YouTube Tuesday

Let's not even kid ourselves. Losing sucks.


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Unfortunately, the Everblades couldn't win every single game. It just wouldn't be fair and honestly, it would make their victories a little less exciting. Of course,  that's not going to stop me from feeling a little grumpy (staying up so late hasn't helped either, I'm sure).

It doesn't matter though. This is a best of seven series and the Blades have plenty of time. It only takes the bounces shifting our way for the tide to turn. Ratchuck started it last night. Now the other guys have to finish it.

It's time to forget last night and get ourselves into the right frame of mind. Luckily, This song is totally appropriate.



Of course, in my world anything by The Clash is an appropriate choice.

On an unrelated note, comments are back to requiring our approval because Wranglers fans have had all their brain cells fried by the heat and I'm not wasting Bloggers server space with their idiocy.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Road Warriors (1/25/12)

I'm sure it's no secret that I hate writing re-caps (incidentally, anyone want to join up and take those on?), but after last night's game it's safe to say there is no way in hell I want to write a re-cap. Considering how loose and relaxed the guys looked during warm-ups I assumed it would be a good game. I was wrong. They didn't play with an ounce of heart, it was so depressing. Here's the game sheet and here's a video that summarizes my feeling at the moment (I admit it is a bit melodramatic).



One would hope that after losing four in a row and dropping to last in the division the Blades would wake up tonight and play like they're possessed. One would hope.

A quick roster note: David Fischer was called up to the Houston Aeros and Charles Landry was re-assigned to the Blades by the Norfolk Admirals.

Also, keep an eye on the Blog's photo stream. Photos from last night's game should be up late in the afternoon.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Jackals

The Blades kicked off their second home series against the Jackals last night. With a severely gutted roster, the Blades had no choice but to play smart.

The first goal of the night was pretty much the way the Jackals goals would be all night. Slightly flukey, slightly goalie Pat Nagle's fault, all bad news. The Jackals first goal, 14 seconds into the game made it 1-0. The score remained that way until a little after the nine minute mark when a power play goal from David Rutherford tied it up (assist to Beca and Fischer). The period ended with things all tied up 1-1.

The second period saw the weakest tripping call ever on Trevor Bruess. Of course the Jackals were able to convert on that power play to take a 2-1 lead 3:35 into the period. About a minute later, the Blades responded with a goal from Matt Beca to tie it up once again (assists to Tardif and Lawson). 23 seconds later the Jackals took the lead for the third time, but the Blades tied it right back up a minute later with a goal from Luc Tardif (assisted by Donald).



About 30 seconds later the Everblades took the first lead of the night with a goal from Trevor Bruess (assists to Van Dyk and Fischer). Unfortunately, another weak call on the Everblades allowed it to be tied up 4-4 with a Jackals goal in the closing minutes of the period. The score remained tied 4-4 when the buzzer sounded on the period.

The third period was quiet, for the most part. the ref decided to put his whistle away and let the guys play. Unfortunately, the Jackals were able to score in the latter half of the period to make it 5-4. The Blades tried their hardest, but they couldn't beat the Jackals netminder and the period enede with the blades losing 5-4 to the Jackals.

The gamesheet is here.

The pictures I took last night:



Some thoughts:
- I really thought the Blades were the better team. They held Elmira in their end for long, intense, stretches.
- I still think that Elmira's goalie is beatable. The guys just need to be ready to pot a rebound.
- I don't know if it was the ice was an issue. The puck seemed to be bouncing a lot more than usual and a lot of guys were having skate issues.
- A few people have mentioned that two Blades goals were not called because the ref was out of position. I'm not sire if that's true or not, but the ECHL's officiating isn't spectacular so I'm not surprised if it is.
- I'm underlining this for impact: The Blades need to stop looking for calls after every slightly illegal play or move from the opposing team. Either the penalty will be called or it won't. The game continues until the ref blows the whistle, no exceptions, don't stop playing, don't stop pressuring.


