The big difference was the number of penalties. Both teams were called for many more than I’m used to seeing. The Admirals took some bad ones. Texas scored on two power plays. While the Admirals held on four (which isn’t a good percentage) Milwaukee played pretty much the entire second period with a man in the box. That can’t happen.

 

So, in game three the big key is going to be discipline. Defenseman Teemu Laakso told me in the postgame show Saturday that Texas got under the Admirals skin and coerced some stupid penalties. Milwaukee needs to be better in that regard. It’s usually the Admirals that can get under the skin of opponents. That’s what hard-working teams do.

 

The Admirals also need the other lines to get going offensively. The line of Chris Mueller, Gabriel Bourque and Ryan Thang has provided all the offense in the two games. If Texas shuts them down, what’s left? Players need to work to get to the net.

 

Texas defends extremely well. I can’t stand when I hear people screaming “shoot” in the stands. Texas isn’t giving many lanes and the forwards are willing to block shots. Milwaukee needs quicker puck movement and better movement without the puck. I stress, however, that Texas has a good team and is pushing back.

 

The Admirals will always work hard. This is a great first-round test for the team and they need to keep bringing the work ethic and the smarts.

 

The next three games are in Cedar Park, TX. You can watch games three and five at Major Goolsby’s and game four at Buck Bradley’s.

 

Oh, and since we're heading to Austin, enjoy the great Billy Joe Shaver.