The Florida Everblades secured a 2-1 series lead with a 5-4 OT win Monday night over the Elmira Jackals. As usual I’m going to break the game down into the five moments I think summarize it best. You may disagree (but you’re not writing this so.... :-P).
1) Slip n’ Slide
One of the best moments of the series so far. Bruess got called for slashing, but it was well worth it to watch the Elmira player slide across the ice and straight into the net. There was even enough warning for Nagle to escape danger and scamper to safety in order to enjoy the show.
2) Salters, Salters, Salters
I’m channeling my inner Jan Brady, but seriously when will people learn that picking a fight with Leigh Salters is not smart? Two punches and Jarrett Rush was on the ground. Kudos to Salters for not continuing to bludgeon the man while he was down. We like to call that respect.
3) @KevinQuick4 Quick had great positioning for the Everblades second goal. He just happened to be sitting while doing it... Quick took the rebound right in front and got it home. The ‘Blades proceeded to bang home two more to tie the game (they eventually won in OT, but we’ll get there). You should definitely follow him. Why? Because I told you to, silly.
4) The Flying Piche Piche gets my imaginary hard hat or fedora (if we’re pretending to be the NY Rangers). Regardless, he worked his butt off and it showed. Piche had six shots on goal, two assists and was a +1 for the night. He and Bruess both get huge points for the momentum shift in the second period.
5) Fifty Five As time ticked off in OT I looked to the scoreboard and saw that the Everblades had attempted 51 shots. It was at this point that I turned to dear Swamphockey and stated, “I think it’ll be shot 55”. Well, guess what? David Fischer did the honors and won the game.... on (you guessed it) shot 55. Now I know what you’re thinking (I totally need to go pick some lotto numbers) or more likely it was about time. Either way it was fitting for Fischer to seal the victory on his first night back with the team after missing the last three games. Fans showed support for Fischer and his family by donning pink ribbons at Monday’s game.
Well those were my favorite moments. Feel free to share your favorite moments and be on the look out for something special coming your way!
This series is big. The Jackals have given the Blades trouble throughout the last few seasons. They have the rookie of the year and the goalie of the month. They came behind to win their series with the Royals. It's time for us to get serious.
So, you mission, if you choose to accept it, is to take part in some psychological warfare. Nothing horrible or Geneva Convention violating of course. Just some good old fashioned unpleasantness.
How do we do this? Well, a lot of ways. Personally, I'm making a sign or two that makes fun of Craig Rivet being the oldest human being on the ice by three decades.
One of my ideas...
Do whatever it takes.
While I don't normally condone trolling the Facebook pages of other teams I'm not going to say anything if you do. In fact, I'll pop popcorn and laugh maniacally while you do.
By the way, if you happen to be a part of this century and participate in that newfangled Twitter thingy you can find some of their players (*cough* here, here, and here so far) on Twitter and it appears they prefer the simple #Jackals hash tag.
Basically, I'm saying let's make this series unbearable for the Jackals players, the organization (someone has to delete mean Facebook comments), and their fans. It's time to get our hands dirty people.
After a disappointing loss on Wednesday, the Blades had to make a statement in Fridays game. Thankfully, they did. Oh boy, did they.
The Blades came out running at full steam. You could almost taste their determination to win. It paid off early with a power play goal for David Rutherford about one minute into the period (assists to Beca and Shugg). About eight and a half minutes later, the Jackals would tie it up on the power play 1-1.
Luckily, Ryan Galiardi notched his fifth of the season about three minutes later on an extended 5 on 3 to give the Blades the 2-1 lead (assists to Rutherford and Shugg). The rest of the period was uneventful, and the score remained 2-1 when both teams left the ice.
Just like last night the Everblades came to play in the second. They scored three goals and held the Jackals to their zone for most period. Ryan Galiardi scored his second of the game at 6:45 (assists to Pitt and Beca). Scott Pitt netted one of his own at 15:46 9 (assists to Galiardi and Beca). Oh, hey. Guess who got it on film?
