Monday December 11 (Round 1, playoffs)
1 Timer put scare but Punishers sigh relief in the end
For the Punishers, this round was one they expected to pass. It's only because that the 1 Timer didn't have their best season and that the Punishers feel that they have all the elements to go all the way. And despite passing the round, it came as a scare. Although the first game wasn't an issue with the Punishers out dueling the 1 Timer with a 7-2 landslide, it was by the second contest where they started to feel the butterflies circulating. The 1 Timer proved that they weren't going down easy and made a series out of it by taking the match in a shootout. P-A Surprenant issued one of his most solid games by not only scoring during the contest but by netting two shootout markers. If momentum means anything, than the 1 Timer had a golden chance to pull off an upset by playing a mere twelve minutes mini game three. Unfortunately they couldn't get that much needed start and the Punishers stormed back with rage bagging three quick goals. J.Chiropoulos set up two teammates, including the winner- from S.Bentivegna and P.Stamkopoulos made sure to keep a clean sheet by denying every shot his way.
(7)Punishers vs 1 Timer(2) Game 1
(4)1 Timer vs Punishers(3) S.O Game 2
(3)Punishers vs 1 Timer(0) Game 3
The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Peter Stamkopoulos of the Punishers. In a series that went down to the wire, the goaltender was there when needed the most earning a big game three shutout.
With round one out of the way, four teams will be looking for answers on how to defeat a difficult opponent. The match ups are as follows:
(1)Breeze Panareeze vs Punishers(4) All four meetings between the two sides were decided by one goal or less. Assuming both teams come with their full roster, this round will most likely need every single second to see who will pass.
(2)Nightmares vs Dragons(3) The Dragons have an ace in the hole by the name of B.Daniele. The Nightmares know this and will formulate a game plan to neutralize the Dragons big gun. It will be up to the Dragons supporting cast to up their game if they plan on moving on.
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