LEWIS CENTER, OH - Wow, what a game. This one had it all. Five on three's, penalties out the wazoo, both centers in the box at once -- it was a regular free-for-all out there tonight. Checks, penalties, penalties and more penalties.
At stake was first place in the division. The undefeated Maple Leafs, the number two seeded offensive powerhouse from the winter session and loser in the championship game, against the up-again Arrowhawks, loser of just one game in the session. Entering the contest, the Leafs had been scored on just 6 times in the session and had averaged an impressive 1.5 goals against per game. They scored about 4.5 goals per game (meaning they were +3 in each game for you math challenged folk) and led the league in both categories. #93 once again led his team in all offensive categories.
Tonight, their glass tipped over.
This game was all Hawks. Kevin Griffith was paired with new signee Bryan Wharton and the line was magic. Captain Mark Monahan and franchise leading point leader Tom Morgan were moved to the second line in a move so brilliant it would have won a Cannes Film Festival award if it were a movie.
"Black Swan meets Ladie Judy Dench," said defenseman Terry Walker from the shower. "Disturbing thought but a hell of a story."
Um, yeah. For the record, Walker played very well even though he's pushing 73 years old. "My birthday is coming up next week. I asked for a new cane with flames on the side, but I doubt I'll get it because my family spends all their money on snuggles," said a disappointed Walker.
Helping the Hawks was Tommy Parker.
"What a skater that kid is," said Tom Morgan. "I'm not sure where he came from but I'm really glad we landed him for the session. He's a hell of a skater."
Parker was stellar manning the blueline for the Hawks.
"Their defense did a great job closing the gap and not giving up quality chances," said the Leafs goaltender after the game.
Speaking of chances, Mark Monahan had a glorious breakaway opportunity in the second period. He didn't score, but he hustled his ass off to net the chance and almost burried the rebound. "Their goalie did a good job taking away the angles. I thought I had him 5 hole but must have missed it. He made 2 nice saves, bang bang." said the Hawks captain, +2 on the night.
3 STARS
1st star - James Santho, Goalie - Arrowhawks.
Dude was absolutely brilliant. Awesomely fast glove tonight and terrific positioning. It was clear early the Leafs would have to move the puck high to low and get traffic in front if they were going to score. What a difference maker.
2nd star - Bryan Wharton, C - Arrowhawks
What a free agent aqcuisition this guy has been. If there was ever a match for the Hawks style of play, this guy has it. He scored 2 more goals tonight and was absolutely stellar paired with league point leader Kevin Griffith. "Imagine if we could check," pondered the skilled finisher at the bar after the game. "What fun that would be."
3rd star - Mark Monahan, C - Arrowhawks
Mark was all over the ice tonight. Played a great two-way game setting up teammates in the offensive zone and breaking up chances in the defensive zone. Think a really short Zdeno Chara and a really slow Mike Madano. That's Mark. He's really good.
#29 was fired up for the game. He usually doesn't go that hard. I think our goalie was the difference. They have that big goalie and he did well, too. Lots of Penalties.
ReplyDeleteGood game...but WAY too many penalties. The one at the very end (not that it really mattered at that point) was probably the worst call I have ever seen.
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