Thursday September 12 (Final)
(7)Legacy vs Smooth Sailors (6) S.O Game 1
Payam Assadi lifts Legacy in crucial game 1
Payam Assadi saved his best for last. The stage was set for the crafty forward after scoring twice in the third period. With the opportunity to win the game, P.Assadi delivered as he deked to his right to slip the ball behind M.Gravano securing a huge game one victory. The Smooth Sailors couldn't have asked for a better start, and all thanks to their sniper up front. M.Testolina scored three goals in every possible way. Hoping and figuring a three goal cushion could have been sufficient clearly wasn't the case for the Smooth Sailors, who gave up five straight. However, just like their opponent, Legacy's momentum also came to a halt. A 5-3 third period lead wasn't enough to close out the game as the Smooth Sailors responded thanks to J.Mandracchia and his captain J.Palmitano. Unfortunately for the two sides, a dreaded shootout was left to determine a winner. Both teams made the right choices sending three of their finest when it comes to these situations. The game was ultimately decided on the last breakaway attempt taken by P.Assadi.
(5)Smooth Sailors vs Legacy (4) Game 2
Resilient Smooth Sailors bounce back to even series
The Smooth Sailors picked up a pivotal must win game over Legacy, and they can thank the heroics of their captain for it. With the game all knotted at 4-4, J.Palmitano re directed a long shot-from S.Minkiewicz giving no chance to C.Stavriadis to react. It seemed like both teams didn't care much for tightening it up or playing a strong man on man game. Instead, they just went for it relying heavily on their top guns. It had playoff intensity but no defensive structure. Apart-from P.Nakhle netting a pair, the scoring was balanced-from the two sides. Legacy entered the third period up 3-2, and at one point 4-3, but couldn't protect their lead long enough. Somehow, the Smooth Sailors found enough energy on a depleted bench to battle back and extend the series for a third and deciding match.
(3)Legacy vs Smooth Sailors(2) Game 3
Legacy hang on to claim D Thursday title
Legacy have survived a torrid final battle to knock out the Smooth Sailors and claim the D Thursday division title. The game started out pretty good for Legacy getting a pair of early goals on deceptive slap shot- from S.Athanasopoulos and M.DoCouto. But as it's been their theme throughout the entire series, the Smooth Sailors were far-from calling it quits. They managed to pull themselves within one when J.Palmitano blasted a one timer late in the game. Even though the clock showed just over two minutes remaining, this contest felt like an eternity considering how it played out. However, Legacy wasn't going to let this slip away, especially against a battered and depleted line up. The Smooth Sailors just didn't have enough steam to gain possession in hopes of forcing overtime. As expected, this series had all the elements of two very good teams going at it. Both teams fought hard, played a physical game with two top tier offenses going head to head. It was evident that they both deserved to reach this stage. On behalf of Hockeyballe.com, congratulations go out to Peter Chiotis, Payam Assadi, George Panagiotopoulos, Tasso Bozinakis and the rest of Legacy for getting it done.
In a team that doesn't rely on goaltending, both net minders did make the difference tonight. Frank Baratta and Costa Stavriadis share the honours as MVP of the series, each earning the SalumiVino players of the night.
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