The Fat Man and the Chipmunk

It’s been often said that defense is the key to winning. It’s the opinion, of most, that the team with the better defense always ends up with the victory. Defense is supposed to jump start its own team’s offense and shut the oppositions’. But that wasn’t the case on Sunday. It was the all-defensive team vs. an offensive juggernaut. The defense for the dark team held its own, but could only hold on so long.

Game 1: 5-2 White team. It was a complete mess. The defense for the Dark team was constantly on there heals. The White Team had an offense of Griff, Brett and Johnny up against and offense of a doubled teamed Jared, Mike De Mayo and an injured Brendon. It was a hard fought game, it seemed like Joe and Nick limited the shots but the White team’s offense leaped on every opportunity. Chris and Dale showed up toward the end of Game 1. Johnny had 4 goals, including the game winner.

Game 2: Ok so we have established that the White Team has the weaker defense; the Dark Team has the weaker offense. So what team would you put Chris and Dale on? Logically, we put Dale on the White Team. Great idea. Though, it worked out for the Dark Team in Game two. I’m still amazed they won. The Final Score was 5-4. Jared had 3 goals and two assists. Joe had the game winner. Brendon and Josh played fantastic. Nick played awful. Chris was ok. (No Chris you weren’t beastly!)

Game 3: You must be shocked we got a full third game in, huh? The Dark Team went back to rolling all over the white team. The final score was again 5-2. It should have been 5-0 nothing though. The dark team couldn’t sustain any offensive play and the defense had no one to pass. It was so bad that Jared asked his defenseman to get “creative”. Not something you want to do when Johnny is fore-checking, Griff is hovering and Brett is running circles around everyone. The defense had a lot to handle. I felt bad for Steve. He played fantastic despite all of the pressure.

Game 4: Yeah, we did get in a 4th game but I’m going to agree with Jared and say this game shouldn’t count. It’s mostly, because I don’t want to write about a 4th game.

My Weekly Chat with the Scout:

Scout: Hey Nick, it’s been a while.

Nick: It has. Have you gained weight?

Scout: Nice greeting. Surprisingly rude.

Nick: The truth hurts…where is your bathroom scale? Let’s compare your weights.

Scout: In the bathroom. Don’t set me up with a Seinfeld joke. It’s been played.

Nick: You know me too well. Creepy.

Scout: It’s almost as creepy as you knowing what my body weight was.

Griff: Debatable

Nick: Griff?

Scout: Where is he?

Nick: Is it possible to miss him?

Scout: I don’t see him!

Nick: He’s behind Dave, Lenny, Reggie, Jimmy and that guy from Austin Powers.

Scout: Oh yeah, you can see his hips hanging out the side of the group.

Nick: Nasty. I bet Griff shops at big and tall.

Scout: That’s your store!

Nick: Moving on…how did you think Griff played with Dale?

Scout: That was something there. How about the irony in that, huh? Did you notice that Dale didn’t have any goals though? But Dale assisted Griff 3 times.

Nick: Only three times? It felt like more.

Scout: Nick, you were so overwhelmed and terrible, of course it felt like more.

Nick: Now I remember why it’s been a while. I’m out of here. I’m going to ramble instead.

Nick’s Ramblings

I’m trying to get this post up by half-time. I’m already done watching this game. What a joke. Who thinks the Pats can win two road play-off games? Reggie we missed you. Matt Davis bails every other week. Matt S only makes posts saying he will show and never does. Matt P said he would be there. Did I forget a Matt? Without his cheering squad will he ever show again. Jack we missed you but Darren made us forget about you quick. Steve nice work this week, you didn’t deserve that much trouble. But I’m calling you out on the play where I yelled cover the ball and you chose not to, they scored. You admitted that it was your mistake and that you heard me, so I don’t really have to call you out I guess. No worries. I applaud both goalies for playing a 4th game. Jimmy needs to invest in a bike. Josh you showed solid hockey sense. That’s half the battle. Danny where is Shane? Danny you run so fast that you make yourself trip at least 3 times a night. I heard Kazez was going to make an appearance. Oh yeah! Matt Joyce! Hey Buddy! Why was Petzold nominated for the anonymous poster who couldn’t spell? That seems like a Brad Dearden thing to do. A reminder to all: when given the opportunity always cover Johnny behind the net and leave Dale open in front of the net all alone (I know Jared was by the point...he was close to covering him.). Chris you showed some rust but you were solid overall. I expect a great week coming up. The return of Ron? Will he have a tan?

