Tuesday, November 29, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

The Blades play tomorrow night. To help you make until then, I've found one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. I know I've made no secret of my mascot phobia, but even I giggled while watching this video of Chubby, the mascot for our affiliate the Charlotte Checkers, dance. It's just that good.



I'm pretty sure it's impossible to watch that video too many times.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Wings (11/26/11)

I'm going to do my best to re-cap a game that I barely heard thanks to radio issues (but they're going to fix a problem that's been happening all season this week! Sigh).

The first was rather uneventful. The usual chance trading, yada, yada, John Muse being awesome, yada, yada. The radio feed cut out at least three times and cut to commercial during important moments twice. Same old same old.

The second was much the same. Matt Beca had an opportunity to give the Blades the lead with a penalty shot early in the period. Unfortunately, the Blades seem to be snakebitten when it comes to penalty shots. No goal. Luckily, during one of the commercial breaks Mike McKenzie was able to give the Blades the 1-0 lead (assist to Devos and Van Dyk). Wish I could tell you what happened on that goal. 770 thought screaming at me about downloading a radio app on to my nonexistent iPhone was more important. The period ended with the Blades still in the lead and some extracurricular activities that were definitely going to result in penalties.

The third period saw both Ryan Donald and a K-Wings player get matching 2 minute roughing penalties as well as 10 minute unsportsmanlike penalties. This was a fantastic set of events since the Blades had already moved Ryan Galiardi, a forward, back to defence to help cover for our thinned out defencive corps. The Blades managed pretty well until the only penalty to be called in the third was slapped down. Because life's not fair, the Blades were on the receiving end. At 13:39 the K-Wings tied it up on the power play and ruined the shut-out Muse deserved. The third period ended with the score tied 1-1. The game would have to be decided by a little sudden death overtime.

Yet again, I heard most of the period, but then... innapropriately timed commercial time, yay! When the game finally comes back on, all you could hear were the ominous sounds of happy K-Zoo fans. I don't have to tell you happy opposing fans means sad Blades fans. Apparently, at 3:38 in the period, the Wings got one past Muse. Of course, I can't tell you how. I'm going to assume it was a total fluke goal because I've decided neither Muse nor Nagle can do any wrong. Either way, the K-Wings won 2-1. Boo.

SOG: 28-40 Wings

Three stars: Mike McKenzie earned the second star the other ywo don't matter.

Some thoughts:
- I just realized I didn't make a single Kory Karlander is old joke. My apologies, here: Kory Karlander is so old he remembers when hockey sticks were carved from mamoth femurs.
- 5 of 6 possible points on the road is awesome. I'm happy with the team right now.
- That said, can we please work on penalty shot/shoot-out situations? We're losing important chances by not taking advantage of these.
- Also, maybe a bit of discipline would be a good idea?
- It would be great to get a defenceman back. Preferably Murray.

The Blades come back for a two full weeks of home games. In there is the annual teddy bear toss game. New this year will be the auction of the bears the players will be making on Monday. I almost want to go witness a roster full of hockey player in Build-a-Bear picking out cute teddy bear outfits. Almost.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

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

The Everblades rolled into Kalamazoo with a two game win streak and the challenge of playing one of the better teams in the East. Luckily they were up for the challenge.

It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though. Former Everblade Elgin Reid notched his first of the year with the first shot of the game at the 1:18 mark of the period to give the K-Wings the early lead. About six minutes later, David Rutherford notched his fifth of the season to tie it up 1-1 (assists to Salters and Van Dyk). That score remained when the period ended and the teams left the ice.

Both teams traded chances in the early part of the second. then, it happened. The Blades found that special something and broke K-Wings goalie Riley Gill's will to live. Trevor Bruess started it off at the 12:47 mark to make it 2-1 (assists to McKenzie and Van Dyk). Not to be outdone, Rutherford notched his second of the game with the prettiest goal ever on the power play to make it 3-1 at the 15:47 mark (assists to Roy and McKenzie). Mathieu Roy followed that up with a re-directed goal for a little extra insurance at 17:33 to make it 4-1 (assists to Fischer and Salters). At that point the K-Wings pulled Riley Gill to wake up the team and maybe give the poor sieve-tastic goalie some time to weep in the showers by himself. It put a hamper on the Blades domination, and the period ended with the Blades up 4-1.

