Monday April 22 (Semi finals)
Armadillos fall apart to Communists after strong start
Despite having their backs against the wall, the Communists were revived thanks to a pair of power play goals in the second game. The Armadillos got stuck taking too many penalties, and in doing so, paid the ultimate price. Still, the series wasn't over as both teams had all but a twelve minute period to decide it. The inspired 3-1 victory carried into the final stretch for the Communists, who made sure to take advantage of a vulnerable opponent. J.Argyropoulos and C-A Mayrand scored less than a minute apart and M.Melo had another incredible outing allowing only a very late goal to beat him. The winning formula for the Communists in games 2 & 3 was simple, and that was to patiently wait for their chances while getting exceptional goaltending.
(4)Armadillos vs Communists (1) Game 1
(3)Communists vs Armadillos (1) Game 2
(1)Armadillos vs Communists (2) Game 3
Les Yables fail to weather the storm, Punishers dominate both games
Les Yables knew that it would have taken a few factors in order to defeat the Punishers with only two changes to their bench. A big part of their game plan was to try and keep it close as long as possible. For nearly an entire period, it appeared to be the case, but that was up until A.Kobayati scored late in the frame for a 3-1 lead. Kobayati, however wasn't done yet bagging his second right away in the ensuing frame. Clearly, that marker sent signals to both sides that the Punishers were heading into game two with the series on their side. The question at that point was to see how Les Yables would be able to respond. Unfortunately, they suffered a similar fate conceding four straight markers in the first period alone. The Punishers were simply relentless on this night getting a full out effort-from every single players. S.Athanasopoulos and M.Arkalis each buried their second in an empty net while for a second straight match, N.Mackeen stood tall allowing only one goal per game.
(5)Punishers vs Les Yables(1) Game 1
(1)Les Yables vs Punishers (7) Game 2
The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Mathew Melo of the Communists. Determined to bounce back after dropping game one, the net minder did not disappoint and was a major reason why the Communists strung two consecutive wins in order to pass.
The Punishers and the Communists will meet in the final of the first division. It will be important for both sides to identify on who to watch. This series will come down to playing it smart by focusing on each other's strengths while avoiding meaningless penalties.
The second division will have their semi finals take place next Monday. The match ups are as follows:
(1)LG HC vs Chic Choc(4) With each team solid up front, goaltending may decide who advances. The Chic Choc won't have a choice but to get exceptional-goaltending from their pillar in net. The good news is that F.Peloquin can live up to the task as he has proven for the entire season.
(2)Dragons vs Yellow T-Shirts (3) Expect a stingy series with neither side giving much. The only way the score gets runned up is if the trailing team starts to take chances.
Suivez Hockeyballe.com sur les r�seaux sociaux suivantes