Live Blog: Everblades vs. Gladiators (3/18/11)

With the Blades playoff resting on their performance in the next three games calling this series the most important of the entire season. The Blades sit in seventh in the Eastern conference. The Gladiators? Ninth.

Eight teams make the Eastern conference playoffs.



Neither team can afford to lose a game. Obviously, things are going to get very interesting.

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Starting line: Raymond, Fischer, Hutchings, Snetsinger, Hutchings, Goepfert.

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I bet you want to hear about the amazing period the Blades had. With them dictating the play and scoring on the power play.

Well... you got your hopes too high didn't you?

The Gladiators dominated the first, the Everblades just never got it together. They were unable to convert on the power play. The Glads were able to get two past Bobby Goepfert withing 20 seconds of each other in the closing minutes of the period.

Basically, the Blades sucked in a game they have no option to suck in.

The period ended with the Gladiators holding their 2-0 lead and leading the SOG 13-7.

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The second period could not have been any different from the first. It was Almost as if the Everblades realized how important the game they were playing is. After killing off a 5 on 3, the Blades started to take over. After a long bout of stained pressure the Blades were able to score their first goal of the night thanks to Bobby Raymond.



That goal, on the power play, seemed to wake the guys up. Alex Imbeault tied it up a minute and a half later with a goal of his own to make it 2-2. The Blades were able to stave off any goals from the Glads and the period ended with it tied 2-2. The SOG were tied 16-16 for the period.

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The third period was pretty even. The score remained tied until late in the period, when a fluky play saw Alex Imbeault score his second goal of the game at the 15:47 mark. Despite the Glads best efforts, a pulled goalie, some intense pressure, and a few too many close calls, the Blades were able to hold them off for the win. The Glads led the SOG 18-4, and the final score was 3-2. The game sheet is here.

Three stars: 3. Francis (Gwinnett), 2. Goepfert, 1. Imbeault

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Some thoughts:

- I would love to never hear or see the Blades play like they did in the first ever again.

- On the other hand, nothing would make me happier than a repeat of that second period for the rest of the season.

- Bobby Goepfert stopped 45 of 47 shots. Total beast.

- Nice of Imbeault to show up, huh?

- The only constant throughout this season is the penalty kill. At least we're good on that.


On another note, the Blades picked up goalie Mike Zacarias off of the waiver wire. His stats:

Live Blog: Everblades vs. Stingrays

The Blades have a big series on their hands. After only managing one point in their two game series with the Stingrays the Blades have no options when it comes to their play tonight.

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The first period was nothing special. Both teams looked quite sluggish. Tim Spencer tried to breath a little life into the team by mixing it up with one of the Stingrays, but it didn't really inspire anything. The teams traded chances for most of the period. The Blades had a close call when the Rays managed to slip one past goalie Bobby Goepfert, but it was waived off for being played with a high stick. Things were looking like the period would end with the teams tied 0-0, but the Rays scored with 29 seconds left in the period to take the 1-0 lead. The Blades had a good chance after that, but nothing resulted, and the period ended with them down 1-0.

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Well... the second period sucked. There really is no other way to describe it. The Blades allowed the Stingrays to totally dictate the play. The only thing that kept them in the period was some solid work from Goepfert. Of course, a second waived goal for the Stingrays also helped. Somehow, the score at the end of the period was still 1-0. The Blades are really going to have to wake-up if they want those two points.

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The third period really didn't get any better. The Stingrays kept up the pressure and the Blades continued to allow them to dictate the play. They did manage to net one with Goepfert pulled. Unfortunately, the goal, a rebound stuffed in by Elgin Reid, crossed the line with only 51 seconds on the clock. Shortly after that the Stingrays got possesion while the net was empty again. It was easily dished into the goal to make it 3-1.

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Some thoughts:
- What a terrible effort from the Blades. They didn't even deserve the one goal they got.

- It's great to have a fantastic goalie, and we do have one, but the team in front of him has to actually show up if they want to win.

