May 04, 2008
Half game effort enough to win
The Stanley Stick will be won by the first team to play a complete game. Well, one team is going to have to play two complete games.
Sunday, neither side seemed so inclined. It almost cost one team their advantage, while the other paid a steep price. Smith and his mates overcame a mid-game lull, during which they squandered their five-goal advantage, by outscoring their opponents 9-1 through the game's second half en route to a 20-12 win and the upper hand in the two week championship series.
After spotting their feisty foes a quick 1-0 lead on a seeing-eye shot by the Living Legend that found the gap between Billy Idol's leg pads, Smith's side of speedsters took control of the neutral zone, and the game, opening an advantage that grew to five goals at one point.
"We tried to create some good intensity on each line," said Smith of his side's balanced attack that utilized their speed advantage to weave past sluggish defenders and create scoring opportunities on their defensive miscues.
"It's an intensity game that you've got to play from beginning to end," said Paul One. "If you try to float, you're going to pay the price."
They almost did.
With the game going their way, they started to get sloppy as rebounds off Billy Idol's pads found their way back to the point where Unabomber was able to tee up his fearsome slap shot and spark a run of four straight goals. Suddenly, the romp was an 11-11 nailbiter.
"I think we committed that cardinal sin that when you have a bit of a lead you think you can ease off a little bit," said Paul One. "I think we got a bit lazy, we started challenging for the ball a little less, and we stopped hustling."
"We stopped finishing," said Smith. "We lost a bit of intensity and they came out hard."
Energized by their unlikely comeback, the underdogs pressed to take their first lead since the game's earliest moments. But Billy Idol closed the door, and his pads, repelling shot after shot, smothering rebounds from prowling opportunists, and when he was caught out of position, teammates joined the fray to clear the ball.
"Idol had a little more help at times clearing the ball away from the net," said Elvis of his team's mid game frustration. "He had a lot of guys in front of his net taking away the rebounds."
Unable to cap their comeback by wresting the lead, the Colonel and his mates seemed to sag as the tie dragged on. A gargantuan goal by Beetle Boy, who carried the ball out the corner, crashed two defenders and then stuck with the rebound to knock it past Nibs broke them.
"I think we were really really into the game emotionally up until we got it tied 11-11," said the Colonel. "After a couple of balls went in the other way, we seemed to lose a little bit of pride in what we were doing out there and quite a bit of aggressiveness, and they took advantage."
"They kind of blew their load when they scored four straight to get back to us," said Smith. "After that, we came out hard and buried them."
"Sometimes the battle to tie it takes too much out of you, and you can't take it home," said Paul One. "You fight so hard to get it back to even and that seems like the end of the road until you realize you've got to keep going."
And play a full game, said Elvis. "We're not out of it yet, but we do need to come up bigger next week."
FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM SUNDAY'S GAME, CLICK HERE
Each team will have their lineups next week bolstered by additional players; Lak Attack, who missed Sunday's opener to run a marathon, will join the leaders as determined by a pre-game card pull, while Cowboy Bill and Gump are expected to join the underdogs.
The roster changes could change the dynamics of the series, said the Colonel.
"We're adding a couple of big bodies who can bang and crash, and the more you're banging and crashing, the more you're wearing down the other team."
"It gives us Gump, who's a tenacious defenseman and he does have a scoring touch," said the power forward. "It gives us more defense, it gives us another big shot."
Meanwhile, Paul One and his mates are looking forward to Lak Attack's two-way skills.
"The style of play we had today will suit him perfectly."
Sunday's Stanley Stick opener lived up to its billing as a battle between back-up goalies as second string shotstoppers Nibs and Billy Idol struggled with consistency.
"It's what you get when you have two goalies who aren't Luongo and Brodeur out there," said Smith. "Billy started out great but he struggled in the middle and Nibs hit a great streak through the middle of the game when he shut down everything on us."
The underdogs endured a bit of a scare late in Sunday's game when the Colonel crumpled to the concrete after wrenching his knee while battling Smith for the ball along the side boards. After much writhing and genuflecting, the battling forward hobbled off the court to assess the damage. He didn't miss a shift.
