Early Game – Scotland vs Slovenia

The early game pitted 2-0 Scotland versus 1-1 Slovenia, but standings don’t mean much this early on.

Eight minutes into the first period it was looking like a goaltender’s duel but then Scotland ripped 4 goals in 5 minutes — two from slippery Tim Randa with Enzo Ianno and John Annan notching the remainder. Suddenly it was 4-0 for the kilts. Slovenia’s Peter Freeman bulged the twine in the waning minutes but Enzo got his second one late in the period to make it 5-1 going into period two.

And things were pretty much even after that. The second period was a 2-2 tie (Randa and Ianno for Scotland and Jim Maguire and Dave Vincelli for Slovenia).

Then the third period was….a 3-3 tie (Enzo gets his hat-trick while Randa scores FIVE goals in this one — Vincelli and Maguire teaming up for the Slovenian goals).

This one ends 10-6 for the undefeated Scottish who are looking like the team to beat early on.

Scotland’s POG goes to Enzo Ianno who helped steal this game for the Scots, while Jim Maguire rides the prize turkey for Slovenia.

Late Game – Portugal vs Ireland

The late tilt was between undefeated Portugal and winless Ireland, the Leprechauns +340 on the Las Vegas line.

Portugal jumps to an early 2-0 lead with goals from D-man Dave Skingley and Robin Flumerfelt but sniper Patty Sharp snuck one in with seconds to go in the first period to put a slight chill in the Portugal fan base. Was this a sign of things to come?

Yes it was. Period 2 was ALL IRELAND who won the second frame 4-0 making it 5-2 after two periods. Patty Sharp picked up number 2 while Riopelle, Boulton and May added singles.

Period 3 was a dead tie with Riopelle getting his second, Skingley getting his second and that was all folks. Final score 6-3 for the Irish in an upset victory over the Portuguese.

Or was it? This Irish team has a lot of firepower and the pundits are saying they have just found their feet after a bumpy start. That same team was in last place around this time last year and went on to win 13 of their last 14 games.

Sir Tomi Nieminen gets the kudos for serving up a win for Ireland while two-way D-man Dave Skingley gets the honours for Portugal, sniping two from his rearguard position.

Next week marks the final game of Round 1. Ireland rests on its Laurels while 1st and 2nd place Portugal and Scotland face off while Slovenia and Italy decide who really owns 3rd place.

Happy Thanksgiving Boys!