- Beating Shane Owen 101: Shoot at his pads, have someone by the net collelt the inevitable juicy rebound and score. Simple.

- I'm glad we didn't sign him. It would be Mike Morrison all over again.

- The Blades better start showing up if they want to accomplish something this season

Live Blog: Blades vs. Royals (4/20)

It's almost time for the puck to drop on what could be the last game of the Everblades season. So far, the Blades have lost three is a row to the Reading Royals. One more loss in this best of seven series ends it all.

Will the Blades find a way to force a game 5, or will they channel their inner Carolina Hurricanes and be steamrolled by the Royals in four games?

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It was good to see the Blades play a solid period of hockey. They were dominant for most of the early minutes. They managed to hold the Royals from getting a single SOG for quite a few minutes. There were a lot of close calls, thanks to some really bouncy pucks. Chris Beckford-Tseu has been really solid. He's been run over by both his own player, and by a Royals player. The Royals came on really strong in the last six minutes, but the Blades held them off. The final score as the players left the ice was 0-0.

Hopefully, the Blades keep up their playoff habit of having an awesome second period.

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The Royals really turned on the pressure in the second. The only thing that kept the Blades alive for that period was a solid preformance from Becks. You could tell the teams really don't like each other. Their was a big scrum at the end of the period, and from the looks of it, some dudes will be sitting in the penalty box at the start of the third. The score at the end of the period was still 0-0.

Is it crazy to hope for some third period Blades magic? I'm crossing my fingers, and making deals with the hockey gods...

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I guess it was only a matter of time before one of the teams would score. The Royals drew blood first (I could have lived without the jumping on the glass, but oh well). Mike Bayrack was able to tie it up. Unfortunately, the Royals took the lead again and the Blades just couldn't get it back. The final score of the last game of the season was 2-1.

I'm sad that the seasons over, but I'm already starting to think about next season.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Royals (4/17/10)

The Blades return home in a perilous position. They're down 2-0 in the series to the Reading Royals. They've had a lot of good things happen, but they just can't seem to overcome the Jackals offense. Is tonight the night the Blades crack the Royals? Lucky cat's ready, are you?

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The Blades didn't have a very good first period. I'm hoping this means the other two will be better. They seemed very disinterested for most of the period. Thanks to some great saves by goalie Chris Beckford-Tseu, the Blades are only down 1-0 so far this game (which is pretty good compared to the last two games is pretty good). It's only the first period, the Blades have plenty of time to come back.

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The Blades couldn't have played a better period. They dominated for most of the period. Unfortunately, they didn't get any reward for their hard work. This is has almost become a duel between Becks and Dalton. Both goalies have been making awesome saves, and the score at the end of the period showed. Both teams left the ice to the Royals up 1-0 on the Blades.

The Blades need to keep it up. They have an entire period to work with, and they love to have third period comebacks.

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The Blades worked harder than I can ever remember them working. Kevin Baker was able to tie it up with about six minutes to go. It was a well earned reward for their hard work. Unfortunately, the Royals were able to get a puck past Becks with 3 minutes left in the period (which totally sucked after he had such an awesome game). The Blades couldn't find a way to even it up again. The final score was 2-1, and the Royals took a 3-0 lead in the series.

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The Blades played the way they needed to against the Royals. It's a shame they couldn't be rewarded for their hard work. I have honestly never seen a team that has the Royals particular combination of skill and luck. Hopefully, this is a real wake up call, and the Blades find whatever it is they have been missing. It's no fun to play with your back against the wall, but, the Blades have put themselves here and now they have to get themselves out.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Royals (4/14/10)

The Puck is about to drop on the first game of the second series of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Blades have a big fight on their hands. Here's hoping they play their best, they can do almost anything when they do.