The K-Wings tried their hardest to get back in the third, peppering Blades Goalie Pat Nagle with 22 shots over the course of the final period. Unfortunately for them, Nagle was in full beast mode. Nothing was getting by him. Even with about a minute of 5 on 3, the K-Wings could not find a way to score. There were some close calls of course. The most intense was easily the moment around 15:53 when David Fischer had to play goalie. Unfortunately, he was whistled for closing his hand on the puck during that play and the K-Wings had a chance to score on the penalty shot.

My research indicates that Nagle is an Irish surname that means "brick wall"

Boom, denied. The Wings just couldn't make anything work. To add insult to injury, David Rutherford was able to earn a hat-trick with an empty-netter just as the buzzer sounded (assist to McKenzie) to make it 5-1.

Camo seemed appropriate for down here

-The Game summary is here.

- Three stars:
3. A K-Wings player that didn't deserve it.
2. David Rutherford
1. Pat Nagle

-A video of the K-Wings coach making excuses and not giving Pat Nagle any deserved credit:



Some thoughts:
- 1 for 7 on the power play and 5-5 on the penalty kill? I'm a happy lady.
- Three assists for McKenzie, and two for Salters and Van Dyk respectively. Awesome.
- 46 saves on 47 shots is incredible. I want a Pat Nagle shirt so I can wear it constantly.
- Since Poss seems to give the start to the goalie that's been winning I'd bet Nagle will be in net tonight against K-Zoo.
- There's also some rumblings about Brian Boucher with the Canes being hurt or at least not up to playing. The domino of call-ups will no doubt pull John Muse away.

The Blades will play the K-Wings again tonight. Let's hope they can extend their win streak to four. This calls for a puppy (they've been so lucky lately):

cute puppy pictures - Whats that you say?  Cutness yes i has it
see more dog and puppy pictures

Friday, November 25, 2011

Friday Links

I'm still shaking off the turkey day sluggishness. Lucky for you guys, I've managed to pull myself off the couch long enough to serve you some nice, fresh, links. You read that right. No slightly dry leftover links for you guys. No gravy necessary.

- Third String Goalie is being awesome as usual with their take on Black Friday.

- Um, yuck. Remind me to not eat in Ohio if I happen to ever in end up there.


- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Ice Hockey Australia." Of course their logo is a kangaroo with a hockey stick. What else would they use?

- Ok, this cake is just plain awesome. I don't even care about it being Flyers themed.

Philadelphia Flyers Groom's 
Cake

- I have no idea how useful a Nashville Predators themed birdhouse is, but it's out there just enough to be funny.

- Another puppy picture since they've been working pretty well.

funny dog pictures - When I walk by  Girls be looking like damn he fly
see more dog and puppy pictures

By the way, it's an Everblades game night. They play the first of a two game series with Kalamazoo tonight. Oh, and they beat Toledo Wednesday. I was distracted by the whole Sidney Crosby's second game back hubbub. Sorry?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

While I feel like I'm obligated as a hockey blogger to find a way to make this post about Sidney Crosby, I'm just going to skip that. Instead, Let's enjoy fight videos from the recent series with Greenville.

First up, Luc Tardif, who has somehow become tied for second in fighting majors on the Everblades.



Not to be outdone (or pushed out of his tie for second either), David Rutherford takes on one of my least favorite players in the division.



On another note, the photos from Friday's game are up on Flickr. Enjoy!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday Links

It's finally an Everblades game night. Here's hoping all the time off has been good for the guys.

- The players are wearing special jerseys tonight, and they'll be auctioned off tomorrow (anyone want to grab Bruess' for me? I'd love you forever).

- I went to see the Penguins take on the Lightning last night. Here are the pictures if you're interested.



- This is a neat old Cleveland Crusaders t-shirt.

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Cleveland Crusaders"

- How neat are these cupcakes?!

Hockey Cupcakes

- Anyone know when exactly this Everblades warm-up was worn? I've never seen one around the rink.

- This really isn't hockey related, but I can resist. Connect some famous men from the 19th century to their facial hair.

- I'm still hoping the puppies are good luck. Mostly because of this little guys adorable face.

cute puppy pictures - I will be taking one sock from your matched pairs per day... Until you take me off of this "diet" ... capiche?
see more dog and puppy pictures

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

Today's YouTube Tuesday is a video round-up of the Wheeling Florida series.