There is some good news though. The Checkers have returned forward Justin Shugg. I, for one, am happy to have the Shuggernaut return when we need offensive firepower desperately. The Blades signed goalie Billy Sauer yesterday. You may remember him, and his fight with Bobby Goepfert, from last season. I feel like I should make a sign that reads "It's OK Billy, Big Bad Bobby Goepfert isn't here anymore. You're safe... for now."

One more thing, Toys for Tots tomorrow night. If I see anyone in a Blades jersey walk up without a toy you're getting Clacksoned (I'm using this to describe jumping someone from behind and beating them up from now on). Also, Teddy bear toss Saturday. I look forward to getting pelted with stuffed animals and I hope any of you who sit close to the glass do as well.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Gladiators (11/30/11)

The Blades started their homestand against one of their most hated rivals. The Gladiators, currently 5-3-1-1 in their last ten, are sitting in second place in the division. Games with Gwinnett are always physical affairs, and every so often something controversial happens. This game was no exception.

The Blades started the game dictating the play and being physical. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse, and taking their collective foot off the pedal allowed the Glads to take a 1-0 lead around 14 minutes into the period. Despite some chances, the Blades couldn't convert and the period ended with the score still 1-0.

The Blades were able to make a statement early in the second when Mike McKenzie got a beautiful shot past the Glads goalie to tie things up at the 3:30 mark (assist to Bruess). Unfortunately, a little over three minutes later, the Glads took the lead once again. About eight minutes later, forward Leigh Salters was hit by a nasty high stick that left him cut and bleeding onto the ice. The Glads player guilty of the high sticking received a double minor because of that. Just when it looked like the blades wouldn't be able to make anything happen, David Rutherford ripped one past the Glads goalie to tie things up 2-2 (assists to Roy and Pitt). That late period tally remained the final goal of the period and the teams left the ice with the score still at 2-2.

Unfortunately, the third period was far from pretty or ideal. The Glads were able to take the 3-2 lead early in the period while on the power play. They made it 4-2 about three minutes later. Things were starting to get pretty chippy, and it was obvious the good old nasty Glads were back. To prove that point, Joey Hadad, a player any Blades fan who had been watching for any decent length of time hates with a passion, delivered an elbow to the head of Kyle Lawson. He was thrown out of the game for that hit and, hockey gods willing, will be getting a nice big suspension and fine from the league for that. The Blades couldn't convert on the penalty. In fact, with goalie Pat Nagle pulled, the Blades gave up an empty net goal to make it 5-2. Shortly after that goal, Everyone's second most hated Glad, Chris Clackson attacked David Rutherford while his back was turned.



He was given a misconduct and thrown out of the game. Donald, Roy, and salter received penalties as well. I guess you shouldn't stick up for your teammate when he's unable to defend himself? I have no idea. The Blades were able to score on that power play to make it 5-3, but the Glads got another empty netter seconds later to make it 6-2.

The Game sheet is here.

The photos I took:



Some thoughts:
- It's a shame the Blades couldn't keep up their play from early in the game. They looked great.
- The Blades passing in that game was as rough looking as it was early in the season.
- If the ECHL wants any respect from me they'll hand down a stiff penalty to Hadad. He's been a very dangerous player for as long as I can remeber, and I'm not talking about scoring.
- I'm really hoping Kyle Lawson is OK. The dude just recently came back from injury.

Worth noting-  Looks like Robby Dee was traded to the Bakersfield Condors.

Neither team has announced anything officially. No telling if this was a one sided trade for future considerations or we're getting a much needed defenceman.

This puppy sums up my Blades related feeling perfectly. His smooshy face helps as well.


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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.

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:


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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.

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.


