Minnesota came in to Comcast Arena on Friday night and thoroughly beat the Stealth up and down the floor en route to a 16-8 win.
The Stealth obviously missed the scoring presence of forward Jeff Zywicki, but another player’s absence was just as important on Friday.
Goaltender Tyler Ric
hards is nursing an injury sustained during the final weekend of training camp and has been unable to play for three straight games. The Stealth (1-2 overall) have had to ride Matt Roik which created some trouble on Friday as Roik struggled to react quick enough to stop many low perimeter shots against the Swarm (1-1).
Ryan Benesch netted a sock-trick (six goals) and three assists and Swarm goaltender Nick Patterson made 49 saves to help Minnesota’s physical defense bully the Stealth.
Here are some highlights and low-lights from the loss:
Highlights
1. Paul Rabil was solid again in transition, scoring two goals and having one waved off because of a crease violation. He was the main penalty kill option on offense, scoring short-handed for the Stealth in the third quarter (Washington’s only goal). He also had Washington’s only goal in the second quarter. Rabil also scooped up 19 loose balls.
2. Craig Conn: While he wasn’t the goal-scorer the Stealth were looking for, Conn did get after it on loose balls and had a couple of nice passes. He recorded one assist and five loose balls while sharing time with Kory Kowalyk. It understandably will take a little time for him to mesh with the offensive unit.
That’s about it for the highlights.
Low-lights 2. Defense: The Stealth got out-hustled and out-muscled by the more physical Swarm. The defenders need to watch some game tape from last season to remind themselves how to play strong defense. Eric Martin, who missed the Calgary loss with a sprained ankle, appeared to re-injure said ankle with 3:38 left in the third quarter, Martin limped off the floor. 3. Offense: On a roster loaded with goal scoring talent, eight goals is almost laughable. Something needs to click in this department soon for the Stealth to have any success.
1. Goaltending: Roik just couldn’t get to several perimeter shots low on the floor. At times he appeared frustrated (naturally, who wouldn’t be) and he could never get any momentum going in goal. If Richards isn’t healthy soon this could develop into a big issue for Washington.
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