This Week in SCOHA – March 19th, 2019

Another high-flying weekend of playoff hockey that saw some teams polish the apple for a much needed 2 points while others have a few bumps in the walkway. At any rate, let’s go over the week that was.

 

JUNIOR DIVISION (March 8th)

BRUINS 2 FLYERS 0: Roman Bratovz put on a goaltending clinic, stopping 53 shots en route to a 2-0 whitewash of the arch-rival Flyers. This game was crazier than St.Paddy’s Week in Liverpool that saw 16 minutes in penalties doled out by the refs. Geoff “I am outta here” Chowen along with Sean Riley tallied the goals for the Bruins.

 

PENGUINS 5 BLACKHAWKS 4: a 9-goal barn burner saw the Penguins slip by the Hawks 5-4 in front of a jam-packed arena. Mike Haslam was the games 1st star with 2 goals and an assist to lead the way. For the Hawks, Nick Troback notched a pair in a losing cause. Haslam has a ton of skill for a potent Penguins team, dirty with the puck, like I mean Holiday Inn hot tub dirty... always finds the game sheet.

 

OILERS 4 REDWINGS 2: Oilers Jay Dimitroff can shoot the puck, guys. I heard he fired slappers downstairs for 10 hours at the water heater to try and flood the basement... Another 2 goals to spearhead the Oilers over the Wings 4-2. Ryan Aikens had the 2 lone goals for the Redwings...

 

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION:

BRUINS 4 LEAFS 2: Just your average garden variety hard working playoff game for the Bruins who are peaking at the right time. This time they knocked off the Leafs 4-2, who were brimming with confidence behind their star goalie Bill Templeman and power forward Bob Tenison. Captain Wayne Sliwinski scored a goal and added an apple to cement the victory for the Bruins.

 

FLYERS 2 BLACKHAWKS 1: Fans waited outside for the Flyer players to emerge so they could get some autographs and photos. Flyers hung on for the big 2-1 victory to enter the hunt for the cup. Flyers “protector of the painted plumbing” Tymen Edelkoort played an amazing game in net. More blocks than a New York street map as the Flyers held off a ferocious attack by the Hawks toward the end of the game. When the final horn sounded, Flyers escaped unscathed and will face the Penguins this weekend. Chris Marttila "The Hun" and Jason “Playboy” Hoffman tallied for the winners.

 

PENGUINS 7 CANADIENS 6: This game had a bit of everything. Parades to the penalty box and a boatload of goals as the Penguins outlasted the Canadiens 7-6. Troy “Get in the Car” Izlakar was the hero for the Pens, scoring a hatty for the home side. Canadiens were missing Rob Baker, who was at the Butter Tart Festival as a guest judge.

 

MASTERS DIVISION:

STARS 1 FLAMES 1: Your typical defensive playoff game that would make Larry Robinson wet his jeans. Both goalies deserve the game puck so cut the damn thing in half. Stars Larry Litzgus could score with a pair of 1938 buckle-up skates if he had to. He scored the Stars goal while Rob Frith responded for the Flames. Great game as no fan went home disappointed.

 

REDWINGS 4 KINGS 1: What’s up with the Kings? Spent more time in the box than Tommy Lee on a Friday night. 5 minors spelled defeat as they need to tighten things up before it’s too late. Wings Vince Mercuri was again out of this world, scoring 2 doozies for the winners. Terry Gudgeon was a tower on the blueline. Kings needed an Uber to get around this guy. Scott Johnson made several tantalizing saves in the Wings crease, turning away more shots than an AA meeting.

 

BRUINS 5 FLYERS 1: Bruins are back on track, folks. 5-1 win over the Flyers. When the snow finally melted, Bernard “Beef” Boulianne and Gary Guthro each scored 2 for the winning side. Carlo Deluca had the lone snipe for the Flyers who were missing 5 players in a pivotal game.

 

SHARS 2 BLACKHAWKS 2 What a game! Nationally televised on TvOntario, this one saw both teams wear out the ice from start to finish. Fans chanted “5 more minutes... 5 more minutes” wanting more action but sorry fans, no extra time for these guys. Great matchup.

 

Well that’s the action from the past few weeks. Play resumes this weekend with some teams needing a big win to move on while others will be shaking teammates hands until next fall. Underdogs are proving anything can happen when playoffs come while favourites are finding it tough to finish games off. Good luck this weekend, fellas!

 

Chris Marttila