GAME RECAP BULLDOGS All In Date/Time Rink 5 3 03/08/2005 John Rink

March 9th, 2005- Playing for the first time in their new navy blue uniforms, the ‘Bulldogs’ looked more like a unified team, rather than the rag-tag, makeshift, gashouse gang that began the season with a wide array of mustard and urine colored jerseys.

Trying to keep their winning streak alive, the ‘Dogs’ faced ‘All In’ Tuesday night, hoping to avenge an early season loss. ‘All In’, is a team that normally dresses 18-20 skaters per r game. They were a few dozen players short on this evening, with two of their players serving suspensions and several others out with illness. Nevertheless, they still fielded 11 skaters, which was only one less than the ‘Dogs’. None if that mattered much as the ‘Bulldogs’ still out-skated, out-shot and out-played them in every way, winning the contest 5-3.

The ‘Dogs’ found themselves trailing 1-0, less than two minutes into the contest, but it didn’t take long for them to recover. Jason Darfler (assisted by Mike Mancuso) scored fifteen seconds later to tie the game. Although the ‘Dogs’ played most of the period well, they played sloppy and disorganized at times. Despite this, they still took the lead on a Ross LeMesurier (assisted by Darfler) goal to close out the first.

“It wasn’t our best game” said Darfler. “We looked really good at times out there, but at other times we didn't. We need to remember to pass or shoot instead of holding onto the puck too long. That could have cost us the game. Fortunately, we did enough of the right things to compensate for our mistakes”

The second period started almost exactly as the first. Less than two minutes into the frame, ‘All In’ tied the game at two apiece, on a slapper from the blue line. But just as the ‘Dogs’ did in the first period, they bounced back, less than a minute later. Sal Karim scored on a one-timer from LeMesurier to take the 3-2 lead. It was a well executed pass on LeMesurier’s part, waiting for just the right moment behind the net, before dishing the puck off to Karim.

That proved to be the decisive goal. The ‘Dogs scored two more unanswered goals by Darfler and Mancuso, whereas ‘All In’ could only muster one more; this one late in the third period, when the game was already well out of reach.

“This win should put us in second [pending the outcome of this week’s games]” said Alex Martinez. “Not only is this the first time [In ice hockey history] we have been seeded this high at this point of the season, but it’s our first ever three game win streak on ice. Practices are paying off. I can see the rink well out there and I am seeing a real effort from everyone.”

The ‘Bulldogs’ now sit in a second place tie with a 4-3 record. They have elevated themselves from cellar dwellers to contenders. They still have some work ahead of them against some tough teams. The ‘Dogs’ goal isn’t just being a playoff team. They, as well as the entire league now recognize that they are a legitimate threat to win the whole thing.

The Good:

• -Shots on Goal: For the fourth straight week, the ‘Dogs’ out shot their opponents. In that span, they have outscored their opponents 22-13, collectively.

• -Breakaways: Executed flawlessly at times, fairly well at others.

• -Penalties: The ‘Dogs’ amazingly went an entire game without committing a single penalty.

• -The new uniforms: The ’Dogs’ aren’t just the hottest team in the league; they also have the best looking jersey.

The Bad:

• -Passing: A few ‘Bulldogs’ made several errant, wide or blind passes that resulted in turnovers. At times, they held onto the puck for too long instead of passing to the open man.

The Ugly:

• -Referee Uniforms-The ‘Dogs’ weren’t the only ones who came out with new uniforms. Referee Frank Fortuna modeled the new Khaki Bugle Boy (circa 1983) slacks with the traditional zebra shirt. BAD IDEA!!!

• -Arnie Becker-Reinstated after his suspension was overturned, Arnie failed to fulfill his part of the plea bargain. He was supposed to provide the after-game beverages for his teammates. Instead of celebrating their victory with some cold, frosty ones, the ‘Dogs’ were left sitting in the locker room with nothing but their d*cks in their hands! THANKS ARNIE!

Next up: The ‘Nationals’ on Thursday March 17, 2005 at 10:30PM