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Would you believe 4-2 is the score at the end of the first period? It is. Chris Beckford-Tseu was pulled after the second goal (in the opening minutes of the game) for Adrien Lemay. The Blades were able to narrow the lead thanks to a power play goal from Milan Gajic. The Royals answered back thanks to a turnover to make it 3-1. Another goal from Mike Bayrack narrowed the Royals lead once again, but the Royals got it back to make it 4-2.

Hopefully, they wake up. There hasn't been terribly sloppy play, and they did dominate for the closing minutes of the period, but they can't sit back and let this team come to them.

They better get a good, loud, yelling from Cameron, and they better wake up.

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I guess if the Blades were going to (finally) have a great period that was the best time to have one. Captain Ross Carlson started the period of right, notching a goal 11 seconds into the period to make it 4-3. Ryan Lang (who is now the ginger wonder) tied it up 4-4, and the sound of angry Reading fans over the radio was awesome. A power play goal by Mike Bayrack with 50 seconds to go in the period made it 5-4. That goal gave him two goals and two assists and officially made him the beast of the game (new thing, get used to it)!

The Blades compleatly dominated the Royals in a way they haven't all year. It would be amazing to see them keep this up. Right now they have momentum on their side, they just have to keep it up.
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Holy crap the third was more nuts than the second. The Blades were able to convert on the power play early in the third to make it 6-4, and give Mike Bayrack the hat trick. Unfortunately, the Royals battled back quickly scoaring three goals to make it a 7-6 game. Although Lemay was pulled for the extra attacker the Blades just couldn't force overtime, and the Royals won game one of the series. Blame lucky cat...

(must be lucky for Bayrack only)

Overall it was a good game for both teams.The Blades had an amazing second period, but they couldn't stop the Royals. If they can play the way they did the second period consistently they really could dominate. They just can't let Reading battle back. The Royals really can't be underestimated, they know how to come fast and furious.

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They take the Royals on tomorrow, but I have a class I can't skip. So, I'm expecting you guys to update me for once (at least until I get out). Also, the final game sheet is here.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Jackals (4/11/10)

The puck is about to drop for Game 5. After losing to the Jackals last night, the Blades face a must win situation. The Blades have to find the momentum early and the game, kill penalties, shut down the Donatis (and Cunningham), and get a stellar performance from Chris Beckford-Tseu.

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The first period was pretty even, and both teams had a chance on the power play (including a brief 4 on 3 for the Blades). The difference?

Mike Bayrack scored on our power play.

The goal was notched with one second left on the power play to make it 1-0. Despite some major pressure, the Jackals were not able to slip any past Chris Beckford-Tseu (who had some awesome saves). The period ended with the Everblades up 1-0 on the Jackals.

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The second period was really going well for the Everblades. They kept the Jackals from even getting a shot in their first power play. They were even able to score one to take a 2-0 lead thanks to Milan Gajic. Unfortunately it all came tumbling down in the closing minutes of the second when Ernie Hartlieb was called for holding. The Jackals quickly made the smart (but scummy) move of calling for a stick check on Brandon Buck.

He was playing with an illegal curve. Argh!

That's a minor penalty.

The Jackals were able to convert on their 5 on 3 to make it 2-1. They were able to  convert on the 5 on 4 (on an odd bounce) to make it 2-2 with only seconds left in the second period.

Hopefully, the Blades wake up, or the Jackals mess up.

And for the love of god, someone slap the equipment dude for me.

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(I know I'm a bit late on this part of the re-cap, oops)

The Blades team that reurned to the ice was the Blades team that needs to show up to every single game for the rest of the playoffs. They played smart (not a single penalty), They maintained control for the most part, and they scored the goals they had to score. Matthew Pistilli broke the tie 2:23 into the third period. The Jackals attempted to mount a major offensive, but were repelled time and time again. Ultimately, their offensive power was their downfall. The Blades goals werealmost all due to turnovers or odd-man rushes. The nail in the coffin was a empty net goal by Milan Gajic with 55 seconds to go. The Jackals made one last statement, scoaring a goal with one second to go, but it was too little too late and they lost 4-3.

