Captain's
Corner
Game #16 vs Young Guns
Assistant captain Osman Buttar said it pretty bluntly, “they wanted it more than us, and no one from our side came out to win.” Although the captain was right, that the result didn’t mean anything, he wasn’t overly happy with the two quick goals which took the team out of sync and then perhaps of the game as they knew winning or losing didn’t change anything in the standings. Chaudhry ended the talk with focus on the the playoffs, take the bye to rest, but use the week off and get some runs in to keep fresh for the next round.
Game #15 vs Red Army
Osman Buttar lead the team on and off the floor tonight as both captain Ijaz Chaudhry and assistant Ahmed Chaudhry were out of action (at Pizza Hut). Buttar focused on the fact that when the team decides to run and forecheck hard, they always give the opposition fits, case in point the first five minutes of this game they did not let the Red Army out of their zone. He also stressed there have only been glimpses of this on consecutive shifts only a handful of times throughout the year, something which needs to be done more often during the playoffs. He indicated that not only does it cause fits to the opposing defenses, it also creates a very simple game plan, creates more scoring chances, allows our defense to rest and keeps everyone focused and in the game. Finally and most importantly, it REDUCES TURNOVERS, something which has occurred more often this year due to the fact the team has been unable to put together longer stretches with the dump and chance mentality.
Game #14 vs Nordiques
From this game the team once again learned the lesson of keeping the intensity at a high throughout all aspects of a game, especially when you have a big lead going into the second half. The team cannot simply switch it on and off as they see fit, but have to keep their foot on the gas for the full thirty minutes or else they allow the opposition back into the game.
Game #13 vs Young Guns
The message in the dressing following this game was: be happy with the win, don't look too much into the final result. As easy as it would be to write up a storm mentioning the fact the Greenbirds just blew out the first place Young Guns, calmer heads need to prevail. Which is the same message the Captain put out to the team. The Young Guns only had 6 players and the team did what it was supposed to do, win. More importantly to the captain was that now the team leads the league in goals against and secured a valuable shutout for the net minder Nayyar Razvi who played a solid game in net against an opposition that only managed 12 shots. The Captain does a great job of giving credit when it is deserved and when it should be handed out, but also balances that with reality and room for improvement, since this team is far from perfect and has a long way to go in order to win the Tier II Championships.
Game #12 vs Dragons
Captain Chaudhry was actually positive after contest stating that the team seemed to play much better than the previous loss and created some opportunities to win the game. But their current offensive slump has prevented them from finishing such chances and creating a nervous atmosphere in front of the opposing goal. Chaudhry was still not totally satisfied at the "selective" running of many forwards and stressed that if their current effort continues, they will be out of the playoffs fairly early on and not reach their goal of a Championship Final showdown.
Game #11 vs NY Leafs
Captain Ijaz Chaudhry got right to the point in the dressing room after this game. He made sure nobody got personally offended by his message and then called out the offensive leaders of the team to step up and start leading this team on the floor. As mentioned, the trio of Osman Buttar, Sajjid Ayubi and Usama Mahmood have only been able to score 1 goal in the last four games, which cannot continue. He pointed out that the newcomers and some of the youngsters have been carrying the team for the majority of the season and all the veterans need to step up to the plate and take notice. He simply was not happy with the teams’ performance in a knockout game and along with goalie Nayyar Razvi suggested that before every game from here on, the team will talk together as a unit in the dressing room before starting a game. Chaudhry has countless years of ball hockey experience, and he can tell when a team has it, and when it doesn’t. His outlook at the moment is that this team is reeling and doesn’t have that “X” factor to take them far. Lets hope the players can prove him wrong and steer this ship in the direction of success.
Game #10 vs Blue & White
Lack of intensity from the get go and trying to play catchup ultimately resulted in the final score. This was the viewpoint of the Captain on this night. He simply was not happy by the forwards effort, especially when facing a small bench as the BW had. The team needs to go back to basics and back to their regular dump and chase running efforts, or else more skilled teams, like BW, will find ways to stay in the game and bury clear cut chances as they did vs the GB to secure atleast one point with the tie.
Game #9 vs Islanders
The Captain was absent for this game, calling in "sick" before the opening faceoff. However Nayyar Razvi seemed to hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that the team simply cannot be effective in critical games, without being diligent on two fronts: being on time, which means atleast thirty minutes before game time and talking about the game and strategy in the dressing room before hand. These two points are what separates contenders from Champions and its what the Greenbirds need in order to make sure all players understand what is required against each opponent. It was a tough loss to swallow, especially without another guaranteed game versus the rival Islanders. But the 'Birds need to learn from each loss, to make them mentality more stronger and knowing physically what it takes to win every game on the floor.
