Failure always seems to bring out the worst in people. It creates arguments, that when looked back upon, are deemed petty. It breeds frustration, stick slamming, yelling and "thrown" equipment. It causes foolish things to not only be done, but said as well. Failure plagues all of us, and it can change how we play for the rest of the night. In theory, when we fail, it should make us stronger players-but it usually doesn't. It always seems to happen suddenly and at the most inopportune time. Yes, failure can bring out the worst in people but it allows for the unexpected to happen...
*It was another week of with a long opening game. "I don't mind when the games last long, it shows that the teams were even" said one player. The game started with a quick goal by Mike D with an assist coming from Brett. "Mike was wide open, and no one was paying attention to him! Brett made the perfect pass, and Mike some how managed not to hit the post. It was perfect execution" said one scout. The dark team was quick to bounce back getting a Brendon-esque goal. "The game was back and forth all night. It was one of the most competitive games of the season." said one casual observer. The white team took a 2-1 lead on a goal by Brett (Brian with the assist) But, from then on it looked like this would go down as the game where Brett was finally beaten. Three straight goals for the dark team by Griff and two goals from Jared. Hold it! Think about that. Griff? Griff played well on Jared's team? That sounds debatable. "I was shocked myself. Griff played hard all night...especially against Brett." said one scout. With the dark team in control with a 4-2 lead, the win was in the bag, right? Not with Brett and Johnny on the same team, they can do anything (no really, they can). After Johnny was done yelling at his teammates for their "poor" play, he started to put his money where his mouth is. He managed two hard fought goals, one of them unassisted, to tie the game at four. So here were, 45 minutes into game one, tied at four. It was a game of epic proportions. With a game of this magnitude Johnny and Brett, of course, stopped subbing. 15 minutes later the game was over a goal by Mike D...WAIT! The goal was scored after a controversial call that said the ball was still in zone. Brad was adamant that the ball was in, but we all know he was just embarrassed to be beaten by the rookie. Several players on both sides agreed that the ball was "clearly in". After a few minutes of "talking out" the situation, it was decided that a face off in the dark team's zone was needed. Johnny didn't want a controversial win. The face-off was won by Johnny, a quick pass to Brett who finished off the game. five (six) to four, Final Score.
*Johnny did his best to avoid controversy in Game 1 but he got it game 2. It has been decided that the second game will go down as a complete game, 5-3 the final. When the game was originally called (the lights went out) the score was 4-3, everyone thought that it was an incomplete game. Guess again. Game two was another competitive affair, that included goals from Dale and two from Jared for the white team. For the dark team, the goals came from Brian and two apiece from John and Mike D. Though, this game will be remembered for the actions of the goalie: Jimmy. The dark team was in the middle of working out a play. It came with a series of passes and a few solid shots on net. But, before the ball was cleared out of zone, Jimmy decided to do the unexpected: He called time-out...because his glove fell off! His glove! Jimmy are you kidding? Rediculous. Imagine if goalies could do that? Break aways wouldnt exist. They would just drop the glove and yell time-out. The dark team didnt stop their shots and scored a goal. It was originally ruled a non-goal. But because of the circomstances, it was rulled a win for the white team. Let the complaints from the dark team begin!
Nick's Ramblings
If you try to fail, and you end up succeeding, which have you done? Did I just blow your mind?What has the average time for "game 1's" over the last few weeks? It was nice to have you back Brett. Was anyone surprised that a John and Brett team went 2-0 again this week? When you play defense, remember you have a partner. Griff and Brian played great this week. Was the floor slick or what? It reminded of this week. Lenny, you were quiet this week with points did you play more defense tha usual? So Dale, what does the "A" stand for? Arnold? Dale Arnold? hmmm....Under or over 50 comments for the week? Only 18 last week. Will the weekly power rankings return this week? 868 words...the longest recap of all time.
69 comments:
I was asked to put more game action in, I think It makes the recaps boring. Thoughts?
i like it. it's an actual recap of the games
3/29/09
Is Checkig Legal Now?
5 Brendon - While being the only other dark player who showed up to play, Brendon had to pick up the slack of an uninterested Griff and a too predictable Dale( I only counted one pass he made of his own initiative while playing offense . . . And it didn’t even connect). Brendon even made a beautiful play to catch Brett on a break away and not even allow a scoring chance.
