This game should technically be called the battle of the basement. The last place Leafs...who have gained MUCHO RESPECTO over the past month or so face off against the Boston Bruins of the UVHL, the Nordiques. The Bruins....er....Nordiques have lost all offensive talent, and even last week fell apart defensively & between the pipes in an embarrassing 7-2 loss to Tuck.
The tale of the Whale is that there is some talent on the former joke of the UVHL. The Whalers have cut some dead beats and replaced them with some real hockey players. New addition to their blue line is "The Trojan: Ribbed" John Stally who spent 4 years at USC buttering up freshman with his quick upper valley wit and knowledge of the mountains. Up front their additions of Jay "Wham Bam" Zanleoni & Scotty "Too Hotty" Shaw, the Whalers have a solid chance of walking all over an uninspired Nordiques squad.
If the Nordiques want to be successful, they need to go back to what has worked in the past. Tenacious defensive zone coverage and solid goaltending. Their offensive frustrations have led to too many bad mistakes & turnovers.
....tough call, Whalers win in a 3-3 shootout.
Whalers roll......upset Nordiques 4-3
This game had huge stakes for both teams. The Whalers wanted to show the rest of the league that they weren't going to continue to be the whipping boys of the UVHL anymore, and the Nordiques needed to shake an offensive slump that had them questioning everything about hockey in general. The Nords were coming off back-to-back losses to to the Brewers & Tuck where they were outscored 12-5. The Whalers were coming off of a tough 4-1 loss to the Brewers by preceded that with a solid 3-2 come from behind win against Dead River 2 weeks ago.
This one started out with the two teams feeling each out, as neither team wanted to be the first to make a mistake. The first 5 minutes went back and forth before the Nord's Mikey "Foursome" O'Neil took a tripping call, but the Whalers couldn't get much going on the power play as the Nordique's "big box" gave the Whalers some big blue balls because they just couldn't score. It's true!!! The Nord's were energized after a solid kill, powering up "Super" Jordy McGee as he took a pass from Kevin "Washer &" Dwyer, cut to the net and jammed one past the Whaler's Kenny "Grandpa" Lallier. Things were looking up for the "Hapless" Nordiques until an ugly play from O'Neil resulted in an even uglier play by their goaltender resulting in a 1-1 game. The play came when O'Neil made a drop pass to his defensemen in the neutral zone not realizing that he was the last man back. The puck went deep in the Nordiques corner where Johnny "Temper Tantrum" Turner went to play it. In a brief moment of insanity Turner thought he was Martin Brodeur and thought he knew how to handle the puck, faking back up the boards before confusing himself and half ass throwing it into the corner where the Whaler's Scotty "Poise & Confidence" Leger casually picked off Turner's "dump" and found Zach "Ace" Aher all alone in front for the empty netter.
END OF THE FIRST: Whalers 1, Nordiques 1
The Whaler's jumped out to a 2-1 lead just 2:03 on a Scotty "Hee Haw" Shaw goal assisted by Joey "The Mute" Hayes & Stevie "Wonder" Bernier. The Whaler's continued to play a hard game, keeping the Nordiques forwards in check for most of the period until a quick breakout from the Nordiques end caught the Whaler's off guard as Greg "The Butcher of Guelph" Marsh broke in 2 on 1 with "Washer &" Dwyer. Marshy gave a quick shoulder drop, freezing everyone in the rink before burying one of his classic 100 MPH touch passes to Dwyer waiting on the back door to tie the game at 2 apiece. The Whalers bounced right back just under 2 minutes later when Gary "The Pearl Necklace" Laperle moved the puck to his point man Kirty "The Dirty" Johnson. Johnson fired a quick shot from the point that wast beautifully tipped in by "The Mute" Hayes for the Whalers to regain the lead. The Nordiques fought back on the next shift as a neutral zone turnover ended up on Nord's defenseman Kelly Park's stick who quickly hit Jordy "Sporty Spice" McGee cutting at the Whaler's blue line. McGee split the defensemen and beat Lallier with snap shot and 1:46 to play in the frame. Oh, I almost forgot, the nastiest play of the period came from the glove of Lallier who made Park his bitch once again as he dove across the crease with Park all alone on his back hand and robbed Park of an easy goal.
END OF THE SECOND: Whalers 3, Nordiques 3
The third period tightened up a bit but saw some big saves from Lallier & Turner. The Whalers continued to forecheck like chickens with their heads cut off, and the Nordiques continued to struggle offensively. The Nordiques took the only two penalties of the period with Captain Tao Smith getting an interference call at 13:19 and then Park taking the game changing penalty with 2:12 to play. Park's penalty came when his defensive partner, Shawn "McBlueCheese" McDermott failed to keep an easy dump out in at the point where Jay "Zamboni" Zanleoni had speed and picked up the puck breaking in all alone. Park, whose mentality is "If I move my arms really fast, people might think I'm skating quicker than I am", was pumping his arms like a retarded Rock 'em Sock 'em robot and managed to catch Zanleoni and put a good hook on him, disrupting his shot and sending him to the sin bin. On the ensuing power play Zanleoni stormed into the zone on the near boards, headed behind the net and found Shaw in the high slot, the puck was rolling so the shot off of Shaw's stick was heading high and wide until it hit one of Drew "Moobs" Crapser right in one of his man-boobs and redirected into the net for the 4-3 lead and eventual win.
