Wednesday September 12( D Final)
(4)Punishers vs HBHA Masters 37+(1) Game 1
HBHA Masters no match for Punishers in game 1
Now that the Punishers reached this stage of the season, their goal was quite clear for what they were playing for. This statement result might have been to themselves more than the HBHA Masters, who will be searching for answers heading into game two. The Punishers looked calm and in control, confident knowing that they were the better of the two sides. After carrying a 2-1 lead into the final fifteen minutes of play, A.Dayan secured the first chapter by posting two big goals. While everything went fine for the Punishers, the HBHA Masters looked sluggish and out of sync. Their chances were few and far between. The first time they found the back of the net came very late in the second period courtesy of T.Bozinakis. Apart-from that, the HBHA Masters saw their offense remain dry. With game one out of the way, the challenge for the Punishers will be to do the same which might not be easy against a side that has the body count and experience to bounce back.
Poised HBHA Masters 37+ live another day
(5)HBHA Masters 37+ vs Punishers (1) Game 2
After sitting out in their previous match, C.Stavriadis felt the pressure to help rebound his team in the series. The good news was that Stavriadis was adamant that he would do so to force a third and deciding game. However, he did need some help up front after his club scored all but one goal so far. This time, the HBHA Masters found their touch torching N.Mackeen with three first period goals to finally get some control in the series. J.Bolanakis once again came through in time of need riffling his clubs first two goals of the contest. By grabbing a 3-1 lead after only fifteen minutes, the HBHA Masters beared down and made things extremely difficult for the Punishers. Just like the HBHA Masters were stuck finding ways to score in the previous match, the Punishers felt that same helpless feeling. Still, nothing was official after this contest, but perhaps the momentum may have favoured the HBHA Masters heading into game three.
A.Stamiris breaks Punishers hearts in sudden death overtime, HBHA Masters 37+ crowned winners
(1)Punishers vs HBHA Masters 37+(2) Game 3
Game three's are always hard to win. They become even harder when two very good teams face off against one another. But that's the situation that the Punishers and the HBHA Masters 37 + put themselves in. With the pressure being too great, and with the ball being round for the two teams, anything can happen at any point, especially in a sudden death period. For A.Stamiris, the dream of scoring the game winner came true. The d-man found himself rushing down his off wing to riffle perhaps his most important wrist shot that ultimately decided the series. The game was played cautious with both teams trading one goal apiece. Neither side was concerned with the goaltenders as they have been relied on throughout the series. Anytime these situations occur, anything can happen. What makes this victory even more gratifying is that the HBHA Masters dragged themselves out of a couple difficult moments, dating back to last week's semi final match with the Fat Cats. In addition to everything they have achieved so far, this is a first good step heading into the World Masters championships held in Bermuda. Preparation often comes into play with success. J.Kontitsis, had his plate full making plenty of key decisions considering how many players he had under his wing. On behalf of Hockeyballe.com, congratulations go out to the captain, his assistants, and the rest of the HBHA Masters 37+ for getting it done.
The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Andrew Stamiris of the HBHA Masters 37+. When looking back at how epic this battle was between two rivals, everyone will continue to remember A.Stamiris's overtime goal that determined the series.
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