4 Mike D - One of his better weeks in my opinion. Mike was able to take away the shot from the point all night and chip in with some sweet passing and a here and there. The line of JR and Brett didn’t miss a beat, replacing Brendon’s usual spot on the wing with Mike. I liked what I saw between you and Brett
3 Jared - That one move he had that lead to the goal vaulted him in to the 4 spot this week. One of the prettiest goals I’ve seen since Eric Fiore last played. It made up for all the cheap goals he had been scoring of late. How are your ribs feeling after that check from Chris? Oh wait it wasn’t a check you wimp!!! He could hurt you if he wanted!!!
2 JR - The only way to stop him is to call a timeout right before he shoots due to your equipment falling off. John should be glad face-offs are now part of the game. Many of Brett’s scoring chances came off clean wins in the circle(I know I’ve mentioned this before, but he use to be terrible on face-offs). JR played the nice guy this week giving all the questionable calls to the dark team.
1 Brett - Has he been called Mr. Clutch yet? Brett seems to step up his game when it’s 4-4. His team has been falling behind every week and having to come from behind. But if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Brett has scored 4 clutch goals in the last 6 weeks he’s played. His ability to penetrate the offensive zone and set up is second to none. The dark team was giving him too much time in the corners to make plays. Hopefully this won’t be his last week, but if it is the it was one to remember.
Honorable Mention:
Brian H. - Not too bad for your first games on offense. Able to contribute when needed.
Jim C - Besides the goal you threw into your own net, this was one of your better weeks. No half court goals.
first off
ONLY honorable mention, i was taking 10 straight shots at a time and not giving up goals, I think that warrants a decent rank!?!
And Second
Its not like i threw my glove off because of a little pressure, if that was the case it would have happened way before it did! Johnny's arm cough my blocker and pulled it off, so don't make it sound intentional, and its not like a stick, im not taking shots off my bare hand, its not like i get paid to play, so im not gonna risk my hands for a street hockey game. I don't care if the goal counts for Johnny or against my stats. but i don't thing i should get a loss!
If johnny interfered with jimmy's equipment the goal should not count, plus things are different when the next goal wins, i don't think you can just give out wins.
thank you, and im not saying that it was intentional either.
and quit crying about the so called checking. if you run into someone who's standing still and you fall down its not a check, their just stronger on their feet.
It's the people who can't control their own body that are a danger. Lenny and Chris especially
Chris stepped into Jared, he wasn't looking to play the ball at all, he was just looking to stop jared. Yes it was slippery . . . i know . . . iknow . . . But don't try to say it wasn't a check.
The players have to be even more careful in those conditions.
And what Chris said about "if i wanted to check Jared i'd hurt him" is complete foolishness. If i wanted to two hand slash you i could hurt you too. The thing is, is that both actions aren't allowed in Saugus.
Wow, one incident gets you labeled as "dangerous" and "unable to control their bodies". Puhleeazzee...
And Brett, if you're still upset about our little encounter, have the guts to put your name to it and not under "Anonymous". That's more cowardly than anything that happens out on the floor...
And if it wasn't you, then never mind. :)
Wow... 2 things 1. My apology to Jared,that you may or may not have heard, was because he believed I checked him into the boards, I wouldn't do that intentionally, but I apologized. 2. If it was something that was frequently done you can come talk to me personally(anonymous??).
I thought I played pretty well on D last night! thanks for the props!
A few things: Jimmy, I was standing outside of the crease when you bumped into me. I didn't rip your blocker off. If I interfere with you in the crease then you have every reason to complain about it, but in this case it was outside the crease, and well outside the crease. And no, in that case you wouldn't stop the ball with your bare hand, but you'd try to use your glove.
As for counting the game, I was not going to count it as a win for us, but when doing the stats yesterday I realized that if I did not count it then everyone's stats would have been distorted: everyone's stats would have been over the course of 1 game...so Brett, Jared, and I would have averaged 6 points a game...there were a couple of other repurcussions like that too. Not a big deal if the score is 1-0 or something in the 4th game, but that was different. Since I was counting the goal against Jimmy anyway, it only made sense. The stat system we have is actually pretty sophisticated, but it does have its limitations. I'm sure it will be a point of debate during the week though...
