Mar 03, 2015 | Todd McIver | 972 views
First Game of Round Two!!
After a decent showing in the first round of playoffs, Team Blue was looking to avenge a loss in the London Tournament championship against their rivals, the London Mustangs Purple. Every player and coach knew this would be no easy task as the Purple of London seemed to be playing strong, inspired hockey as of late.
Anticipation was high as the puck dropped to begin the "Happy Playoff Round". Immediately it looked as if Bleu had the advantage as a smart forechecking scheme stymied the Purple team. Solid puck movement from the Blue D helped to spread the ice and kept the London attack at bay. A few misjudged puck interception attempts however lead to a few scoring chances by Purple which were easily stopped by the Blue tender. At the other end, smart passing and battles being won in the trenches lead to many scoring chances of our own. With a slight edge in puck possession, Blue cashed in when a relentless attack by our forwards was rewarded with a bouncy puck and a "Johnny on the spot" rebound being banged home. The period ended 1-0 in our favour and Blue had the momentum.
Only 14 seconds into the period a Blue defender was called for interference. From the face-off Purple took the puck into the Blue end and after a little running around by Team Blue, a seemingly harmless shot from high in the slot was misplayed buy the Blue tender and the score was tied. In typical Team Blue fashion, the next goal would be ours when off the ensuing face-off, Blue took the puck deep, made a smart pass back to a D-man who wired it through a crowd. The purple goalie had no chance and Blue again had the lead. Not to be outdone, Purple kept coming! Exactly 2 minutes later, they would tie the game on another seemingly harmless shot that found its way to the back of the Blue net. 2-2. The remainder of the period would be hard fought by both teams with a slight edge in momentum beginning to sway London's way.
Beginning the third, London took the puck into the Blue end and there it would stay when scramble after scramble, and missed clearing attempt after missed clearing attempt allowed Purple to impose their will on the panicked Blue Team. Blue's goalie was busy and seemed to find his form late in the game with some good stops. Purple was attacking like a team possessed and Blue looked like a team that needed rest! It seemed that each player on blue had forgotten to do the things that make us successful and reverted back to the individual play that works sometimes in Md and house-league. Most battles now were being lost and it looked like may Blue players were afraid to be physical. This all lead to 2 more London goals and a bad loss for a team of really talented players. We have to remember that in order to have success, you need to stick to what works and not become individuals or try to be heroes. Hard battles along the boards, winning races to the puck, smart passing decisions, and team play win games. London looked hungrier and were awarded with the win.
Hopefully better overall play in London would be on tap for tomorrow!