Sad for them, but good for us. With that win the Blades move on to next round of the Playoffs. They will take on the winner of the Reading Royals/Kalamazoo Wings series (which may end tonight if Reading wins).

Live Blog: Blades vs. Jackals (4/10/10)

With last night's 6-2 victory in Elmira (game sheet here), the Blades are one win away from moving on to the next round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. If they keep up their winning ways they will be taking on the winner of the K-Wings/Royals series. Check back at the end of each period for a re-cap of each.

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From the very beginning of the period it was obvious the Jackals were not going away quietly. A power play goal gave them the first goal (their first, first goal of the series). The Blades quickly answered back with two goals in quick succession (thanks to Guthrie and Pistilli) to take the lead 2-1. Unfortunately the Jackals were able to tie it up with another power play goal in the closing minutes of the first period. Both teams left the ice with the score tied up 2-2.

The Blades are getting a lot of chances from the same sloppy play that's put the Jackals in the position they're in tonight. If the Blades can take advantage of all the turnovers they just might be able to close it down.

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The second period was as intense as the first. Once again, the Jackals took the lead with a go ahead goal. The Blades got it back thanks to a goal from Milan Gajic to make it 3-3. Unfortunately, the Jackals scored in the closing minutes to end the period up 4-3 on the Blades.

The Blades really didn't do anything terrible, the Jackals have just had the better bounces so far. If they can keep up the pressure they should have a chance.

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Ok, never mind. Two Jackals goals did it. No amount of Becks standing on his head could save the Everblades. The final score was 6-3.

Sigh.

This series is going to a fifth game, it will be tomorrow at 4:05. Let's hope the Blades can pull a miracle from somewhere.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Live Blog: Blades vs. Jackals (4/7/10)

The Blades are taking on the Jackals in game two of their series. Can the Blades keep up their winning ways? Will Chris Beckford-tseu make those timely saves? Will the Jackals wake the heck up and play hockey? Will their goalie help us score? Will I continue to ask pointless rhetorical questions?

Check back for the re-cap at the end of each period to find out!

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There was a lot of back and forth during the first period, and a ton of scuffles. Unfortunately, neither team ws able to score, ansd they left the ice tied 0-0. There were some bright spots, the Ref seems to be on our side tonight, and the Jackals are still slopy as heck.

The Blades just need to have a decent second period (for once), and they may have a chance.

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I guess a decent second period was a lot to wish for. The Blades drew first blood with a goal from Lampe. Sadly, the Jackals tied it up not long after. Two more goals by the Jackals sent the teams off the ice to a score of 3-1. The final SOG totals are a huge indicator of how the period went, Blades 11 and Jackals 21.

The teams are certainly really developing a nasty rivalry. The play is getting super physical, tons of big checks are being thrown. There are also a lot of scuffles after the whistle, tons chirping, and both teams are taking cheap shots at each other.

The third is going to be very interesting...

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Yeah, about the whole the third is going to be interesting.... it wasn't. In fact the third period sucked. After two more goals by the Jackals (5-1 if your keeping track) my mind started to wander. Although there was some debate about one of the goals not be legit, I was really more concearned with who i hated more. Was it the annoying Elmira fan with the smokers voice? Or the dude behind me trying to impress his date by talking about the power kill (power play moron!)?



The Blades did score with 15 seconds left to make it 5-2. Lampe got his second goal of the night and third of the playoffs. Obviously they couldn't score the three goals they needed in the last 15 seconds.

The boys now have to travel to Elmira for game three on Friday. If they don't wake up in time that will be the last game they play at home this season.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Jackals (4/6/10)

The Blades take on the Elmira Jackals tonight for the first game of the Kelly Cup playoffs. Here's hoping the Blades keep up their winning ways from Friday.

