Can the Wolves hot start last?

[Greg_Di 1,028]

 

The Wolves have stunned almost everyone with their hot start to the season. After 10 games, The Wolves are first in the VHL with 9 wins and 1 loss. The most surprising aspect of this is that their backup goalie has started 8 of those games.

 

While much of their success can be attributed to excellent offense, the team has performed well in every aspect of the game. The teams GM Beaviss can take a lot of credit for forming this team and for making the Wolves team competitive each season.

The Wolves success might be a flash in the pan but by the way they are playing, this looks like a team that will be competing hard all season. The Wolves seem to have a winning mentality and a long-term plan forming. This season’s quick start and successes may set the tone for the rest of the season and the future of this team.

A big part of the Wolves success has been the creation of a team that is hard to play against. The clearest example of this is the Wolves second shutdown line who also have put up multiple points in each of the first 10 games.

 

MGS has exploded this season on the second line, even if it is unlikely he will continue his scoring pace. However, his all action presence on both ends of the ice is representative of the Wolves new look second line. 

 

Rather than merely containing the opposition, MGS and co.(Wolfe and Hafkey), drive out of the zone and create opportunities in the corners. This pace is working spectacularly, as shown by MGS and Wolfes points total. By being hard to play against the shutdown line can both suppress shots, and create high scoring opportunities.

 

This dynamic is promising and it has yet to be seen if this will continue all season. If it will then I don’t see any signs of this Wolves team slowing down anytime soon.

 

This mentality is shared throughout the team, as the forecheck is quickly becoming a hallmark of the new style the Wolves are playing.

GM Beaviss understands how to build teams in a way that compliments player skill sets and play styles. MGS, Wolfe, and Hafkey look like an inspired line selection by the GM. Accompanied by the top line of Freeman, Helmsley and Jagr, the Wolves appear to be an unstoppable powerhouse.
 

This Wolves lineup up on a nightly basis isn’t only beneficial short-term. The outline of a long-term and diverse offensive team is starting to become noticeable.

 

In assembling the current Wolves team, topped up with young talent and a good veteran presence, Beaviss has a varied set of pieces who can play consistently. However, the Wolves recent wins aren’t a reason for celebration just yet, rather, they show a team that has great upside as long as they continue to play well.

 

There’s a lot that could still go wrong for the Wolves. Their safe defensive play can be undone, especially if first choice players hit a cold streak. Another issue could be if the goaltending does not live up to the teams high expectations.

As of right now the backup goalie has started 8 out of the 10 games and has played well albeit it has been versus some of the weaker teams. How will Eagles incorporate himself back into the team after only starting 2 games and playing against some of the top tier teams in the league?

Only time will tell but as of right now, it doesn’t seem like anybody can come close to the Wolves.

 

Edited November 18, 2019 by Greg_Di