Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Wings (4/5/11)

The Everblades had to come out big in the first game of the first round of the playoffs. They had to make a statement, not just to the K-Wings, but to the fans that they were ready. That they were ready to finally give 100% for each end every period. Though it was by no means a flawless preformance, I'd Like to think the Blades came pretty close to sending that message.

The first period was pretty equal. Both teams traded chances. The K-Wings were a bit more dominant, but goalie Bobby Goepfert played the same game that has been winning games in spite of the effort of the players in front of him all season. When he wasn't there, there was always a Blade to sweep the puck away from a dangerous situation. It was amazing. The team was actually supporting each other. The Wings did lead in shots, 13-5, but that was almost entirely due to the three penalties called on the Blades. Thankfully, in spite of the shots, the game was still 0-0 when the period ended.

The second saw one of the teams finally take the lead, when about nine minutes in, Ross Carlson scored to give the Blades a 1-0 lead. Around six minutes later Matt Beca score a short-handed, unassisted goal to make it 2-0. It was a pretty good shortie to get considering how terrible a call the penalty was. The K-Wings came on strong, but the Blades all played their parts and the period ended with them still up 2-0.

It was only a matter of time that the Wings would finally be able to take advantage of all the power plays that were handed to them. They made it 2-1 about six minutes into the period on the power play. While the Wings came on strong for the rest of the period the Blades all stood tall and held them off. They got a hard earned win and are now up 1-0 in the best of five series.

Some thoughts:

- I know I'm biased, but good lord, what horrible officiating. If your going to put your whistle away it should be put away for both teams.

- 31 of 32 shots denied. Oh my. To quote someone on Twitter last night " Who needs to outshoot opponents when you have Geppy?"

- Matt Beca and Alex Hutchings together are the stuff of K-Wing nightmares. They created so much chaos it was hilarious.

- There is nothing more depressing than an empty arena. I know it was short notice guys, but it would have been nice to see more people.