No Spin Zone

The stats have been updated guys.

With Matt Davis out this week, I'll have the recap up tonight.

Not Yankee talk, but hockey talk...

Perhaps layering is the key…picture this scene: Johnny is coming in hard and a defenseman (let’s say Nick), who was in charge of covering John, was able to knock the ball away from him. The ball started rolling behind Johnny toward the other goal. Which way is each players momentum headed? Johnny is still headed toward the net; Nick would naturally go toward the ball. All of a sudden another winger, let’s say Brett (who represents the second wave or layer) comes streaking in and beats not only Nick but the winger, who is supposed to be covering Brett, to the ball. It leaves the defenseman caught in the middle. Johnny is still by the net, Brett passes it off and goal is probably scored. Do you understand? It’s a strategy that can break down the best defense. If you were the defender where would you go once you were beat to the ball by Brett? And don’t tell me you wouldn’t go for the ball. You all would. It’s an unnatural act to stand there with the ball 5 feet away. Would you try to cover Brett and break up the pass? You leave Johnny open though. Do you cover Johnny and leave Brett room to stick handle or take a shot? The other defender is on his man and I’m sure the center still isn’t back yet at this point.

Do I sound bitter? Hope not. That’s not the point at all. It’s just a play I saw happen several times tonight…to me it’s the toughest play to defend. It’s sounds like a pick your poison kind of thing to me. I want some suggestions. Let’s gets some real hockey talk going. How would you defend the play?

I tried to make a diagram but I failed.

A New One

Let's try this again...I've got a long night/morning/day of shopping ahead of me and I want something entertaining to read!

Can we stop talking about off-sides?

How about suggested teams? That's more interesting.

Note: It looks like Johnny and Steve in net at the moment.

Hockey Sunday, Outdoor rink @ 6:30‏

Let's get out of that thread. I've had enough of this nonsense. It's like reading a Lewis Carrol poem...it leaves my head spinning.

Remember guys this is hockey blog, nothing more, nothing less.

Stats will be up soon...hopefully a recap as well.

Notice that hockey this Sunday will be at 6:30

Family History or Fatness?

Nick's Sunday Night Ramblings:

Griff are you still alive? Did you die from a massive coronary yet? Im sure the fat jokes will be all over the site this week. I hope you guys are better than me at writing them. The best one so far was by Brett: "Griff is so fat when he wears his red shirt everyone yells 'cool aid...cool aid!!'" Mike D had 3 goals tonight.Dale, how old is Griff? Who does Dale remind you more of: Steve Carell or Dwight from the office? I know Griff reminds me of Kevin...because he is so fat. hehehee. What was your funniest moment of the night? I loved when Dale mocked Griff's laugh. So Brett, you get mad at Dale (rightly so) you get off right away and you leave immediately...some of us would be proud. Ok, I know, I know, the hand. I bet you wish you could have stayed and watched though. Funniest moment of the year. I'll give praises (im sure I have a lot) and criticism tomorrow, let's focus on the jokes for now. Remember, Dale went to PEA and has an art degree, make sure you are very clever!

Hockey is at 6:00 this week, outdoor rink. And...

...the long awaited return of Lenny! Nevermind...ugh

Maybe, just maybe a few Matts will show up this week too...

I was right...

Ok, it bears repeating: I was right. It was an easy prediction, but I was right. History does back me up though. Every time you have a week with a huge crowd the week that follows is always much slower. It’s a phenomenon but it always happens; so it’s not really a phenomenon. But it does lead to a different aspect to the game. There is less subbing and more running. Two on ones’ are a common happening and Johnny never subs (also common). Needless to say, Mr. Mike Meadows is definitely out of commission for the rest of the week-we are all exhausted.

Quick Game Overview:

Game 1: 5-2 Final Score. White Team on top. This game was messy for the Dark Team. The Defense was out of sync (I’ll be honest I misspelled it the first time), Johnny and Ron couldn’t handle the offense by themselves. It was tough to watch. The Ron-less Jared, calm Griff, one handed Brett, coughing Mike and the “not himself” Brendon managed to squeak out enough offense for the win. Could it continue for the rest of the night?