Deron Cousens added one of his own at 18:34 (assists to Beca and Martin). That was the last of the goals for that period. There was some rough stuff in the closing minutes, but the Blades managed to come out on top penalty-wise. The score when the period ended was 5-1.
The Jackals tried their best to make something happen, but the Blades could not be stopped. About three minutes into the period, Matt Beca made it 6-1 (assists to Bruess and Donald). Elmira finally decided to give their goalie the hook after Beca's goal. Unfortunately, a little over a minute later, Mathieu Roy proved that no Jackals goalie was going to come between the Blades and the back of the net.
The Jackals were able to stop the bleeding... for awhile. At 15:22, Deron Cousens notched his second of the game to make it 8-1 (assist to Pitt). About three minutes after that, one of the Jackals beat Blades goalie Pat Nagle, but that didn't matter. The final score was 8-2. the Blades got a win they completely deserved.
Some thoughts:
- How amazing did the Blades look? I would gladly pay double if the team that played tonight would promise to show up every game. Heck, I probably wouldn't grumble about paying triple.
- I said we could beat Elmira's goaltender, and I was right. Excuse me while I sit smugly over here.
- Two goals each for Galiardi and Cousens. Nice to see everyone stepping up and contributing.
- Scott Pitt +5. Dude was everywhere, and it shows.
- Pat Nagle had 28 saves on 30 shots. A nice bounce back from last game.
- I guess Matt Beca isn't struggling anymore. 1 goal, 4 assists. Not bad at all Mr. Beca.
- I get the feeling that Saturday's game is going to be ugly. The officials were so determined to keep anything chippy from happening I wouldn't be surprised to see the pot boil over at some point. The Blades and Jackals are not friends.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some fight videos have slowly been making their way to YouTube. First up, Elgin Reid taking on Yannick Tifu.
If you remember, Reid was thrown out of the game for not having his jersey tied down. The Blades were already down a defenceman and the loss of Reid was a big blow. Of course, they still went on to beat the Jackals.
Next up, Evgeny Timkin and his foolish decision to fight Big Benn Olson. There really wasn't any chance for poor Timmy.
Now, another fight with a Cyclone, this time Mathieu Roy. He didn't do much better than Timmy.
And, last but not least, Francis Lemieux mixing it up with a Road Warrior.
The Blades take on Gwinett tonight and tomorrow. The Gladiators couldn't be coming into town at a better time. Although they started the year off very strong, their recent seven game losing streak has allowed the Stingrays to jump ahead of them in the standings. With Pistilli, Staal, and Lawson back in town, tonight and tomorrows games are looking like their going to be fun.
Don't forget, tonight after the game, everyone will be able to go for a skate with Santa. Tomorrow you can skate with Santa and the Everblades. The team also announced that children under 12 get in free when you purchase an adult ticket tonight or tomorrow. I might need to go buy earplugs before the game.
After the Everblades big win against the Royals, a team they had struggled against during the post season, the Blades traveled to Elmira to take on the second best team in the entire league. Did I mention the coach that had been unable to lead the Everblades to victory last season was now behind the bench of one of the most dominant offenses in the ECHL? How about the three former Everblades players that have been putting up big numbers lately?
Needless to say, it didn't look good.
The Jackals opened up the game by applying intense pressure on the Blades. They drew first blood on the power play three minutes into the game. Scant minutes later, Alex Hutching's shot. Unfortunately, he couldn't get it pat the Jackals goaltender. A few minutes later Elgin Reid took on former Everblade Yannick Tifu in the Jackals end. This ultimately cost Reid, as he did not have his jersey secured and was thrown from the game as a result. This was a major blow to the Everblades as they had already been playing short a defenseman since the loss of Kyle Lawson to the Charlotte Checkers. That left the Blades with 4 defensemen for the rest of the game.
The Jackals continued the pressure but eventually the Blades seemed to find their stride and goalie Bobby Goepfert became a goal-tending machine. Around the nine minute mark Matt Pistilli notched his tenth goal of the year to even things up 1-1. Defenseman David Fischer followed that up with his first goal of the season sixteen minutes into the game. Shortly after that the Jackals thought they had the goal that would tie it up, but it was disallowed when the linesmen and referee agreed that Justin Donati had kicked it in. That lucky break gave the Blades the lead at the end of the period 2-1.
