Early Game – Scotland vs Slovenia

Scotland comes into this game a puzzle. Offensively, they are murderer’s row on paper. Their top two forwards have a combined three Art Ross, NINE season MVP’s, and two Conn Smythes. That’s just between two guys.

They have a defenceman who has won the Art Ross (most points), the Rocket Richard (most goals), and the Norris (best defenceman).

And they have last year’s Vezina Trophy winner between the pipes.

But they have one win in four games and they can’t get out of third place.

I don’t know.

On this night they would play Slovenia, who struggled early in the season but are definitely taking playoff form. Offensively, they averaged almost 7 goals a game last round and are continuing that trend in round 5. Combining that with the second best goals-against in the league, you are looking at a team with an eye on GOLD come April 26.

And they didn’t disappoint their fans in the first period, spacing out a trio of goals from Greg Platt, Bob King, and Dave Vincelli while Frank “The Goalie” Rispoli gave a big FOOGATZ to the bagpipers. 3-0 for Slovenia after one.

The Kinger picked up his second halfway through period two but Steve Boyle responded with a minute to go. Too little too late? 3-1 Slovenia after two periods.

Well it just got fugly after that. Mingin, as they say in Glasgow. Grdo, as they say in Ljubljana. Three goals in four minutes for the Slovenians (Vincelli, Maguire, and Bob King for the hat-trick), and Scotland strikes out for the fourth time in five at-bats. Final score: Slovenia 7, Scotland 1.

Scotland has now LOCKED UP their home spot in third place for the playoffs. Their final game against Portugal will be for bragging rights only.

Slovenia’s victory, on the other hand, keeps their bid for first place alive (early playoff games, fame, girls, money, well early playoff games anyway). If they win their final game and Portugal loses, you won’t be able to BEAT the Slovenian fans off with a palica.

Scotland’s player of the game goes to the always ready, always feisty, veteran’s veteran, Mr. Paul Harty. The Kinger takes the honours and a hat-trick home to Mrs. King, with all the rewards and favors appertaining thereto.

Late Game – Portugal vs Ireland

Portugal finishes the regular season with THREE CRACKS at locking up first place. A loss last week to Italy left them with only two more, including this game against the last place Irish.

Nieminen and Cioffi squared off in this goaltender’s duel with only Paul Riopelle finding twine in the opening period. Riopelle doubled down halfway through the second period followed by sniper Patty Sharp to make it 3-0 for last place Ireland over first place Portugal. What. The. Puck.

Portugal pulled itself off the mat in the final frame with goals from Scott Wilson and Robin Flumerfelt and pressed hard to even this one, but Paul Riopelle notched the empty netter and completed the 4-2 Irish win.

This game had playoff implications. Italy must beat Slovenia in the final game or they will replace Ireland in last spot for the regular season. But some historians of the league say that just makes winning gold that much sweeter.

Portugal is also now under pressure to win their last match against Scotland or else be knocked out of first place by Slovenia. Lots at stake in week 25!

Portugal’s Player of the Game goes to Robin Chantaj, who tried in vain to feed his teammates all night. Ireland’s Player of the Game goes to Pat McCormick, pounding a pint after pounding the Portuguese.