For any sports’ organization, when major changes are made during the course of a season, we do have to expect a certain time period to adapt. The new players coming in need to understand the system and get to know their new teammates, which is key to team cohesion.
If we look at the last three games played by the Rapids, it is normal to get through such a process. After all, changes were made to a point where all offensive lines were modified as well as defensive pairings. There is reason to believe that the three-game trip helped to form a certain chemistry between the players, which is always a good thing when the team plays on the road.
We also have to note that it certainly did affect in some way the players that remained on the team; seeing their teammates and friends being traded elsewhere is always a shock and emotionally, it is draining.
Which leads us to believe that despite a four-game skid, there is no need to panic and point any fingers towards the team’s performance.
As for the long-term goal of the team, finishing strong is certainly a priority. Numerous draft picks, including a few in the first round, were awarded to the Rapids following these transactions. Young players were also kept intact while the addition of some 20-year-olds can only have a positive effect on the team.
Rapids’ General manager Mathieu Martin is very satisfied with the results of the trading period.
“We accomplished what we had planned, which is getting the team younger without affecting our future. If we look at our current group, we only have a few 20-year-olds, which means that many 17-18-19–year-olds will be returningto the team”, mentions Martin.
“We did lose some quality players, but they were not coming back next season. Those trades helped us build our future”.
Martin also mentions that the trades will help the team to finish the season on a strong note.
“The trades we made will enable us to remain competitive since we are not far away from a playoff spot. Maybe the results don’t show it right away, but it is normal when you have so many new players joining the team. All other organizations go through the same process”.
It was a tough week on the ice as the Rapids were defeated
by Pictou County, Truro and Fredericton. Scoring was an issue, especially on the power play, as the team went 0 for 15 on the PP in those three contests. Some newcomers however did score their first goals in a Rapids’ uniform and goaltending remained solid.
The fans will have the opportunity to see the new players in action this upcoming weekend as the Rapids play twice at the E.&P. SénéchalCentre. It will also be the occasion to see in action on Friday night Jérémy D’Astous and Raphael Denis one more time as they suit up for their new team, the Edmundston Blizzard. The opportunity is there for the fans to show their appreciation for all the time and effort those two players put into the Rapids’ organization during their stay in Grand Falls.
Patrick Thibault
RAPIDS’ UPCOMING GAMES
Friday January 17: Edmundston vs Rapids (7 pm)
Sunday January 19: Truro vs Rapids (3 pm)
TEAM STATS AFTER 35 GAMES
*Overall record: 9–20-6 (24 points)
*Home record: 5-7-4 (14 points)
*Away record: 4-13-2 (10 points)
*Goals scored: 123 (8th in the league)
*Goals against: 155 (tied for 3rd most in the league)
*Power play goals: 26 (tied for 7th in the league)
*Shorthanded goals: 1
*Power play efficiency: 17.2% (tied for 8th in the league)
*Penalty kill: 74.8% (ranked 9th in the league)
*Penalty minutes: 685 (8th in the league)
INDIVIDUAL STATS AFTER 35 GAMES
*Points leader: Jonah Leard (49)
*Goals: Jonah Leard (21)
*Assists: Jonah Leard (28)
*Power play goals: Jonah Leard (7)
*Shorthanded goals: Patrick Baxter (1)
*Winning goals: Nathan Rhodes and Jonah Leard (3)
*Goals against averages by goaltenders:
Adam Lecours (4.03) / Loic Nadeau (4.13)
LEAGUE STANDINGS:
EASTLINK NORTH:
EASTLINK SOUTH:
Leading scorer: Dominik Godin (SWC) 34g 29a 63pts
Best Goals against average: Austin Caley(EDM) 2.17