Monday August 26 (division 2 semi finals)
F.Koch's back to back shutouts send 1 Timer to big dance
Playoff shutouts aren't easy to do, but F.Koch was able to live up to the expectations by blanking the Fatal Demons twice on Monday night. The 1 Timer had everything go right in both their shutout wins. Both games ended with identical 4-0 scores. Four different players took turns finding the back of the net in the first encounter while J.Guye-Perrault was more of a force in the ensuing match bagging a hat trick. The Fatal Demons only kept it close in the second game for about a period. Other than that, they were nowhere to be found. It was evident that the 1 Timer were simply better on this night. While the Fatal Demons relied on playing conservative, the 1 Timer used their speed to push their opponents backs against the wall. By applying that kind of constant pressure, results will tend to fall into play.
(4)1 Timer vs Fatal Demons(0) Game 1
(0)Fatal Demons vs 1 Timer(4) Game 2
S.Sauk excels again in the shootouts
S.Sauk was amazing once again in the shootouts, this time edging out the Dragons on both occasions. After overcoming a 3-1 deficit, the Excalibur gave themselves a good fighting chance knowing that Sauk was occupying the net. The Dragons were snake bitten on their two attempts while Y.St-Georges and S.Ruggiero dazzled their way through getting the better of P.Assadi. Unlike the first game, the Excalibur played with a short second period lead only to let it slip away when S.Robineault bagged his second for the Dragons. Both sides figured that this contest was also headed to a dreaded breakway competition. And while the Dragons were perhaps hoping for a regulation win, the Excalibur didn't mind the gamble. When a goaltender is hot and in his groove, it makes it very difficult for anyone to beat him. This was clearly the case for S.Sauk, who once again went flawless on two attempts. The Excalibur were able to benefit twice on only two tries with A.Fonrose and Y.St-Georges leading the way.
(3)Dragons vs Excalibur (5) S.O Game 1
(4)Excalibur vs Dragons (2) S.O Game 2
The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Scott Sauk of the Excalibur. In his last four starts, S.Sauk has enjoyed some timely success by taking three games in a shootout.
With the 1 Timer and the Excalibur sweeping their series, both teams will be gunning for the ultimate prize. The 1 Timer has been rolling-from the beginning of the season as perhaps the most consistent team in their division. They have an overall balanced squad starting with their net minder F.Koch. However, the Excalibur is running on a little bit of magic, and if that means anything, than this series could go their way. At the very least, S.Sauk has to continue his exceptional run between the pipes in order to have a chance.
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