Entering in their third playoff game, the Johnny’s Red Liners had weathered two light storms: Irish Clowns and Devils. But the Rats had always been a difficult team to beat and were better than their record would indicate. This game would not be any different. It would probably be the most complete and exciting game in CGHA history. Their 2-1 victor would propel them into their first Johnny’s Championship game.
At the start of the first period, a full fifteen player bench charged out hard against the Rats. They stuck with their strategy of aggressive offensive player (dumping pucks & crashing the net) along with the defense targeting their best scorers. The Rats’ netminder was able to stop all of the shots of goal with the help of a wall of Rat D men in front. On the flip side, the Rats were only able to manage a few good scoring chances that were easily deflected. At the end of the period, the guys and gal remained calm and did not get frustrated by the lack of scoring.
This strategy continued into the second period with the Liners upping their presence in front of the Rats’ net. The physicality also escalated in that area. But it would be the grinder mentality that lead to the Liners first goal. Jeff shot on net with Baby scooping the rebound and skated behind the net. Coming out from behind the far post, MK screwed the goal and allowed Baby’s cross slot pass to hit a waiting Paulie at the near post back door. He easily popped it into the empty net. The Liners thought they were on a roll as they were awarded a 5-3 powerplay a few minutes later. However, the Rats stuck with their standard Great Wall around the goal strategy. Multiple shots from the point could not slip through and past the goalie. However, the lack of scoring did not get the Liners down.
They continued the pressure into the third period. The shots from the points and battles around the net became fiercer. The Rats started to look slightly rundown. They kept with their strategy of trying to have one cherrypicker by the far blue line. After MK was injured from Toe’s slapshot and knocked out of the game, the Liners concentrated their lines to two strong groups. And they were rewarded with this strategy. Easy E who was on a one month goal scoring drought, stood his ground in front of the net and able to pop in the loose puck as the Liners through bodies and pucks at the Rats. Before sealing the victory, the Liners had to deal with two more scares. The Druck was called for interference with less than five minutes left in the period. The solid Liners defense was able to easily kill the penalty. But the play of the game would be in the closing minutes with a Rat breakaway. One of their star goal scorers skated unhindered at Biggie who stood his ground and blocked the weak shot on goal. The victory was sealed when the Rats were called for interference 82 seconds left in the game, guaranteeing the liners would be on the power play for the rest of the game. Knowing that, the Liners essentially ran down the clock.
The CGHA has never been to the championship game at Johnny’s. They are also attempting a three-peat as they want to match the championship wins at the Chicago Outdoor Hockey League and McFetridge Adult Recreational Hockey League. They will be facing off against the Rusty Blades on Friday, 9pm at JIH West. In their only meeting this seasons, the Blades beat the Liners 4-3 in a penalty filled game (7 for the Liners, 9 for the Blades). The winning goal was scored with 22 seconds left in the game during a power play. While both teams beat a 2nd and 5th seed to get to the finals, the Liners may have grown more during this playoff run and got hot at just the right time. They will find out in 48 hours.