With just three weeks left in the regular season, Black and Orange have already punched their playoff tickets. Most of the middle pack of teams will have no trouble finding their way into May play, as well. For those teams still in the danger zone, however, it is time to move up, or move out…
Pink remain one of those teams who need to do some work to secure a playoff spot. Andrew Jacobsen had them off to a good start in the first against Royal, but London Peters managed to tie it with just one tick left in the frame. That would be the only damage that either goalie would allow, as Captain Sean Kelly (9/10) earned the same result for Pink with much less effort than his Royal counterpart, Jerry Russell (25/26). The 1-1 tie keeps Royal in the playoff fold, at least for now, while Pink still sit below the cut line at 1-3-3. This week’s Pink v Grey match-up is pretty much the whole ball of wax for both teams…don’t miss it!
Steve Jones is a beast, and he is definitely unleashed this season. He ripped and slashed through Gold’s defenses to the tune of 4 and 1, leading Black to an easy, breezy 6-0 win. Jones now boasts an obnoxious twenty points through eight games, with the next nearest threat to the scoring crown coming from his own teammate, Glenn Pinto (13). Kim Hernandez chased her 2 and 1 Week Nine outing with an 0 and 4 effort in Week Ten, and Cory Brin posted his third shutout of the season, stopping 21/21. The win keeps Black in the hunt for the top playoff spot with Orange, whom they will face in the regular season finale.
It has not been an easy road for Green this season, and just one more loss might bring them to a dead end. It’s a good thing the Gonzales brothers are in the car. Arnold came on board to join Jerry in Week Ten, giving Green a rare full bench. With lots of legs, and a little hope, Green got on the board first. Jerry Gonzales first of the year also gave Green their first (yes, first) lead of the season. Nick Adkins retaliated for Teal early in the first, but Kevin Dinino gave Green their second lead of the season, and, ultimately, their first win, 2-1 over Teal. The win keeps Green alive and kicking, and eager for another good result against Dark Green this Sunday. Teal are moving in the wrong direction, having lost three straight, but they should have enough in both the bank and in the tank to find their way through.
Captain Shawna Hamon’s Orange continued their ho-hum league dominance in Week Ten, throwing some shade on Grey, 2-0. Alan Razoky and Jon Zygelman assisted on each other’s first period goals, and Fred Fournier était magnifique in nets, as usual (23/23). The win keeps Orange loss-less, while the loss puts Grey in tough straits going into their final two games. If Captain Traughber’s side cannot manage a good result against Pink this Sunday, they will have just six points in the standings, and just one game left to prove their playoff worth.
Josh Wirt (2 and 1), and Captain Mark Ennsmann (1 and 1) led White to a 3-2 come from behind win over Light Blue. Steve Testen got the job done again in nets, stopping 17/19 to preserve his top spot in the goalie rankings. The win essentially ensures playoff status for the 3-1-3 White, while Captain Jon Salt’s Light Blue continue to flirt with the cut line at 3-4-0. This Sunday’s showdown with the 3-3-1 Gold has serious implications for both teams…who wants it more?