Schlitz's D is Offensive vs the Tigers

Schlitz 6
Tigers 2
Monday Feb 25, 2013 @ 10:10
Milton Academy

So another day another blog.  The Original Blogger is probably home, sipping tea with his pinky extended watching as other people do HIS work.  But that is okay,  we are happy to contribute.  So without further ado here is the skinny:

This Monday night would begin with a smattering of folks in the locker room.  Rumor had it that Dan with Hands was sneaking away by claiming to get bread and milk for a household filled with children, an infant and in-laws to get some of his frustrations out on the ice.  But until we actually saw him in the locker room, it would be exactly that, a rumor.  As some of us laced up the final skate and headed to the ice, DWH would arrive......shortly followed by Nelson.  

As the puck dropped on the 1st face-off a few stragglers would remain in the locker room causing some dynamic assignments until they all arrived.  Once they did the lines would settle into: Elliott & Matvey centered by iJosh; Gregson & Sullivan centered by Roman. So for once we had no forwards skating back on D and had a strong defensive core and instead pushed some defensemen forward, hence defenseman Bauer & Nelson would be centered by Defenseman Jeff Fosdick.    That would leave DWH, Valenti, George and Reynolds to cover the blueline and stellar goalkeep Tom Denault sat in the pipes.

This alignment would pay pretty quick dividend as it was evident that all cylinders were working early.  Foz and Bauer would be able to move the puck well and the D was evidently solid.  Desipite the Tigers having a couple guys who could move, only #8 and the guy with grey pants (#26) were really strong.  The Schlitz would trade chances.  About halfway through the period, Reynolds would get a hold of the puck with some time at the blueline.  He would fire one toward the net and through to give the Suds a 1-0 lead.  This type of play would continue.  Valenti would fire a few toward the net and the Gold were even able to make some crisp passes and contain the puck.  Despite all that a defensive lapse late in the period would leave Tom all alone and the Tigers would net one on a mini break-away on the glove side of Tom.  1-1 at the end of the 1st. 

2nd Period we would see more good movement and good hustle.  At about the 9 minute mark of the period, iJosh would dive and poke the puck away from the defender.  He would slide into the boards and while getting up would get tangled with an opponent.  In the ref's opinion it was a blatant trip.  However it appeared to be nothing more than two guys sliding into each other.  Regardless, iJosh would be box-bound.  Schlitz would pretty handily kill this penalty, and shortly there-after, Foz would get into the action with a nifty shot from the high slot that would put the Gold up 2-1.    More positive work for the Suds.. Play again move to the offensive zone.  Reynolds would move the puck to Matt Elliott who would fire the puck toward the net where iJosh was screen the goalie.  The puck would get tipped by the defenseman, just in front of the screen and find its way to the top of the net.  2-1 Gold.

3rd Period would open up the floodgates a bit.  Roman would get criticized for hold the puck too long and not making the right pass to a forward moving teammate.  I think the actual quote by Sharfman was, "Hey Roman, there is this guy on your right wing (Sullivan) who's actually pretty fast.  Use him".  So the next shift, Roman would hold the puck at the red line and amble over toward the blue as Sully streaked past him only to have to put on the breaks to avoid the offsides.  Roman would skate in the zone, get rid of the puck as the rest of the bench called to him to finally pass.  Sully would pick it up and send it toward Gregson camped out in front of the net.  Greggy would take the pass and send it home for a 3 goal lead. iJosh would again make the scoresheet, but again by finding the box.  Another trip, another trip....to the box and again the Suds would handle iJosh's indiscretion with ease. Bauer would also get into the action.  He would sail in and push the puck past the goalie and celebrate winning the Stanley Cup™, at least it seemed like it as he raised his hand in triumph as he backed into the corner wall.  5-1 Suds.  Then DWH would try to mimic Zdeno Chara's spin-o-rama move.  He would spin clockwise and make his way around some defenders, just before the blueline he would find Bauer heading toward the net and feed him.  Roman would net the goal and make it a 6-1 lead.  In the waning seconds of the game, the Tigers would make a mad rush and get one past Tom to finish the night at 6-2.  

I cannot forget to mention that despite the offensive night by the defensive personnel, it was another stellar night for Tom in net.  He sent away chance after chance whenever the Tigers did get their opportunities.  

A nice night in Milton.  No 4th period as none of us really want to end up on the Milton Police Blotter.  Plus DWH had to find and open Stop & Shop along the way home to find the milk and bread he claimed to be going out for.  

Stars of the Night:

• 3rd Star: Tom Denault for his understated, but yet solid play in net.
• 2nd Star: Eric Bauer: 1 goal and excellent play on both the offensive and defensive zone.
• 1st Star: Jeff Fosdick: 1 goal, 1 assist and just great overall play. Almost down graded him due to blog neglect. I guess I'm starting to get over it. 

Postscript:  The scoresheet on Pointstreak lists almost all goals as "Substitute".  My guess is as good as yours in regards to accuracy for goals & assists.