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The best way to describe the first period was WOOOOO! The Blades had it togethrt (for once), they dominated the Jackals. A flukey goal 39 seconds in (the jackals goaltender pushed it in with his glove) gave the Blades the first goal, it was credited to Ryan Lang. Another goal by the Lampe in the later part of the period put the Blades up 2-0. As long as the Blades keep up their aggressive play, and as long as the Jackals keep playing sloppy as heck, this might just be the first game they win with me in atendance.

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Well, the best way to describe that period was WTF?  A lot of Jackals penalties were not called, and the Blades had a goal dissalowed. The Jackals took advantage of that BS call, and got one past Chris Beckford-Tseu to make it 2-1. Even with the officials doing their best to hand it to the Jackals the Blades got a goal with one second left to take a two goal lead once again.

Lets hope they keep it up! Some even-up calls wouldn't hurt either.

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Whoa, my heart is still pounding! The third period was nuts! We went into the third period up 3-1 on the Jackals. The period was pretty back and forth, the Jackals were not going quietly. It was pretty normal, with the exception of the scoarboard having a minor meltdown (seriously Bushy can we upgrade already?). All the action hapened in the las three(ish) minutes of the game. The Jackals pulled their goalie and were able to take advantage of their extra attacker, narrowing the Blades lead to 3-2. They pulled the goalie again, but the Blades got the empty netter to make it 4-2. The Jackals pulled their goalie yet again. The ref then decided it wasn't exciting enough so he called a penalty on Brad Zanon. The Jackals were able to convert on the power play (who couldn't with a 6 on 4?) to make it 4-3. Thankfully nothing else happened and the Blades won the first game of the series.

The Blades looked awesome. They were playing great hockey. Lots of shot blocking, and aggressive checking. The Jackals looked compleatly overwelmed for most of the game. Becks was solid, and the Donati brothers were non existant in my opinion. As long as things keep up like this the Blades may have a chance.

LiveBlog: Blades vs. Checkers (4/2)

The second to last regular season game is about to start. Last chance to humiliate the Checkers before they become our affiliate.

The starting line: Duffy, Olson, Carlson, Gajic, and Lemay (2nd start in goal!).

The first period was all about the back and forth hockey. The Checkers were pretty dominant for the beginning of the first. The Blades took over during the latter half of the period. They had two chances on the power play but were unable to convert. Benn Olson took on a player at center ice, although it was more of a hugging match than a fight (either way it's on video). The period ended scorless. The SOG were 7 for the Blades and 12 for the Checkers. Here's hoping the second goes better than it usually does for the Blades.

So, I'm sure none of you are suprised that the Blades were awful during the second period. A shortie and an own goal put the Checkers up 3-1 on the Blades. There was an exciting moment when Keving Baker scrapped with a Checker player after a tussle in the corner.

Hopefully, Cameron will rip into them in the locker room. They really need to wake up and quit hanging Lemay out to dry.

Well, they cut down on letting Lemay suffer, and they put tons of pressure on the Checkers, but nothing worked. They had so many chances, but they just couldn't convert. The final score was 3-1.

I'm hoping they don't plan to play like that during the playoffs. If they do, it will not be a long post-season.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Stingrays (3/19)

The Blades take on the Stingrays (again). Enjoy some almost live action.

The first period opened with a bang. Captain Ross Carlson scored 17 seconds into the game. Benn Olson and Phil Paquett were given the assists. The Stingrays dominated for most of the middle of the period, but Chris Beckford-Tseu made some great saves and the guys played some solid defense. The SOG at the end of the period was 5 for the Blades and 14 for the Stingrays. The period ended with the Blades up 1-0.

The Stingrays dominated for most of the second period. They were able to tie the score 1-1, and then move ahead a few minutes later to make it 2-1. Luckily, Shea Guthrie tied it up 2-2, Ernie Hartlieb ws given the assist. The Blades were really turning on the pressure in the closing minutes, hopefully they can keep it up.

