GAME RECAP BULLDOGS Catfish Date/Time Rink 8 4 08/24/2005 East Rink

August 25th, 2005- Due to the short notice announcement of the playoff dates, the ‘Bulldogs’ were shorthanded, dressing only nine skaters for the opening round of the playoffs on Wednesday night. In their first game in nearly a month, the club came off rusty, but still came away with the victory against the ‘Catfish’, 8-4.

The ‘Dogs’ started the scoring early, taking a 1-0 lead on a Jason Darfler goal (assisted by Mike Mancuso) less than two minutes into the game. But they made many mistakes early; missing passes, taking ill-advised shots and playing out of position. It also didn’t help that James Senne was called for a ten minute Officials Misconduct penalty when he couldn’t control his anger aimed at the officials. With the shortage of ‘Bulldog’ defensemen, they could have ill-afforded Senne’s infraction. The ‘Catfish’ took advantage by jumping to a 2-1 lead.

With the ‘Catfish’ goalie’s outstanding play, it appeared as though the ‘Bulldogs; championship season, would be coming to a disappointing end. However, Ryne Gerstner had other plans. With just over a minute left in the period, Gerstner tied the game at two, with quick wrist shot on a feed by Sal Karim.

The ‘Dogs’ shook off their sluggish start, scoring three more goals in the second period to take the lead for good. They made better passes and confused the ‘Catfish’ defense, by moving all over the offensive zone which created better scoring opportunities. The goals came courtesy of Ryne Gerstner (assisted by Sal Karim), Frank Lionello (assisted by Gerstner & Senne) and Joey F. V. (assisted by Mancuso).

The ‘Bulldogs’ knew that all they had to do was protect the lead in the third period for them to move on to the championship game. Despite giving up two goals, the ‘Bulldogs’ scored three more times in the frame after a series of relentless offensive attacks. The goals were scored by Sal Karim (assisted by Gerstner), Joey F.V. (assisted by Maher Karim) and Frank Lionello (assisted by Sal Karim).

“It was a good game“ said Alex Martinez. “We had some game situation rust which would explain several early brains farts, mainly from me. However, our play in the latter two periods moves us onto the Championship game for the second season in a row. Unfortunately, the kick in the dick is the lousy last minute scheduling of the EAHL at the worst time. Most players will be not playing due to vacations, weddings and circumcisions. The good news is that the goalie from tonight’s game will also be the goalie for the ‘Storm’ on Friday night. All we have to do is remember the things we did correctly from the middle to the end of the game and we will be fine. We know his weaknesses and it will be a critical portion of our success to expose them.”

The odds are certainly against the ‘Bulldogs’. They will be playing the ‘Strom’, winners of two out of the last three league crowns. They will be shorthanded for the title game, without three out of their four defensemen and playing on one days rest. The club will need to really dig hard and play the game of their lives if they want to call themselves champs.

• First Period: The ‘Dogs’ will need to start their games off with much more assertiveness if they want to win the ‘Championship’ Game.

Next up: Aug 26, 2005 at 10:40 PM vs. the ‘Storm’