SUNDAYS #8 vs. BRUINS:

(vol. 30S, no. 8; newsletter by h.s.)
With Russ safely in Saratoga, Gucci's first decision made as Alternate Captain proved to be a fateful one: The A-division Bruins brought only five players so they asked if Dave Kurasz could skate with them; after a brief Pirate meeting, we agreed it was the right thing to do. Dave scored the first Bruins' goal and assisted on the three others. A cynical person might say that the Pirates actually paid to lose that game — after all, we did pay Dave the $20 ref fee — fortunately I'm not cynical though. Here's how it went down ...

After losing only one game, the Pirates went into the final regular-season game facing one of the toughest foes on their Sunday schedule. The good news was the Pirates were sporting their most-lethal offensive scoring unit in franchise history; the bad news was that Casey was in good form in net this night. The Pirates had a full ten-man crew and the foursome of Mike-Gucci-Murf-Joe Baio (yes, Joe Baio is back!) manned the blueline; up front were LeMatty, Farkas, Dan, Tim, Brooks, Tony. Kevin was absent along with the Saratoga-bound Russ.

The Bruins took an early 1-0 lead at the 21:15-mark on a Kurasz one-timer from a laser pass behind the net. The B's would score once more before the period ended, but the Pirates offense couldn't seem to penetrate the Bruins zone. One memorable moment included a shot that flipped way over my head that I managed to catch overhead Willie Mays-style. Later in the 1st period, I also remember Murf falling on me and apologizing.

Early in the final period, Ralz put a rebound into the net off a Brooks-Tony combo. That tally cut the Bruins lead in half, but the Bruins regained their two-goal lead on the next shift. LeMatty, who was still trying to break in his new skates, was intercepting Bruins passes all night and converted one to get us back into it 3-2 (assist to Farkas). Unfortunately the Bruins would connect once again to widen the gap back to two goals. With time dwindling, the Pirates threatened with the extra skater but couldn't quite connect. I don't remember much else about this game except a glove save I had off a hard one-timer; when I got my glove on it I heard the Bruins forward say “Get that guy another Silver Skull.” Ok, I'll take it.
date of game: 8.26.0
7

LOST 4-2

THE
SILVER
SKULLS


1) SCOTT LEMATTY
For some great reads on Bruin passes and a nice all-around game.

2) TIM HAND
For a great two-way game, the goal, and for bringing the “girls” to the post-game.

3) HARRIS

For a couple of interesting saves.