1st Quarter Review for Georgetown...

This afternoon Georgetown Millers GM Chris Kash held a press conference to discuss the Millers first quarter performance. 

CK: I'll open with a brief statement. To date, we, as a club, are not happy with our performance through the first 22 games. We have been inconsistent and undisciplined. The fact that we have the CCHL's 8th best point total at this juncture gives me hope that we can, with more consistency, finish the season among the league's top 4 teams.

I will now open the floor to questions...

Q: Why did you trade Markov so soon after acquiring him, with him scoring nearly a point per game?

CK: Andrei did a fantastic job for us, but the acquisition of Mike Green made him a luxury, and his lack of speed and physicality made him unsuitable for our penalty kill, which has really felt the loss of David Savard. Brendan Dillon gives us exactly what I felt we needed - a strong, physical defenseman who can skate and pass at an acceptable level. He's also signed for a few more years and that's a plus. We think he'll pair well with Brett Pesce on our 3rd pairing and 2nd PK unit.

Q: Budaj has started 3 of the last 4 games. Is Reimer in danger of losing his job?

CK: No, James is our starter. But Budaj is a solid goalie and I wanted to play him while he has the hot hand. I'd expect Budaj to appear in around 30 to 35 games this season so I'll play him a few games in a row if he's playing well.

Q: Still concerned about Backstrom?

CK: He's started scoring a bit so that's good. He's had some bad luck on the defensive side and for whatever reason really isn't jelling with any of linemates. I think him and Simmonds are starting to show some chemistry though so hopefully the worst is behind him.

Q: With Barberio traded are you concerned about depth at defense?

CK: Not really. Martin could start for most teams, and Chiarot can hold his own on a 3rd pairing. We don't have any major concerns health-wise on the blue line.

Q: Rumor has it you've reached out to several GMs about adding some depth to your bottom 6 forwards and penalty kill. Care to elaborate?

CK: We are always looking to improve the club. If we can pick up someone who can help us - with the understanding that we are not looking to deal anyone from our core group or our better prospects - then we will do that. Personally, I would like more skill and speed on the bottom six, but we also require someone who is defensively responsible. That said we will not break the bank for a rental player.

Q: Any thoughts on the Crystal Palace - Chelsea game?

CK: Thank god I was at my daughter's game that morning and couldn't watch it. By all accounts, it was horse poop. I have no desire to catch a replay of it.

Q: Tom Petty's death was a shock. You recently held a tribute night for him. What rock legend are you worried will die next?

CK: Morbid bunch of mofos aren't you? Probably Bob Seger. He just had to cancel his tour due to a "back problem". His passing won't hurt as much as Petty but he's damn good. He's way better than the 6 songs of his you keep hearing on the radio.

CK: Ok that's enough of this. We'll be back for the mid-season review plus any major team news that breaks.

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