Friday December 17 (Semi final)

Penalties doom Chiefs as National unleash power play

(4)National vs Chiefs(3) Game 1

When National are given the man advantage, they expect nothing less than to capitalise. National were lethally efficient in doing that in their close 4-3 victory over the Chiefs. On their three opportunities, they converted three times including a back breaker by P.Barret-Doucet with just under five minutes remaining. The Chiefs had the right approach heading into tonight’s match up. By keeping the game close, it gave them a shot at jumping out in front in the series. Neither side played with the lead after two periods which looked to play in the favour for the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they took two straight penalties that ultimately doomed them in game one. Four different players scored in the win with V.Lamarche setting up National’s last two tallies while D.Massa was solid again facing 23 shots.

National rout Chiefs, move closer to ultimate goal

(1)Chiefs vs National(5) Game 2

A perfect start in game two put National in position to punch their ticket to the final. They were able to blitz the Chiefs in the second period riding four unanswered goals for a sufficient 5-0 lead. Their first tally came again with the man advantage courtesy of V.Lamarche while for a second straight game, nobody scored more than once. The Chiefs knew they couldn’t afford to fall too behind. The turning point occurred by the six minute mark of the second period where M.Mogianesi and F.Laurin tallied less than a minute apart for a 3-0 lead. Despite half a game remaining, the writing was on the wall for the Chiefs. National continued to build on their momentum winning most battles in order to keep the ball longer . No doubt, it was a dominating team effort that culminated a 5-1 victory.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to D.Massa of National. Its always nice to have your goaltender perform at the right time during the season. Massa was sound, collective and focused between the pipes making all the necessary saves to help lead National to the final.

The other semi final series between the Sonic and the Armos did not take place. Sonic had to forfeit both their games due to some lack of players. With that, the Masters 35+ division is now down to its last two teams. The Armos will have to erase that nightmare finish they had with National only a week ago. Clearly, they have a lot of issues to address if they plan on making it a series. Right now, it looks like National is rolling on all cylinders as they expect nothing less than to win it all.