Aeros Report: Week of 10-24-2012

Aeros head coach John Torchetti talked about the wins from last weekend and how that helped erase the memory of a tough start.

" I think it was just good for the player's confidence," said Torchetti, who replaced Mike Yeo in Houston before the 2011-12 season. "The overall systems - we were seeing it, but we weren't seeing it for the full 60 minutes. I think everybody has to buy in with the idea that defense is first. For the younger guys, we kept getting caught always looking behind us, instead of being underneath it with speed.

"We just have to understand that the checking mentality is going to win you hockey games."

"It helped us a lot; last week we were still trying to get to know each other," said Coyle. "Chemistry is still building, but we feel like we have gotten a little more acclimated to each other, we are starting to know more of where each of us are going to be on the ice.

"It was really great to get the first one after two tough losses last week. It's nice to get the wins and see where we can go from there."

Torchetti said Coyle is a quiet kid, but does the right things on the ice to make himself known. His strongest attribute now is his ability to cycle the pucks and keep plays going when the team has precious time in the offensive zone.

"He's got a big body, he's strong, and he is smart," said Torchetti. "He just keeps his game really simple, and you wouldn't even know he is on our team because he doesn't say much. But he just goes about his business. He understands wall play and down low he is tough to get the puck off because of his size."

Second weekend not ALL peachy

Zucker is off to a fantastic start, so it is disappointing to see him injured already. He has five points (2G, 3A) in four games and leads the Aeros with two power play goals.

Shoot the puck

"He's got to think shot first; he has always been a passer, and that is one of the things that he has to understand," said Torchetti. "His identity has to change, and for him to be a full-time NHL defenseman, he has to play strong and be a plus player every night. He is going to take some risk plays, but he needs to make sure it is the right time of the game. We are not going to take that away from him, but we have to make sure he does it during the right time of the game."

The weekend ahead

This weekend, the Aeros will play two games, one against division rival and newly loaded Oklahoma City and another a rematch against the Milwaukee Admirals. Last week, Torchetti rotated Hackett and Kuemper; look for the same this weekend unless the Friday starter posts a shutout. Last year OKC knocked the Aeros out of the playoffs in four games and Friday is the first of 12 games against Edmonton's AHL affiliate.