Now that the Edmonton Rush enjoyed their Bye week, they can resume preparations for their upcoming game against the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.
Both teams will be going into the contest with disappointing 0-2 records. From the Rush perspective, they have lost as many games after Week 2 of the schedule as they had all of last season when they earned a 16-2 record. Is there reason for concern? Well not quite yet, unless they had their sights set on improving on last year’s regular season record. This year it’s all about fine tuning and being on top of their game when the playoffs begin.
Last year Edmonton came out of the gate strong and won a league record 14 straight games to start a season, but this year things are different. The team seems to be playing sloppy and not firing on all cylinders. The transition game is not as smooth and aggressive as last year and Aaron Bold is not making many spectacular saves.
With all those deficiencies in their performance, should the management be concerned? The coaching staff are an experienced group and realize that the lineup has not really weakened from last year. If anything, on paper, the Rush look stronger with the addition of rookie sensation Ben McIntosh.
So if the Rush look better on paper, why are they not winning? It all comes down to execution. Their execution has been dismal in this young season, and that could be because of the distraction caused by not having their head coach on the bench.
Derek Keenan has taken a leave of absence due to the passing of his wife Wendy. Although coach Keenan is still much involved with the team, it certainly has affected the team in an emotional way and that has carried over to their play. Originally his leave of absence was to be for the full season. It is premature to speculate if his return may be sooner than originally planned. Regardless, the team will have to continue playing through this situation and progress back to the capable team they can be.
There is no doubt that the Rush have the personnel to turn this season around and achieve their goal of bringing a championship to Edmonton. They will however, have to achieve their goals with some added adversity. Hopefully the Rush use this adversity to their advantage to bond stronger together and turn this into a championship season.
