(Posted 10:30 p.m., Jan. 31)
Grads offensive woes continue in 4-0 loss to Nepean
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Cumberland Grads defenceman Sebastien Dubus turns and wheels to join the rush during the Grads 4-0 loss to the Nepean Raiders on Sunday. Fred Sherwin/Photo

The Cumberland Grads are still looking for their first win after trading away their top two scorers at the trading deadline more than three weeks ago.

The Grads' post deadline losing streak is now up to six games following a 4-0 loss to the Nepean Raiders on Sunday.

The Raiders wasted little time getting on the scoreboard against the Grads, as Philip Binette was able to score just one minute and 23 seconds into the first period.

The Raiders took a two goal lead on a power play goal by Demetri Sakaris at the 8:33 mark of the first period. Sakaris who was able to redirect a pass from Alexandre Moisan who was set up along the side boards near the left faceoff circle.

After a lackluster first 16 minutes, the Grads picked up their game in the final four minutes of the opening period but were unable to get the puck past Raiders starting goalie Michel Kowalew who stopped 39 shots in picking up the shutout.

Laderoute robbed Calof not one but twice on a clear breakaway after Raiders leading score took a lead pass in full flight coming across the blueline.

Nepean would eventually extend their lead to 3-0 at the 8:02 mark of the second period on a perfect set up from behind the net by Sakaris to Binette, who was left wide open in the slot and easily beat Laderoute stick side with a quick shot for his second goal of the game.

With his team down 3-0, Laderoute made a miraculous diving save across the crease to rob a Raiders player with 2:47 left in the second period to keep the score relatively close.

Nepean would add a goal on a delayed penalty in the third period to make the final score 4-0.

As the losses pile up, the Grads are slowly taking themselves out of the battle for fifth and sixth place. After Sunday's game they are in seventh place, four points back of both the Raiders and the Ottawa Jr. Senators.

Perhaps more importantly, they are only eight points up on the eighth place Kemptville 73s. As it stands they will draw either the Pembroke Lumber Kings or the Brockville Braves in the first round of the playoffs. Should they find away to climb back into the mix for fifth and sixth spot their first round prospects would be a lot better, but to do so they need to start winning and to start winning they need to score goals.

The Grads have only scored 11 goals since the trading deadline and four of their losses have only been by a goal.

Head coach Paul Flindall says the team`s biggest problem right know is getting quality shots and hitting the net.

"We're not focused out there. We're just shooting to shoot the puck and that's not good enough at this level," the frustrated coach said after Sunday's game. "The guys look great in practice and then when we get in the game we're like a totally different team."

As frustrated as Flindall is with the team's recent play, he knows that they are just one goal and one win away from getting over the hump.

"I truly believe we're just one away from turning the corner. We just have to drive to the net more, concentrate on getting quality shots and the goals are going to come," says Flindall.

If the Grads are going to break out of their slump they are going to have to do it on the ice. They have three road games over the next four days starting with a game in Kanata on Tuesday. They play in Nepean on Wednesday and then practice on Thursday before traveling to Smths Falls on Friday. The week wraps up with a home game against the Lumber Kings next Sunday at 3 p.m.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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