Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 27, 1994 TAG: 9410280011
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
After two straight home losses, including last Saturday's 5-1 bomb to Raleigh that coach Frank Anzalone labeled a ``disgrace,'' the Express (1-2) left Wednesday for West Virginia, where it meets the Huntington Blizzard tonight and Friday.
Roanoke concludes the season's first road swing Saturday in Knoxville, a three-game trip that could be pivotal for a club suddenly digging for some answers.
``We're very disappointed ... extremely, extremely disappointed,'' said Anzalone, so high on his troops after a season-opening 5-3 win over Hampton Roads only nine days ago.
``We understand you have to lose, and against Greensboro [a 5-4 loss last Friday], we played hard for most of the night. Against Raleigh, we needed to come out with just an abrasive, gung-ho attitude and we did not get it, except from a few guys.
``I cannot believe where we are. I'm not saying I've lost confidence in them. They just did not show [against Raleigh].
``And we've got guys who think they should be in the IHL. Are you kidding me? I've told 'em this is a great league and you've got to succeed in this league before you think about going anywhere else.''
Anzalone threatened to make some roster changes after Saturday's loss, but had made no moves as of Wednesday.
``I don't have the ability to make moves that easily,'' Anzalone said. ``I commit myself and work hard and I've got to have the guys playing. Whether we do that or not remains to be seen.
``Players just aren't floating down highway 88 here, whatever this highway is. Believe me, they're not just busing 'em in.
``You've just got to pick up waived players like Raleigh did. They picked 'em up, they play hard for three games and Rick Barkovich [IceCaps coach] just hopes they all mold.''
The Express got nothing out of its second (Oleg Yashin, Ilja Dubkov, Derek Laxdall) and third (Robin Bouchard, Carl Fleury and Marty Schriner) lines against Raleigh. Defensively, rookie Paul Belleza also struggled.
Anzalone hinted that Raleigh's hulking defenseman John Blessman was the reason.
``Guys couldn't even handle the puck because they were so afraid at what's coming at them,'' Anzalone said.
``You can't play this game with fear. They don't want Blessman in their face. Well, if you don't want Blessman in your face you can't play in the league.''
SCOUTING HUNT-INGTON: A trip to Huntington used to be a sure two points. Not anymore.
The Blizzard, last season's ECHL laughingstock (14-49-5), has definitely improved. After dropping its opener 6-1 at Knoxville, coach Paul Pickard's club lost to Tallahassee 2-1 in overtime and beat the Tiger Sharks 3-2.
The Blizzard (1-1-1), which yielded an ECHL-record 413 goals last season, has been bolstered by the play of goaltender Chris Gordon, who has a 2.62 goals-against average since replacing former Express netminder Jim Mill in the opener.
Huntington also has been aided by two players sent down from Worcester of the American Hockey League, defenseman Jason Weinrich and forward Jim Bermingham.
The Blizzard's penalty-killing unit, the ECHL's worst last season, hasn't allowed a goal in its opponents' 16 power plays this season.
ICE CHIPS: Roanoke defenseman Jon Larson, still hobbled by a left knee strain, is questionable for tonight. ... Apparently, ex-Express forward Gairin Smith is not amused about being sent to Wheeling by Cape Breton (AHL). In two games with Wheeling, Smith has logged 49 penalty minutes, tops thus far in the ECHL. ... Former Express enforcer Dave ``Moose'' Morissette has no goals, no assists and 12 penalty minutes in his first three games with Minnesota (IHL). ... This week's three games are among only 15 all season that Roanoke plays outside the East Division. ... The Express returns home next Tuesday, when Charlotte visits the Roanoke Civic Center.
by CNB