First up, the video of the nasty hit on  Kyle Lawson and David Rutherford's first fight as an Everblades:



Next up, the highlights of the 11/9 game courtesy of the Nailers. I'm pretty sure Roy going puck hunting under delmas is what got him off of his game so bad in that period. I'm also sure that I wanted blood after Muse was run over.

Side note: I could re-watch Bruess' goal a million times. So awesome.



Last, the highlights from the 11/11 game. Oh man, thinking of that game still gives me happy feelings.



Sadly (but not really), there doesn't appear to be any highlights from Saturday's loss. Too bad.

Monday, November 14, 2011

News and Notes

The Blades may not have swept the Nailers, but winning two of three games against one of the best teams in the ECHL is nothing to laugh at. I'm not going to do a re-cap of Saturday's game since I heard only around 15 minutes of it thanks to radio issues and I refuse to write my re-caps off of game notes.

-I do have the pictures from Friday's game:



-This is my favorite from the set. Leigh Salters' goal!

093

-I have a video or two to get up on to YouTube and I'll post those videos along with some others I've found in a big round-up tomorrow.

- It appears that the Nailers player that boarded Kyle Lawson will not be suspended or fined. Super.

- Right before Saturday's game the Blades announced they received Scott Fletcher in a trade from Toledo. I suggest checking him out on YouTube. Dude can throw some bombs.

The Players have a week off until Fridays game. Hopefully, we can get some players healthy.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

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

After Wednesday's game, I figured the Nailers would come out with something to prove Friday. Unfortunately for them, the Blades are playing like their families are being held hostage and the ransom is a 10 game win streak.

The first half of the first period was relatively quiet (both figuratively and literally, we really need to make some noise during games guys) until almost 12 minutes into the game when DJ Rutherford netted his third of the season (Galiardi with the assist). Shortly after that the Ref realized he hadn't made a single call and the period was almost over. Thus, the biggest BS call Germain has seen in a long time was made. Goalie John Muse received a penalty for playing the puck outside of the crease. I can't even describe how stupid opting to penalize a goalie for something they all do is. Whatever, Robby Dee was there to fix everything. He netted an unassisted shortie for his fifth goal of the season. The Nailers were able to convert on their next power play unfortunately and the period saw the Blades holding only a 2-1 lead.

Thankfully, Alex Hutchings was able to convert on a power play that had carried over from the 1st 33 seconds into the second for his fifth of the season (Rutherford and Dee with assists). The Nailers got one past Muse a little over a minute later to narrow the lead again. The score stood at 3-2 until Leigh Salters netted his fourth of the season around the 11 minute mark (assists to Lawson and Galiardi). About two minutes later Nailers goalie Patrick Killeen took exception to Ryan Donald cooling him off with a little flurry of ice and tried to fight for the second time in the series. The Blades left the ice up 4-2 on the Nailers.

A little over five minutes into the third, Hutchings scored his second of the night to give the Blades a three goal lead (assists to Rutherford and Roy). Shortly after that, one of the Nailers delivered nasty check on Kyle Lawson. Sending him head first into the boards and leaving him dazed. Rutherford flew in to get some justice (and did pretty well getting it). Matt Beca netted his first of the season once the penalties were worked out to make it 6-2 (assist to Salters). Hutchings followed with his third of the night to make it 7-2 and earn a hat trick.

Some Thoughts:
- Muse stopped 32 of 34 shots. He's on fire right now.
- Two for four on the power play? I'll happily take that.
- Dee's shortie on a PK caused by a BS call was delicious. There was no better way to give the ol' middle finger to the ref than that.
- Gordie Howe hat trick for Rutherford. Awesome.
- How fun is it to watch Hutchings? If he doesn't end up with some NHL time I will be quite a sad lady.
- Bruess might not really land on the scoresheet too much but, Sweet Caroline, I love watching him. The dude does not quit when he wants the puck.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Friday Links

It's an Everblades game day you guys! The took down one of the best teams in the conference Wednesday, and they take them on again tonight. On top of that it's Veterans day. Hockey and a day celebrating brave men and women who fight for their country? Pretty awesome combination.

- I found pure gold over on eBay. I usually troll the site for interesting jerseys from defunct ECHL teams (lamest jersey collection ever?) and this one came up. I can't recall ever seeing a Renegades jersey before. Too bad it's a youth jersey.

- That made selecting your Wikipedia hockey page for today easy- "Richmond Renegades"

- I wish I could share the picture but I can't. Do click on this link and check out the first hockey fight cake I've ever come across. It's too funny.

