Glover shuts out Huskies in an almost perfect game

Back-to-back shutouts, no big deal.

But six shutouts in 12 games and leading Canada West in save percentage and goals against averages — now that’s something to talk about.

Pandas goalie Grace Glover “is just a gamer, she loves competing. She loves the challenge of trying to keep the puck out, and that’s exactly what we need with her,” Pandas hockey head coach, Howie Draper said.

We sure hope so, and with only 16 shots on goal on January 24 against the visiting Saskatchewan Huskies, Glover had an otherwise easy game. Easier then her previous game of 17 shots, and better than 28 the game prior.

Notice the pattern here?

The Pandas’ defence, while struggling to actually make a shot on net, cruised the Pandas into a steady one goal per period game, while limiting shots on goal from nine, to four, to three.

A solid back-end if there ever was one.

“I’m a believer that you go with the hot goalie all through playoffs. So that’s what they’re doing right now, is they’re all competing for that spot, and it’s a real strong competition,” Draper said.

You could say that. You could also say Glover’s 0.74 goals against average makes the choice pretty easy, and hides any mistakes you might have otherwise missed during a game. The biggest and probably most subtle coming from rebounds, or lack thereof.

Pandas can’t escape their “lulls”

One timers are great and serve their purpose, but if you’re not ready for the back-door shot, you’re not capitalizing on what should be solid shots on goal.

“We’re going through a little bit of a lull with that for sure but we work on that every week and every practice. So I’m confident that the rebounds will come when we most need them.”

That’s not the only lull the Pandas are dealing with, but maybe the only remaining concern. The power play, still sitting at second in Canada West, has come along since its subpar performance the past few weeks.

“We went through a little bit of a lull. But that happens in power plays, and sometimes, the well runs dry a little bit, and I just feel like they’re starting to find their groove. They’re moving the puck better. We’re creating higher quality chances, and more than anything, I think we’re just starting to get a better net front presence,” Draper said.

A one for five power play by Izzy Lajoie is a good way to start, and had it not been for a skate blade inside the crease on what was almost the last goal of the game, we could call it two for five. Alas, goaltender interference makes for some interesting calls.

If we’re splitting hairs though, taking only four penalties while being the most penalized team in Canada West, ain’t a bad way to ref a game. If they keep it up on January 25, maybe the Pandas will get out of this “lull” too.

“In my opinion, our players compete, and sometimes when the opposition falls down because you’ve competed a little bit too hard, the referees are compelled to make a call. So we just have to pick our spots a little bit when it comes to the physicality.”

That’s hockey for you. And adjusting things like that doesn’t come fast or consistently.

What was happening in the third period?

We saw this in the third when all passing went out the window and what was almost a third period push turned into a flat stall.

The Pandas were fighting for their shutout and eighth straight win, while the Huskies were pushing for a less embarrassing defeat. Safe to say a 3-0 score put that issue to rest. But will it stay such one-sided scoring?

Subbing in for Glover on January 25 will be Misty Rey, rocking only one shutout of the season, but still an impressive 1.75 GAA. Not Glover’s numbers, but not bad at all.