As the home ice losses pile up for the Sudbury Wolves, head
coach and general manager Mike Foligno says his team could
learn from the example put forth by the Sault Ste. Marie
Greyhounds Tuesday.
With the red-hot Greyhounds in town, the Wolves lost their fourth straight home game 3-1. The Greyhounds continue to climb the Western Conference standings with six wins in their last seven games.
"We got out of the gates a little sluggish and we gave them those two goals (in the second period) from the blue line. Both goals were bad goals and we shouldn't have given those two up," Foligno said after the game.
"Look at Sault Ste. Marie. They came out with a little more hunger at the start of the game, we were kind of just watching them for the first little bit. Tonight is not a very good example of what kind of game this team is capable of playing on a consistent basis but it's the kind of game that's been nipping at us because it's hurt us (in terms of) being able to keep moving up in the standings."
After giving up three goals on 12 shots, Foligno yanked Kevin Beech in favour of back-up Michael Swick seven minutes and 34 seconds into the second period. Swick did his job, making 24 saves and keeping the puck out of the net, giving the Wolves an opportunity to win the game.
At the other end of the ice, the only offence the Wolves could muster was a powerplay goal with a little more than six minutes left in the game and two Sault Ste. Marie players in the penalty box. Matt Dias scored the goal, his 11th of the season, assisted by Andrew Self and Jonathan D'Aversa.
Josh Godfrey had a pair of goals for the Greyhounds, including the game winner, while Cody Thornton added a single. Goalie Kyle Gajewski made 37 saves.
Foligno isn't sure why his team has been able to perform on the road (eight wins and six losses) versus at home (five wins and nine losses).
"On the road, we've had a great record, we're one of the league's stronger teams on the road. What we're looking for is consistency and for our team to play the same way at home, with desperation and discipline."
The Wolves will be looking to avoid a fifth straight loss at home Friday Dec. 1 when the Sarnia Sting come to town. Game time is 7:30 pm.
