Fife Flyers trapped in Groundhog Day – shot shy and and on the backfoot
Something has to change, and change quickly for Fife Flyers.
A 4-1 loss on home ice to Nottingham Panthers continued a losing streak that has stretched from autumn to the fringes of winter.
The work ethic was certainly there, along with some solid performances, but the team’s lack of goals is having a clear impact.
Mitch Fossier snaffled a hat-trick for Panthers. Flyers desperately need to find their own Mitch Fossier - and soon - if this season is to be turned around.
You could sense the frustration pouring down from the stands as players opted to make an extra pass rather than shoot the puck. The stats also underlined the extent of that problem - six shots in the first period, and just three in the second.
While the club has been scouring the market for new signings - and they need more than one - their search has yet to yield the marksman desperately needed to ignite a season that this roster is capable of delivering.
Once again Flyers were powered by the same sterling performances from the same skaters. That core is carrying a mighty weight on its back.
Shane Owen was solid in the net, defensively he had much better cover, while Keaton Jameson led the line again with a relentless performance and a precious goal that got Fife right back into this game. Flyers need a handful of guys in his mould.
Both sides were short handed for this game, but there was no doubt Panthers were faster and just that bit sharper, enjoying a lot of puck time and momentum in a goal-less opening period.
Fife more than hung in there, and used up a couple of their l;ives as David Herd twice struck metalwork, while a puck spilled on the goal-line needed swift action to halt the danger as Panthers’ forwards swooped.
Fossier broke the deadlock at 23:23 after a puck found him with time and space to beat Owen, and his second after 36 minutes set Fife a high bar, but they got the best start to the third as Ryan Nicholson threw puck to Jameson for a superb finish to reignite the crowd and game just 52 seconds in.
Flyers carved out a couple of gilt-edged chances before Brody Kay was called for hooking, and Gio Finoro had seen enough after several non-calls, raging at both referees for a minor unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. He was perhaps lucky to stay in the game given his anger, but the sight of fans rising in the stands in applause told you they shared that fury. The inconsistencies of the stripeys has been a hallmark of this season thus far.
Noel shot home ion thew powerplay for 3-1, and with 2:45 on the clock coach Jamie Russell pulled Owen. Again Flyers tired hard toi set something up, only to see Fossier break and slot the puck into the empty net with 41 seconds from time.
The final score may have been slightly harsh, but regardless it was another loss from a team trapped in Groundhog Day.