MUSKEGON, Mich. -- The Fort Wayne Komets took care of business early -- they scored three goals on the first six shots -- and they treated it like business as usual after winning 5-1 Saturday night.
In other words, it wasn't the most jubilant locker room I've ever been in, mostly because the Komets felt they could have been playing this way all along.
But they didn't and so we had a more tense series than anyone expected, at least until the Komets won 3-0 on Friday and then whooped up on Muskegon in this one. The Komets won the semifinals series 4-2 and will face the Port Huron Icehawks in the best-of-seven Turner Cup Finals.
That series will begin Friday at Memorial Coliseum, team president Michael Franke said, with the rest of the schedule to be finalized on Monday. You can count on another 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 format though, because of building availabilities.
I can tell you there is some disgruntlement from the Komets' organization that the Coliseum didn't set aside some Saturday night dates for them at this time of year. They've got a point, considering Fort Wayne has missed the postseason only once since 1996. The Komets, and by extension the fans, will pay for the lack of available dates. But I'm sure the Freedom football fans have been happy with the home games.
After dropping the first two road games against the Fury, the Komets dismantled Fury starting goalie Isaac Reichmuth on Saturday. They knew all season long he was weak glove-side and they exploited it, and he was yanked from a third straight start. I'm not sure what Fury coach Bruce Ramsay was thinking starting Reichmuth, after two strong outings by Clayton Pool. But Ramsay did a good job this season with limited talent.
As if Reichmuth doesn't have enough to worry about right now, the Fury's official scorers have him allowing three goals on three shots, even though the unreliable shot clock had six shots on the board when he was yanked. That won't look good on his record.
Speaking of surprise starters, Fort Wayne's Kevin Reiter was solid with 15 saves, one night after Nick Boucher had the 23-save shutout. I was flabbergasted that Boucher didn't start tonight and Fort Wayne coach Al Sims had a grin on his face about the decision before he hopped onto the bus.
By the way, I know some fans wanted to greet the team when it gets back into town. I'm estimating, it'll be back at the Coliseum at about 2 a.m., but, um, don't quote me on it.
Instead of players of the night, here are the players of the series. For Fort Wayne, in order: Mitch Woods, Matt Reynolds, Mathieu Curadeau, Guy Dupuis, Brent Henley, Kevin Bertram, Luciano Aquino. That's right, I think Woods was awesome in this series. For the Fury: Dan Riedel, Jeff Nelson, Dave Van Drunen, Pool, David Herring, Kyle Kos.
The early feelings are that the series with Port Huron will be physical. And by the way, I thought John Searle called a solid game tonight. So that makes two well officiated games in a row.
And how about Sims? A year ago, he was out of a job. Now he's in the finals.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Great Musical Chairs video!!!
Thanks to the Komets again for allowing the Bloggers in on a fun contest. Hit Somebody wants a rematch.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | April 28, 2008 at 01:11 AM
Hoss wants to know how you can get kicked out while holding a chair!!!!! Hoss was mad. It was rigged so Hoss would lose. You don't like Hoss when Hoss is mad.
(Hit, why are we using third person?)
GO KOMETS!!!
Posted by: Hoss | April 28, 2008 at 06:15 AM
Hoss, stop whining. You got beat fair and square(if there is such thing). Besides, I'll have to check, but I think it's against the rules to GRAB your chair - you have to SIT in it! You can soon take the off season to practice for next year. Despite your loss, it was still chair-poppin' fun! Great job, gang!
Vera Bradley can move their sale to the parking lot for all I care. Komets should have been given priority no matter what. Both teams will be dragging by the third game.
Posted by: Geronimo | April 28, 2008 at 07:25 AM
While I agree that the k's should get priority with MC, but another possible solution is for the IHL not to play some many games...Maybe they should cut the number of games back so they can get their season over sooner. Everyone knew that these issues were going to be there all a long even the Frankes...
Posted by: ToeBlake | April 28, 2008 at 07:47 AM
I think I've got at least 3, probably 6, that would be interested in a bus trip. I'm really not looking forward to driving that far with the price of gas these days.
Posted by: Teresa | April 28, 2008 at 08:29 AM
My family is traveling with a child so I don't think we can help with the bus trip. Maybe we will follow the bus.
Posted by: Shawn | April 28, 2008 at 08:36 AM
The original Fort to the Port is about 255 miles via I-69.
Posted by: Shutterbug | April 28, 2008 at 10:07 AM
The bus is a go for sat. and children are welcome.More details will be on here tomorrow afternoon.Any questions post them and I will answer them soon as I can.
Posted by: puckit | April 28, 2008 at 04:47 PM
We have 5 or 6 for the bus. Just need cost and where to pay, time, etc. I want on this bus and pray I don't miss it! Thanks so much for planning it!!!
cmtina2002@aol.com
Posted by: KrazyKometFan | April 28, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Puckit-How are you gonna determine who gets on the bus. I'm pretty sure there have been more than 55 people who said they would like to go.
Posted by: Mark | April 28, 2008 at 08:06 PM