Early Game – Italy vs Portugal

Portugal comes into this game with some pep in their step after a decisive win over Slovenia last week. Some of their firepower AWOL in this one, but with their spiritual leader Frank “Holy Moly what a Goalie” Rispoli between the pipes, Portugal needed no smelling salts to get up for this one.

Team Italy, lodged firmly in the middle of the pack, is just trying to hang on after a loss last week. Several players missing for the Romans so Irish forward Tim Freeman filling in for this ten players/side game.

Italy’s Dave Wodar takes over the first period with a pair of goals, complemented by the sub Freeman, to make it 3-0 after one period.

Both tendies looking sharp until the last 5 minutes of period 2 when Jodie Young sniped Tomi Nieminen’s shutout dreams. Tim Freeman responds for Italy 18 seconds later to restore Italy’s 3 goal lead, to which Portugal’s Jay Cummings says “Nay good sir” and pots one in the waning minutes to bring his team within 2. Italy 4, Portugal 2 after two periods.

An absolute goaltending clinic in the final frame with Nieminen and Rispoli trading heroic save after save. Finally Portugal pulls its goalie setting up veteran John Annan to bulge the twine with a minute to go. But that was all folks. A great game with great competition and only one penalty (Bryon Wright disqualifies himself from the Lady Byng by snagging his first penalty of the year).

Portugal feeling good about this one with some of their firepower missing. Look to the Lisbonites to show up as a completely different team when the playoffs start 2 weeks from this Friday.

Italy Player of the Game goes to big D-man Neil Wilson while Frank “Pass the Canoli” Rispoli takes the honours for Italy.

Late Game – Scotland vs Ireland

The late show was a battle between first place Ireland and second place Scotland. The battle of the British Isles promised to be a good one.

The kilts got things going midway through the first period on a goal from Rookie Peter McKay but the Irish responded 5 minutes later when league senior statesman Bruce Freeman beat Stewart Henderson to make it 1-1 after the first period.

Ireland’s offence got in gear in period 2 with goals from Scott Wilson and Pat McCormick but the Scottish made it a 1-goal game in the final minute thanks to offensive defenceman Brad Stoll. 3-2 for Ireland after two periods.

Is it just me or are the goalies in this league kicking some serious butt as we approach the playoffs? Only ONE GOAL in the third period by Ireland sniper Paul Riopelle to end this game 4-2 for the Irish.

All four goalies letting in well below the league average GAA on this night. Snipers and playmakers scratching their heads and licking their wounds. Tendies going home for a little hero love. Tight games, tight defence, stingy goaltending, and relatively few penalties. Things looking absolutely great going into the playoffs.

Scotland Player of the Game goes to Brad Stoll. As a special gift, his appreciative teammates had a portrait commissioned with Brad and the lovely Mrs. Stoll out for a morning bagpipe.

Meanwhile, Irishman Tim Freeman gets the prize by stealing the game with his usual strong two-way play.