LEWIS CENTER, OH - With the exception of the first 4 minutes of game, the winter session regular season finale between the Arrowhawks and Panthers was a one sided affair. Goaltending was solid for both teams, but in the end, it was the Hawks notching the win, 5-1. The victory assures the Arrowhawks no worse than a #2 seed in the playoffs that begin next week.
The Panthers notched the first goal on an even strength tally 4:00 minutes into the game. A rebound found its way to the Panther's captain Flynn #22 for a wide open net. The Hawks defenders were caught out of position due to a free beer concession stand in the corner.
"How often do we get a chance for free beers during a game," said Mac Lawless. "Jay's fine. He can handle about 4 or 5 point blank shots before he snaps."
The lead didn't last long.
:30 seconds later, Andrew Applehans battled to a loose puck in front and snapped a wrister over the Panther's goalie's shoulder. Oleg Chetverikov had an assist on the play. Kevin Griffith potted the game winner the very next shift on terrific passes from Nate Mensel -- who played left wing tonight -- and Nick Lanctot, who continues his terrific play.
Two goals were added in the second period to make the score 4-1 Arrowhawks (Kevin Griffith from Bryan Griffith and Barry Snow; Bryan Griffith from Nick Lanctot on a blast from the point). The final Arrowhawk goal was scored by Oleg Chetverikov at 5:54 in the third (Walker, Lanctot). All goals were even strength.
Missing from tonight's game were Mark Monahan, Tom Morgan, Jason Torsok, Joe Factor and leading goal scorer Bryce Griffith. They are all trying out for a new reality series called "I'm not a Mama's boy and I can Prove it." Except for Morgan, that is. He's got a big game to play tomorrow. Something about waiting 21 years to wipe some Delbarton ass or something.
The Bee Gee's suck
When's the last time you saw a player go haywire after a tripping call and attack a ref? If you were at tonight's game against the Panthers, that's exactly what you'd have seen. 9:46 in the third period, #61 Leif Erickson of the Panthers took a bad tripping call just inside the defensive blue line. Mac Lawless was carrying the puck and made a nice inside out move (his wife says he doesn't have any good moves but we beg to differ) when he was hauled down. Longtime official and overall good Samaritan Danny made the call. He was immediately called every expletive in the book. Erickson followed Danny to the penalty box and threatened him with many bad words and even worse breath.
"I don't know which was worse," said a fan after the game. "His terrible hockey skills -- he fell all over the ice tonight and complained each time he did -- or his rage toward the game's best officiating crew."
Lawless had to be restrained by a very cool Terry Walker, or he'd have likely done a number on the terrible seventies singer. Walker directed Lawless back to the free beer corner and cooler heads prevailed.
"He shot like a Beegee," said another fan while slurping a slushee.
