Fine...You Pick Then.

As I ate a late dinner (or early breakfast) late last night with two C League players (we'll call them Shane & Patrick to conceal their identity), we began discussing the status of the league and which teams were playing well. After an hour of criticism from these 2 "know-it-alls", they stated that I couldn't even predict the winners each week. I replied by saying"You think you can pick them? Go ahead."

So here are there predictions for tonight & next Sunday.

Legends Vs. Plaza
Shane says:
Everybody thinks its all about Davis in net. Well its not. He is the most overrated goalie not only in C League, but maybe North America. Anderson & Lenhard of Legends play phenomenal defense to protect him and make him look like a champ. Plaza on the other hand has this new Broadbent kid. He's the new "superstar" in the league. Although his teammates like Mulford, Patava & Hale will slow bring the team down to a slower level, he still has enough to take over a game by himself. Beware Davis and Legends as you will be no match for attack or Plaza. Plaza by 4.

Alien Joe Vs. Alien Mike
Patrick says:
Is this even a game that should be played? With Joe missing this game for a very important poker game, the Alien Joe team has no chance. Who's going to outlet to LeFleur? Who's going to contain Mikey? Who's going to make sure little Adam doesn't get hurt? Nobody, that's who. Alien Mike has too many forces. Koenig, the Kieltys, the Dylos, even Bragg may show for this one and it will get ugly. Topliff's idea of getting a bunch of B League subs and play the game as a forfeit isn't a bad one. Well at least we'll look good in our Alien jerseys. Alien Mike by 3.

Irwins Vs. Bearings
Shane says:
They have Brekke, Mathews, West, Kundel, Anthan, Dean & Feathers who are all B players, but still can't get it done. Look at their poor goalie, Brown. He sobs between periods since his team can't perform in front of him. Wallace, Harper & Dahl have been pulling their weight, but nobody else is. Clutts, Madsen, Goodman....non-factors. Bearings on the other hand is the most underestimated team in the league. They can beat anybody, anytime, just choose not to. You've got guys like Blickley & Hoekstra who shoot wide intentionally just to make the goalie nervous. Brus and his "Darth Vadar-like" visor just grins behind that mask. Their teams focus is trying to not win very games so they can save it for the playoffs. Smart team. Bearings by 2.

Sunday C
Waste Managment vs. Coke/YDD
Patrick says:
I'm biased on this one since I play for Coke/YDD, but I'll be fair in my assessment. I think Waste Management stinks. Not just on the ice, but off as well. After all, they are sponsored by a garbage company. They have Hodges, Runner & Cronin, who truly are nice guys, but have you seen them skate? You would think they were running on hot coals the way the move their feet. Actually very embarrassing. Now Coke/YDD has talent. The fluid motion of Wolf, technical positioning of Whitaker, the effortless goaltending of Reeves, the unstoppable defense of Abrams & Mudge, need I go on? I haven't even included myself, and although I'm most likely the top player on the team, I like the "supportive" role I'm in. I coach and mentor Ross & Josh to make them better players. Coke/YDD by 9.

Slapshot vs. Don's
Shane says:
Ouch. I'd hate to be Slapshot on Sunday. After the Don's team annihilated me and my Vegas team yesterday, I have a great respect for them. Brandon & Lang controlled the puck, while Kozak, & the Goreliks give them an outlet. Their team captain, owner & coach Davidson excepts nothing but the best. Although their is controversy that Brad videos other teams practices & games for his team to review, it doesn't change the fact that they win. They are the Patriots of C League. Coke gets lucky, Don's plays hard. On the Slapshot side, guys like Tourigny & Rech have too much riding on their shoulders. Day is fast, but all goals no assists. The Klevens can help or hurt the team...just depends on what was for dinner at the family table. Then you have Wermers and his bad knees...can't do too much. No brainer with Don's by 7.

Well, there you have it. Shane & Patrick seem to have a handle on the league. Did they make the right predictions? We'll just have to wait & see.

*Disclaimer: These picks and opinions are those of Shane and Patrick and do not represent those of Joe.