Friday May 20 (Final)

M.Larin sparks a pair, M.Gagnon records a shutout, Generals take commanding lead in series

(3)Generals vs Brewers(0) Game 1

The Generals offensively carried the slight edge, and didn’t give up anything on the back end to win the first game 3-0. The Brewers didn’t mind at all that this game stayed within reach for a very long time. M.Larin scored by the four minute mark of the second period and the game saw both sides face solid goaltenders unable to get that next goal. C.Stavriadis was brilliant giving the Brewers every chance possible to find a reply. Unfortunately, the offense went dry for the Brewers, who couldn’t figure out M.Gagnon after posting 22 shots. P.Barrett gave the Generals some breathing room by doubling the lead very late in the game right before M.Larin notched his second in an empty cage. It wasn’t the result the Brewers hoped for, but it did suggest that they can keep up with the Generals by playing them right.

Generals clip Brewers in dreaded shootout to capture Masters 35 + title

(2)Brewers vs Generals(4) S.O Game 2

A deadlocked 2-2 score left the Generals and the Brewers matchup fated for an all decisive shootout. Both sides sent three players to center court in hopes of getting it done right there and then. Granted, the Generals did have the upper hand in case they fell behind by playing a third and deciding game, but clearly they were relieved by finishing it off in the breakaways. Your odds are pretty good when O.Valiquette and J.Brunet are part of your selection. The two players didn’t miss despite going up against a very sound net minder in C.Stavraidis. On the flip side of the court, M.Gagnon stood tall and didn’t flinch denying both attempts by the Brewers. This scenario could have been avoided with the Brewers carrying a slight 2-1 lead in the third period. J.Hovington however was able to level with still an abundance of time remaining. There was no doubt both sides played it more cautious-from that point on wanting to avoid any mistake that would have potentially decided the series. Maybe the Brewers felt they should have taken some risks in regulation time knowing that the Generals may have carried that slight edge in the shootout. Regardless, this game could have gone the Brewers way if that got a bit of luck. Entering the playoffs, the Generals were regarded as the clear cut favorites. Even though the Brewers didn’t quite achieve their ultimate goal, they still have plenty to feel good about. Game one was within reach throughout the entire time and game two was ultimately decided by a coin toss situation. That being said, good teams like the Generals find ways to win no matter what the circumstance. Tonight, they proved it at the most important time during the season .On behalf of Hockeyballe.com, congratulations go out to David Lafleur and the Generals for taking home the Masters 35+ division championship.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Michel Gagnon of the Generals. Goaltending wins you games. The Generals got a sound performance in both their games along with the shootout-from their brilliant net minder.