Sunday November 5 (Playoffs round 1)

Sabres out pace depleted Islanders

(2)Islanders vs Sabres(8)

The Islanders were stuck dealing with an unfortunate set of circumstances. Having only one player to rotate isn’t that right formula if your ambitions are to make a serious push. You always try to get that first tally, or at the very least keep the game as close as possible for as long as you can. The Sabres took nothing for granted and saw the opportunity to take advantage of a depleted bench. They took a 2-0 lead early on before F.Vitoratos struck right away to narrow the gap for the Islanders. As much as the Islanders tried to fight back, their lack of key players made it difficult for them to generate any substantial offense. The Sabres continued their onslaught-from there on building a broader lead that would ultimately secure an easy win. L.Bucci had a nice night rattling off a hat trick, N.Macri potted a pair and R.Testa was influential in net despite having the support compared to the Islanders.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Larry Bucci of the Sabres. With two of his three goals coming early on, the Sabres were able to set the path for a convincing win over the Islanders.

Predators kept battling back but fell in overtime to Kraken

(4)Predators vs Kraken(5) O.T

In a heart pounding do or die match up, the Kraken faced off against the Predators that had the fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams came ready with so much on the line, with the Predators constantly battling back to keep the game alive. It seemed like every time the Kraken would grab a lead, the Predators had an answer. They were able to level on three occasions, but never had the luxury to play in front. V.Romero kept his clubs hopes alive by levelling the game very late sending it into overtime. The tension on the court was palpable as the sudden death period began. The Predators had battled back throughout the game, and their determination was evident as they pressed for the game winning goal. However, it was the Kraken who seized the moment, and who other than F.Mastrocola to get it done. Any betting person would likely put a dollar on the Krakens top gun to deliver. When playing in a four vs four format, great players have the extra room to manoeuvre and create more space. Eventually, his time came, and the skilled forward buried his chance to send his club through to the next round.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Frank Mastrocola of the Kraken. F.Mastrocola known for his clutch performances in high pressure situations, showcased his talent and composure when it mattered the most. The Kraken will move on to the next round thanks their top gun coming through once more.

Wild and Flyers engage in high scoring affair, M.Destounis seals the victory in overtime

(11)Flyers vs Wild(10) O.T

The game began with an explosive start that would continue throughout the entire game. It was one of those encounters that the goaltenders wished they were watching-from the sidelines. Goals just kept coming in as neither side really cared much about closing the gaps and staying back to defend. The Wild perhaps didn’t have much of a choice to take risks since they were the ones constantly trailing. To their credit, they had a response each and every time, but could never slow down the pace of the Flyers as they kept pulling ahead. Something that was perhaps neglected for the Wild, was the lack of attention paid to M.Destounis. The forward had way to much room in the offensive side of the court which can only be a recipe for disaster if you’re the defending side. Giving M.Destounis that much room will likely make any opposition pay a huge price. In the second portion of the game, M.Destounis had scored three straight goals for the Flyers before netting his clubs biggest one by the overtime period. The Flyers saw much of their goals concentrated on two particular players. While M.Destounis led the way on five tallies, D.Fortier was right behind him striking four times. As for the Wild, goals came by committee as they relied on everyone pulling their weight. Unfortunately , they just couldn’t find a way to play in front which could have maybe influenced the final result.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Marino Destounis of the Flyers. His exceptional performance, particularly his fifth goal in overtime, made him the undisputed hero of the night earning him the player of the game.

Panthers control tempo, Kings struggle to generate much up front

(5)Panthers vs Kings(2)

Controlling the tempo of the game with loads of ball possession will always come a long way. The Panthers owned that department in this playoff tilt with the Panthers, who kept getting frustrated as they lacked enough offense zone time to create much. The match did remain very close for a long period of time. The Panthers big goal came with fifteen minutes left when A.Gravel notched his first of two for a 3-1 lead. As much as the Kings regrouped to attempt a comeback, the Panthers ball control and defensive prowess proved challenging to overcome. R.Lendrum would pick up a loose ball to widen the margin, and the Panthers were well on their way to punching a ticket to the quarter final round. F.Vigliotti, although not overly busy, had to make some necessary saves in order for the Panthers to play in front. The Panthers exceptional ball possession and efficient use of their scoring chances were the defining factors in their 5-2 win over the Kings.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Freddy Vigliotti of the Panthers. Despite the Kings efforts to mount a comeback, F.Vigliotti’s consistent and reliable performance in net kept the Panthers in control. He provided his team with the confidence and stability needed to secure the win.

Sunday night concluded the end of the first round of the playoffs. Down to only eight teams, the quarter final round will take place this up coming Sunday. The match ups are as follows:

(1)Bruins vs Sabres(11) The Sabres are considered the underdogs as they’ll look to defy the odd against the first place Bruins. Its not like the Sabres don’t have the elements to cause an upset. N.Macri and C.Arnoldo put up goals on a regular basis while R.Testa has shown that he can be a key factor between the pipes. If they play with confidence and structure, than anything is possible .That being said, its no coincidence that the Bruins finished with only two losses, and will be a very difficult out.

(2)Canadiens vs Kraken(10) Here you have a case where the Kraken will have a difficult time penetrating the Canadiens defense. The Kraken have the offensive fire power to create chances, but they’ll be tested going up against a side that doesn’t give you much. If the Kraken fail to play ahead in this series, than it will likely favour the Canadiens with ease. Timely goals, defense first mentality, and solid goaltending by P.Kassaris are bare requirements if an upset is to happen.

(3)Red Wings vs Panthers(8) The Red Wings and the Panthers will face off against each other in what should be an unpredictable outcome. The seeding’s don’t apply in this one game do or die match up. Both sides are familiar with one another leaving a structured  game plan to perhaps decide the outcome. This series will come down to doing all the little things right. The Panthers are feeling confident coming off their recent win versus the Kings while the Red Wings will have all the motivation in the world to defeat an opponent that they don’t want to lose to.

(4)Blackhawks vs Flyers(5) Its simple, guard M.Destounis and you have a chance. The Blackhawks need to play it smart if they plan to advance. But to say guarding a top sniper is the way to go is easier said than done. Players like M.Destouins will no matter what find a way to score or make players around him find the back of the net. The Blackhawks will be stuck remaining aware of his presence throughout the entire game if they plan on moving on.