Tighten That Belt Kerrigan! Feb 1st, 2010 07:33 PM
Coach K, I still owe you an embarrassing dangle to even things from the Alumni Game. I suggest you tighten the belt or risk getting undressed at the blue line. Based on the questionable relationship between a few of the more boisterous players in your locker room, you probably don't want to get undressed around them.
On a different note, both teams need this game. The Whale is desperately looking to get out of the basement and the Nords haven't looked like the team that held an 8-4-1, second place record, a few weeks ago. It should be a good battle, and while the write up isn't up yet, I guarantee KPark takes his usual direction and picks his Nords by 1. Better put your money where your mouth is, buddy!
kpark Quechee, VT
Registered: Dec 2003 Posts: 724
AHHHH Stally! Feb 2nd, 2010 12:04 AM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: JTStally Coach K, I still owe you an embarrassing dangle to even things from the Alumni Game. I suggest you tighten the belt or risk getting undressed at the blue line. Based on the questionable relationship between a few of the more boisterous players in your locker room, you probably don't want to get undressed around them.
On a different note, both teams need this game. The Whale is desperately looking to get out of the basement and the Nords haven't looked like the team that held an 8-4-1, second place record, a few weeks ago. It should be a good battle, and while the write up isn't up yet, I guarantee KPark takes his usual direction and picks his Nords by 1. Better put your money where your mouth is, buddy!
How'd I know you would be running your mouth early in this one. Given the embarrassing string of games the Nords have put together, I picked the Whale 4-3 in a shootout.
What's the history with you and Kerrigan? Coach? Rumor has it that "Avery" is out of town. This may actually be a fun, laid back game now!!!
KP
The Dark Canuck Fairlee, VT
Registered: Dec 2004 Posts: 340
Too funny Feb 2nd, 2010 11:40 AM
Park, I loved the "Scotty too hotty" comment, but I will have to disagree on the 3-3 shootout loss. I am predicting a Nords win to the tune of 6-2. Offense all over the gaping hole of LaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLalaLalLalier......
Z-Skate White River Jct, VT
Registered: Posts: 108
No Liam .. Feb 2nd, 2010 11:51 AM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: The Dark Canuck Park, I loved the "Scotty too hotty" comment, but I will have to disagree on the 3-3 shootout loss. I am predicting a Nords win to the tune of 6-2. Offense all over the gaping hole of LaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLaLalaLalLalier......
I wonder what Park, Marshy & JT (aka Michael Davidson) will bitch about .. JT may play better b/c he will not be trying to take "too hotties" legs off (oops, I thought you where Liam) Oh yeah, I forgot about Jordy 0-10 on the breakaways ..
LaLaLaLalier does have some holes ..
I predict I will have about 10 shots go high and wide tonight - go figure - maybe if I use a left-handed stick, I can keep the puck down.
kpark Quechee, VT
Registered: Dec 2003 Posts: 724
something.... Feb 2nd, 2010 12:08 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: Z-Skate I wonder what Park, Marshy & JT (aka Michael Davidson) will bitch about .. JT may play better b/c he will not be trying to take "too hotties" legs off (oops, I thought you where Liam) Oh yeah, I forgot about Jordy 0-10 on the breakaways ..
LaLaLaLalier does have some holes ..
I predict I will have about 10 shots go high and wide tonight - go figure - maybe if I use a left-handed stick, I can keep the puck down.
I wish I had something to say, but my recent lackluster and pathetic play has left me a devastated shell of a hockey player. My one goal, keep my turnovers to under 10 per period.
I didn't get the "Michael Davidson" reference. JT is more like Ron Hextall. Here's a nice little video for TOP 10 GOALIES GONE WILD so that we can really gauge JTs craziness:
Z-Skate White River Jct, VT
Registered: Posts: 108
Feb 2nd, 2010 01:26 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: kpark I wish I had something to say, but my recent lackluster and pathetic play has left me a devastated shell of a hockey player. My one goal, keep my turnovers to under 10 per period.
I didn't get the "Michael Davidson" reference. JT is more like Ron Hextall. Here's a nice little video for TOP 10 GOALIES GONE WILD so that we can really gauge JTs craziness:
I was thinking Hextall was alittle to cliche' .. Davidson was more of quiet "hacker" alot of JT's infractions are behind the play maybe he wants to be like Liam - interesting.