Game 2: 5-1 Final Score in favor of the Dark Team. This was a major turn-around for the Dark team. The difference? Reggie. He not only gave the Dark team the sub they didn’t have in game one but he was also the third component Ron and Johnny needed to muster up some offense.

Game 3: 5-4 Final Score, Ron’s team with another win. MVP! MVP! Just kidding Ron, you got excited though. The best game of the night after two blow-outs. The game ended with another great slap shot by Ron, it was a laser. When will people learn that they need to stay on the shot? Easier said then done, but Ron was given at least 3 opportunities to get the game winner in the last minute. Unacceptable.

My Weekly Chat with the Scout:

Scout: What seems to be the problem officer?

Nick: Huh?

Scout: That went right over your head Nick. Why are you wearing sunglasses?

Nick: Oh, good joke. It’s in honor of Brendon. It’s a tribute of some kind. But I don’t feel like myself.

Scout: That’s a shame.

Nick: So, did you enjoy watching us play 4 on 4?

Scout: It’s fun to watch. In reality though, the team with the best technique doesn’t always win. The team that plays the toughest and has the most endurance seems to win.

Nick: Good decisions still matter though.

Scout: Obviously.

Nick: Wow. Tough Crowd. Of the missing who did you miss the most?

Scout: Who were you expecting?

Nick: Brad and Chris were sick. Matt S, D and P all bailed.

Scout: Little Ronnie. I missed him the most. He would have been a huge difference maker.

Nick: No doubt. Your thoughts on Joe in net?

Scout: He wasn’t the in his prime Joe.

Nick: Yeah, he didn’t flip a net.

Scout: Well that and his play wasn’t as impressive but he was still very solid. His solid technique allowed him to make up for any problems he may have been having.

Nick: Was John the only guy not to sub on either side?

Scout: Why must you focus on the negative? Let’s focus on his stamina abilities.

Nick: You are right. I shouldn’t have the “look for a fault” attitude that Brett has.

Scout: Yeah.

Nick: Did you notice that Reggie went by Brett a couple times?

Scout: Nick, that attitude is negative! We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Nick: No worries, Brett only responds if your comment is anonymous…it bothers him.

A Sunday night recap?

Got yeah! Never will happen. But Im giving you an update on a Sunday. I deserve a medal. Or a plaque (is that how you spell the stuff on your teeth? Or the award? Im not sure either). Most of you thought I'd be crying in the corner of my bedroom. Well, Im over it. Reggie got by me 4 times. I tripped on my own stick. I lost twice. Played in two 4-4 games and wasn't on the ice at all when the game was tied. Thanks Matt...anyways it was rough night.

I put a new poll up. Certainly an interesting topic. I feel as though I never play as well. Perhaps, its because nothing happens the way you would expect. (Shane scoring on his own goal comes to mind). Maybe because there are so many new people they dont know your style of play. ( I saw several times where a pass up the boards by defenseman was botched.) Or Im awful. Take your pick I guess.

Topic of the week? Please dont make it sliding. I beg of you. I'd rather talk about Dale's grey shirt.

After a week with this many people, who thinks we will have 4 on 4 next week? I do. Pats have a Sunday night game against the colts also, right? Im almost certain.

The test of a true hockey town player.

New Ranking System

I wanted my recap to break the 200 post mark, but it has now lost momentum due to a new post by WPR. He asked me to post it here because of it's length. Here you go:

Starting this week, WPR will be implementing a traditional weekly power ranking system. This first list is based on who the people at WPR(we will refer to ourselves as I) think have been the best(only regulars players will be on this first list.) Kinda like a mock draft list. From here on out though, people will either move up or down on the list based on their play of the most current week. This will also be based on what is average for a certain player, and did they play better or worse than expected. The list will now include 10 spots for the players at Saugus to attain for and maybe even rise above the rest for that precious #1 spot. But how long can you stay at #1?

10 Mike D - Some might think I'm being kind putting him here. Others can't believe he's this low. But Mike D has shown in the past that he can be that smothering center who can shut down the other teams top scorer. So every week he's picked pretty high. It's time to return to form Mike. Cause it'll take a blast from the past performance to keep you on this list next week.