As for the increased body checking, I think it was simply a product of the floor being slick this week. That being said, guys like Chris and Lenny by nature will weather the brunt of a collision better than someone like Brett. I've had my battles for the puck with both of them, and I think they've proven they play cleanly. There's going to be contact from time to time by the nature of the game (it's not tennis), but I don't think anyone tries to "line anyone up". I think the bigger issue is everyone just needs to be a little more responsible with their sticks...that and using care when attempting to slide (making sure to do so without taking out anyone's feet).
Finally, as for personal observations, Chris I thought you played very well on D...in fact our D played well overall (Nick, Matt, Danny). Jimmy you played pretty well in net, but I think at least two of my goals alone were long range wrist shots you probably would want back. I actually disagree with WPR about Griff - he hustled quite a bit at center and was very strong defensively. He and Jared stood out for the dark team this week.
I didn't see what happen I only saw the result, which was Jimmy calling a time out.
I played goalie for years and I'll be honest I don't even know what the NHL rules are, but like Jimmy said he's not getting paid.
With that said - if you look a blocker or glove, protect that hand and get out of the net if you want to.
Chris did apologize to Jared, I was right there when he did.
Jimmy got blistered with shots and time in attacking zones were not even close.
I think Jared picked Joe, but he never showed.
would it make sense that if someone isn't there when teams are being picked that they are handled as they come and if someone shows in the middle of picking they are assigned to a team fairly?
There alway seems to be a wondering of how John & Brett end up on the same team, but it constantly happens.
I've been on both sides.
why wasn't Brett & Jared traded or Brett and Griff traded?
First off, there's no reason why a trade should have been made this past week - the teams were fair. If you notice Jared was not objecting to the teams.
To answer your question Brendon, if someone interferes with the goalie in the crease it shouldn't count as a goal...there would be a faceoff. In the case like Sunday where Jimmy came out of the crease and made contact with me, the goalie must play without his equipment until his team gets the puck or it goes out of play...if it's a helmet that comes off, or if the goalie is injured then that's different of course.
Brendon, if the teams were fair then why make a trade? You don't make a trade to cause one team or the other to win...you make a trade to keep the teams fair. To be honest, your team had a 4-2 lead in game 1, and really carried the play. There were plenty of chances to win - sometimes someone just needs to step up and get it done.
Despite the fact that I am unable to control my own body(must not be much of an athlete) I thought both games were competitive and pretty evenly matched.
I do not however enjoy being called out by anyone, never mind by someone who does not give his name. So I must say at first I was a bit angry by your message, but have decided to let it go, but in the future please talk to me before you call me out, and remember I too am a christian, as we all are!!!!
Chris, you played awesome D. You and Danny were real good. You are my hero!
Sorry Brendon, but the person you are referring to did not play badly overall. We actually had 3 guys that are just learning how to play on our team. They made mistakes but they are learning.
You could not have been hurt too badly by anyone since you had a 4-2 lead in game 1.
BTW, Chris, try not to take anything too personal on this site. People say stupid stuff sometimes, and usually don't bother to put their name to it - their opinion doesn't really matter.
i did not initiate contact!!!!!!
I thought the biggest difference was that amount of time and shots taken in our offensive zone.
Both teams had inexperienced guys.
I thought they even each other out. I mean we had somone who it was litterally their first time.
Also I thought I heard Jared pick Joe, but he never showed so not having him probably changed the dynamics of what Jared was looking for.
Well if that is really how it works that John & Brett get to be on the same team and then Jared gets the next 3 why not just make Brett & John captains?
I think people have been picking up their games to points that you could just pick one for one and make them pretty even.
Talent wise they looked even, but white was able to execute better.
i got next three because Johnny got Brett and Jack the goalie who's currently better than jimmy, though jimmy's improving. I also had last pick so that was why i had the next three, joe being one of them.
Also Chris i haven't said anything more about our encounter, it wasn't a big deal at all, just incidental contact.
Wow alot has happened since WPR posted.
The only problem i had was with Lenny pushing me from behind.
Griff hit me pretty hard but i chalked that up to body possition.
