Ottawa Lynx Weekly review 4

[Brrbisbrr 207]

Ottawa Lynx Weekly Report

     Last week I touched on the Ottawa forwards.  As of this writing, they have vaulted up the scoring ladder, taking the top 3 spots.  This week the focus is on the back end of things.  The Lynx defense often gets overshadowed by the offensive machine that the top forward lines have turned into, but they are just as pivotal to Ottawa’s playoff chances.  It’s amazing how big of a turnaround the defensive corps has taken since the season began.  The team defense, as a whole, went from committing eight penalties a game to allowing twelve shots per game.  Most of that turnaround is because of Ottawa’s defense.

     

      Ottawa’s unspoken leader at the blueline is Aamon Grim.  He’s not a flashy guy, he’s not outspoken, but he is consistent.  Aamon is one of the league leaders in +/- and averages a point per game.  He is very skilled at turning the puck over and firing outlet passes to the forwards.  

Grim’s partner on the blueline is offensive minded Beau Bennett.  Bennett has chipped in 29 points, 11 of which are goals, and boasts a robust +47.  Bennett loves to carry the puck and has no problem letting go of his huge shot.  Beau’s modus operandi is to steal the puck in the defensive end, skate through the neutral zone and put pressure on the defensive side.  He helps overload the opponents defensive zone and create space for his forwards.

     

      Our next defenseman is the most enigmatic of the group.  He wasn’t drafted by Ottawa but fits right at home in the locker room.  He is also the flashiest of the group.  It’s none other than Finnegan McBurn.  McBurn was acquired from the Las Vegas Aces and may turn out to be the steal of the year.  He is not the biggest, but that never stops him from irritating his opponents.  He has 11 goals, despite not having the hardest shot.  What he excels at is long stretch passes.  Finnegan also is great at pinching in and using his skating skills and vision to make some beautiful assists.  He currently has 52 points and leads the league in shorthanded goals with 2.  His defensive partner is Jacob Scott, who uses his stocky frame to knock the puck loose.  He currently has 104 hits in 51 games.

       A major strength of the Lynx is also probably the most key position in hockey, the goaltender.  Raymond Bernard is top 10 in almost every category for goalkeepers.  Bernard is currently 32-5 with 3 shutouts.  He also boasts an .888 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.30.  He is a blooming star in the VHL being only 20 years old.  He does everything well, from not allowing rebounds to pushing across the crease.  He is also a positive force in the locker room and has been instrumental in helping the Lynx backup.

 

       Samuel Ross came out of nowhere to secure a backup spot in Ottawa.  Despite not growing up in a hockey rich area, his love for the sport pushed him to the VHLM.  He is currently top 10 in wins, GAA and save percentage despite only playing in 14 games.  He is 11-2-1 with an .887 save percentage and a 2.44 GAA.  His skating still needs some work and he is out of position at times.  However his quik glove and ability to take away a good portion of the net, despite his smaller frame, help him out.  He is your typical class clown backup goalie with a penchant for dad jokes.

Thanks for reading our overview of the Lynx locker room.  So far Ottawa is in second place behind Philadelphia in the VHLM and seem to have locked up a playoff spot.  Will it be enough to bring a cup to Ottawa?  The next few weeks will tell.

[Acydburn 1,559]

Great articles man, keep it up

[Mr_Hatter 1,603]

Thanks for the shout out my dude, it's a pleasure holding down the fort with you!

[fonziGG 1,065]

Great work!