The third period was one of those arrggghh periods. The Stingrays scored first, we tied it up, then the Stingrays decided to make me cry. They scored 2 goals in a very short prtiod of time. Becks was pulled but their was nothing the Blades could do. The game ended with a score of 5-3.

The Blades take on the Stingrays tomorrow. Hopefully it goes better than this game.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Stingrays (3/12)

The Blades are taking on the Stingrays tonight. This will be the first of a two game series. They really need to come away with some points tonight.

Check back for the first period...

I was very opptimistic about this game. I thought a whole week off would see a well-rested, prepared team. The Stingray scored 27 seconds in to the game.

Great...

You know it's not going well when Brad Zanon seems to be taking all the shots. A Stingray goal with about five minutes left made me turn on the Pens/Devils game. The period ended 2-0.

The radio guy was kind enough to point out the Stingrays win percentage is 83% when they lead at the end of the first, ugh.

Check back for the second and third, if you dare...

The Blades couldn't get anything going. Brady Calla was called for boarding in the opening minutes. The Blades were able to kill the penalty. Unfortunately, the Stingrays scored again in the closing minutes to make it 3-0. Now the Blades have a big hole to dig out of.

Here's hoping for a miracle in the third...

Except for Brandon Buck's goal, which made the score 3-1, it was another crappy period. And they lost a game, and points, they badly needed.

The Blades always seem to play horribly after a long break. The only positive I can see is that it wasn't a shut-out. Hopefully, Cameron gives them a nice, long, loud, lecture in the locker room. The boys need to wake up before they take on the Stingrays tomorrow at 5.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Gladiators (3/4)

The Blades start a three game series against the Gwinnett Gladiators tonight. The view from my seat is incredible. Check back for the in-game re-cap!

The early part of the first period was controlled by the Gladiators. A power play goal by Matt Duffy put the Blades up 1-0. The period was going well until the last two minutes when the Gladiators slipped one past Becks. It was a less physical game than the Blades usually have with the Gladiators, but overall it was a decent period.

Check back for the second and third!

Well, the second period sucked. I really can't think of anything else to say. The Glads scored 47 seconds into the first to make it 2-1. There were two scrums close together, one involving Calla and the other Zanon. The Blades were on their toes the rest of the period, and the Glads scored again to make it 3-1. There was a glimmer of hope in the closing minutes, when they looked like they remembered they were playing a game.

Hopefuly the guys wake up for the third...

As usual the Blades decided to play some hockey in the third. A goal in the opening seconds by Guthrie narrowed the score to 3-2. Later in the period a flukey goal was notched by Roy when it trickled right through the pads of Gwinnett's goalie. That tied it up 3-3 it got the crowd going. Another goal by Gajic put the Blades ahead 4-3 with 2:38 to go. The Glads pulled their goalie but they couldn't tie it up. The Blades won the game in regulation for once, and they take on the Gladiators tomorrow.

There was also an incident at the end of the game, Roy was given a 10 minute misconduct. I can't recall  what it was for,  but i'm sure we'll hear about it tomorrow...

Live Blog: Blades vs. Stingrays (2/27)

The Blades take on the ECHL leading South Carolina Stingrays in back to back games this weekend. At this time of the season every game is must win.

The first period started out with the Blades looking like they had a chance. Unfortunately, the Stingrays were able to convert just after their first power play ended. The Blades power play a few minutes later didn't accomplish anything. Two Stingrays goals in the closing minutes saw the Blades leave the ice down 3-0.  Right now this game is looking like one of those games...

The second period was a little less painful. A goal at the 4:45 mark by Milan Gajic narrowed the stingrays lead to only two goals. The rest of the period was rather uneventful. Neither the Blades or Stingrays were able to convert their power plays, and (thanks to Becks) the Stingrays were not able to score during the period. The period ended with the score at 3-1. The end of the period also saw Brady Calla drop the gloves and get into a scuffle.

Check back for the third period. It still might get better...