If the underdogs come back next week to tie the series, the championship will be decided by a 10-goal mini game.
Posted by jaysuburb at May 4, 2008 06:23 PMGo to bed Unabomber we need a huge game out of you tomorrow. Someone pass me another bzzr ... urp!
Posted by: The Colonel at May 11, 2008 12:26 AMSmith, I don't know what your definition of courteous is but...really.
More like he's getting more subtle w/ his insulting barbs.
Raining like a beotch tonight
Posted by: unabomber at May 11, 2008 12:12 AMIt can rain all it wants tonight but tomorrow morning it's going to be clear and dry.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 10, 2008 11:09 PMRAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN!!!
Posted by: Billy Idol at May 10, 2008 10:42 PMAngry? I didn't think those posts were angry.
Tease-oriented? Yes.
Aggravating and distracting? Hopefully.
Calculating? Definitely.
But, angry? Not so much.
If the red team loses, I'll buy the first jug at River's Reach ... but PaulOne isn't allowed to partake because he constantly hurts my feelings.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 10, 2008 01:25 PMso to re-cap...
paul one and colonel are crazy and have a real hate on for one another.
elvis and una have minor if not significant anger management issues
for the first time ever, idol is trying to be courteous with his posts
gump and lak are pretty much oblivious to anything angry around them
beetle got jumped and beaten
legend is MIA
cowboy, scrappy and doo are keeping their distance from all the angry posts (or busy with porn)
nibs and kid aren't much for posting but they both tried
scoob is focused on the game but i think he called wink and legends whordes.
lobsterboy is enjoying the show
and, i'm just a smartass.
Posted by: smith at May 10, 2008 08:58 AMPaulOne you are one very strange fellow.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 9, 2008 11:33 PMColonel,Holy s**, again with the list thing? It's pretty obvious that you're dying to get a list.Don't worry, you've always been on a list, my list. Actually it's pretty exclusive because your the only person whose ever been on it. PLEASE TELL ME THAT YOU'RE PLAYING SUNDAY!
Posted by: PaulOne at May 9, 2008 07:10 PMNice try Colonel, It took me a while before I got your list.
Posted by: Billy Idol at May 9, 2008 07:02 PMLooks like rain kid ;)
Posted by: Billy Idol at May 9, 2008 05:26 PMThat's a weird list Kid. Not sure the total relevance. To be complete perhaps you should add Nibs, Doo, Elvis, Living Legend, Colonel, Gump, Cowboy, and Lak.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 9, 2008 05:02 PMBilly, since I am on your team I will be more than happy to bring my goalie equipment for you.And holly craziness on some of the comments. Hoping the weather is good for Sun.
Posted by: lakattacke at May 9, 2008 03:57 PMEverything has already been decided ...last week.
Cripes.
So what is the commish's ruling on the issues of who starts in net, and who gets lak, cowboy and gumper? I think a Doo vs. Scrappy fight could decide this issue and provide a great headline for our media horde.
Posted by: Scooby at May 8, 2008 08:24 PMAfter reading unabombers posts I am going to have to add to my LIST OF THE PLAYERS NOT ON MY TEAM:
1) unabomber
anyone else want on THAT list?
Posted by: Kid at May 8, 2008 07:41 PMGosh,
Billy Idol sure is going to look a lot smaller not having the luxury of Gump's equipment this week. Hopefully, the red team can take full advantage!
Mario,
Did the pic you took make it in the paper?
Ah Colonel, you’re actually a really great writer. An excellent example of persuasive paragraph filled with just the right touch of hyperbole. Really it’s almost a flash fiction narrative.
Sorry I’m not a fan of either style. I prefer non-fiction.
Anyway I do understand “your dance” and I realize that in the end it’s all about elevating and aggravating. You’re a master of doing both really well.
Here’s a special request: PLEASE PLAY ON SUNDAY. Billy Idol and I have a really nice “how do you do” planned for you in front of our net.
Didn't Colonel and Paul One go at it in the comments last year...this time of year is great!