Game #8 vs Devils
A win is always a win, but its not as sweet when the team knows it can play better. So this was a similar sentiment in the Greenbirds dressing room after the victory over the Devils. They had avenged an early season loss, but it seemed the team could have easily played much better and won by a bigger margin, while eliminating poor mistakes made during the game. And the Captain was resonating that message, that its far enough into the season that the team needs to lose all the poor habits and begin focusing on the good habits that wins games, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. The Captain will take the win no doubt, but its those small poor mistakes that can cost you a goal or even a game in the playoffs, where momentum can easily swing into the direction of the opposition.
Game #7 vs Nordiques
As indicated in the game summary, Captain Ijaz Chaudhry was not very happy with the final 8 mins of the game and suggested that it was way too “sloppy” to be proud of the victory. Veteran goaltender Nayyar Razvi, who watches every game with the best seat in the house, echoed those same sentiments. Chaudhry once again reiterated that the team needs to tighten down defensively, ESPECIALLY when leading late in a game with a two or three goal lead. He pointed out that the younger forwards need to understand and perfect their defensive responsibilities in order to be recognized as complete players, players that can be counted on late in games.
Game #6 vs Dragons
In the dressing room, the Captain quickly pointed out that this wasn’t a perfect game by all means form the team. He didn’t want to damper on the win, but he suggested that in all three games he’s played this season, the team still has not played their typical running style, nor have the dominated form beginning to end. But it is also something to say, that without playing their best game yet, the team is a total of 4-2 on the season, with four straight wins. He did indicate that the next three games will be huge in terms of comparing the Greenbirds abilities vs some of the division’s better teams: the Nordiques, Devils and Islanders. Those three games will definitely require a much more running style, along with critical finishing and composure. Three wins could push the Birds into top spot by the end of next week.
Game #5 vs Blue and White
Captain Ijaz Chaudhry summed this game up in a few words, “it was a boring game for the defensemen.” It was easy to point out that the Blue and White team was not a running team and with a short bench, was susceptible against a hard forecheck and speed, both qualities of the Greenbirds. Chaudhry was happy with the effort of the team, but suggested that every game wouldn’t be like this and that the team should quickly put the victory in the back of their mind and focus on their next opponent. Assistant Captain Osman Buttar also made aware that some of the younger talent on the team need to focus on their defensive coverages and responsibilities to make sure they are not liabilities on the floor.
Game #4 (Tournament) vs Toronto Sharks
Osman Buttar had the seniority and captain’s armband for this one, and although the team won the game 7-4 and at one point was ahead 7-2, he was more concerned at the lack of intensity, killer instinct and horrific defensive coverage at certain points within the game. It led to some names being called out in the dressing room, but after first admitting to a not so great effort for himself. Buttar simply wants the team to perform at it’s capabilities , and that means when faced with an opponent that it did, to put them away early, put them away big and limit any and all defensive miscues and poor calls in judgement.
Game #3 vs Red Army
Captain Ijaz Chaudhry was making his regular season debut after missing the first two games. He looked solid in his performance and his presence seemed to calm the defence corps as well as the rest of the team. After the game, he indicated that a win is a win, and the team will take the two points, however there are things the team needs to build upon: overall team defence, finishing scoring chances, a strong forecheck and putting teams away early. These are all facets of the game that the Greenbirds need to gain strength, in order to have a successful year overall.
Game #2 vs Islanders
Osman Buttar took the role of captain on this night as both Ijaz and Ahmed Chaudhry were missing. Before the game it was stressed that the game was of importance to both teams, as each knew that they were rivals and wanted bragging rights. After the result, Buttar stressed the importance of gaining points early on in the season as placement in the standings would be a big part as to how far the 'Birds could go to reach their title goal. Furthermore, the team needs to avoid costly penalties and avoid poor decisions in order to be the elite team it seeks to be.
Game #1 vs Folkway Devils
Captain Ijaz Chaudhry was unable to attend the game as he was out of the country. However brother and assistant captain Ahmed Chaudhry was there to help lead the charge. His assessment after the game was that it was a typical "Greenbird result" during a loss: the team gains numerous scoring chances, but due to either nerves or trying to do too much, players simply cannot put the ball in the net. He did also say that the team played very well, created many scoring chances and deserved to win if it were not for a very hot goalie. He looks for the team to bounce back and win on Thursday.