The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Stars ‘must find a way’ to get out of slump
Taysiders face two tough road trips as they seek to break losing run
Omar Pacha last night told his struggling Dundee Stars squad: “We must find a way to get out of this slump.”
The coach could not conceal his disappointment at Wednesday’s 7-2 home defeat by high-flying Sheffield Steelers.
Pacha’s men have skidded to four straight Elite League defeats and are second-bottom of the 12-strong table with 13 points from 19 games.
They are six points adrift of Coventry Blaze who have lost five games in a row and played the same number of games.
Braehead Clan also have 19 points but have five straight wins and have only played 18 games.
Pacha’s men face two tough road games, tomorrow at league newcomers Guildford Flames (6pm) and on Sunday at league champions Cardiff Devils (6pm).
He said: “The guys worked hard (against Sheffield) but they faced a team with real depth.”
The player/coach conceded it had been a tough night for the injury-hit Stars.
His big players logged significant minutes. “The guys are working hard,” he said. “We also made some mistakes and you can’t do that against them, but we must find a way to get out of this slump.”
Meanwhile, Fife Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume understands what Edinburgh Capitals are going through as they struggle to find form.
He admitted that the Kirkcaldy club had previously found themselves struggling.
The experienced Canadian added: “It’s unfortunate for Edinburgh, but nobody will help you out of it.”
Dutiaume wants two points as eighthplaced Fife continue their campaign to move up the 12-strong Elite League table.
Flyers have 20 points from 16 games and could move up to sixth if they win and results elsewhere go their way.
Edinburgh prop up the table with six points from 19 games and are seven adrift of Dundee who have played the same number of fixtures.
Capitals were 2-0 ahead of league champions Cardiff Devils after nine minutes at Murrayfield on Wednesday but could not hold on, eventually losing 5-3.
There are comparisons. Fife also held a 2-0 lead, this time after 10 minutes, at home to the Welsh side last Saturday and lost 4-3.
Dutiaume’s men regrouped to snatch a 5-4 overtime win at previous league pace-setters Nottingham Panthers on Sunday.
The Canadian stressed complacency in facing a misfiring team would be discussed ahead of Edinburgh’s visit tomorrow (7.15pm).
And he warned: “There are no nights off in this league.”
It’s unfortunate for Edinburgh, but nobody will help you out of it. TODD DUTIAUME