9 Lee - Getting up there in age, but what team couldn't use a little more experience to settle things down on the back end? Lee got a bad rap last year for being slow and having a temper and abandoning his team. While the stick throwing is still a problem, he has somehow adjusted to the other fault he has. I gotta say no one blocks more shots than Lee. Maybe it's his massive ice hockey shin pads, but he stays in front of the shooter and never gives up the middle of the ice.(Bob Caterino thought that playing D in the direct middle of the ice was the same thing as not giving it up. Well it's not. Cause sometime the outside can be just as dangerous. Lee has a nice balance)

8 Chris Y - Is the new up and coming defender in Saugus. He's big, he's strong, he�s quick, yet his shot is lacking(the other extreme to Joe, cause his shot is rarely in the air) Once he finds his shot technique you may see him above Nick or Joe on this list. For now he's just a real solid Defender with no real holes in his game (defensemen aren't usually expected to score anyway)

7 Ryan - When we think Ryan we usually think of an out of control maniac with a weapon called a hockey stick. And that viewpoint would have been accurate last year. But I think he's starting to shed that image of himself. Now I see him as a bigger, heavier, less productive, but still as argumentative..Jared. Now he does play a little more defense than Jared, but he tends to wait for an opportunity at the red line and try to take it and score. The weird thing is, is that he usually cancels out Jared when playing verse him. In the end Ryan will get his goals and win his fair share of arguments.

6 Joe & Nick - I'm grouping them together because I've rarely ever been impressed by their play while on their own. But when they are together(and they have been a lot this season) they can be a dominating force(kinda like Captain Planet). From now on they will be separate entities on the list each week. I guess if I had to split them up I'd have Nick ahead of Joe cause he has more upside due to him being younger. And as for Joe well you can't teach an old dog new tricks. As evident of the fact that he's been shooting the ball 10 feet too high for the past 3 seasons that I've witnessed.

5 Dale - It's funny(he he funny, not HA HA funny) Dale is the only player in Saugus, that when you think of him you think either: Very good forward. Or: Very good defensemen. You remember him for his ability at both positions. Now Brett is great on D. He's played it for many years and plays it in tournaments. He may even be the best D-Man. But you think of him as only a forward who helps on D. Same goes for Johnny. But Dale leaves that lasting impression on you no matter where he plays that night. You either say: wow what a goal, or: man he was tough to get around.

4 Brendon - For the 2 years that WPR has been observing the games that go on in Saugus, I always thought it a crime that Brendon would always be drafted near the end of the pack. Yes, he has his moments where you want to kill him. Seems like once a week at least. But put that aside and he gives you the second line offense you need to win while playing hockey in Saugus, or anywhere for that matter. I think he�s finally getting the respect he needs and deserves.

3 Jared - His only weakness is Defense....and the H1N1 virus. Yet, even though he doesn't play the other half of hockey, his offensive output is incredible. Now you may say: well that's because he does waste energy on anything but offense. And I say: well then everyone try to play like he does, cause I guaranty no one puts up the points he does while playing his style hockey. I don't think anyone has the endurance to run aimlessly like he does for so long.

2 Ron - Thank goodness for Ron dedicating himself to Saugus hockey once more. He has been ranked #1 many times already this year by the previous write of WPR and with good reason. He is maybe the one person you want on your team when the score is 4-4 cause he can score from anywhere.

1 Johnny - Still in my mind the best player that currently plays in Saugus. Now maybe if this format was instituted a few weeks ago Ron would be here, but Johnny just has "IT" what ever that is. And no matter how many goals Ron scores on his wicked slap shot. I'd still pick Johnny first if I was starting a team (mainly cause Ron would probably retire one year after drafting him)

On a hot summer night...

It was a week that was headlined by another attempt at greatness by John and Jared. It was our last week with Dave as he ventures back to Idaho. It was our first week without an appearance by a Driscoll. It was a week that saw laziness, ineptitude, disillusions and a whole host of other un-explainable attitudes. It certainly was a fun week to be a part of. Especially if you weren’t John Riley (or Brad Dearden for that matter).

