What a difference a couple of weeks makes.
A couple of weeks ago the Komets couldn't buy a goal with cash money, Rockford had caught them in the West, and they looked like a gassed team, physically and mentally. Now they look like (and I know this is bad luck) the team to beat for the Cup.
I say this after a 3-for-3 weekend in which they scored 14 goals and smoked Rockford and Muskegon back to back . . . and now it's not crazy at all to suggest they could catch the Fury for home ice throughout the playoffs. Tonight's 5-1 win pulled them within four points with two weeks to go. It's doable.
If you saw the game tonight, you definitely know it's doable. Pat Bingham declined to say it was their best horn-to-horn game of the season, but it was the best I've seen them play. They were .500 on the power play and gave Muskegon squat on its. Five different players scored goals -- and, wonder of wonders, four of them were forwards. Once again they crashed the net with abandon, creating all sorts of chances in close.
And unlike Saturday, they didn't let the Fury back in it.
Don't know about you. But if I'm the rest of the league, Fort Wayne's my No. 1 target at the moment.
-- Ben Smith
They started the season off strong, then struggled. You might get sick of losing, sometimes it takes getting sick of losing to get back on the winning track. But how I see it, it takes doing the right things and seeing the rewards to get that momentum and realize "this is better than losing". The guys are playing with heart again and I'm sure they now see the light at the end of the tunnel, they are playing the system, making great passes, and putting it all on the line. THAT's what a championship team does.... they almost lost that a few weeks ago, glad they are back! :-)
Posted by: Brad Lyons | March 18, 2007 at 09:12 PM
We told you that when you were all down Brad. Slumps come and Go my friend but the Heart is always there. Great night tonight for the K's once again. Lets not forget though, Muskegon did have to drive back from Elmira into Ft. Wayne after last nights game. Their legs weren't quite in it, but they arent the same team as they have been all season. Im pumped to go up there Saturday and root on the Komets. If any Komet fan is lookin for a weekend get away...this coming weekend, Muskegon!!! will be a blast.....Also we are getting a decent sized group together to head up to the last reg. season game up at KZOO!!!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 18, 2007 at 10:11 PM
A small group of my friends and I will also be at the games in Muskegon and Kalamazoo!
Posted by: Shawn | March 18, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Very nice!!! My gf and myself with a buddy of mine and his fiancee will probably be at the bar @ the hotel right by the JC Walker Arena this weekend before the game!!!! Unless im up about 1000 bucks at the poker tables the night before!!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 18, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Yeah, I was wondering how Muskegon would play knowing they were coming from Elmira--and played as expected. BUT, it's still Muskegon and they can score on you in a heartbeat. However, McWhinney played a heck of a game!
Posted by: Brad Lyons | March 19, 2007 at 07:24 AM
we followed our usuall pattern so i wont get too excited yet. we always play great against the great teams so now we need to carry it on against the bottom dwellers. they are the ones who have kept us out of first place!! go komets!!
Posted by: chuckitt | March 19, 2007 at 11:25 AM
How do muskegon fans react to komets fans? This will be a first time going to another game just wondering
Posted by: IcyKometsFan | March 19, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Muskegon fans can be the worse in the league, but there are some that are really polite. I have been there five times in the last three seasons and have had stuff thrown on me in three of those five. I have also had people come up and talk hockey with me a few times and also have had people try to pick a fight with me when I was one of only 4 Komet fans there. Reccommendation....go with a group....not a lot of security in that building either and there is one ATM machine that only has worked one time when I was there so bring cash if you want snacks/drinks. Also if anyone wants to go let me know or if anyone has an extra spot and would not mind another rider let me know cause I want to go but don't want to by myself. Also what sections is everyone sitting in?
Posted by: Tom | March 19, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Chuckit great point. The Komets need to beat the QC and Chicagos....FLint two more times this year...back to back games against them and the last two times we played them have gone to shoot outs...Rockford lost in a shoot out to them too on SUnday...so what is it about Flint and shootouts? Hate to be the zamboni driver there. We control our own destiny in the race for the Tarry Cup since we play Muskegon two more times.
Posted by: Tom | March 19, 2007 at 02:29 PM
ok thanks tom we will be in section 106 behind vistor bench. i need people to sit there cause i only have 3 in my group going
Posted by: IcyKometsFan | March 19, 2007 at 02:42 PM
you can still get seats in the same row D section 106. does anyone have any idea how many people are planning on going to that game
Posted by: IcyKometsFan | March 19, 2007 at 03:19 PM
AWESOME...we will be in Section 105 Row D seats 12 so I will be nearby in case an enforcer is need. Also, Tom we are heading up there Friday morning. We are going to Mt. Pleasent for the night and workin the poker table up there. Sorry bro...You could take that nice new car on up!! haha
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 19, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Sweet so atleast now i won't feel like im the only one there
Posted by: IcyKometFan84 | March 19, 2007 at 08:50 PM
I think we should all meet at the hotel bar im staying at. Even if you dont drink just get together as a group and walk over. The hotel is free parking and it is a block away from the Arena. We get together. Those that drink can have a few beers before heading over. We can walk over as a group!!! seems like we are sitting relatively in the same area!!! Just a thought!
Posted by: Jerad Shaw | March 19, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Again if anyone goes up and doesn't mind an extra person or if anyone wants to go up I am willing to go,,I just don't want to travel alone to LC Walker. Email me if either applies.
Posted by: Tom | March 20, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Myself, boyfriend, and married friends are going up there to muskegon on saturday as well. haven't bought tickets yet but last time we went up there the fans were really bad even yelling at their own fans. it was a mess. hope this trip is better. i love beating muskegon. btw - going to kzoo for frenchy's bday too.
Posted by: Lisa | March 20, 2007 at 02:02 PM
so would it be a good idea not to drive my truck consider it is deck out with komets stuff? you got me scared to go but and the same time i can't wait to get there. yah go komets
Posted by: IcyKometsFan | March 20, 2007 at 02:22 PM
i would just suggest to go with a group or if you don't to be seated by alot of komet people. i remember in playoffs even the stickboys/equipment managers had to be escorted with security because of how the fans were. so just be prepared is all i'm saying. its a rough neighborhood.
Posted by: Lisa | March 20, 2007 at 03:09 PM