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Matt Pistilli opened up the second period right by scoring his second goal of the game two and a half minutes in. The rest of the period was spent in trade of pressure until Mike McKenzie scored his fourth goal of the year around the eleven minute mark.
There was a scuffle as both teams were leaving the ice. One of the Jackals players went after captain Mike Egener. This gave the Blades the power play to start the third.
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The Blades weren't ace, but another lapse in discipline, this time boarding, gave the Blades a second chance on the power play. Mike McKenzie continued his hot streak and scored a his second goal of the night. The Jackals continued to have trouble with discipline (this seems to be a hallmark of Cameron teams, huh?), and it cost them yet again when Matt Pistilli made it 6-1 and earned the hat-trick!
The Jackals responded a minute later, but it was too late. The final score when the buzzer sounded was 6-2. The Blades came away with a well-deserved win. They have extended their win streak to three games, moved up into 5th in the conference and are 2-0 so far on this road trip. All in all, the Everblades are playing great and being rewarded for it. Hopefully, they can keep this up.
I'm guessing the Everblades are going to make a signing announcement sometime today or tomorrow. That's been their pattern lately. Until then, enjoy some ECHL goalie fights.
I recommend turning your sound down now, some of these videos are extremely loud.
First up, from the 07-08 season is David Shantz (stats) taking on Dan Turple of the Gwinnett Gladiators:
Now, Dan Turple (still a Gladiator) taking on Jonathan Boutin of the South Carolina Stingrays:
And a pretty good find from either the 06-07 or 07-08 season, Cedrick Desjardins (just acquired by our new affiliate the Lightning) of the Cincinnati Cyclones takes on Joel Martin of the Elmira Jackals:
And one final one, although technically not an ECHL fight, was too good not to include. I love how all the players stop the minute they realize there's a goalie fight. This video is from the days of the Elmira Jackals UHL days. Tyson Gajda of the Jackals takes on Shawn Conshafter of the Roanoke Valley Vipers:
One of the last things on my hockey bucket list is to see a goalie fight. I've seen a hat trick in person (Bucky's this season), I've seen Sidney Crosby score (in overtime!), and I've seen my Penguins lift the Stanley Cup a few times. All that's left is a Kelly Cup for my local boys and a goalie fight. Is that too much to ask?
I've slowly been wading through all the pictures from last season and I've come across several pictures like this.
If my google abilities haven't failed me this is Mat Robinson (that's the spelling of his first name, I triple checked). I really don't know what to say about the look on his face. It's really just too weird.
- I don't know how I feel about hacking up hockey jerseys (it hurts my wallet and my inner hockey fan at the same time), but these jerseys turned dresses are amazing.
- I'm so obsessed with hockey players superstitions. THN has a list of some good ones.
(I have no idea how I managed to confuse the Rochester Institute of Technology with the Rhode Island Institure of Technology [I'm not sure it even exhists]. I think it's either too many Family Guy re-runs, or the biggest blond moment ever. It's fixed now, and I appologize for such a huge error. I also want to thank the wonderful reader that e-mailed me)
Just when I'm about to start complaining about the lack of signings the Everblades finally announced the first signing for next season. Bobby Raymond, a defenseman, is the first signing of the Poss era. According to the press release he's a two-way defenseman who played in France last year, and the Rochester Institute of Technology before that. By the way, how sweet is this goal?
I've taken the liberty of embedding his stats below (much better than sending you over to a site that bombards you with pop-up ads)...
The team also included the usual "quote" from him about how excited he is to be playing the Everblades, Yay! can't wait to play for Greg Poss, and the ECHL feeds to the AHL stuff they always make sure to include. I don't know about my fellow fans, but I'd love to have some hint at his personality. It would maybe get us excited and want the eighty something days until the start of the season bearable. Either way, it's the first of many signings, and now I'm getting a little excited.
