Sandman

Many thanks to Brad Fuqua of the Prescott (Az.) Daily Courier for playing along. Here’s the first of two Q&As today. Enjoy.

1. Just how much did the New Mexico series take out of the Sundogs?

It was definitely a draining series with the ongoing rivalry between  the two franchises. The Scorpions are one of the hardest-working teams around and if Konrad Reeder would’ve been available for Game 6, the series just might’ve gone the full seven games. Arizona got a couple days off after the series before resuming practice on Thursday and Friday. The break is good especially with the flu bug going around. Laredo had an even longer layoff but that doesn’t necessarily play in the Bucks’ favor.

2. What did we learn about the Sundogs that we didn’t know before the playoffs?

This is difficult to answer because Arizona pretty much followed the same formula that we saw during the regular season. The Sundogs were still No. 1 on the power play and kept up a torrid pace on the offensive, seemingly scoring goals at will when the need presented itself. If I had to identify one area, I would say better defense. David Schlemko re-joined the team from the AHL, college newcomer Kyle Hood has been a positive impact and veterans Dan Laperriere and Chris Bartolone are chomping at the bit to get the Cup.

3. Does this team play enough defense to stop the Bucks?

This carries over to the previous question but I believe Arizona can rise to the occasion. The Sundogs score so many goals at times that I think the defense loses focus. When pushed to perform, Arizona has the talent to get the job done. Obviously, players like Jeff Bes, Adam Rivet and Chris Stanley will provide a stiff test. The Sundogs have a tendency to give up goals within minutes or even seconds after scoring themselves. They will need to clamp down after scoring and keep the Bucks from taking advantage in transition.

4. Why will the Sundogs win this series?

Too much offense. Arizona has so many weapons that it must cause sleepless nights for opposing coaches. And with the prospect of Tyler Redenbach rejoining the lineup, it’s going to become even more lethal. Cory Urquhart has scored a goal in 16 straight games. Alex Leavitt was the point-scoring champion. In the playoffs, this pair has 31 combined points. Others like Mark Kolanos, Karl Sellan, Tyler Liebel, Mike Rymsha and Jason Visser are all capable. Arizona will do what it takes defensively, dazzle with its talented offensive lineup and issue the death blow on the power play.

5. Why won’t the Sundogs win this series?

If Laredo is to knock out Arizona, the Bucks will obviously need to continue their great start to the postseason. The Bucks appeared to struggle a bit down the stretch run, including a lack of points from Bes. The No. 1 thing that Laredo must do to beat Arizona is stay out of the penalty box to keep the Sundogs off the power play. But even then, the Bucks must play the full 60 minutes and not let down their guard, otherwise, the Arizona offense will strike. If the Sundogs are unable to put up power play numbers, have trouble with Laredo’s capable defense and commit stupid penalties, the season could be over.

6. What is your prediction?

After covering the Sundogs since day one, I can honestly say that I’ve never seen the team play this well. The roster seems to have the perfect mix of veteran influence and talented youngsters to carry this club to the promised land. Laredo took three of four from Arizona during the regular season (twice on shootouts) but the Sundogs have a much different roster. I’ll take the Sundogs in six games.

-Thanks again to Brad, although I disagree with his pick. I’m taking Laredo in six.

Stay tuned, because another Q&A is coming.

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