WEDNESDAYS #8 vs. TILE CUTTERS:

(vol. 23W, no. 8; newsletter by c.g.)
For some of the Coastal Pirates, Monday's game was the second game in as many days — and the team looked a bit tired as a result. The previously winless Tile Cutters jumped out to an aggressive 2-0 lead less than 2:00 minutes into the game, as they worked the puck down low effectively. Things would get worse before they got better, as the Tile Cutters netted another one-timer one midway through the 1st period to take a commanding 3-0 lead. The defense was manned by Dave, Scooby,Wildman and eventually Darren (who was late from his shopping spree at Walmart) were playing well, but the Tile Cutters just seemed to be getting the bounces and having the open man in the opportune places. With barely 2:00 minutes remaining in the 1st period, Craig would finally get the Pirates on the board with a wicked wrister from a nice feed from Russ. Just 1:00 minute later, Scott Miller would add a tally of his own on a one-timer from a perfect pass into the slot from brother Evan. Going into the break the team was re-energized by the late goals, and the Pirates knew they could get the win if they just kept plugging away.

The momentum was temporarily halted when the Tile Cutters drove down the rink barely :30 seconds into the final period and scored, widening their lead to 4-2. That was to be the last time the Tile Cutters would ripple the Pirate twine, however. The line of #19-Russ-Craig would net two quick goals to even the score, 4-4, during the first shift of the period. First, #19 netted a rebound when the puck came high to the slot off of Craig's shot; then, Craig assisted on Russ ' game-tying goal before the clock had even hit 20:00. At this point the defense put the clamps on and barely allowed the Tile Cutters to enter the zone — let alone sustain any real pressure. Harris settled in, shaking off the early goals and got into a rhythm — not allowing anything down the stretch. Each of the Pirate defenseman and Harris, made big plays that may not show up on this week's scoresheet, but were just as important by how thoroughly they shut down the opponents. The scoring frenzy continued for the next line when Scott Miller got his second of the evening after receiving a nice pass from Scott LeMatty (who was filling-in for Keith). LeMatty added his own goal later when he danced around two defensemen, before he finally deked the goalie for the unassisted tally — it was one of the nicest goals I have seen as he not only made a series of great moves, but executed them with patience. Chris, and Craig would connect again when Chris put home a Sudol rebound to give the Pirates a 7-4 lead. With less than 2:00 minutes on the clock, Chris would finish-up the scoring with a shorthanded goal to complete his hattrick.

What was most impressive about the game was the character shown by everyone on the team. Despite being down 3-0 at one point, the mood was always upbeat and everyone kept plugging. It was certainly one of the stronger Pirate efforts — and that bodes well with the Playoffs just a week away.
date of game: 11.07.05