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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.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Titans (10/22/11)

I have to be honset, I'm not sure how exactly to re-cap this game. I should have know the minute I had to listen to the Trenton broadcast of the game that the Hockey Gods were not looking favorably down upon me.
I don't think I can really write my usual type of re-cap, because sweet freaking Caroline the Trenton radio guy was horrible. I'm pretty sure recordings of him calling games could easily be used by the CIA as a torture device. I'm also pretty sure that if they did, it would be a violation of the Geneva Convention.
Where was I? Oh yes, the game. Let me just break it down into some manageable bits.
- Score Everblades 5- Titans 8
- SOG 33-33
-38 minutes in penalties. Yup. 38. Two thirds of the game saw either one or both of the teams shorthanded. I wasn't watching the game, but I got the impression that a certain striped individual needed to swallow his wistle and let the teams play.
-The Blades were 2/8 on the penalty and the Titans were 4/7.
- The Blades came from behind several times and managed to get a 5-3 lead in the closing minutes of the second. Then Bobby Raymond was called for a BS penalty (that's not me being a homer, the Trenton radio guy said it was BS). The Titans scored on the ensuing powerplay. They then went on to score four more unanswered goals including an empty netter.
- Poor Pat Nagle was completely on his own since John Muse was called up to Charlotte after Justin Peters was injured.
- There was some good news I guess. Bobby Raymond has scored in the last two games, Justin Shugg scored twice and got an assist and Alex Hutching scored a goal and got an assist. So, um, yay.
-The boys got right on the bus after the game for the drive to Reading. They play the Royals tonight. What wonderful scheduling.
- The next time I make fun of our radio guy someone remind me he's very good, we're lucky to have him, and some fans aren't as lucky. Some fans are very unlucky. They have to listen to a guy who thinks he's calling a soccer game.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Jackals (10/21/11)

The Everblades played their first road game of the season against one of my least favorite teams (don't know why, I just don't like them). This calls for the first re-cap of the season!

Hopefully, I've kept my blogging skills up with all the fight videos and misspelled kitty pictures I've posted all offseason.


The Blades rolled into Elmira with some unfortunate things working against them. A long, drawn out, road trip, a usually strong and currently undefeated opponent, and a veteran NHLer who actually captained the Buffalo Sabres.

You read that right, HE WAS THE CAPTAIN.


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Needless to say, the guys did not necessarily have the odds in their favor.

Starting line: Fischer, McGinnis, Beca, McKenzie, Rutherford, Muse

The first period saw a lone tally from Elmira at the 10:50 mark and not too much else. Really, not much else happened. It was kind of lame to be honest.

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The second period saw the Jackals score two more goals. The first, unassisted, came at the 2:53 mark. The second came a few minutes later at 6:42. Things were looking pretty bleak until a scrum in the Jackals zone led to mutual roughing penalties.

That seemed to get the Blades fired up and shift the momentum because David Fischer slipped one in to make it 3-1 (assists to Rutherford and McKenzie).

Three minutes later, Bobby Raymond decided he wasn't going to let Fischer have all the fun and notched one of his own to make it 3-2 (assists to Murray and Beca). The Blades had some pretty great chances after that, but just couldn't convert. The period ended with the Jackals leading 3-2.

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The Blades kept of the pressure for the early part of the third. Goalie John Muse mad some great saves, but there was nothing he could do when a blast from a Jackal flew passed him after he was bumped. That goal, scored with less than 6 minute left in the period made a comeback hard to believe in. A few minutes later the Jackals score on the empty net to make it 5-2.

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It was a good game from the Everblades, they dominated a decent amount of the play, but they just didn't have the bounces go in their favor.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Stingrays (4/2/11)

It seems fitting that as up and down as this season has been, the Blades playoff outlook would all depend on their performance in the very last game of the regular season.

The game seemed to pick up right where it left off on Friday. Both teams put on tons of pressure and the play was very back and forth. Matt Beca notched his 22 goal of the season to make it 1-0 around the eight minute mark. That was the lone goal of the first period.

Beca's goal was actually the only goal until the Stingrays were able to beat Mike Zacharias on the power play thanks to an Alex Hutchings slashing penalty. His penalty, 45 seconds into the third period was the first penalty of the game. You read that right. Two periods of penalty free hockey. It was a mini miracle.

That goal made tied it up, and with neither team able to score in the remaining minutes of the period, it went to OT.

The Blades did have a lucky break in the period, a full minute of 4 on 3 play was handed to them. Unfortunately, like much of the lattter half of the season, the Blades just could not convert. That ment it was time for a shoot-out.

