Cougars Blown Out Twice Over Weekend
Playoffs still in doubt going into last weekend

March 10, 2002
The Cougars began the weekend with a 7-2-2 record and a playoff spot solidly in place. After back-to-back losses, it will take a win over Santa Clara or some help to get there now.

Sunday's game against the Tri Valley Blue Devils was eerily like the game the day before. The Cougars only trailed 1-0 after the first period but couldn't get anything together offensively and let the floodgates open on the other end. This time leading to a 7-0 shutout loss to the first place Blue Devils.

The Cougars troubles when they fall behind continued, and this time it started when the Blue Devils scored only seconds into the game. The remainder of the first period was very competitive and had the appearance to two prize fighters jabbing and probing to try to find each other's weaknesses. Things just fell apart after in the second and third periods. Although the score didn't indicate it, the Cougars actually played pretty well. They were aggressive and were passing the puck all around the ice, but as in Saturday's game against Vacaville, the shots put on net weren't difficult save and the Blue Devil goalie gave the Cougars no second chances.

The Blue Devils were definitely the better team this day though. They are very disciplined in their responsibilities on the ice and in their passing game, and can put the puck on net from anywhere in the zone.

Next weekend ought to be interesting. The Cougars still have their own destiny in the hands. Beat Santa Clara and they're in the playoffs. There's also a good chance they will have it locked up before the game. If Santa Rosa loses to Capital Thunder on Saturday, or Vacaville loses to Santa Clara, the Cougars clinch a spot. If not, the rivalry against Santa Clara will reach a new intensity level as the Blackhawks will have something to play for. Actually, this would probably be the best way to get into the playoffs as the Cougars would have to raise their game a notch and win a big-time pressure game - just what's its like in the playoffs.