- Oh man, WANT. So cool, but I'm not dropping $60 on anything. No matter how "vintage" it is.

- Third String Goalie is celebrating 11/11/11 by chronicling the greatest players to wear 11.

- The puppies will keep coming as long as the streak keeps going. How adorable is that face?!

funny dog pictures - I berry disappoynted hoomin
see more dog and puppy pictures

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Nailers (11/9/11)

After finishing off their marathon nine game road trip, it would be easy to understand if the guys had come out a little tired looking in their first game back. I guess the Blades got some good relaxation time in on the beach, because they looked great.

The Blades managed to score 4 goals in the span of around six minutes. Luc Tardif led the charge netting his second of the year at the 12:22 mark (assists to Rutherford and Raymond). About three minutes later, Leigh Salters netted his third of the year (assist to Galiardi). Around a minute later Trevor Bruess scored his first of the year (assisted by Galiardi and Raymond) with an awesome behind the back shot that I really hope someone got a video of. Two minutes later, Chris Murray netted his third of the year on the power play (assists to Devos and Rutherford). The period ended with the Blades up 4-0. Of course, the period was not without drama. Chris Murray ended up mixing it up with one of the Nailers in what I assume was a pathetic attempt at breathing some life into a team that had been playing flat.

As could be expected, the Nailers opted to switch goalies between periods. Out was Peter Delmas, the goalie who gave up four goals on eleven shots. In was my favorite crazy visiting goalie from last season, Patrick Killeen. He proved my initial judgement of him correct when a little over five minutes into the game he tried to fight Leigh Salters after mishandling the puck. You read that right. The Nailers goalie went after the guy who is pretty much our enforcer (who, to be fair, seems to have quite the scoring touch at the moment). Salters ended up fighting former Everblade Scott Hothams brother Andrew. Guess who got it on video?



There was really no other occurrences beyond a Nailers goal in the latter half of the period to make it 4-1. Of course, once the horn sounded at the end of the period, the Nailers got up to their old tricks again. This time several scrums erupted, including one involving Matt Beca. It was kind of crazy.



The third was really not much to talk about. Neither team was really able to do anything, and the guys in stripes put away their whistles for the most part. The final score was 4-1.

Game summary here.

Photos from last night:



Some thoughts:
- Holy Moose. John Muse has definitely earned the starting gig. He certainly is a fun goalie to watch. That last ditch save in the first gave me a heart attack... in a good way.
- Pat Nagle should get a start in one of the Back to back games Friday or Saturday. Hopefully, he's had a chance to catch his breath and get to a better place. One would hope the guys keep up their solid play to help him out.
- I have a feeling this game was the first one the Everblades were out-shot in. 28-16, wow.
- My new jersey is 3-0 in the regular season. Boom.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

I'd like to take you back in time for this YouTube Tuesday.

Picture it, 2000. The new millennium has just started. The whole world didn't end due to that whole Y2K thing. Bill Clinton is president. Oops!... I Did it Again is on heavy rotation.Can it really get any better?

Oh yes it can...



That would be 2000-01 Everblades goalie Bujar Amidovski. He doesn't hold any Everblades  records, but it's OK. Goalie fights really do make up for almost anything.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Road Warriors

Well, it looks like the ship might really be starting to right itself. Obviously only managing three wins in a nine game road trip isn't ideal, but these last two wins have been great.

The Blades opened up the scoring with a power play tally from Chris Murray (assists to Hutchings and Beca). Around the 3:24 mark, Robby Dee had a chance to make it 2-0 with a penalty shot, but was unsuccessful. Mike McKenzie fought (his second or third of the season I believe) around the 19:24. A few seconds later Greenville was able to slip one past goalie John Muse to tie the game 1-1.

The Blades knew how to respond though. They came out in the opening minutes of the second and took the lead once again with a goal from captain Mathieu Roy (assists to Hutchings and Murray). Less than two minutes later Robby Dee notched his fourth of the season (assist to Rutherford) to make it 3-1. Greenville responded and narrowed the Blades lead to 3-2 at the 8:26 mark.

Luckily, the third period saw the Blades start on the power play and they were able to convert with Murray's second power play goal of the game (assists to Hutchings and McGinnis) 48 seconds into the period. The Road Warriors came on strong but the Blades were able to hold them off. In the closing minutes of the period the Blades were called for a penalty. The Road Warriors opted to pull their goalie for the extra attacker. Luckily, the Blades appear to relish playing two men down. The guys enjoyed it so much Ryan Donald decided to score a short handed empty netter during the 6 on 4. The final buzzer sounded and the Blades skated off with their 5-2 win.