The Blades shot first:
- Imbeault- No goal
- Cucci- No goal
- Snetsinger- No goal
- Campbell- No goal
- Beca- No goal
- O'Brien- Goal
- Pitt- No goal
- Ricci- Goal

The Stingrays win means they get the pleasure of taking on Wheeling. We on the other hand will be facing Kalamazoo.

Some thoughts:

- The Blades played a good game. Hopefully they keep it up throughout the playoffs.

- Fun fact: Bobby Raymond played every game of the season. Insane. What a beast.

- Remeber how I said I didn't like Zacharias anymore? 32 saves on 33 shots. I forgive him.

- I can't make any jokes about Imbeault. He led the team in shots and was a +1.

First game of the playoffs is Tuesday. Buy your tickets now. This is the time of the season when the fairweather fans finally decide to show up for a game. Paying Ticketmaster fees is worth it to avoid getting stuck in the standing room only area.

They really should save the best seats for people who remeber Tristan Cameron-Harper and Kevin Deeth.

In Lieu of a Re-Cap....

Please enjoy this kitty,


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because honestly, there is no way to re-cap the game. They played horribly and they should consider themselves lucky it was only 5-0. It seems the team held a meeting after the game. I can only hope this will be what the team needs to wake-up. Personally, I'm tired of giving them the benefit of the doubt. I hope they prove me wrong, but it's hard to believe they'll actually care enough to try.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Nailers (3/23/11)

First, I have to mention that the Blades made Puck Daddy yet again! This time, it's the Go Green jerseys the team is auctioning off Saturday.

The Everblades may have all but guaranteed themselves a playoff spot with their weekend sweep of the Gladiators. Unfortunately, this series is against the Wheeling Nailers, a team that is currently nipping at the Blades heels. They can't afford to let the Nailers gain on them in the standings. Can they do it?

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The Nailers came out flying in the first, completely dominating the Everblades. It was obvious from the start what team wanted to win more and that carried on throughout the game. The Nailers got on the board first around six and a half minutes into the game, just as a penalty on the Everblades expired to make it 1-0. They followed that with another goal about two minutes later to make it 2-0.

Ross Carlson was able to narrow the lead to 2-1, by scoring the only Everblades goal of the 19 minute mark. The period ended with the Blades only trailing by one goal.

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The second was a bit more evened out. Most of the play was back and forth, and both teams had some great chances. Aside from a little dust-up between Mathieu Roy and one of the Nailers, the period was essentially quiet. The score remained 2-1

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Thought there was hope for an Everblades comeback the Nailers would not allow it to be anything more than a hope. They made it 3-1 three minutes into the game.

They then proceeded to outwork the Blades in every conceivable way. Aside from a  close call or two, the Blades just couldn't overcome the Nailers and when the final buzzer sounded their lackluster effort had handed the Nailers two points we couldn't afford to give them. The game sheet is here.

Three stars: 3. Carlson, 2. Murovich (WHL), 1. Haddad (WHL)
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Some thoughts:

- They honestly looked like they didn't give a crap. That's the only way to describe their play. 

- I don't know about everyone else, but O think it would be nice if the Blades would stop letting the teams they play take the lead. Playing catch-up isn't fun.

- Looks like Alex Imbeault has gone missing again. It would be nice if he stopped waiting for everything to come to him and actually get involved in some physical play.

- The power play woes continue for the Blades. It will continue as long as no one attempts to take a freaking shot during those two freebie minutes.

- At least our penalty kill is still dependable. There's always that.

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

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Stingrays (2/26/11)

(Bare bones re-cap, sorry people)

If there was a worse time to lose your two leading scorers, captain, and both your goalies, it would probably be when you take on the team your fighting with for a playoff spot. Unfortunately, that's just where the Blades find themselves in their weekend series with the Stingrays.

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The first period was played very tight. Both teams were determined to come out on top. A goal from Matt Beca that beat former Blade goalie Shane Owen at 17:36 was the only tally in the period. Thanks to some great saves from recently signed goalie Adam Avromenko the Blades led at the end of the period 1-0.

