649-6313 or .
Knoxville ------------------------- 2 4 1 -- 7
Richmond ------------------------- 0 2 2 -- 4
First Period -- 1, Knoxville, Swider 20 (Carter, Vitek), 5:49. 2, Knoxville, Carter 9 (Swider, Vitek), 17:13. Penalties -- Cryer, Knox (high-sticking), 2:49; Carter, Knox (interference), 10:50.
Second Period -- 3, Knoxville, Vitek 11 (Carter), 4:34. 4, Richmond, Karasiewicz 11 (Busby), 8:18 (sh). 5, Richmond, Joy 9 (Busby, Needham), 12:27. 6, Knoxville, Swider 21 (Carter), 12:46. 7, Knoxville, Swider 22 (Vitek), 13:26. 8, Knoxville, Carter 10 (Swider, Harris), 16:07. Penalties -- Pelkey, Knox (hooking), :23; McLaughlin, Rich (interference), 6:51.
Third Period -- 9, Richmond, Zalba 2 (Rollins), 2:46. 10, Knoxville, Smith 5 (Vitek), 6:29. 11, Richmond, Joy 10 (Withers), 19:58. Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal -- Knoxville 9-12-9 -- 30. Richmond 12-15-16 -- 43. Power-play opportunities -- Knoxville 0 of 1; Richmond 0 of 3. Goalies -- Knoxville, Irving 9-5-2 (43 shots-39 saves); Richmond: Person 0-1-0 (15-10), Scott, 13:26 of 2nd (15-13). Referee -- Stephen Meyer. A -- 2, 171.
Post a Comment
The commenting period has ended or commenting has been deactivated for this article.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
