Friday, Nov. 4, 2005 | 8:05 a.m.
Before last Saturday's game against the Everblades in Estero, Fla., Wranglers coach Glen Gulutzan told his players to be alert, because the home team might be still fuming from losing their home opener, 4-1, to the Wranglers on Friday.
Gulutzan was right -- and so was the overhand punch that Wranglers forward Kevin Bergin landed on the jaw of Grant McNeill during the game's second faceoff. McNeill was unconscious for a minute and lay supine on the ice for four more minutes.
The game-opening faceoff resulted in fisticuffs between Shawn Limpright of Las Vegas and Ernie Hartlieb of Florida. After 15 seconds, the total ice action consisted of two brawls.
"It was one of the best, or worst, I've seen," Gulutzan said of Bergin's roundhouse right. "(McNeill) was out cold, before he hit the ice."
When the 'Blades started swinging from the first drop of the puck, Gulutzan's pregame orders dissolved.
"My guys didn't like that so much," Gulutzan said of Florida's tactics.
The Everblades won, 4-1. McNeill was placed on the team's seven-day injured reserve list.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Wranglers (2-1) host the Phoenix Roadrunners at 7:05 tonight at the Orleans Arena, head to Bakersfield, Calif., for a game Saturday night and then play three in a row at home, against Fresno (Tuesday) and Bakersfield (Nov. 11 and 12).
QUICK DEPARTURE
Derek Edwardson scored three times in his first three games for the Wranglers. But when the team returned from Florida, Gulutzan, also the Las Vegas general manager, learned that Edwardson had been loaned to Portland of the American Hockey League.
"Too bad for me, but it's real good for him," Gulutzan said. "That's just the way it works. You're used to it. You just hope that maybe when Phoenix rolls in here they lose somebody (like that), you know?"
NEW RULES
One of the last rule changes handed down from the NHL will be implemented Dec. 11, when pads worn by ECHL goalies will shrink by 11 percent.
"That's a good rule," Gulutzan said. "The goalies will have to be a little more athletic and a little less technical. They were getting so good, technically, that it was hard to score. But I don't think goalies will mind. It'll be kind of a challenge for them."
His reactions were mixed, though, about two-line passes that are now legal, tighter areas between the blue lines and behind the nets, and more clutching and hooking enforcement.
"I don't totally agree with the way the NHL is calling that," Gulutzan said. "They've made it a perimeter power-play game. Hey, I'm not an NHL guy, so I can't get fined by the NHL, right?
"They should leave the tough areas for where guys can hack a little. If you're going to get to the front of the net, you'll pay a price. That's always been a part of the game. But, generally, I think the rules have been good. The fans like it, and that's important."
SIDELINED
Right wing Sean O'Connor, 24, remains on the mend from a concussion he suffered Oct. 25 on opening night at the Orleans against Utah. He did not make the trip to Florida, he hasn't been practicing and he's experiencing headaches when he runs on a treadmill.
As he watched Wednesday's practice, he said he hopes to return by Tuesday.
"I thought this weekend," O'Connor said. "Hopefully, for sure, by Tuesday. Right now, running brings back headaches. Besides that, it's not bad."
Wranglers right wing Sean O'Connor:
"It helps my game, which is getting my feet going and getting more up to speed without guys hooking and holding onto you. It's a lot more fun."
on new rules designed to open up the game
5,000
The number of magnetic schedules that will be handed out at tonight's Wranglers game against the Phoenix Roadrunners.
+1
The plus-minus rating for center Chris Stanley, the lone Wrangler with a positive rating with a goal and an assist.
Rob Miech can be reached at 259-4087 or [email protected]
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