Rolling Meadows, IL- On Halloween night the Bulldogs faced Morning Wood. They blew several opportunities in their first two games, but came away with disappointing losses. The Bulldogs shook up their line up and looked to rebound with new tactics. They were determined to win and showed up with their game faces on. They went on to win 5-2, but the game was closer than the final score would indicate.

In the first few minutes of play, both sides showcased their determination. The Bulldogs were the first to strike as Ted Markos (making his season debut) knocked one in, thanks to some alert passing by Darren Meade and Mike Montague. Playmaking and smart passing has been something of a struggle for the Bulldogs all season. A few minutes later Joey Van Grimbergen, who’s been working on getting back into game shape, put one past the Morning Wood goalie. However, Morning Wood managed to get on the board before the end of the first frame, ending the period at 2-1.

Early in the second period, Markos threw in an unbelievable shot from the goal line, top shelf to post his second goal of the night. Morning Wood battled back with a goal of their own as the Bulldogs, once again worn down with fatigue, began to lose their physical edge.

During intermission the Bulldogs, readjusted their line, refocused their s found their strategy and found their second win. Mike Montague and Phil Manno would each record goals for the Bulldogs as they pulled away to win it 5-2.

“Good win” said Alex Martinez, “Having Ted in the line up was huge. We played better than we have up to this point, but tonight’s win was a result of players who just wanted it badly. We’ll savor this and move forward.”

The Bulldogs are happy to post their first win of the season, however there is still plenty that they need to work on. They were outshot almost 2-to-1 and struggled mightily with their breakout passes.
 

The Good:

• The All Caffeine Line: The only bright spot to the Bulldogs offense this season has been their starting line of James Senne, Darren Meade & Mike Monatgue (dubbed the Caffeine Line). Although they aren’t the best individual players in the league, they have formed the most formidable unit by utilizing good teamwork, lots of speed, activity and plenty of energy.
• Goaltending: Martinez stopped 25 out of 27 shots to keep the Bulldogs in the game before they blew it open late.
• Defense: The defense played another solid game, despite a three man rotation.

The Bad:

• Passing: The Bulldogs got by on sheer determination. They still played sloppy and their passing was again, below par.
• Shooting: The Bulldogs were outshot 27-13.

The Ugly:

• Phil Manno & The Mexican:  Defenseman Phil Manno had Mexican food for lunch AND dinner on game day. Unfortunately, none of his teammates warned him of the hazards that come with making this type of decision. Furthermore, the defensive unit was shorthanded, meaning that poor Phil suffered miserably until he finally relieved himself afterwards. 

Three Amigos of the Game:

• Alex Martinez: Stopped 25 of 27 shots including some incredible saves when the game was still close.
• Ted Markos: In his season debut, Ted scored twice and made countless stops on defense. The Bulldogs should be counting their lucky stars that he didn’t sign with the Wolverines this past off-season, despite being offered a huge contract.
• Mike Montague: Mike posted two goals and an assist to keep his scoring streak alive.

Next up: OS on Saturday 11/12/2011 at 9:10pm.

By: Sam Karim
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