December 13: Bus Texts with Stothers

Today’s Bus Texts with Stothers comes straight from the I-15 as the team heads back from San Diego after an important win to kick off a four games in six days stretch.

Reign 3, San Diego 2
Sean Backman scored with 1:24 left in regulation to snap his 14-game goalless skid and the Reign battled from behind in the third period to pick up a crucial win over their rivals. Suddenly trailing 2-1 just 31 seconds into the third period after outplaying San Diego up to that point, the Reign showed some character with their ability to fight back. Originally leading 1-0 on a second period goal by Zac Leslie, Ontario was looking to take that margin into the locker room for the final 20 minutes. That was busted on a shorthanded breakaway goal by Chris Wagner, after he took the puck from Vincent LoVerde in the neutral zone, resulted in a deadlock at two with 1:29 left in the second despite Ontario outshooting the Gulls 22-12. Then San Diego opened the third with a tying goal by Nick Sorensen from the left wing that beat Jack Campbell to the opposite side. Ontario answered a swift 4:20 later as Michael Latta took a pass from Joel Lowry on the left boards, made a move around a defender to create some space in the slot and beat Gulls goalie Dustin Tokarski high. A mostly-even third saw the Reign take over late, and Backman converted as Brett Sutter had the puck on the left wall and spotted Backman flying into the slot. With the puck on his stick Backman made one quick move to his right, and released the game-winner.

BUS TEXTS WITH STOTHERS
ORI: Backman said you two met today, what was said there and how happy are you for the little ball of hate.
Stothers: I refer to him as the little ball of “hate.” It is meant as a compliment and reference to Marchand of the Boston Bruins. That is his nickname, and he drives opponents crazy with his energy and tenacity. Plus he has a scoring touch. Backs is at his best when he is skating, shooting, and full of energy. We talk all the time, but this morning I told him to shoot more. His shot totals the last two seasons are among the highest in the league. He has not been shooting enough. A sniper doesn’t pass on a target, he takes the shot. Squeeze it off, not squeeze the stick.
ORI: The team gives up an uncharacteristic goal late in the second and to make matters worse, an early one after outplaying them most of the first 40. What kind of character does it show that they were able to battle back like that in the third?
Stothers: Hockey is a game of opportunity, and San Diego made a good read for a shorthanded goal at the end of the second. They then shot off the rush early in the third for their second goal. We knew we were playing well, and had lots of time on the clock. No need to change our game, just continue to pressure them in all zones and our opportunity will come. And it did. Maintain, and remain composed at all times. Not easy to do but we have some good veterans that lead the way.
ORI: I know last season we talked about how the team groups games together like a mini-series. This week plays that way with the four games in six days. How can the team build off this win for this long stretch?
Stothers: We still break the season down into seven game segments, and tonight was the last game in this third segment. Tomorrow will be the first game of he fourth segment. It is easier to concentrate on just the seven games instead of the entire season. Short term goals based on seven game playoffs series. It helps you gear up for what we hope will lead to a playoff appearance.