In sad news, my Barry Brust comes to play with us pipe dream is dead. He's signed with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL. It's good for him, an AHL job is a no-brainer. It's kind of funny that he's taking the spot opened up by Chris Holts' bolt to the KHL (I couldn't help myself). You remember him right? The boys ruined his (short) playoff stint in the ECHL last season.
(Fun Fact: Goal is цель in Russian)
I also find it amusing that if he does get sent down to the ECHL, he'll be playing for the Elmira Jackals and their new coach. Whats his name... Oh yeah, Malcolm Cameron. I don't know if this coincidence was on purpose or by accident, but it's a little weird.
In some more sad news, the Everblades lost their last red-head (I'm seriously sad about this). Dominic Osman has signed with Toledo. You may remember he was acquired from Toledo for Jordan Morrison. He wasn't a high scorer or anything. He was always moving, and always seemed to be playing his heart out, so I'll miss him.
I'm glad the team is finally announcing some signings, there are only so many cat pictures and hockey fight videos on the Internet.
(No news in forever and then suddenly I have enough for two posts in one day, sheesh)
It didn't take long for Malcolm Cameron to find a coaching job. It's not in Houston (darn rumors), nor is it for any AHL position.
Ladies and gentlemen, Malcolm Cameron is the new coach of the Elmira Jackals. He honestly found a team to coach that fast. Same conference, same league, different team. I love how the Jackals are playing up his record like everything that went on down here never happened. Honestly, do the Jackals think their fans don't have Internet access? Whatever, Jackals fans will learn soon enough, and we'll have a new (hopefully better) coach.
I'm sure I'm not the only Blades fan looking forward to our first home game against the Jackals. May I propose we start chanting "Cameron, Cameron, Cameron" whenever the Blades score a goal on the Jackals? It would be so wonderful and mean.
This has nothing to do with the story, it's just funny (and I'm delirious from doing homework all day).
I'm a little late posting these, but I think I took some good ones. Enjoy!
On a side note, the Reading Royals/Kalamazoo Wings series is tied up (thanks to a K-Wing win in overtime). Once the series is decided, the Eveblades will announce the schedule for round two of the playoffs.
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.
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).
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.
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.
I got some really great pictures last night (I have a new favorite section), and the Blades won! Check 'em out!
(This should be the second goal of the game)
I will be live blogging tonight's game, so make sure you check back later for the re-caps at the end of each period. Also, for live updates you can follow me on Twitter (I've been quite funny lately, you really are missing out if you're not following me).
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.
The Blades played back to back games with the Elmira Jackals Friday and today, and will go on to play the Royals tomorrow.
Friday's game saw A.J. Thelen, just back from a stint in the AHL open the scoring. The Jackals got on the board in the second with Yannick Tifu (remember him from last year?) scoring. They managed to score one more in the second period, as well as getting another from Tifu in the third. The Blades just couldn't find a way to score and ended up losing 3-1.
Saturday was a much more interesting game. Not only did Benn Olsen get into two fights (he's now tied with Steve McJannet for number one in fights), Ernie got into one too. Chris Beckfor-Tseu started in goal for a second night in a row but had to be relieved by Mike Morrison after he allowed four goals. Both Roy, Healey, Nicholson, and Roy were able to score, and Mike Morrison was able to hold the fort, allowing the Blades to tie it up and force OT. After a very exciting OT with both teams getting time on the Power Play, it came down to a shoot-out.
It all came down to Mikey-Mo...
The Jackals chose to shoot first,
- Tifu tried, but was denied
- Healey tried for the Blades, but was denied
- J. Donati came next and got one past
- Carlson tried to even it up, but was denied
-T. Donati came next, and scored
- Capraro tried to give the Blades a chance but hit the crossbar
- Proulx was denied, putting pressure on the next Blade shooter
- Nicholson got one past Ellis giving the Blades the chance they need
- Konkle was up next and missed a chance to give the Jackals the win
- It all came down to Thelen to tie it up, but was denied
That gave the Jackals the win making the final score 5-4.
And, just because I'm mean here is a video from last month. Enjoy watching the Jackals try to sing Christmas carols.