Some thoughts:
- So, uh, I'm thinking the best plan for our power play is to pass it to Murray and let him do his thing. Sheesh.
- Three points for him by the way.
- Roobby Dee is quietly doing his thing, and doing it well, isn't he?
- If he keeps playing the way he's been playing John Muse won't have any competition for the starting job.
- The Blades haven't been able to convert on a penalty shot (they've had two or three attempts) and lost a game in the shoot-out. I'm thinking that might be a good thing to work on.
- *insert usual comment about turnovers and defensive breakdowns*
- *insert usial comment about how awesome it is shot blocking is happening a lot*

The Blades are off until Wednesday. First home game in like two weeks? $2 wine? I don't know about you guys, but I'll be pacing outside the arena three hours before the gates open.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

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

Well, it was bound to happen at some point. Looks like the train is back on the tracks.

Of course, the question is can the Blades actually get the train moving?

Since that remains to be seen, we'll have to be content with a solid win over an offensive powerhouse.

The only goal of the game came in the latter half of the first. Ryan McGinnis netted one with an assist from D.J: Rutherford. The Blades dominated the first peppering the Rays goalie with 12 shots. They also continued to limit the Rays offense  to only 7 shots.

They continued the same throughout the second and into the third. Although they had some fantastic chances they just couldn't get anything in. It didn't matter though, John Muse did his best impression of a brick wall and denied everything. In the end, the Blades came away with a well deserved win. They weren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a good win when it was badly needed.

Some thoughts:
- The Blades were 0 for 4 on the power play. Not good, but not the end of the world.
- It feels like a lot of goals are coming from our defense. I need to sit down and look to be sure. A goals a goal, but that's not really something I want to see continue, and the defensive breakdowns have been killing us.
- Remember me mentioning Muse having an opportunity to step up? He did. First professional shut-out and some spectacular, game changing, saves. If he keeps it up, he can carry the team.
- The shot blocking almost makes up for all the turnovers and breakdowns. Almost.

The Blades play their last game of the 9 game (seriously ECHL, what bullshit) roadtrip tonight in Greenville. This should be a very telling game. Either they keep it up or they take a couple of steps back.

Don't uncross your finger just yet people.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday Links

I know things haven't been going well in Blades land. Lucky for you guys I'm here to keep your minds off of it with some spectacular links.

- I do have to mention this bad news. Remember that boarding call (and the awesome penalty kill that resulted) on Dominic D'Amour? He was fined and suspended for three games. That means the Blades won't have his services for tonight or tomorrows games and the first home game against Wheeling. Super.

- Good thing I found an awesome cake that can cheer you up!

Goalie (Hockey) Cake with decorated cookies.

- I got so excited when I found this website that details how to build and maintain a hockey rink in your backyard... then I remembered I live in Florida. Not cool.

- Sadly, that makes this Zamboni for sale pretty useless. Unless... are Zamboni street legal?

- Great story about the Jr. Everblades (not to be confused with the Jr. Blades) bringing another banner to add with all the others.

- This 05 Blades season ticket holder jersey is pretty neat. The price is nice as well.

- I squealed like a little girl when I saw how adorable this little guy is. How freaking cute can he be?!

- I'm really pumped about the new franchise in Orlando. Icethetics found out (scroll down to the last story) that the chances of the old IHL Solar Bears name being used again are pretty much for sure since it appears that the ECHL now owns the Solar Bears logo and trademark. Awesome.

- By the way, your Wikipedia hockey page of the day? Easy- "Orlando Solar Bears"

- It occurs to me that sometimes, when you're in a funk, it's best to mix things up. Therefore, I've decided to post a puppy picture, rather than a kitty picture, to inspire the Blades. Also, come on, that face! Look at that face! I just want to baby talk that jowly little face!

funny dog pictures - Cuz aiz gud enuf... Aiz smart enuf... an dog-gone-it... hoomiz like meh
see more dog and puppy pictures

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Stingrays (11/2/11)

Well, it looks like the ship still hasn't righted itself. The Blades lost yet another game last night. That makes it four losses in a  row. Somehow, they're not last in the league, but good lord. Something has to give or improve.