Z-Skate White River Jct, VT
Registered: Posts: 108
Lackluster would be nice Park .. Feb 2nd, 2010 01:44 PM
maybe you could put the word out and strive for consistency and have all the Nords' show a lackluster performance tonight ..
SK8VT Woodstock, VT
Registered: Posts: 45
Feb 2nd, 2010 02:40 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: Z-Skate I wonder what Park, Marshy & JT (aka Michael Davidson) will bitch about .. JT may play better b/c he will not be trying to take "too hotties" legs off (oops, I thought you where Liam) Oh yeah, I forgot about Jordy 0-10 on the breakaways ..
LaLaLaLalier does have some holes ..
I predict I will have about 10 shots go high and wide tonight - go figure - maybe if I use a left-handed stick, I can keep the puck down.
First things first Z-spice
1- Im going 2 for 2 on breakaways tonight (let your keep know the first ones going top shelf glove side, maybe give him a chance)
2- WHEN i get my breakaway goal, if you ask nicely after the game i just might sign the puck and give it to you as a souvenir
3- Dont think those last minute heroics are going to work tonight, they might work on the zambeauty goalie but not on JT
p.s. if you dont get a chance to catch my blistering shot u can probably catch it on espn top 10 tommorow morning...and we aint talking a kelly park wrist shot either, we all know how fast those are
Z-Skate White River Jct, VT
Registered: Posts: 108
Top Cheese - We shall see .. Feb 2nd, 2010 03:09 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: SK8VT First things first Z-spice
1- Im going 2 for 2 on breakaways tonight (let your keep know the first ones going top shelf glove side, maybe give him a chance)
2- WHEN i get my breakaway goal, if you ask nicely after the game i just might sign the puck and give it to you as a souvenir
3- Dont think those last minute heroics are going to work tonight, they might work on the zambeauty goalie but not on JT
p.s. if you dont get a chance to catch my blistering shot u can probably catch it on espn top 10 tommorow morning...and we aint talking a kelly park wrist shot either, we all know how fast those are
Park's shots are the only ones in the "U" I would try and block w/out pads.
kpark Quechee, VT
Registered: Dec 2003 Posts: 724
not cool Feb 2nd, 2010 03:16 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: Z-Skate Park's shots are the only ones in the "U" I would try and block w/out pads.
Now Z, you are just trying to be hurtful. I never say anything mean about anyone in this league, and here you go, attacking me. I am a gentleman and a scholar.
Ok, I do tend to bust on Jordy because he is like Helen Keller on his breakaways, but other than that I'm a gentlemen. Oh, I did say that Z was fat and his greaseball mullet was slicking up the ice at the beginning of the season. Oh, I also said Lallier has more holes than one of McDermott's blowup dolls.
OK, you got me. I deserve everything you say. But I have recently realized that I'm not a shooter, so your insensitive jabs about my girly wristers don't hurt. I'm actually not much of a passer or skater, but what I do have is a HUGE FUCKING MOUTH! And I'm gonna trash talk you all night long Z.
KP
Z-Skate White River Jct, VT
Registered: Posts: 108
why .. Park .. why .. Feb 2nd, 2010 03:48 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: kpark Now Z, you are just trying to be hurtful. I never say anything mean about anyone in this league, and here you go, attacking me. I am a gentleman and a scholar.
Ok, I do tend to bust on Jordy because he is like Helen Keller on his breakaways, but other than that I'm a gentlemen. Oh, I did say that Z was fat and his greaseball mullet was slicking up the ice at the beginning of the season. Oh, I also said Lallier has more holes than one of McDermott's blowup dolls.
OK, you got me. I deserve everything you say. But I have recently realized that I'm not a shooter, so your insensitive jabs about my girly wristers don't hurt. I'm actually not much of a passer or skater, but what I do have is a HUGE FUCKING MOUTH! And I'm gonna trash talk you all night long Z.
KP
You gotta go knocking the man-boobs .. I thought you were check them out in the shower during pre-season !!?? I have been growing them for a long time and they all mine .. no ideas.
Z-Skate White River Jct, VT
Registered: Posts: 108
Oh, I also said Lallier has more holes than one of McDermott's blowup dolls. Feb 2nd, 2010 03:50 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: kpark Now Z, you are just trying to be hurtful. I never say anything mean about anyone in this league, and here you go, attacking me. I am a gentleman and a scholar.
Ok, I do tend to bust on Jordy because he is like Helen Keller on his breakaways, but other than that I'm a gentlemen. Oh, I did say that Z was fat and his greaseball mullet was slicking up the ice at the beginning of the season. Oh, I also said Lallier has more holes than one of McDermott's blowup dolls.
