yesterday was our first and only playoff game of the spring season and had we known from the offset that this was the only game we would be playing and that it was for all the marbles (the marbles being the thursday B or C championship), I like to think we may have played with a little more urgency throughout the game.
Although we won the game, we and specifically I made some silly mistakes throughout the first two periods that could have easily cost us the game had it not been for some great goaltending and back-checking. One upside from this game is that the only goals the other team scored were on the powerplay and they couldnt compare with us at even strength.
The first period of the game was pretty fast paced and we set the tempo early. lots of shots and scoring chances but we couldnt bury and they couldnt muster much of an attack. the only real chances they had were shitty outlet passes to the few quick players they had. They did, however, get on the board first after I took a mindless high sticking penalty. I wasnt even thinking when I did it, they tried to clear the ball from their zone and the guy shot it high and I instinctively raised my stick to stop it. I actually stopped the ball which felt pretty good then I realized that was against the rules and was kicking myself all the way to the box. The other team was able to set up and we werent pressuring much and a shot from the point resulted in a rebound that was tapped home for a 1-0 lead.
The second period was more of the same, lots of chances for us but we couldnt beat their goalie. he was playing pretty well now that i think about it. Ross took a phantom interference call and went to the box and the other team was able to cycle yet again and set up with a big guy in front of the net and there wasnt much Maj could do when he got the rebound.
The third period we still had plenty of gas in the tank and the other team was starting to show signs of fatigue thanks to their short bench and we got many more chances. eventually it got to them waiting for us to come down the floor and, either letting their goalie make a huge save or watching us shoot it way wide. then they would get the rebound, get past the blue line and fire it down the floor. Stabs, who was still recovering from his surgery was watching the game and went home in the first period to grab his gear incase he needed it. he showed back up around 12min left in the game and got ready. we were finally able to beat their goalie with 6:15 left in the game. Stoute got a nice goal, then Cowin potted one 2 minutes later to tie it up. we had them on their heels down to the wire and Hackett came through clutch and sealed the deal for us with 11 seconds left in the game. comeback complete, game over.
overall we played a decent game but almost got shut out by a mediocre goalie. summer season starts this weekend. aint no break for the Minivans.
Special shoutout to Stabs. You're a trooper bud, no one is as tough as you. and i mean no one. MVP of the game just because he played while still recovering from hernia surgery, and he set up hackett on the winning goal.
good season team
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