Sunday November 12 (Quarter finals)

B.Verducci stands tall in net, Red Wings strike early and often to defeat Panthers

(9)Red Wings vs Panthers(4)

While many factors are required to obtain success, goaltending is right up there, if not the most important part of it. B.Verducci’s solid goaltending proved to be a formidable barrier against the Red Wings offensive efforts, making key saves early on to keep his side in control. The Red Wings played a tight game while patiently waiting fro their chances. Every so often, they would generate a great opportunity and capitalise getting a ton of balanced scoring. The contest was barely 22 minutes old and the Red Wings knew they had punched a ticket heading into the next round. The Panthers simply couldn’t get enough pace to mount a huge deficit. Despite their efforts, the Panthers were unable to overcome the Red Wings well rounded game.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Ben Verducci of the Red Wings. The goaltender exhibited an outstanding performance between the pipes enabling his side to build enough of a comfortable lead to securing an important win.

Kraken keep it close for half the game before Canadiens pull away on a tear

(10)Canadiens vs Kraken(3)

It was a game plan that the Kraken didn’t mind at all utilising going up against a solid team. The strategy was simple by trying to keeping it close for as long as possible. And for a large part, the Kraken were pleased on how things were rolling along. The unit was sound and alert defensively, the players would come back to guard their players, and P.Kassaris was making the saves in order to keeping the game close. However, as the game progressed, the Canadiens began to assert their dominance. Whether through strategic adjustments ,increased offensive pressure, or capitalising on the Krakens’s lapses, the Canadiens went on a scoring tear. Their skilful plays and cohesive teamwork allowed them to pull away, leaving the Kraken trailing in the dust. G.DeStefano, G.Santacroce, K.Trichas and L.Bavellas all potted a pair while A.Angelis quarterbacked the back end collecting four assists. The Canadiens are known for playing a style that doesn’t give much to the opposition. The Kraken, although knew this, couldn’t apply enough pressure in the second portion  to keep pace with the Canadiens.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Mike Tzouvadakis of the Canadiens. While the offense wasn’t an issue, the Canadiens were glad to see their goaltender dialled in making a bunch of saves against a very respected attack in the Kraken.

Bruins advance on tight defensive effort

(6)Bruins vs Sabres(2)

In a compelling ball hockey contest, the Bruins emerged victorious against eth Sabres with a convincing final score. The Bruins showcased what was required in a playoff game. Every area was covered-from their top guns scoring, a  sound defensive effort and of coarse having A.Benedetto there as the last line of defense. A crucial point during the contest occurred when S.Vitai and M.Mosca converted only three minutes apart. The sequence put the Bruins ahead 3-1 which gave them the luxury of dictating the terms their way. Even though there was half a game remaining, the Sabres couldn’t figure out how to penetrate the Bruins defence, and perhaps more importantly A.Benedetto. Only three players scored for the Bruins with S.Vitali, M.Mosca and Z.St-Martin bagging two goals apiece. The three players created significant challenges for the Sabres defense, as they showcased skilful plays and accurate shooting to secure the win.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Andy Benedetto of the Bruins. You know you have a hand in it when allowing only two goals in a big playoff game. While A.Benedtto may be rightfully so to credit his teammates in front of him, there is no denying that he played a pivotal role in net making a bunch of key saves.

Flyers score 2 quick goals to turn the tide

(2)Blackhawks vs Flyers(3)

In a tight and intense playoff battle between the Flyers and the Blackhawks, the Flyers managed to gain an advantage on a pair of very quick goals. The Blackhawks had set the pace early on courtesy of E.Allen, but eventually fell behind when C.Roberts and O.Libbos converted only a minute apart. You knew that this was going to be a tight affair till the every end for how both sides were keeping up with one another. The two teams didn’t quite have their full line ups which forced the players to play smarter and be more aware on how to spend their energy. The Flyers played with their slight 2-1 lead until M.Destounis provided some breathing room by widening the gap. Still, time wasn’t yet an issue for the Blackhawks as they tried to battle back and  salvage their playoffs hopes of staying alive. G.Martuccio gave some light at the end of the tunnel as the young talent bridged the gap by one. By that point, the Flyers had just over two minutes to kill off the clock and secure a hard fought win. With B.Mourad determined to close out the assignment in net along with the Flyers battling hard to defend properly, the Blackhawks couldn’t make a last crucial play in order to force the extra time.  

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Brian Mourad of the Flyers. The net minders ability to make key saves under pressure and limit the opposing teams scoring opportunities was instrumental in securing a hard fought win for the Flyers.

The Sunday Draft league division has reached a thrilling stage as it narrows down to the final four teams, setting the stage for an exciting semi final round. The stakes are high as the four teams vie for a coveted spot in the championship game, where they’ll have the opportunity to compete for the ultimate title in the Sunday division. The match ups are as follows:

(1)Bruins vs Flyers(5) As the Bruins continue their quest, its evident that containing M.Destounis will be a key factor if they plan on advancing. That being said, the Flyers will have more adjusting to do going up against a heavy favourite. Right off the bat, the Flyers goaltending needs to be stellar, the defense has to be coordinated, and the offense should come naturally with Destounis navigating the forwards.

(2)Canadiens vs Red Wings(3) If the Red Wings don’t start strong like they did against the Panthers by building a lead, than look for the Canadiens to advance. The Canadiens are so sound defensively that the Red Wings have to play a chess match style in order to compete with them. As long as they hang around, then anything is possible, especially with B.Verducci guarding the cage.