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The Stingrays came out swinging in the second. A misplayed puck allowed the Rays to tie it up 1-1 a little over two minutes into the period. About nine minutes later they took the 2-1 lead. The Blades could not get anything going and were kept of the board as a result. At the end of the period the score remained 2-1.

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In almost the reverse of the second period the Blades scored about two minutes in. The goal, from Ian McDonald, tied things up 2-2. The teams traded chances for most of the period. Unfortunately, the Stingrays were able to rip one past Avromenko at the 17:56 mark to take the 3-2 lead. Though they tried, the Blades just couldn't answer back before the final buzzer sounded. They trailed SOG 18-39.

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Some thoughts:
- At this point the power play can only be described as impotent. We can't go 0 for 5 in a must win game.
- Thank god the penalty kill is chugging along. Otherwise we'd be paying for all the incredibly stupid penalties.
- I will continue to argue that we need to sign (or keep) a goalie on an ECHL contract.
- Why not Avronmenko? He stopped 36 of 39 shots. That's not too shabby when you compare it to Owen's 16 saves on 18 shots.
- That reminds me... how about we try shooting more? Seems to work for other teams.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Wings (1/28/11)

Sorry for the unannounced break. I figured I needed an all-star break of my own. Also, I was a lazy pants all week and opening my laptop was too much effort. I'm back though, so you don't have to cry yourselves to sleep anymore (I guess I'm delusional as well as lazy, huh?).

The Everblades play their first game back from the all-star break on the road against a struggling Kalamazoo team. With the ECHL handing down several fines and suspensions from the wild game with the Royals today the Blades have to play without some key players and coach Poss. The question is, can they overcome the missing pieces and beat the K-Wings?


(This never gets old)

Starting line: Graham, Paquet, Beca, Imbeault, Lemieux, Goepfert

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Both teams started out strong, with a lot of back and forth play. Eventually, the Wings were able to draw the penalty. Thanks to some tremendous saves from goalie Bobby Goepfert, the Blades were able to kill the penalty. A few minutes later, they were able to go on the power play.



Unfortunately, K-Wings goalie Ryan Nie, was able to deny some excellent chances. Thanks to both goalies standing on their heads, the score at the end of the period was 0-0. The Blades led the shots 11-9.

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After such a strong showing in the first period it was obvious the goalies would be deciding which team wins. Unfortunately, the K-Wings were able to draw first blood 6:31 into the first period to take the 1-0 lead. The Blades had a close call minutes later when Nie barely made a save. The Wings put on lots of pressure, but the Blades were able to hold them off.



After failing to convert on the power play, even though the net was wide open, the Blades took a stupid penalty to nullify their power play. After a brief surge from the K-Wings the Blades were able to once again go on the penalty in the closing minutes of the period. Unfortunately, the Blades weren't able to convert in the last few minutes. When the buzzer sounded the Blades still trailed 1-0, but had 46 seconds left on their power play when the third period starts.

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Although the Blades weren't able to convert on the remainder of the power play. They really started to put on major pressure in the opening minutes. Unfortunately, the pressure was cut short by Ross Carlson taking a slashing penalty. The K-Wings were able to get it past Goepfert a few seconds into the period to make it 2-0. Shortly after that, Alex Hutchings took on one of the K-Wings in a fight.



Sadly, instead using the fight to shift momentum, the Blades took a stupid penalty right away. Although they were able to kill off the penalty, they continued to allow the K-Wings to put on pressure. They did get a power play in the closing minutes, and even pulled Goepfert for the 6 on 4, but they couldn't convert. In fact, they gave up an empty net goal thanks to a weak turn-over. The final buzzer sounded and the Blades had lost 3-0. The game sheet is here. Photos are from the 11/29/10 game at Germain and the full set can be found here.

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Some thoughts:
- Ryan Nie was a big reason the K-Wings won, he denied 41 shots!
- It seems the break was good for Bobby Goepfert, despite the loss, he had a really great game.
- They need to start converting on the power play. They can't let the opportunity be wasted anymore.
- What will really solve the problems they're having? Three words- Crash the net.