OK, you got me. I deserve everything you say. But I have recently realized that I'm not a shooter, so your insensitive jabs about my girly wristers don't hurt. I'm actually not much of a passer or skater, but what I do have is a HUGE FUCKING MOUTH! And I'm gonna trash talk you all night long Z.
KP
Thgat's alot of holes ..
kpark Quechee, VT
Registered: Dec 2003 Posts: 724
LOTS of holes Feb 2nd, 2010 03:52 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: Z-Skate Thgat's alot of holes ..
And he has holes in weird places, like on the bottom of the feet & the back of the head. Not that I've seen them....I mean, not that I would know, these are all rumors about McDermott's Blowup dolls.
hkydoc WRJ, VT
Registered: Jan 2004 Posts: 517
Dolls? Feb 2nd, 2010 04:46 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: kpark And he has holes in weird places, like on the bottom of the feet & the back of the head. Not that I've seen them....I mean, not that I would know, these are all rumors about McDermott's Blowup dolls.
Hey, cut that out! They are blow up FARM ANIMALS! You guys are hurting my feelings... :(
McD
rgrunds Stowe, VT
Registered: Posts: 376
sheep are nice Feb 2nd, 2010 06:40 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: hkydoc Hey, cut that out! They are blow up FARM ANIMALS! You guys are hurting my feelings... :(
McD
here Flossie....that's a good girl...
JTStally Hanover, NH
Registered: Posts: 159
Focus Boys! Feb 2nd, 2010 08:10 PM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: kpark How'd I know you would be running your mouth early in this one. Given the embarrassing string of games the Nords have put together, I picked the Whale 4-3 in a shootout.
What's the history with you and Kerrigan? Coach? Rumor has it that "Avery" is out of town. This may actually be a fun, laid back game now!!!
KP
Sorry, I've spent much of the day coming back from Florida, so I couldn't participate in the banter. But, somewhere along the line, things got really messed up...let's bring it back to the game now boys.
Kerrigan and I go way back to sometime around mites. I was disappointed when he didn't suit up a month go. Coach K is just the nickname us jealous former Marauders have given Jamo since he's the lucky guys helping out with the old high school team.
Kelly, if it goes to a shootout, I'm expecting you to fill the vision of that Crosby visor you insist on wearing. Either crap or get off the pot (look like Crosby or stop wearing his helmet!).
Lastly in response to SK8VT, while it's the bane of my existence, when was the last time hockey made ESPN's Top 10!?
JTStally Hanover, NH
Registered: Posts: 159
Sid's a Bitch Feb 3rd, 2010 12:43 AM
Where was Cindy, er, I mean Kelly after the game? I expected him stop by and share some consolatory blue cheese with a side of wings with his McDefensive-Partner.
Personally, I would have liked the opportunity to compliment him on that sweet penalty he took late in the game. In case he didn't notice, we scored the game winner while he was sitting in the box...very un-Crosby like. :)
JTStally Hanover, NH
Registered: Posts: 159
Long Trail Feb 3rd, 2010 12:49 AM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: JTStally Where was Cindy, er, I mean Kelly after the game? I expected him stop by and share some consolatory blue cheese with a side of wings with his McDefensive-Partner.
Personally, I would have liked the opportunity to compliment him on that sweet penalty he took late in the game. In case he didn't notice, we scored the game winner while he was sitting in the box...very un-Crosby like. :)
Also, just for the record, I'd like it to be noted that after running my mouth last week about Magic Hat's superiority to Long Trail before the game against Brewers, I literally tasted my words by showing at Bentley's postgame and ordering a Long Trail. I didn't enjoy it; it tasted like defeat.
kpark Quechee, VT
Registered: Dec 2003 Posts: 724
settle down Stally! Feb 3rd, 2010 12:50 AM
IN RESPONSE TO:
BY: JTStally Where was Cindy, er, I mean Kelly after the game? I expected him stop by and share some consolatory blue cheese with a side of wings with his McDefensive-Partner.
Personally, I would have liked the opportunity to compliment him on that sweet penalty he took late in the game. In case he didn't notice, we scored the game winner while he was sitting in the box...very un-Crosby like. :)
Hey Jon, you seem to know alot about the game tonight. Did someone call you to fill you in.....oh wait....were you playing? I thought I saw some Trojan colors out there doing absolutely nothing of use. Maybe that was you!
I went home to sulk in my own pity. Not about the penalty, which I will take any time a guy has a breakaway, but about how that guy got behind McDefensive-Partner and myself. My head is also still ringing from that fatso Zanleoni running me over in front of my own net.
Great game though. Whale Tale played a good one, and yes, they did score the game winner with me in the box and a minute to play. I went to the box and felt shame.
KP
rgrunds Stowe, VT
Registered: Posts: 376
I'm really encouraged Feb 3rd, 2010 11:38 AM
um, McD, Do you want to exchange photos of farm animals?