Last Games of Regular Season

Well, we are headed into the last week of the regular season. A lot of teams will be playing for bragging rights and maybe some momentum, as everyone makes the playoffs. However, Wednesday night could really shake up the standings if things go a certain way.

Joe has done such a bad job with predictions all season, he has handed over the reigns to me, Dane. Actually he is just lazy, and sleeping in his office, so I thought I'd take care of it for him because I know how much we all look forward to reading about the matchups each week to gear up for our games.

Wed. C
Legends vs. Bearings Group
Legends and Bearings has always been a really good matchup with games won by 1 goal including an extremely long shootout. Hodges has been on a hot streak for Legends and is ready to take on Blickley and Bearings, "If we can shut down that kid with the mullet, and I score as much as I have been the past few weeks, we'll definitely come away with a big victory." When I told Lyle of Bearings what Hodgey had said, he promised to shut down Hodges. Bearings is looking to keep the third place seed heading into the playoffs, which is huge for them, as it will dictate whether they play the 5th or 6th seed next week. If Legends can pull off a win they will ensure the League Championship... So, expect a lot of guys to call in sick on Thursday, as I have Legends over Bearings Group by 1 in another close battle.

Alien Mike vs. Plaza Printers
Alien Mike still has not won since the new year, and Plaza has been on a bit of a decline with all their injuries and a short bench. According to Patava of Plaza, "This game is all about pride and momentum heading into the post season. With our early domination in the season, this slide has really hurt our team morale." John Perry of Alien expressed some frustration after last weeks game, "You'd think with two sets of brothers on our team, we'd have a little more team chemistry. We have so much talent, but it is getting harder and harder to keep a smile on my face." Kossoff, goalie for Plaza overheard John say this, and replied with, "After next weeks game, you definitely won't be smiling, as I'm going to shut you down, Perry." As usual, Mike Dylo didn't have much to say, but you know he's going to show up a little more dominantly than he has been, looking to bring some fire back to his team to ensure they don't drop to the cellar of the division heading into the playoffs.
Alien Mike turns it around with a 2 point win over Plaza Printers.

Irwin's vs. Alien Joe
Irwin's has been hot lately and is battling to get out of the cellar, which would be huge heading into the playoffs. Matthews of Irwin's has been heard telling his teammates, "It was when I quit washing my black sweatpants when we turned this season around." Joni replied, "yeah, we know, you freakin' smell." Joe Bafia knows what is in stake for his team this week making me work extra hours while he rests up for Wednesday's game. He knows that Alien needs a win to have a shot at the League Championship. Shane Bast who has been in net for both Alien teams the last few weeks as Blaine Barker has been nursing an injury had this to say, "I hope Blaine comes back for the playoffs, I'm sick of playing two games a week. It's been keeping me from extra Perkins time. No one from Joe's team has even offered to pay for my skillets for filling in."
Even with Shane's spite, Alien Joe by 2 over Irwin's. (I have a feeling Matthews' teammates made him wash his sweatpants.)

Sun. C
Slapshot vs. Coke/YDD
It's the last game of the regular season, and we have a matchup of first place vs. last place. Either way this one goes, we'll see a rematch next week in the first round of the playoffs. According to some Sunday hockey sources, Terry Kleven plans on bringing a brand of old school hockey to the Coke team they haven't seen before to try and slow down Wherenberg who is averaging something like 7 goals per game. There have also been some grumblings from the rest of the Coke team. According to Koenig, " It'd be nice if the rest of us got to touch the puck every once in a while." However, he wasn't complaining too much as Coke has ever so slightly pulled away into first place. Storm, goalie for Slapshot has had a tough year, but said he was saving himself for the playoffs, "It's been a long year, just wait, every one else will be tired, and I knew all along that every team made the playoffs. The regular season means nothing." Look for Storm to set the tone on Sunday for the post season.
Coke/YDD wins by 4 over Slapshot. (Remember, it's tough to beat the same team twice in a row)

Waste Management vs. Don's Auto
This should be a real interesting Sunday for the C league, as we're looking at another game that will be a rematch for the first round of the post season. The last time these two played was Superbowl Sunday, and WM must have had too much fun during the Giants win, as Don's smoked them. However WM had a huge upset last Sunday over Coke by 1. They will be carrying a lot of momentum into this week. According to John White, "emotions were running high last week, and I know we'll carry that into this week." Don's Auto won last week over Slapshot. "I'm sick of carrying this team, and having all our Russians getting the credit," Kelly Lang had to say. Sounds like there might be a little animosity on Don's bench after losing first place to Coke. Not a good time for that heading into the playoffs. Don's Auto and their well-known Russian five (Sergey Gorelik, Sergiy Kozak, Boris Dimenstein, Ilya Gorelik and BRAD DEAN) have been flying all year however, and I don't expect that to change on Sunday
Don's Auto by 1 over Waste Management

Sun. D
B&B vs. Cup O Kryptonite
Well, we have another matchup that we'll see in the first round of the Playoffs. B&B finally got their first win of the season, and in big fashion. They'll be looking to carry that momentum through this week and into the post season. "It's all about the post season. That is what the great teams of all time are remembered for," said Kessler of B&B. "We just need to carry our new found confidence to keep us in the right direction." When asked about the matchup this week goalie Mark Beller scoffed, "Have you seen my goals against average. They don't stand a chance. But I hate having to play the same team twice in a row."
Cup O Kryptonite by 3 over B&B (but watch out for B&B next week)

11 to 7 Insurance vs. Alien Hockey
Another game that will be replayed next week in the post season. These teams are two of the most evenly matched teams we've seen all season in either league. "If it weren't for that darn Josh Grahm and his 40-some points this season, we'd have run away with second place a long time ago," Adam Keller of Alien Hockey had to say when asked about the rivalry. Natalia of Alien is still recovering from that dreaded flu that is going around, so watch out for her out there. According to Dr. Alex Farmenbergenstein, "A lot of athletes play better when a bit under the weather." We've all witnessed it.
Alien Hockey by 2 over 11 to 7 Insurance