Suds down the Blues!

Schlitz (P3) vs Blues
Tuesday Sept 9th
Dedham 9:00pm

2-1 Win!


Another classic playoff bout with our old friends the Blues. This one had it all. Lots of chances, plenty of chippy play and a really good skate all the way around. We even threw in some hard feelings at the end just for good measure. Seriously, even though the chippyness got a little out of hand at the end, we always have fun, very competitive games against these guys, and last night was no exception.

The game was (as you can tell from the score) a very close to the vest affair from start to finish. No goals scored until the third period. The first two periods were filled with the occasional penalty, sound goal tending from both ends, lots of shots, a few odd man rushes each way, and plenty of chattah.

The Suds had a few guys that couldn't make it, so there were the prerequisite subs that had a few of the Proud Zombies filling in for the 'cans. Here is how the roster broke down.


Brian Carey in Net.
DWH, Capt George and Greg James, Valenti as D pairs.
Offense 1: Larry, Parker, and Reynolds
Offense 2: Jeff, Matvey, and Hammitt
Offense 3: Chuck, Gregson, and Blake


The Blues had a full bench as well, and some very sharp new unis. At least this was the first time I'd skated against them with the new sweaters. The game got underway and was pretty fast paced for the whole first period. Other than a few chances here and there, and a handful of penalties [2 for them, 1 for us (Hammitt)], there wasn't much that was notable. Of course the fact that THEY were the ones frustrated and talking to the refs was not only out of the ordinary, but a nice change of pace.

The second period went much like the first. They took another pair of penalties, we took one (Parker). Everything played out even. There were a bunch more chances, Larry's line had some good opportunities. The Chuck, Blake, and Gregson line also showed their pluck, with a few chances also. Kudos to Blake for getting in there and taking the abuse up front. The period ended with a chance by the Larry line followed by a clean 2 on 0 for the Blues that Brian shutdown just before time expired.

Into the third period we go still tied 0-0. At this point the refs came over to both benches and stated that they didn't want the game to be decided by a penalty. They were letting a lot go and things were definitely becoming chippy. Nothing out of hand, but as usual our mouths were in full effect, and things were certainly getting tense.
The Golden Schlitz was clearly gaining some momentum. As the Blues probably had more chances in the first, the Gold certainly out shot them in the second. The third continued that trend. Then there was a breakthrough.

At the 13 minute mark, Jeff won a faceoff in the Blues end and sent the puck wide to Hammitt on the left side. Matvey crossed to the middle and took a quick pass from Ham and sent it right into the far side of the net for the 1-0 lead. Nice work by Ham and Matvey to pass and shoot quickly, I dont think their keeper even saw it.
Things progressed as time went down past 8, 7 minutes left. Then the Blues won a faceoff in our end and sent it to the point. Our old friend (and Blues Captain) number 35 was there and let loose a nifty slapper that found its way past Brian and tied the game with 6:45 remaining.

Again, sticks were gripped slightly tighter, shifts came quicker and harder. Then with just under four minutes, Blake takes a big hit in the Blues end and draws a call. He was right where he needed to be and drew it perfectly. The Gold STILL couldn't capitalize on the power play, but got several chances.

Then the chippyness got a bit out of hand. With a minute forty remaining Jeff was sparring with a Blue defensemen in front of their net. The defenseman, #3 chopped Jeff to the ice and the zebras arm went up. Just for good measure, or maybe just because he is a raging asshole, #3 then cross checked Jeff across the back of his neck and shoulders while he was still down, and had his back to him. Very... very uncool. Jeff was... um... upset. The blogger winces at the thought of what he said when he got up... angry. Jeff tried to slash the guy and I guess connected (feebly due to stars, planets, birds... circling his head) and the zebras broke it up. Jeff went to the box, #3 was ejected, and the Gold was left with a power play.
At one point the ref comes over to the bench asking for the Captain... to which Parker responds.
"You just put him in the F*king box! Why dont you go see him?"
Eventually the Gold bench settled down and the play went on.

The Gold kept it in the Blues end and looked to have some quick chances. Larry won a faceoff and shuttled the puck over to Parker. Parker sent it to Valenti at the left point and Marc wristed one through traffic that beat the goalie and gave the Schlitz a 2-1 lead with :43 seconds remaining.
That was how this one would end. The Schlitz stay alive, but need help to advance in the playoffs from here.
Just a word about the whole cheap-shot and #3 thing.... the blogger is reluctant to do this because talking afterward just rarely serves any purpose... but what the hell. I have a word or two for you #3 (marked Feury on the scoresheet).

You cheap shot bastard. I know this aint tennis, and our two teams have had plenty of "spirited" matchups over the years. You took it too far. To hit a man on his knees, with his back turned, and to not just hit him but cross check him hard in the back of the head and shoulders is just filthy. I have no threats (I spend enough time telling my own guys to shut up) but I do have a pair of promises for you.

1. I will be waiting for the winter season schedule with great anticipation, and highlighting the name Blues as soon as I get it.

2. You can be sure that I will be there, and will gladly remind you, face to face, of your actions last night, and of course how I feel today(bad), (not) sleeping last night, and my basic interpretation of Karma.
See you then.

Game Stars
3rd Star: The defensive corps. DWH, George, James, and Brian. (see Valenti below)Great work all night boys. The Blues had a hard time keeping it in our zone thanks to you.
2nd Star: Matvey with a nod to Hammit on the first goal. Good work guys.
1st Star: Marc Valenti for the game winner... and apparently $20 bucks from his wife!

So here is the deal for the Championship Game. The Scapegoats play the Last Call and we will for argument's sake assume they win. That makes them the #1 team with a 3-0 record. Then the Sitniks play the Inglewood Jacks right after the Cads play the Tigers for the SC Div Championship. IF the Sitniks lose, AND score less than 3 goals, AND if the Jacks score less than 5 goals the Schlitz will advance to play the Scapegoats. However if the Sitniks win, they automatically will play the 'goats and the Schlitz are done. Got it? Details when they happen.