The Blades will now get right on a bus and drive all night to Toledo where they play again tomorrow night. Hopefully, they can rebound like they always seem to and get some wins.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Road Warriors (1/13/11)

It's no secret that the injury plagued Everblades have been struggling lately. Luckily for them, the Road Warriors haven't been doing much better. All the Blades need is some simple play and defense.

Converting on the power play wouldn't hurt either.

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The first period started out as you would expect from two desperate teams, lots of back and forth without too much success. Then the Blades got called for too many men. The Road Warriors had some chances, but none of them were too good. Then it happened.

Ross Carlson managed to get a breakaway, and score a short-handed goal to give the Blades the 1-0 lead.

The Road Warriors came back hard, forcing the Blades to stay in their zone for an extended period of time. They were eventually able to tie it up on a weird play that saw the puck rebound off of the ref's skate on to a dump-in right onto a Road Warriors stick. The subsequent shot bounced up in the air off of goalie Jaroslav Janus and was batted in by a glove. Unfortunately, it's not the Blades month, and the ref ruled it a good goal to give the Road warriors the tie. Less than a minute later, the Road Warriors were able to take the lead a minute later with a power play goal on a Drew Larman hooking penalty.

The final score at the end of the first saw the Blades down 2-1. The Blades trailed in SOG 7-13.

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The 2nd was relatively quiet, some great chances, and a post each for each team. The Blades did take quite a few stupid penalties, and the Road Warriors were not called on several penalties. In the end, thanks to both goalies playing solid, the score remained 2-1. The Blades continued to trail the SOG for the period 7-12.

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As much as I'd like to write about the Everblades amazing comeback, it didn't happen. The Blades played pretty strong, but two goals from the Road Warriors in the latter half of the period put the nail in the coffin. The final score when the buzzer sounded was 4-1 and the Blades sixth straight loss.

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Time for some thoughts:
- Yes the roster is depleated, but so is most of the rosters in the ECHL. This should not be a crutch.
- Janus was the only thing that kept the Blades in the game. He was left out to dry way too many times.
- I'm obviously biased, but the officiating was terrible.
- For some reason Kevin Fukala felt the need to get into a meaningless fight after the buzzer sounded. Totally pointless and will probably earn him a suspension the Blades don't need right now.
- The Everblades just can't catch a break or get any luck. Sheesh.
 - Wish I could tell you how successful the new Olidis guy is (he's apparently a face-off specialist), too bad the ECHL doesn't think that's a stat worth tracking, along with TOI and blocked shots.
- Slumps suck .

Honestly, the only way to express my current feeling toward the hockey gods is with this kitty.


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One more game tomorrow against the super hot South Carolina Stingrays. Their slump earlier this year has completely turned around, and their currently on a six game win streak. I'm so not excited.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. T-Devils (11/23 & 11/24)

I have to apologize for not posting the re-cap sooner. I may or may not have completely forgotten that neither night was done.

I have to say, I wasn't completely surprised by how Tuesday went. Every time the T-Devils have come to town it's been a boring affair. The Blades were dominant for much of the first period. Mitch Fadden notched the first goal on the power play. It was the lone goal of the period.



Unfortunately, the Everblades continued their flat play in the second, and this time it cost them. The Devils notched a short handed goal and the flood gate opened. When the buzzer sounded at the end of the period the T-Devils had scored three goals in a seven minute time frame.



The Everblades did wake up a little in the third. They even managed to score thanks to Alex Imbeault (someone tell me why he doesn't have an AHL contract) to make it a one goal game. As you may expect, the T-Devils shut it down. They clogged up the neutral zone and the Blades couldn't get through. When the final buzzer the score was 3-2. The final game sheet is here.

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The following day there was a lovely post on the Blades' Blog with some terribly juicy quotes from President and GM Craig Brush.

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Now, I have to admit that I seriously considered not going to Thursday's game. Thank goodness I decided to go. I think Ross Carlson is happy I went too.



The Blades looked much more dominant in the first period. They were rewarded about a quarter of the way through the period when Matt Pistilli notched his ninth goal of the year. The Blades ended the period with the same tenuous lead they had in Tuesday's game. I was definitely not getting my hopes up.