Quick Game Overview:

Game 1: I have to admit, I didn’t see this outcome. The Dark team had Dave, John and Jared. The White team had Ron and a bunch of solids. One team played well together, the other, yelled at each other. Which technique resulted in a win? I hope it’s obvious. The white team came away with a 5-1 win and Johnny was, well, in a word, frustrated. Steve played solid in net with solid defensive cast around him. Ron sprinkled in some slap-shots.

Game 2: Before game two started John was so frustrated (for lack of a better term) that he yelled at any whittey (you like?) that came over for casual conversation. He told them to leave. To get out! I’d say it worked after a great turn around with a 5-0 victory but, I’m not sold. Steve defensive help broke down and the white team’s offensive could muster nothing against the defensive prowess that is Brad and Davis. I wrote that with a straight face. Game three would turn out to be the rubber game, who would come out on top?

Game 3: This is when the excuse party started for the Dark team. “My goalie is too hot”. “My winger is sick”. “The white team hacks my shins”. Cry baby I wish you were here this week. Break out the soap box, the excuse roll-a-dex. It was a hard fought win for the white team that was capped off with another break away goal and game winner by Nick. I’m still shocked myself. 5-2 Final score.

MVP for the Dark team: Danny Nelson

MVP for the White team: Ron Leger (use a French accent on the last name)

My Weekly Chat with Scout:

Scout: What’s shaken bacon?

Nick: Not much here homeslice.

Scout: Same here bud. It was just another week at hockey town.

Nick: It was on a Saturday this week though.

Scout: Much better isn’t it? I’m sitting and relaxing on a Sunday night. I get to watch Desperate Housewives.

Nick: Eva Longoria?

Scout: I’m a big fan.

Nick: Yeah, she’s a great actress.

Scout: Another benefit to a Saturday game is I get to rest all Sunday. Not tired for work the next day, and I’m on full sleep.

Nick: I’d say it leads to better recaps too.

Scout: That’s a stretch.

Nick: Your thoughts on week two of the Johnny and Jared combo.

Scout: It was better, but nothing great. Johnny seemed more focused on riding Brad.

Nick: Poor Brad.

Scout: Poor…poor…Brad.

Nick: I don’t feel that bad…get over it. You got some sort of man crush going on

Scout: umm…

Brendon: You better get out of my way fool before I bust you up! You hear?

Nick: What was that?

Scout: Didn’t you hear? If you are in Brendon’s way you have to move…immediately. No one is allowed to play defense against him.

Nick: That doesn’t make sense.

Scout: It’s Brendon.

Nick: Now that makes sense.

Scout: Now, can you clear something for me? If everyone moves out of his way and he doesn’t have to fight his way through a defense why does he get so tired?

Nick: Tried?

Scout: I saw him sitting several times-instead of subbing. He had to have been tired.

Nick: Perhaps, he communicates with his teammates too much. It tires him.

Scout: That can’t be it. Brendon is against communication. I say he spent a lot of time teaching John how to take a slap shot.

Nick: His slap shot has improved.

Scout: You didn’t say that with a straight face.

Nick: Jared really did look sick yesterday.

Scout: Yeah, he didn’t play much defense last night.

Nick: A clear sign that he was under the weather.

Scout: I hear that you found out who Cry baby is?

Nick: Hey, don’t be grilling me.

Nick’s Ramblings:

Griff your attendance is starting to look like Reggie’s. That’s almost unacceptable. Lee, you made several bad plays, you were awful. That’s what you want to hear, right? I’m just kidding. It was a solid day for you in my opinion. You bailed me out a few times. Hey Chris, how are the boys? Ouch babe. I’d say I’m sorry but…Dan Nelson was solid. He was really the only defender for the Dark team all night. So WPR, are you making an appearance this week? Who will fill you in? Brad, you need to be on Ron’s team. He won’t yell at you. The mustache is his intimidator. Hey Jared, if you hit the post next week on a shot I’ll give a whole segment. I still wonder if I have enough material. Anyone notice that Report Card is gone? The exact same time as another player from HT disappeared…hmm. By the way Ron, I can do a meatloaf referance too. It was really hot yesterday. Dave was sweating before he had a pad on...have fun back in idaho, and we are counting on you..lol. Funniest moment on Saturday was when Jared told Brendon to grow up. Hahaha...anyone else enjoy the irony?