Wednesday December 15 ( Semi finals)

Punishers even series with 4-0 shutout

(4)Punishers vs United Arms(0) Game 2

Anytime you fall behind in a series you want to come back with a good start. And although this went scoreless for over a period, the Punishers got the start they wanted when M.Koutavas opened the scoring. Its hard to plan something like that, but the Punishers put out a great effort in order to dictate the terms. The game would remain close with both sides tentative in order to avoid any costly mistakes. Eventually, T.Karvouriaris would double the lead for the Punishers by the nine minute mark of the third period. It didn’t really matter much that their was six minutes left for any sort of comeback. The Punishers played with more jump, intensity and desperation and weren’t going to give much for the United Arms to respond. N.Mackeen was steady never flinching stopping all 20 shots his way. M.Koutavas finished with a pair of tallies  including the game winner on the power play. There was no doubt the victory was an important counterpunch for the Punishers, who will carry all the momentum heading into game 3.

Punishers advance behind N.Mackeen’s stellar night

(0)United Arms vs Punishers(2) Game 3

For a second game in a row, it was the N.Mackeen show as the net minder earned another shutout to help send the Punishers through to the final. Mackeen followed up his 20 save performance by stopping six more important shots in a 15 minute mini game. Both teams understood how important that first goal would be. Its almost treated like a sudden death frame for how they both defend well while depending on reliable goaltenders. It took the nine minute mark of the frame before P.Karvouriaris broke the ice. While the United Arms did everything in their power to respond, their offense went dormant again. Credit to the Punishers for how they responded heading into tonight’s difficult challenge. In four straight periods, they managed to keep the United Arms off the score sheet knowing that they had the capacity to score with some big time gamers.

Well rounded Armadillos too much to handle for the Panthers

(3)Panthers vs Armadillos(6) Game 2

What the Panthers were hoping for seemed to be going according to plan for a very long stretch. That was up until two quick goals toward the end of the second period shifted this game, and ultimately decided the series. D.Andrade and K.Kuczmarski were the ones to help provide a 3-1 lead leaving all but one period for the Panthers season. Unfortunately, things only got worse-from there on for the Panthers as L.Panetta and T.Bozinakis scored early in the frame for what was a sufficient lead despite plenty of time left over. The Armadillos defensive structure and excellent goaltending by C.Stavriadis was too much for the Panthers to overcome. There were just too many elements in the Armadillos arsenal. Too many things need to go right when going up against a sound experienced team like the Armadillos with perhaps the most lethal forward in the division. K.Kuczmarski will always make his way on the score sheet as the skilled forward provided four points that included three primary assists.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Nikita Mackeen of the Punishers. What more can you ask for-from your goaltender. The Punishers rebounded with two consecutive wins in large part due to Mackeen, who never once looked behind him.

The big stage is finally set for the D division. The Armadillos will take on the Punishers in what will be an interesting final. Assuming the goaltending wont be a factor since both teams have blue chip net minders, these teams will rely on other factors. The Armadillos have a better line of defense, but the Punishers may be heavier on the offense. The expression says defence wins championships which may suggest the Armadillos will take this series. However, the Punishers just showed tonight that they can play that same way as well by shutting out the United Arms for two straight games. Look for this to be a close one.