Pushing from behind and saying i was in his way is quite the thing to say. why would you defend yourself and make an excuse? Use you head when you play. Due to the slippery ground something bad could have happened due to a shove in the back by someone twice my size. And it happened twice
I'm not afraid to post my name Lenny.
when it's me
Sounds like we all had fun this week. It was nice to be on the winning side this week but I must say it was no cake walk. If Joe was there it may have been a landslide the other way. I am sure of it. Then what more trades? Our defense was excatly the same this week as was last week,and we laost last week with all our hard work. This week we made some adjustments talked it out and won. Teams were fine then and now
Mike, we'd have the same problem if Brett and I were captains: whoever gets Jared would have a sizable advantage. As a result the picks could not be one for one at that point.
Besides, this is the third straight week that the teams were very close...it seems like how it's being done is working.
Brett, I didn't see the play actually happen, so I don't want to act like I know what happened, but Lenny might have just been a little overaggressive on that particular play - it happens at times. I've had tons of battles with him before (it's how I hurt my back) but for the most part they're pretty clean plays. Not that he needs me to defend him, but I don't think he intended to check you, or perhaps as hard as he did.
Last two weeks the teams were even, i was having a problem the weeks prior to that.
I still want to thank johnny for that insider tip that joe was coming.
Johnny it was the fact that he defended his act of pushing me that made me mad, it wasn't an accident. He never said anything to make me think it was.
I wasn't complaining about teams I was just throwing ideas around.
The last 2 or 3 weeks one team has jumped out to a 4 goal lead and just wasn't able to finish it.
I was on the loosing end of that scenerio 2 weeks in a row.
Brett, I'll apologize now then. I didn't mean to check you. It wasn't my intent.
Where is Big Board?
WE NEED BIG BOARD!!!
Stat guru - tell us something useful
Leader of the pack - I haven't heard anything useless in a while, where you been
i noticed no one pooped on this weeks horrible banter in the comments section....double poop
Sure the season is a few weeks from being over, but as far as BB is concerned everyone has cemented their place for the year.
So here it is, the final board of the seaon, perhaps a new board coming out in the summer time (Augustish) when we kick of another year.
On we go
1) J Riley- Closing in on 100 goals for the year, Riley had this #1 spot wrapped up like a hoagie 6 weeks ago.
2) Brett- A career year for Brett as he played a wonderful Robin to Riley's Batman. Is "Mr. Clutch" a stretch? Of course it is, but someone was going to score those game winners, why not him?
3) Jared- Flew under the radar as he was unable to stop the aforementioned duo all year. The offense was there, but the defense and drafting ability was lacking. Needs that star center for his game to excel.
4) Griff- Raised his game offensively and proved he can still, when motivated, be a star player. He's like a super utility player (Ryan Freel) who can play defense, center, and wing very effectively, BB says stick with one and you'll dominate!
5) MVW- There are so many problems with his game right now, but his hustle is second to none, which vaults him to the 5 spot.
6) Joe- An extremely underrated player who is by far the best defensemen in saugus. We all have terrible shots from the point like Joe, only Joe's is really fast and terrible, so we complain.
7) Mike D- If you draft Mike for Grit, hustle, and good defense, you'll be thrilled and he'll even get you some goals. Not an anchor yet on offense, but those skills are being honed in.
8) Brendon- Great season for Brendon, those stats and wins are very nice to see. Here's the thing, poor hockey sense. The skills are there, but some of the advice to the new players we've overheard is plain nonsense.
9) Steve- If this post was three weeks ago, steve's in the top 5. A slip in play was expected and the board anticipates he'll regain form. Great season, most improved, always against Riley, Brett and the rest of their rediculous team, nice job Steve.
10) Dale- In any list, it's about the top ten, no one cares about #11 (sorry Nick), and no one deserves this spot more than dale. 75 winning percentage?!?! Dale found his calling on D, and became someone everyone kinda wants on their team.
11) Nick- 5 goals for an entire season is just not enough. Lee outscored you, BILLY outscored you! Billy!?!?! Did you here me Nick? Billy "the better", blown knee, talk giving, soon to be uncle, Driscol, who no one, including Billy himself, remembers even playing this year, had more goals than you. I mean seriously, you would have to play 1,235 games to score as many goals as Johnny did this year. Johnny's gonna get his 100th goal next week, and you'll get yours i guess in 2029. You'll be almost out of puberty by then. Plus you don't sub enough apparently. Other than that, great year Nick, you were a front line defensemen. :)
12) Matt S- Rookie of the year candidate Matt showed that hustle is not going out of style. Plays an extremely solid game, nothing flashy, just solid. In conclusion, Matt's game is the opposite of a liquid, it is indeed solid.
