For the second straight week the ‘Bulldogs’ displayed good positioning, and passing. Unfortunately the 29 shots they put on goal wasn’t enough, especially considering the 60 shots on goal by the ‘Panthers’.

The ‘Panthers’ took control early in the game, by scoring first. The Bulldogs were able to tie the score less than a minute later. After stealing the puck and passing it up, Jason Darfler was tripped into the boards. The ref signaled for the impending penalty and goalie Alex Martinez jumped off of the ice. With the extra man advantage, the ‘Dogs’ rushed the net and after a series of shots and rebounds, Joey V. tapped it off the opponents stick for the tally. He was assisted by Mike Mancuso.

Showing their relentless however, the ‘Panthers’ dominated the remainder of the first period by scoring three, unanswered goals to take a commanding 4-1 lead.

Just as it was last week, the ‘Dogs’ were looking at an uphill battle. They scored first in the second period (Joey V., assisted by Tony Micheles) to cut the lead in half. They would score again mid-way through the frame (Darfler unassisted) to close the gap by one. But the scoring didn’t tell the true tale of this team’s character. They absolutely punished the Panthers, forcing them to take erratic shots from the outside. It was an amazing turnaround. They did not look like the same team that had played so dominantly in the first period, but rather a team of USA Hockey rejects who forgot how to score.

The Bulldogs opened the third period with every intention of pulling a come-from-behind upset. They had watched Game 6 of the ALCS before game time, and were inspired by the play of the Boston Red Sox. The ‘Dogs’ were sensing the kill. They repeatedly attacked the net but were unable to capitalize on any of their shifts. About five minutes into the period, Darfler scored again to tie the game at four.

Unfortunately that would be it for the ‘Bulldogs’. The Panthers scored midway through the final period to take the 5-4 lead. "They got caught on a long shift and failed to get back on defense in time" said captain Brad Cornis. The ‘Dogs’ were determined to get it right back, but what happened afterwards was enough to deflate any team. After a battle for the loose puck in front of their net, several ‘Panther’ players hovered illegally in the crease and held Martinez down while tipping the shot in for the insurance goal.

"I can’t believe they blew that call!" screamed Martinez. The play happened right in front of the ref and he still blew it". The ‘Bulldog’ frustration would lead to a couple unnecessary penalties, namely the one committed by defenseman James Senne. "Fu*k that pretty boy and the refs" hollered Senne as he walked off of the ice. "Damn refs, are blinder than an old fart pissing in the dark!"

The ‘Bulldogs’ fall to 1-5 on the season. It was another tough loss, and the ‘Dogs’ need to pick up a winning streak if they hope to make the playoffs.

The Good:

-For the second week in a row, the Bulldogs rebounded after falling behind early in the game.

-Another tremendous defensive effort by everyone on the team. The shut down this potent offense and kept themselves within range following a disastrous first period.

The Bad:

-Long Shifts: By staying out there too long, the Dog’s may have been able to prevent a couple goals with some fresh legs. Keep it short and skate hard.

-Penalties: What else is new?

-The scorekeeper who resembled the notorious Unabomber, Ted Kaczinski.

-The "blind-in-one-eye, can’t-see-out-the-other" referee who blew, not one, but two calls on the same play not more than 7 feet from where he stood.

Joey V. & Jason Darfler. For the second straight week, each had two goals to account for all of the ‘Bulldogs’ scoring.

Next up: Tuesday, October 26^th at 10:50PM vs. the ‘Storm’