Posted by: Gump at May 8, 2008 09:01 AMI must say that I truly enjoy the way PaulOne year-in, year-out re-invents ways to be completely classless. All I can say is thank God I'm rarely on your side of the card draw. It would be an embarrasment to be on "your team" and feel even an ounce of need to defend the foolhearty malarchy that spews from your big mouth courtesy of your tiny brain. I'll be there Sunday if only to ensure that you eat your words and to watch you cheer on your team from the bench as things tighten up down the stretch.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 7, 2008 07:54 PMI'll take the lady Bing.
Posted by: Billy Idol at May 7, 2008 07:33 PMReally Idol, you mean you'll let us change our goalies if we ask??? Wow thats very sportsmanlike of you. Forget Conn Stick, I say Idol for Dalai Lama.
I made no agreement, first I've heard of it.
Posted by: unabomber at May 7, 2008 07:28 PMGo ahead and start CHUMP in nets, it won't make any difference in the end.I say Idol for conn stick!
Posted by: PaulOne at May 7, 2008 06:17 PMAlright if you want to change goalies I guess that's Ok. Even though two weeks ago we agreed on something different I do agree that it is your team and you should do with it as you please. The cards were already pulled for Lak,Cowboy and Gump so that should remain the same too. Lets just have a good competitive game and a few cold ones after.
Where's the commissioner when you need him?
Making lists is fun, being on lists is even funner!
Posted by: PaulOne at May 7, 2008 01:07 PMAfter reading the comments that I'm trying to "change the rules" I have to increase my LIST OF THE PATHETIC to 2.
1) Paul One
2) Beetle Boy
Anyone else want on? ...keep yappin' botches.
Posted by: unabomber at May 7, 2008 01:34 AMi agree with elvis, that is very silly coments by billy idol, beetle boy and paulone about goaltendening. this is are team plan we can do what ever we want to change it.who made the rule about goalie can,t be changed. that is just being silly, stop crying. take care!!!!!!
Posted by: nibs at May 6, 2008 08:36 PMWow, thought Id have a quick read ...and have to say a giant FU to last weeks winning -or should I say whining team.
No Subs? Since when did the other team dictate their opponents line up? Jesus. No offense guys, but its our team and we'll decide who and how we play next week -not you.
So stop your F-ing crying. After a 20-12 blow out win, you'd think you have the decency and sportsmanship to not have to whine and bitch about what we may or may-not do come game time next sunday. Christ.
We spent 10 minutes deciding how the card draw went last game to avoid all this BS now.
That said you should expect us to play who we want where we want to ensure a competitive game next week and avoid another slaughter. period. Panic and cry all you want until then.
Colonel you crack me up! Rest assured that if I somehow manage to hit the post, the fence, or the cement I won't roll around on the ground moaning for 10 minutes like a cow in labor. I do suggest that you stay home to nurse your knee and ego, both are in need of some care. In the end, we all know that you're really just looking for an excuse to bail on "your" team.
Posted by: PaulOne at May 6, 2008 05:21 PMnow that's more like it, explicit threats, verbal sparring, dare i say a hint of hate? where are paulone's mind machinations? where are the taunts? where are the jibes at others sexual preferences...
Posted by: lobsterboy at May 6, 2008 03:47 PMThe front-runner for the Conn Stick is Smith; plain and simple. At least give credit where it's properly due.
The only confidence I'm lacking is whether or not I'll be able to go on Sunday. You, on the other hand Paul One, are lacking in so many ways there isn't even any point to begin creating a list.
It would behoove you to keep your head up on Sunday. I wouldn't want a pissed off Unabomber driving me into any goal posts.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 6, 2008 02:23 PMThanks Una, Pathetic is the perfect word to describe the attempt to change the rules after the series has started.
Here's a suggestion; Play the cards you’re dealt and start planning a way to overcome your obstacles which doesn't involve trades and illegal subs.
Crying to change the rules because you don't like the result sounds too much like kindergarten kids screaming because they lost their marbles and don't like the game.
P.s. The pale swipes at the Conn Stick frontrunner (i.e. Beetle) are just the motivation he needs to take his game to even a higher level.