13) Lenny- So Lenny hit a bump in the road (not talking about brett). Alright so that joke was setup, the point is Lenny recent struggle is nothing to worry about. He has the nack for scoring timely goals.
14) Chris Y- Defense is on the rise in Saugus with hour long games being the norm. Chris is another good defender who contributes to these barn burners.
15) Reggie- If your wondering why your favorite player X didn't make
the list, it is because the BB decided to enforce a minimum game requirement of 22 to make this list. Hey we gotta draw the line somewhere, why not this obscure number? Reggie is everything that is good about hockey. We should all be in fear of his upcoming return to Saugus. Rumor has him gauranteeing 50 goals for the 09/10 season.
Welp there you have it, longest post ever Nick?
Shows over kids, you aint gotta go home, but you gotta get up outta here.
Nick at 11 and I'm at 13? No respect at all for the 7th highest goal scorer this year. His 5 goals and D are better than my 25 and D? It's OK. More motivation for next year!
And Matt S was playing hockey when some of you were still in diapers! Here's to you, my arch-rival!!
Lol...I sure missed an interesting week. I appreciate making the top 6. I hope to make it this week. I'm nursing a strained hamstring muscle. Get this I did it while riding a shopping cart in the Target parking lot...Lol
The dumbest injury of the year award goes to Joe...congrats!
Gotta say, Big Board's rankings were pretty close to the order we actually choose the players...Nick usually goes a little higher when we're picking though.
Lenny, the only thing I'd say that keeps you lower when we pick is endurance. You're actually very good at scoring - much better than I would have thought coming into the year. You are usually very solid on D as well. The problem has been once you get tired your play drops off pretty sharply. But I think you've had a very good year.
Brendon, I'm not sure which advice Big Board was talking about specifically, but I do agree with his premise: the only thing that keeps you from being picked in the top 5 is hockey sense. It affects your consistency each week which makes it too risky to choose you much higher. It's gotten better than it was last year, but more improvement will only elevate your game.
Potential milestones over the next few weeks:
30 goals: Mike D, Mike W, Lenny, Griff, Dale
50 goals: Brendon*
20 goals: Joe
6 goals: Nick
100 points: Brendon
* Brendon would become only the 4th person to reach 50 goals in a season.
Are you kidding jimmy? its a hockey ball! it wont injure you. other people only have their hands and shins covered, you have your whole body covered! MAN UP!
Random Questions:
1. Will Jared or Brett finish with more points?
2. Who will be the better Mike? Mike D has 29 G, 26 A, 55 Pts, 24 Wins. Mike W has 26 G, 24 A, 50 Pts, 32 Wins.
3. Will Griff finish with more points than either of them?
4. What are the chances that Dale will finish with a 75% winning percentage?
5. Will Lenny get to 30 goals?
6. Will Nick overtake Brad in scoring?
Goals per game analysis (from previous best season to this season):
Biggest increases:
Lenny - 07: .22
Lenny - 09: .42
Mike D - 08: .17
Mike D - 09: .48
Brett - 08: .81
Brett - 09: 1.04
Ryan - 07: .28
Ryan - 09: .68
Mike W - 07: .27
Mike W - 09: .43
Lee - 07: .04
Lee - 09: .13
Brendon was amazingly consistent:
07: .69
08: .70
09: .69
I think there will be 5 points or less between me and Mike W at the end of the season.
with 13 weeks left, if that is right, we both have a chance to reach 50 goals in a season.
Mathmatically 2 goals per week.
Hey, could I be the first defensman to score 20 goals?
HEY Anonymous, its not the ball im afraid of breaking my hand as much a everyone else hacking at the ball if i try to make the save!! i have no regrets, and you know what I'll do it again too. i like playing hockey, but some of you guys are ridiculous, its a game!!!
