Bryce Griffith entered the game with an upper body injury but played well enough fans didn't notice. Bryan Griffith thwarted early chances with a strong back-check in the defensive zone and good passes on the breakout. Centerman Kevin Griffith wasn't in mid-season form early, but as the game progressed he got stronger along the wall.
The games first goal came from an unlikely source. Third line RW Rick 'Reg' Titus took an Oleg 'Epic Win' Chetverikov's faceoff in the offensive zone, passed the puck back to 'Minnesota' Nick Lanctot who shot the puck through traffic. Titus zigged, zagged and crashed the net, potting the rebound past the stellar Pub's netminder.
"I remembered what Mark taught us in our first ever practice held last week," said Titus after the game. "He told us to remember to crash the net even if we were tired. That good things come to players, even if you normally suck at scoring. He's an uplifting captain, that Mark." Titus added.
The Pubber's didn't go away quietly. They notched the game at 1-1 in the second period, despite excellent goaltending from Jason Jensen. Michael Bohland, a league leader in points each session, figured in the goal, with a nifty pass to Nico Shuetz.
It was the only goal Jensen would give up on the night.
"Jay was super tonight, as usual," said LW Tom Morgan. "He's like the weather. Somewhat unpredictable but always better than Heart remaking a classic Led Zepplin song."
Jensen stoned Bohland on a breakaway and kept the Hawks in the game through the second period, notched at a goal a piece.
The Law Firm line took over from there.
Kevin Griffith notched what turned out to be the game winner after a dominating offensive-zone shift. The boys settled down and passed the puck with precision until Kevin could drill a rebound.
Byan Griffith would add another goal in the third period, again after determined offensive pressure.
The Hawks defense was rock-solid through the game. Mac Lawless, Nick Lantot, Mike Gauthier and G. Ted Bulwinkle only gave up one odd-man rush. At one point Jason Torsok proclaimed, "I haven't seen our defense look this good since they all showed up hammered after a Michael McDonald concert."
"For the record, Michael is quite inspiring. Even though Tom disagrees," added Arrowhawk captain Mark Monahan. Tonight's game was the seventh anniversary of Monahan joining the Hawks.
"I can't think of a better way to reward Mark for laying it on the line every Friday in both zones," said Rick Titus. "He's the best two-way player in the league, hands down."
Terry Walker manned the left wing on the third line and was solid positionally, just missing on several scoring chances.
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