P.P.S Don't worry Nibs, I know you'll play well on Sunday even with the total lack of confidence that the Colonel and Una have in you.
Posted by: Paul One at May 6, 2008 11:54 AMPathetic, Beetle.
Posted by: Unabomber at May 6, 2008 01:50 AMBeetle, stop your crying. You sound like a self-proclaimed Commissioner in your post. Wha, wha, this. Wha, wha, that. "The results are final." "No goaltender substitutions." Sounds like someone who doesn't have much faith in his team's ability to close it out.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 5, 2008 10:27 PMSmith, no worries on "strategically" sliding the stick under my foot. Next time I'll make sure I at least take your blade with me.
Don't count me out completely yet. Last I checked I'm pretty competitive so if there's any way, I'll play. Will see how things go over the course of the week. The red team should get two of the three players - not all three - as this will ensure the most even distribution of players. I really don't care who ends up on what side or who plays net and who doesn't. Everyone has something important to contribute no matter where the cards fall. I've been on more lop-sided teams in the Stanley Stick in the past which still found a way to win at least one of the two games.
If we want to even the teams up we should make a trade: Colonel for the Kid - especially since it's supposed to be raining on Sunday.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 5, 2008 10:26 PMHey Mario,
I did finish the marathon but very pathetically. As for next week, I am looking forward to playing on either side, as I am sure that Gump and Cowboy feel the same way. It sounds like the game was competitive until the later stages in the game. Looking forward to next week with a vengeance.
hey Lak, seeing as I didn't see your name posted in the newspaper this morning amongst the finishers of the marathon, I assume you're still running and you just made a pitstop at a coffee shop to send in your comment?
Posted by: Living Legend at May 5, 2008 01:23 PMColonel - that sucks. Sorry for putting my stick under your foot on that one. Keep us up to date as the week wears on because it will effect the Black team's on-going strategic planning.
Especially with Colonel out, I agree with Idol about revising how Lak, Gump and Cowboy are placed. I think Lak should be put on the Red team (currently losing side) and then Cowboy and Gump should draw for their side(s).
This week was 6 and 5 so it looks like 6 and 7 for the final week. Is it possible that all three who missed this week join the RED team or is that over the top?
Posted by: Smith at May 5, 2008 12:23 PMFor all those that care, my knee is fuked. That was apparent after the two extra-strength Advil I popped prior to the game wore off. I'm on crutches today. Will see how things progress over the week but it doesn't look good at all. Very disappointing.
In the spirit of Stanley Stick jousting, I think PaulOne would be more valuable to his team if he suited up as goaltender.
Posted by: The Colonel at May 5, 2008 09:53 AMThe goalies will remain the same, but if the other team wants Lak I'm ok with that.We'll take Gumps tenacious forechecking anyday!
Posted by: Billy Idol at May 5, 2008 09:49 AMmario, i think we should get lakh. having kidd,smith,scooby and lakh on a same team. i think it,s one sided team. and it,s unfair.
Posted by: nibs at May 4, 2008 11:47 PMA few things:
1. Legend...I don't think it was me who broke the tie. Running past 2 defenders and scoring on a rebound doesn't really sound like me.
2. Awesome finish by our side. Way to keep working, we have to keep it up.
3. I wasn't there for last week's game but from the talk today, I was under the impression that teams could NOT change their goalies for next week (Lak's message seems to indicate the opposite). What is the actual rule?
4. Lak, despite the equivocating of your message, you are on our team. There was quite a debate about how to select the teams for you, Gumper and Cowboy but it is done and the results are final.
Kick ass effort for our team. Let's keep it up for next week.
Posted by: Beetle Boy at May 4, 2008 11:04 PMOk. Glad that the story is finally printed. I guess I am on the winning side, so far, but if that changes I am ok with another change. I am looking forward to playing with either team next game. Remember either team can change their goaltender if they choose. Bottom line for next week is that I am looking forward to a good game from both teams!!! See you all Nxt Week.
Posted by: lakattack at May 4, 2008 08:40 PM