The Johnny’s Red Liners were coming off back to back losses and looking towards the playoffs. They were essentially playing for either the second or third seed. The reward for winning this game would be a first round bye and the time to watch “Dream Girls” in Millenium Park. Though the Butchers Union only had six skaters, they found well. The game would go back and forth but the Red Liners would eventually come out on top, 7-6.
The first period started early with a bang as Senor Cabeza hopped onto the ice out of the locker room and popped in the first goal after pushing in the rebound off Baby’s shot attempt. The Butchers would answer with a goal of their own a few minutes later. But Dr. Watson would help the Red Liners regain later in the first period after beating the Union goalie over his shoulder. The Butchers would get called for a tripping penalty that would get carried over into the second period and prove to be unfortunate.
Pauley, fresh from matrimonies overseas, didn’t skip a beat in the beginning of the second period. Still on a power play, MK back deflected the puck to a speeding Pauley would beat Union goalie down low. But the Butchers responded with a goal of their own less than a minute later off more odd man rushes. Incredibly the Liners also responded less than a minute later with a goal of their own. Credit is unclear as the refs could not tell who to credit the goal. The Liners’ two goal lead would not hold as the Butchers notched back to back goals in the middle of the third period to tie up the score, four a piece. In the closing minutes of the second period, MK’s cross goalie shot was deflect to Dr. Watson in front of the net. His shot was blocked but Pauley lifted the puck and over the Union goalie for his second goal of the game.
Entering the third period, the short benched Butchers Union would not fold. It would take them half way through the period to tie up the score again, 5-5. Trying to avoid a shootout, the Red Liners turned up the offensive pressure. Baby would find the open part of the net with minutes left in the period. The Liners would not give up the lead for the rest of the game. Twenty second later, Senor Cabeza froze the Union goalie and popped the puck into the upper far corner for the presumed insurance goal. This would eventually become the game winner after the Butchers pulled within one goal with more than a minute left in the game. The Liners’ defense were able to shutdown the remaining Butcher scoring changes to seal the victory.
With the win, the Red Liners tie with the Pirates with 31 points. However, they lose on tie breaks and end up in second place for the playoffs and a first round buy. Their 15-3-1 record is similar to their 15-3-1-2 record from the previous season where they were able to advance to the championship game. They will start the playoffs by facing the winner of the Centurions vs. Grip Pros Bullfrogs on Sunday, Aug 24 at 12:30pm.