Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Nailers (3/25/11)

After Wednesday's lackluster performance you had to wonder which Everblades were going to show up. The team that can control the play and make you pay or the team that enjoys being paid to watch the game from the best vantage point in the arena.



Lucky for us (and my blood pressure), the former of the two decided to show up and play some hockey.

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The Blades started to dominate right from the drop of the puck. They really appeared to have more of the control throughout the period. Though it was a bit back and forth, the Blades really looked like the better team (hallelujah). The greatest miracle of the period had to be the Blades scoring first.



It may seem like no big deal, but J.F. David's goal was the first time the Blades have scored first in six games. It was also a power play tally, something the Blades have not seen too much of lately either. The period ended with the Blades leading 1-0. They also led in SOG (another miracle!) 12-8.

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The Nailers weren't going to sit back and take anything though. They responded in the second by evening it up seconds into a power play courtesy of a B.S. goal on a B.S. tripping call on Drew Larman. The Blades kept their cool, and although the Nailers put on some pressure they just couldn't get it past goalie Mike Zacharias. The Blades were able to end the period on a high note with a goal from Alex Hutchings in the closing minutes to make it 2-1 and take the lead again.

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Even more pressure was applied to the Blades in the third but they kept their cool and held the Nailers off for much of the period. Unfortunately, Wheeling pulled their goalie and were able to slip one through Zacharias' five-hole with the extra man. It was sad that after such a solid game from the Blades they saw it tied up 2-2 with around 40 seconds left, but it was just one of those things that can't always be stopped (although shot blocking may have helped, hint, hint). With the end of the period seeing the teams tied up 2-2 it was time for a little OT.

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Neither team was able to take advantage of OT, the winner of the extra point would be determined by shoot-out. We shot first:

- Alex Imbeault- No goal
- Joey Haddad- Goal
- Brad Snetsinger- Goal
- Doug Rogers- No Goal
- Alex Hutchings- No Goal
- Brandon DeFazio- No Goal
- Dusty Collins- Goal
- Chris Kushneriuk- No Goal
- Matt Beca- Goal!

I did it get it on video and I've already applied my amazing video editing skills to it. It's just a matter of getting it up on the Blogs YouTube channel.

The Game sheet is here. You can also check out my photos from Wednesday's game here.


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Some thoughts:

- I have to think at this point that no team wants to face us in the shoot-out. I'm pretty sure we must have one of the best records in the league.

- Same old story- Matt Beca is a constant presence and Alex Imbeault disappears for long stretches at a time.

- Initial impression of Mike Zacharias... like. He always seems to be perfectly positioned.

- I'm scared to death anytime Tim Spencer goes to check a guy into the glass in front of me. Dude lays such biggest hits I swear the glass is going to shatter.

- I don't feel bad for the guys on the receiving end of those checks. It's their fault for having the puck when Spence wants it.

- I think I need to make "Bobby Raymond for MVP" t-shirts. I can't remember a game where he's given anything less than 200%. Can't believe I didn't win his jersey last night.