The game was the usual chippy affair that always comes against South division opponents. Giving up a goal one minute into the period didn't help. Leigh Salters mixed it up around six and a half minutes into the period, and one of the Stingrays tried to fight Luc Tardif (that's the best way I can describe whatever that was).

The Stingrays maintained their 1-0 lead until about five minutes into the game when Salters basically insured he'll be know as "the only dude actually trying" to Blades fans. Assists on that goal went to Tardif and D'Amour. Unfortunately, a few minutes later, Dominic D'Amour was called for a boarding major, two minutes into the five minute penalty kill, Matt Beca was called for hooking. Somehow, the black cloud that's been hovering over the Everblades dissipated long enough to kill off around three minutes of 5 on 3. Luckily for the Stingrays, the black cloud reappeared in the closing minutes of the period allowing them to make it 2-1. A few minutes after that goal, the Rays decided to go after Dominic D'Amour. While he was on the bench. Oh yeah, you read that right. Somehow, the Blades ended up with more penalties. I guess you have no right to defend a fellow player when an opposing player goes after one of your guys. Maybe it's a new rule? I don't know.

Either way, that penalty carried over to the third, and what do you know, the Stingrays were able to convert. Fabulous. That goal made it 3-1 and another goal in the closing minutes of the period made it 4-1.

The game notes are here.

Right now it feels like the guys take one step forward and then ten steps back. At the very least, the defense breakdowns need to stop. I've lost count of how many goals have been scored this way. We've been lucky to have pretty reliable goalies who are used to how defense is played in the ECHL.

Pat Nagle is not one of those goalies. He's a rookie goalie with no professional experience until this point. Add the fact that he's not getting dedicated time (actually, I'm betting none at all) from a goalie coach and you're looking at trouble. I'm pretty sure any confidence he has is hanging on by sheer force of will. Until he gets his confidence up, or we can be sure John Muse will be around enough to give him time, the defense has to be better than they need to be.

Of course, that's assuming Muse can step up and be our top goalie ow that he's been sent back.

Who knows if that's going to happen.

Ugh. I don't want to think about this anymore. This calls for the one thing that can make you forget about crappy stuff. Yes. This calls for the Holy Hand Grenade (why yes, that was a reference to the one of the funniest movies ever, you're welcome) of Cuteness:

Funny Pictures - Cat Gifs
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Pray to whatever being you believe in, maybe sacrifice something to the hockey gods, and go through all your good luck routines guys. Every little bit certainly won't hurt for the games on Friday and Saturday.

Me, I'm going to buy a big bottle of cheap wine. Everything is better with cheap wine.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Gladiators (11/1/11)

The Blades rolled into Gwinnett in a pretty bad place. They've slid into last place in the South Division. Luckily, for both them and us, they're not last in the conference. Of course, third to last isn't too much better than last.

Needless to say, a win was sorely needed.

A rather uneventful first included delays due to on-ice officials having a skate malfunction and being unable to convert on back-to-back penalties. Both teams left the ice with the score tied 0-0.


The second period saw former Everblade Tyler Helfrich open up the scoring for the Gladiators a little over eight minutes into the period. A little over  a minute later, Philip-Michael Devos was able to score on the power play. Assists went to Murray and Fischer. In the closing minutes of the second period, Alex Hutchings was able to give the Blades the 2-1 lead. Assists on that goal went to Pitt and Van Dyk.

That lead would be short lived however. About four minutes into the third the Gladiators were able to tie it up with a flukey goal.

Oh, hey, look at this, highlights of the game. Including the flukey goal that tied the game.



With about eight minutes left in the period, the Glads took the lead and, as it's been lately, the Blades just couldn't get it back. They ended up losing 3-2.

Funny Pictures - Santa Cat
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

The full game summary is here.

I'm not ready to push the panic button yet. I'm very willing to give them a when they're in the middle of a nine game road trip. Obviously, it would be nice if they could pull of a win in the next two games. My concern is how well they fare against Wheeling and Greenville in the home games that start next week. Until I see them in person, rather than a blurry image on B2, I'm not ready to make any call.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

Well, the weekend series didn't go to well for the Blades. They lost both games by giving up leads. It hasn't been pretty at all. I'm going to be optimistic and hope this is just a very early slump and things will pick up soon.

Until then, why not enjoy Leigh Salters handing a beat down to one of my least favorite players in the ECHL.



 I'm sure T.J. Reynolds is a very nice person off the ice, but I've been an Everblades fan long enough to dislike him intensely.