Tuesday July 19

Better start, better result

Last time both these clubs met, the Dragons caught the Hawks off guard with two goals from the opening draw. The Hawks decided to change the script, at least in the first encounter by returning the favor early on. Playing with a lead often makes a difference and the Hawks made sure to play with it for the entire match. Four different players chipped in with goals that included three feeds from D.Galloro. The second match was a little closer with both sides needing a shootout. The Dragons had a chance to avoid getting there but couldn’t hold off S.Marricco who leveled the match with only four minutes remaining. With each side sending some of their best to take the breakaways, the Hawks had one less shooter due to A.Lanni’s late penalty. Still, that didn’t affect much as both goaltenders allowed one goal each. A.Porfido got the Dragons only goal after a move that even he wasn’t sure if he was planning. As for the Hawks, D.Galloro came in calmly and used a light precise wrist shot to beat L.Dulcetta. With this result, it’s official that both these clubs will face off against one another in the semi-finals.

(4)Hawks vs Dragons(2)

(3)Dragons vs Hawks(3) S.O

Finally, the Fast and Furious have something to celebrate

Formally known as the Bengals, the Fast and Furious quest for their first ever win ended on Tuesday night versus the Stones. A good start along with key goaltending was required and the Fast and the Furious got just that by grabbing a 3-0 first period lead. G.Stamatopoulos made a huge impact with two goals, and R.Potenza made sure to capitalize on the power play, forcing the Stones to overcome a three goal deficit. With still plenty of time, the comeback was in progress. The Stones got two straight goals by J-P.Bertrand and T.Settino to come within one. The Fast and Furious were getting that ugly feeling that things may have fallen apart, but that changed when S.Valiquette swept up a rebound to regain a two goal cushion. J.Colombo battled hard all game and was solid in net to help give his club their first even win. Unhappy with the way things went, the Stones made sure to take their opponents extremely serious for the second match. They did manage a 1-0 first period lead but it was anywhere close from convincing .After being awarded a power play chance, D.Lucchesi tapped in an easy goal with a perfect feed from M.Russo. The Fast and Furious had a chance to cut the lead in half on their lone power play, but it was S.Settino scoring instead to widen the gap. If not for a lone first period goal along with the help of their special teams unit, the Fast and the Furious weren’t far off from capturing another win. The bright spot in all this is that both clubs will play each other in the first round of the playoffs. While the Stones may feel that they are heavy favorites, the Fast and Furious will remember what happened on this night and fuel off it when the right time comes.

(4)Fast and Furious vs Stones(2)

(0)Fast and Furious vs Stones(3)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Joe Colombo of the Fast and Furious. The sharp net minder and his club got the monkey off their back with a satisfying 4-2 win over the division leaders.