"11) Nick- 5 goals for an entire season is just not enough. Lee outscored you, BILLY outscored you! Billy!?!?! Did you here me Nick? Billy "the better", blown knee, talk giving, soon to be uncle, Driscol, who no one, including Billy himself, remembers even playing this year, had more goals than you. I mean seriously, you would have to play 1,235 games to score as many goals as Johnny did this year. Johnny's gonna get his 100th goal next week, and you'll get yours i guess in 2029. You'll be almost out of puberty by then. Plus you don't sub enough apparently. Other than that, great year Nick, you were a front line defensemen. :)"
I was going to get mad but you put a smiley face at the end so were are good.
Joe, you're correct...no one else has even come close!
Mike, perhaps but it doesn't seem likely. I figure probably another 8 weeks since we'll have conventions and people usually dwindling once we get to June. If you figure 8 weeks at 3 games a week that's 24 games. At your current GPG of .48 that would give you roughly 11.5 more goals. I think 40 could happen, but 50 might be tough. But hey, if either of you do it then hats off to you!
I believe the longest post is 792 words...though I could be wrong
comment that is...
BTW, Lenny-dont be jealous!
Brendon for future purposes I think those questions by John were rhetorical questions...especially the ones about me.
how do i have a better winning percentage than johnny? I'm always on his team.
What are the greatest games that we've played this year? Or greatest feats?
I think the week me and Jared and others took on JR, Derek D and Benny and won all three games. It was even more amazing than the comebacks we've been having the past few weeks.
What year has shown the most talented players? I think 2007-2008
I definately think this season has shown the most improved players.
I think it's becuase a larger group of guys are playing forward and getting more scoring chances.
The more they score the more likely the puck carrier is to pass it to them because they can finish.
8 weeks instead of 13 is a big difference, still possible to it 50, but not as likely, but we will see.
John, totally agree on my endurance. It's often why I cut corners coming back on D to save energy for the next rush. And it does frustrate me as I know it hurts the team. It'll be my top priority in my offseason workout regimen.
Only 3 more weeks for me, guys...
Mike D is still yet to have an explosive week. I'm thinking he'll have 7 or more points in one game in the last few weeks left in saugus
C'mon Lenny, you've got to wait until the temp is at least 70 at night!
Brett, we haven't played on the same team as much as it would seem. I've played 61 Games: we've been on the same team for 35 of them. You've played 56 games (there were 21 games that you played where we weren't on the same side). Jared has played 68 games: 7 on my team, 10 times on Brett's, 9 times on Scotty's, 12 on Borges (totaling 38).
The teams when Derek and Benny were there were actually pretty close to even, plus I mismanaged my team that night very badly.
BTW, Brett - it was still a great job by your team that night (the game just wasn't that great to us)!
The first game a couple of weeks ago would have to get nominated as one of the best games.
I think top of the line talent was favored toward last year (with Billy and Ron and Eric playing more), but across the board the level of play has been higher this year as many players have improved.
I think it is like I said
You have guys that last year didn't play much forward because the upper tier players are there like Ron, Derek, JB, & Eric (not sure who that is) which mean other guys are able to play forward more.
Generally when you play D you don't get many chances to really shoot. If you don't shoot a lot you're not going to improve.
So more oportunities means more chances to improve.
When you go from taking maybe 4 to 5 shots a week to take 5-10 shots a game it's a big difference.
Hi i'm a new bro in the hall. Nick said i should come on this site. but it a stupid waste of time,and you play only on sunday so who cares. NOT ME. so dudes ill see you later teeheehee mwhahaha
thats deep man. deep. teeheehee
Ithink lenny will hit the 30 mark, but only because I hurt my anlke this week and won't be playing
Floating? Cutting corners? Not coming back on D to save energy for the next rush? Of course it hurts the team. Just get off!
no kidding!! that's what line changes are for aren't they? that's terrible team spirit
I agree. We should all have quicker line changes.
I'm feelin 60 % I'm still gonna play!!!
Hey where's TRD been?
"Hi i'm a new bro in the hall. Nick said i should come on this site. but it a stupid waste of time,and you play only on sunday so who cares. NOT ME. so dudes ill see you later teeheehee mwhahaha"
who are you? Nick, who is this?
I believe that was Jessica Dearden...Bradley's sister
who are the top rookie canidate for this year?
what is this? Johnny and Nick lose so we can't get a timely recap?
I forgot the sheet today so I can't do that stats till tomorrow. As for the update I would guess Nick is working on it.
my sources tell me its going to be a biased and ugly recap!
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