SASKATOON – It wasn’t the result he was hoping for but Saskatoon Blades head coach Bob Woods liked much of what he saw from his team in its first game back after the holidays.
While the Prince Albert Raiders pulled away late for a 6-2 victory, the game was actually tied after two periods and could have gone the Blades’ way if not for a few mental lapses.
READ MORE: Raiders score 4 times in 3rd period to beat Blades
“A couple costly turnovers that they put in our net and when you’re in a tight game like that you’ve got to manage the puck well. I just thought they were costly mistakes at the wrong time and the game got away,” Woods said.
The coach’s tone is a lot different than it was a few weeks ago, when Woods questioned his players’ effort level during a month-long slump that saw the Blades lose nine of 10 games. But three wins in four contests before the break have put a bounce in the team’s step even after the loss to Prince Albert.
“There’s a lot more smiles, a lot less guys mad at each other or mad at themselves,” said defenceman Bryton Sayers. “When we’re winning, everybody’s happy. Happy buses, happy dressing room, everybody’s hanging out, everything’s good.”
One player who’s staying positive despite being mired in a slump is Ryan Graham. Since recording a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime win over the Raiders on Nov. 13, the 19-year-old forward has gone 15 games without a goal.
“It’s definitely been a while but I’m just trying to do the little things right and help the team,” said Graham. “If I’m not scoring, help them other places. I think I’m doing that pretty well and hopefully the goals come.”
Woods believes it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates open for Graham.
It’s just another example of the more optimistic outlook coming from a team that feels refreshed and ready to go as the race to the postseason begins to heat up.
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