Guess who called it? Calla's fight must have really pumped the Blades up because they scored three goals in the third period. The first goal from Kevin Baker at 1:34 narrowed the score to 3-2. The Stingrays pulled ahead once again with a power play goal, but Baker notched another tally 40 seconds later to make it 4-3. Thanks to a goal by Ernie Hartlieb the Blades were able to tie it up 4-4. With no one able to score in the closing minutes the game went to overtime (and the Blades earned a much needed point).

The Everblades dominated the Stingrays for the early part of OT and had some great chances. Th Stingrays took a stupid tripping penalty, allowing the Blades to go on the power play. Kevin Baker decided it was time for a power play goal and got one past the Stingrays goalie to win. That goal not only earned them the win it earned Baker the hat-trick! The final score was 5-4 (game sheet here)

It was a great game, and the Blades deserved the win. Calla's fight was definetly the turning point in the game. All the Blades need to do is keep up the winning ways when they take the Stingrays on again tomorrow afternoon. I don't think there will be any live blog for that game. The gold medal game between the US and Canada will be my last chance to adore Zach Parise and Ryan Miller. I'll try to get at least a re-cap up, but the bets are off if I have too much fun...

Live Blog: Blades vs. K-Wings (2/22)

Have to get this out of the way first. Happy 100th post everyone!

The Blades are playing the final game of the three game series with the Kalamazoo Wings. So far, they have won one and lost the other in overtime. The Blades need to keep the pressure on, every time they have relaxed the K-Wings have taken advantage. They are wearing their special "Pink-in-the-rink" jerseys tonight, here's hoping the special jerseys give them a little something extra...

Most of the first period was a back and forth affair (game sheet here). The Blades were not as aggressive as they should have been. They allowed the K-Wings to dictate a lot more of the play than they should have. They did seem to wake up in the latter half of the period. Elgin Reid scored a goal just seconds after the end of the Blades first power play, Scott Hotham and Chris Beckford-Tseu were credited with the assists. There was a bit of a scuffle at the close of the first, but nothing really resulted. The teams left the ice with the Blades up 1-0, and the shots on goal 14-9 in favor of the Blades.

The second period was quite chaotic at the end. It was pretty quiet for most of the period. It all began with a K-Wing player attempting to take on Brad Zanon, they both got the usual roughing minors. A few seconds later Elgin Reid received a major for slew-footing. A really great example is at the 1:14 mark on this video...



It's a very serious penalty, a player can be seriously injured. Reid will more than likely be hearing from the ECHL tomorrow. The Blades were able to kill off all five minutes of the penalty. A goal by Gajic gave the Blades a very short 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, the K-Wings got one back 11 seconds later to make it 2-1. Benn Olson dominated a K-Wing player for his 11th fight of the year. The Blades left the ice holding on to a one goal lead.

The Blades let the K-Wings dominate most of the third. The K-Wings were able to score two goal and take the lead. Luckily Phil Paquet was able to score a goal at the 17:47 mark to tie it up and eventually force overtime.

It was an intense five minutes of back and forth game, but no one was able to score. That meant it was shoot-out time!

The Blades decided to shoot first...
Gajic- Denied
Cleaver- Scores
Baker- Saved
Curadeau- Wide!
Nicholson- Scores!
Llyod- Kick save Becks!
Guthrie- Goal!
Fournier- Denied
All on Osman... GOAL! Blades win 4-3!

That was an exciting end to an intense game. The Blades really worked hard for that win. They have a whole week off until next Saturday when they take on the South Carolina Stingrays.

Live Blog: Blades vs. K-Wings (2/19)

The Everblades are playing the second game of a three game series with the Kalamazoo Wings. They won last Wednesdays game, and hopefully they can keep up their winning ways tonight.

The first period did not get off to the most auspicious start. The K-Wings managed to slip one past goalie Chris Beckford-Tseu on their first shot in the opening minutes of the game. Dominic Osman tied it up a few minutes later to make it a 1-1 game. Becks made some great saves to keep the Blades even, and Matthieu Roy scored a goal to get the Blades the lead. Unfortunately, the K-Wings were able to even it up on the power play. With no one else scoring they went into the first intermission tied 2-2.

