Reporter Q&A with Adam Dunivan
March 30th, 2008, 3:01 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Brian Sandalow
Adam Dunivan of the Loveland Reporter-Herald has graciously responded to my questions about the Colorado Eagles. The Eagles lead Youngstown 2-0 in a Northern Conference semi. Thanks again to Adam.
Q: How did the Eagles almost allow the Rage to sneak back into the playoffs?
I think they played with complacency and thought everything would just work out for them. They had faith in the Rage choking away, and there was a lack of tenaciousness at the end of their games in Youngstown as a result. You have to give credit to Y-town too, because it was fighting for its own playoff life but also fighting to make a statement against two of the best teams in the league ending the season.
Q: Should that finish worry Eagles fans? (Or encourage Eagles haters?)
The way the Eagles finished on the road for the season is what should worry them. They finished with eight less wins on the road than in any of their prior seasons, and that is saying a lot. I certainly can’t answer as to why they’ve not had that success away from home this year, but only having home ice for one series does not bode well.
Q: What is Chris Stewart’s biggest worry about his team?
In terms of talent, Stewart has no worries. He built the team himself, and obviously has confidence in his own decisions. For Stewart, it’s all about effort and making the right decisions with personnel. He blames himself a lot when things go wrong. He didn’t bring any amateurs, nor an emergency goaltender, because he feels he has the right mix.
Q: Why will the Eagles win the Cup?
They have a good mix of guys who have played the past three years with this team and know what Stewart expects this time of year. At the same time, the team has a few players who are extremely eager to get farther than they ever have before.
Q: Why won’t the Eagles win the Cup?
I’ve said this time and time again, they’ve not shown any consistency in the time that I’ve covered them. They give up too many leads and have not come back when they have been down often enough. Of course, they did that in Game 1, so to say they can’t rally is not true.
Q: What is your prediction for the Eagles?
I’m going to say they win the first round, but lose to Bossier-Shreveport in the conference finals in six games. The goaltending display in that series should be pretty phenomenal, though.
Thanks to Adam for playing along.
