Monday September 6 (Division 2 Quarter finals)

RCGT late push not enough, Hart Foundation advance

In an intense series where both teams made great mistakes and great plays , the Hart Foundation held on through a chaotic final frame to punch a ticket to the next round. It was clear that both teams seemed unwillingly to take even one step back when it comes to intensity and will to win. The Hart Foundation had the advantage entering game two after C.Doulis showed how its done to fake out a goaltender and bury perhaps his biggest goal of the season so far. That tally made the difference in the shootout of game one which inspired the Hart Foundation to start off strong in game two. They rode a 3-0 lead, and appeared to be in good shape until A.Toure and S.Ruggiero pushed back hard netting two very quick tallies. It looked like the series was awaken-from there, but that all eventually changed when B.Travisano buried a pair of late goals to put his club through to the semi finals. Travisano was a heavy contributor offensively collecting four points while P.Delli Colli was firm as a rock  making one save look easier than the other.

(2)Hart Foundation vs RCGT Knights(1) S.O Game 1

(2)RCGT Knights vs Hart Foundation(5) Game 2

Experience pays off for Classics

The discrepancy in playoff experience between these two teams is so astronomical it cant be measured. Many things needed to go right for the HC Jokerit if they planned on extending their season . By falling behind early in game one, the HC Jokerit felt the frustrations of trying to get back into the game for how tight the Classics were playing. There chances were limited as were their solutions. After the game was said and done, a fresh start was much needed for the HC Jokerit. And despite getting on board first, some costly penalties came to haunt them in the end. The Classics, when given space are a lethal force with the man advantage. Three of their goals came on the power play with G.DeMarinis blasting two by H.Psaroudis, who was brilliant keeping his club in the game. Maybe it wasn’t there time, but the HC Jokerit are on a path to make the leap for a better run. For now, the Classics look determined as their quest for success will be nothing less than celebrating a championship.

(2)HC Jokerit vs The Classics(5) Game 1

(6)The Classics vs HC Jokerit(3) Game 2

The SalumiVino player of the night in division 2 goes to Paolo Delli Colli of the Hart Foundation. In order to go far, your goaltender needs to be stellar. Delli Colli provided confidence for his club in front of him with his calm presence and solid performance making plenty of key saves.

With the quarter finals all wrapped up, four teams are now left over in the second division. The match ups are as follows:

(1)Degenerates vs The Classics(5) Both these teams had a relatively tame regular season when playing each other. However, the same wont be said for there next encounters. There will be no love in this bitter rival as the Classics will seek payback for how things ended in last seasons playoffs. The Degenerates need to take them extremely serious and play up to their maximum potential if they want to hold on to their bragging rights.

(2)1 Timer vs Hart Foundation(3) Tough one to predict. If both teams show up stacked, the Hart Foundation need a revolving game plan on certain players-from the 1 Timer such as P-A Surprenant and M.Carpentier. On the flip side, the 1 Timer will need to be cautious on how M.Stoico will dictate the pace and back end for the Hart Foundation. Goaltending is a wash which leaves only the will to compete-from the two sides.

Division 1 semi final

E.Harnois powers Orient past Bad Guys inc on a flurry of goals

Going into game one, the Bad Guys inc needed to do a few things to get a win against the Orient. Neutralise their top guns, and play a tight defensive game. They did neither of that. Instead, E.Harnois and M.David each scored twice and the Bad Guys inc defense was nowhere to be seen. Luckily enough there was a game two looming for the Bad Guys inc, who managed to adjust and make a series of it. They didn’t quite get the start they wanted falling behind 2-0, but that didn’t hold them back as J.Mandracchia and P.Jacques responded to even the score. It looked like they found enough solutions to keep the series tight, and have a shot at extending it into a game three, except for one variable, E.Harnois. The series ultimately ended with E.Harnois netting all three markers in a close 3-2 decision. The skilled forward broke a late 2-2 tie right after T.Chouinard stoned his opponent on several occasions making brilliant saves. The Orient felt good about their game and look to be prepared heading into their greatest challenge facing the Punishers in the final. There is no secrets on what they need to do. The dangers are evident when you have a K.Kuczmarski, C.Gingras and P.Karvouriaris on the same team. It’s a question of how to limit the damage while seeking production-from your top end guys such as M.David and E.Harnois. Both teams are complete on all three areas which will suggest for an interesting final.

(2)Bad Guys inc vs Orient(7) Game 1

(3)Orient vs Bad Guys inc(2) Game 2

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Eric Harnois of the Orient. This is a case that can be argued how one player sometimes makes the entire difference. After opening and closing the scoring in game one, Harnois  was simply unstoppable posting all three markers in a tight 3-2 win to close out the series.