The second was all about excitement. Osman scored 22 seconds into the period, his second goal of the night (and making it four straight games with a player scoring two). There was a lot of back and forth for most of the period. The Blades were unable to convert on any of their power plays, they are 0 for 4 so far. There was a very exciting moment during the second. Osman was hauled down and given a penalty shot. If he made it, he would have earned a hat-trick. Unfortunately, he just couldn't get it past the K-Wings goalie. With no one else scoring, the period ended with the Blades holding a tenuous 3-2 lead. They did everything right this period and Becks was there when he had to be. The boys just have to remember not to relax in the third. If they do they might just get the lead in this series.

The third started out great, the Blades didn't relax. They played their best, but that could not stop the K-Wings from getting one past Becks. Even though they tried as hard as they could, the Blades just couldn't seem to find the back of the Wings net. The period ended tied up 3-3.

The tie meant it was time for some overtime. There was some discussion on a goal the Wings thought had gone in. From what i heard over the radio it really looked like it went in, but the goal judge and Ref dissagreed. It was a huge break for the Blades. They couldn't really take advantage of that giving up the OT winner a few minutes later. The Blades did gain a point at least, and face the K-Wings again tomorrow.

Live Blog: Blades vs. Gladiators (2/10)

After last nights disapointing loss the Blades have another game against the Gladiators. Trying another live blog since last nights worked pretty well.

The first period was quite lively compared to yesterdays. The play was very physical, everyone was finishing their checks. Although the Blades spent a good deal of the period in the Checkers end they weren't able to convert. Thankfully, neither were the Glads. The period ended tied at 0.

The second was almost a replay of the first, until Shea Guthrie was able to cash in on a juicy rebound. Brandon Buck was credited with the assist. The Glads were not able to take advantage of any of the opportunities they had and the period ended with the Blades up 1-0.

The third period saw the same fast-pace as the previous two periods. The Gladiators were able to tie it up. A goal by Mathieu Roy in the later part of the period put the Blades up 2-1. The Gladiators took a chance and pulled their goalie, but that gave Ryan Lang the opportunity to get the empty netter. The Gladiators couldn't come back and the Blades won the game 3-1.

The Blades are heading to South Carolina to take on the Stingrays on Friday and Saturday. You can bet on me tweeting live from the radio broadcast. Check back Friday.





Live Blog! Blades vs. Gladiators

Since now is as good a time as any to try out my new Android blogger client I'm going to try some live blogging.

The first period was pretty flat. The Blades weren't able to convert on either of their power plays. They actually spent most of the second power play in their own end. The score was tied at zero until the closing minutes when the Gladiators were able to get on the board when a wrap-around beat Becks. They scored again with about 30 seconds left in the period to end the period up 2-0 on the Blades.

The second period saw the Blades come from behind to take the lead thanks to Brandon Bucks three goals. It may have been his first professional hat trick (will check on that later), and hopefully the Blades will be able to use that momentum to their advantage in the third.

The third period sawa lot of back and forth action. For the most part ot seemed as though the Blades were going to be able to hold off the Gladiators. Then it happened...

We scored on ourselves.

With less than a minute to go.

Aside from being one of those argh moments, it also gave the Glads the tie they needed to force overtime.

Things didn't get any better in OT when a few minutes in the Gladiators were able to score. The upside is the Blades gained a point and Bucky got the hat-trick. The downside is they take on a very confident team tomorrow night.

There was also some good news on the jersey front. Turns out that although I'm still a big 'ol chicken, I made a very awesome and fearless new friend who took the reins and got me some new scribbles. I now have Becks, Red, Ernie, Calla, Guthrie, and Big Benn, on my jersey. I also  made plans to head on down to the NDN to be on Woody's podcast. Heres hoping i can keep my foot out of my mouth!