Then, the second period, and Jared Staal came along. At the 3:44 mark Staal collected a pass from David Fischer and drove to the net with Francis Lemieux.



It was his first of the year and you could tell it was a relief. You could also see a little flicker of swagger developing...



Six minutes later, Elgin Reid scored a beauty to make it 3-0.



The Everblades held off some strong surges from the Devils and goalie Bobby Goepfert stood on his head whenever they slipped. In the end there was nothing the Devils could do to solve Goepfert or overcome the Everblades solid play. The game sheet is here.

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Both games were about as opposite from each other as you can get. Tuesday's was flat and boring and Wednesday's was dominant and aggressive. If the Everblades can keep up Wednesdays dominant play, and with the talent they have there is no reason not to, they should do pretty well as they head out for a week long road trip that includes stops in Reading, Elmira, Kalamazoo, and Cincinnati.

YouTube Tuesday: Goodbye Mitch McColm

I'm absolutely devastated. I heard through the grapevine that defenceman Mitch McColm has been released. Frankly, this is the stupidest move the team has made all season. I'm not exactly surprised, McColm hasn't had a lot of ice time, but I'm still very surprised they did this.

My best guess is either someone is the rumored signing of Nick Tarnasky is coming or someone is coming of the IR list. Our current roster is at the league allowed maximum, and to bring a guy back from the IR we have to make room on the roster. My best guess is Ross Carlson is ready to come back, and if that's the case I'm happy, but I'm not happy we're losing one of my favorite Everblade players.

Look at him in action during his junior days. Why are we letting him go?







There really is only one way to describe my feelings, and that is with a kitty...


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Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Gladiators (10/15 & 10/16)

The Everblades took on the Gwinnett Gladiators in back to back games Friday and Saturday. It's obvious the team still has some kinks to work out, they're far from perfect, but there were glimmers of hope.


Friday- Everblades 3- Gladiators 2 (Shootout)

Game Summary

The Blades started the game off on the wrong foot by giving up the first goal in the opening minutes to Gwinnett. Luckily, a goal from Mitch Fadden, and assisted by Mike Kennedy evened it up. Later, in the second period Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll gave the Blades the lead with an assist from Bobby Raymond on the power play. The Gladiators couldn't be held off and managed to even it up on the power play in the third.

Neither team could get ahead for the rest of the period, and in the end, the game had to go into overtime. With both teams fielding the four players there was a little more room, and the pace sped up. With less than two minutes left in the period both teams received coincidental roughing penalties. This forced them to play a three on three for the remainder of overtime. Both teams had some great chances but neither could put the nail in the coffin, making a shootout neccessary.



I was very impressed by Bobby Goepferts preformance in the shootout. He completely stonewalled the Gladiators, denying them at every turn. Goals from Alexandre Imbeault and Mitch Fadden secured the Everblades the shootout win and the extra point.

Saturday- Everblades 3- Gladiators 5

Game Summary

I wish I could say Saturdays game was better, but I can't. Once again the Everblades gave up the first goal, this time on the power play. Unfortunately, they didn't answer back until late in the first period after Gwinnetts second goal with an even strength tally from Francis Lemieux assisted by Roy and Imbeault. After that, the game quickly spiraled out of control in the second when the Gladiators took the game over completely. They managed to score three unanswered goals to put themselves up 5-1 on the Blades. If it hadn't been for a fight late in the third the Blades may never had regained any life.

For some reason, a Gladiators player decided that hacking at goalie Bobby Goepferts glove after the whistle was a good idea. Obviously our the Everblades players didn't take to kindly to that. After a tussle, Elgin Reid absolutely dominated Gwinnett's Chris Poli in a fierce tussle. After everything was sorted out 14 minutes in penalties were assesed.



With a little wind in their sails, the Everblades managed to score two goals. A power play tally from Matthew Pistilli and assisted by Mike McKenzie and Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll, as well as a goal at the 19:50 mark in the period from Lalonde-McNicoll, and assisted by McKenzie and Phil Paquet.

Of course, the Blades were unable to score two more goals in the last 50 seconds of the game. In the end, they couldn't overcome their lackluster performance and split the series with the Gladiators.

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.