DUBLIN, OH - Sometimes the best team on the ice isn't. If you are a fan of hockey you understand that it takes a full 36 minutes -- our league, not the NHL -- to defeat a quality team like the defending champion Big Pucks. This was one of those nights.
The Arrowhawks sprang from the locker room with a quick jump tonight. The first line of Monahan, Morgan and Torsok did their usual thing, controlling the puck through neutral ice and dictating tempo. But it was the second line of Griffith, Snow and Titus that surprised the opposition -- notching two early goals in their first shift.
"It was a good surprise," said LW Tom Morgan, the Hawks leading point man in team history. "They did a great job of finishing. Kevin was awesome all night and Barry really finished when he had the chance." Tom said after the game. Barry Snow drilled a goal scorers goal top shelf off the cross bar to start the scoring.
"I'm the best finisher on the team," said Snow at the bar after the game. "Well, at least when I'm not mocking NHL coaches at a Blue Jackets game." he added. If you'd like to see him in action, click here.
"Barry was great when he had to be," said Griffith. "He finished when he had to and helped us get a good jump tonight." he added.
The Hawks jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals from Griffith and Snow in their first shift. But unfortunately for the Hawks, that was all the scoring they'd add on the night.
The defending champs buckled down, clogging passing lanes and skating with tenacity. They notched a quick answer on an ugly deflection over the league's best damn goaltender period, Jason Jensen.
"Jay was screened all night," said RW Jason Torsok. "Outside of one brilliant goal by them, he battled to just find the puck."
At the end of the first period the score was 3-1 Hawks. Too bad the game didn't end there.
"I thought we had them on the ropes," said defenseman Mike Gauthier. "We started fast."
But the champs wouldn't rest. Their short bench was up to the task shift after shift, thwarting scoring chances. The Big Pucks goalie made the saves he had to, controlling rebounds to keep them in the game.
The game for the Hawks was decided by the refs whistle. It seemed like the entire second period the Hawks were on the penalty kill, having to fend off two 5 on 3 kills.
"Some of the penalties were justified, but it got ugly," said captain Mark Monahan, nursing a bad shoulder. "No way we committed all the penalities tonight." he added. The Arrowhawks suffered through over 12 minutes of penalties and that was the difference, leading to 2 power play goals for the Pucks.
The calls were one-sided tonight. "No way we were the aggresive ones deserving all those calls," said defenseman Nick Lanctot. "I think the refs don't like us because we wear black. They must have a thing for black sweaters."
"Give them credit. They worked it and were able to get the puck past Jason when they needed to," said Morgan. Never mind that our effort wasn't good defensively. Mac and the boys played well but they had the puck bounce their way."
The Big Pucks potted the last 3 goals on the night to win the contest 4-3., including 2 power play goals.
"It was a great game and I'm glad we won," said one of the Big Pucks after the game. "The Hawks are a powerhouse and any win against their team is a good win. They are better looking than we are. Have better hair and probably make good money, but we have a great sponsor and private jet, something no other team has," they added. The Hawks would love a ride on the private jet.
"Do they have hot stewardesses?" asked a random Hawk.
Oleg Chetverikov had a great chance in the final seconds, but hit the post. "I should have had that one," the talented Ukrainian admitted.
Jason Jensen made 24 stops on the night. He made excellent saves as he usually does.
The loss dropped the Hawks record to 1-3 on the session. It's the first time in three years the Hawks have had the record.
"We'll get it on track," said Monahan after the game. "We've got the skill to finish strong. We're going to be fine."
The last time the Hawks were 1-3 they won the session championship. That would be fine, indeed.
MENSEL A LATE SCRATCH
Missing from the lineup was playmaker Nate Mensel. "Nate is a difference maker and I'm certain his puck ability would have counted when it mattered," said Rick Titus. "He's pretty with the puck and we needed more pretty tonight." he added.
Nate couldn't answer the call tonight. He was sidelined with an undisclosed injury and his play was missed.
"Gooch and the boys did their thing. Lanctot was awesome as usual, but against the Pucks, we needed our full lineup." said Chris 'Jesus was a' Carpenter.
"We'll see them in the playoffs."
