Tuesday April 23(Semi finals)
(8)Capitals vs AREZ(1) Game 1
Capitals offence explodes in game 1 rout over AREZ
Even if the AREZ knew what they were up against it still didn't matter. The Capitals pushed hard in the opening minutes and eventually got rewarded with three first period goals. This contest wasn't a case of one or two players making a difference. Apart-from M-A Bernier scoring twice, six other players took turns finding the back of the net. C.Fortin stopped just over 20 shots allowing only M.Monteschio to beat him. Everyone knew that the Capitals entered this series as heavy favourites. Knowing this, the AREZ weren't able to apply their game plan as they were forced to chase the game.
(3)Punishers vs United Armenians(1) Game 1
Punishers break stalemate on a pair of third period power play goal
For over two periods both sides put together a solid defensive effort. The conservative play didn't allow much space, that was up until some power play time enabled the Punishers to break the barrier. C.Gingras ended the drought, J.Chiropoulos also struck with the man advantage and the Punishers barely edged out a relentless United Armenians hockey team. It didn't come easy but the Punishers made sure to push hard for three full periods in order to come out on top.
(1)AREZ vs Capitals(5) Game 2
AREZ attempt aggressive style but pay the price on Capitals power play
The AREZ had to change something about their game after a thumping defeat only an hour ago. And perhaps by playing the Capitals a little more physical was the way to go. The problem with that comes the risk of visiting the penalty box, a place that you don't want to end up in when facing the Capitals. Every single goal except for the empty net marker all came with the man advantage. The AREZ were never able to get a good penalty kill going, and in the end paid the price in this game. To their credit, AREZ tried something that could have shifted the series. Unfortunately, the Capitals are simply that good and unless you play a perfect match the odds are stacked against you. The win came with the help of E.Lemieux's two power play goals and a 15 save performance by C.Fortin.
(2)United Armenians vs Punishers(4) Game 2
Punishers third period heroics pave way to final
The Punishers stuck to an unconventional winning formula on Tuesday night. For a second straight game of an important double header night, the Punishers saved their best for last. The United Armenians saw their slight 2-1 lead turn into an instant deficit when J.Chiropoulos and C.Kakivelis scored early in the third period. Despite the amount of time left over, the Punishers weren't taking chances to let this game slip away, especially how well the United Armenians were battling. Those two tallies provided plenty of confidence to the Punishers bench. It took about six minutes-from that point for C.Stamadianos to increase the lead and ultimately put a stamp to the series.
For a second straight season the Punishers and the Capitals will be squaring off for the ultimate price. The Punishers took the previous meeting which will only inspire M.Champagne and his troops to even the score. Both teams resemble each other in many ways. From-their top heavy line up to their sound defensive game along with stellar goaltending, this series could easily go either way. That being said, the Capitals may have that extra hunger which will force the Punishers to never let up.
The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Jimmy Chiropoulos of the Punishers. In two close games versus the United Armenians, J.Chiropoulos notched the winner in game one and the tying marker in game number two.
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