Jan 26, 2014 | SCorrigan | 463 views
Week 13 Recap
This weekend the division returned to its normal schedule with practices on Saturday and games on Sunday. There was a change up in practice partners and the usual trio of entertaining games.
Just as we did last year as an age group, we have mixed up the practice partners at the mid way mark. This was something that the coaches discussed before the season even began. There were two principal reasons for the shake up. First, the change in practice partners helps reduce the competitive friction that seems to develop during a season and enhances the sportsmanship between the teams - at least it did last year. Second, the change gives not just players but also coaches exposure to new people and that is a further way to help everyone develop.
Now, as for the games this weekend, the first game pitted the Hurricanes against the Blackhawks. The best player on the ice, bar none, was the Hurricanes goaltender Aidan Fuller. His timely and acrobatic saves kept his team in the game and prevented what easily could have been a blow out. The Blackhawk attack was fairly relentless. Devon Taylor was rewarded for his hard forechecking with a hat trick enabling him to reach the always special 40 goal plateau. It was also the first 3 point game of the season for Matteo Costa (3a). The final score was 7-2.
The second game was a much closer, tight checking affair. For the most part the Sharks outplayed and outskated the always hard working Devils. As has become some what of the norm with the Sharks, one line provided all their offense - it changes game to game, but never seems to come balanced from both lines. Today was Alex McAllister's day to shine with a hat trick while Jesse Hilker (3a) played the role of set up man. Still, the Devils regular season magic continued. Down 4-2 with 1:20 left to play Daniel Hernandez (2g,1a) drew them within striking distance. Then with the goalie pulled and 0:31 left to go Josh Kublek fired home the tieing goal.
The final game was a clash between the Penguins and Senators. Birthday boy Cam Bonneville had a pair of nifty goals in tight and Michael Metcalfe was solid on the blueline for the Senators. Still the main story line was the surging play of the Penguins who have been on a roll. A combination of balanced scoring - there were 5 different goal scorers - and solid netminding once again by Atticus Vaz, led to a commanding 6-4 win. For the Penguins this was their 9th win in a 11 games since Christmas.