With four games left in the season, the Johnny’s Red Liners continue to battle out the top seed between themselves, the Devils, and Nutty Squirrels. They were steady and methodical with the goal scoring and defensive play. The Liners earned an easy victory, 6-1, to keep pace with the Devils for the top seed.
The scoring started out with quite a bang from Ty. He began his first shift without any warm ups. Within seconds of the shift, Baby found his wide upon by the far post and rifled a pass to him across the slot. Ty paused and then popped the puck into the top corner. The Liners continued the firing of pucks at the Centurions’ netminder who stood on his head to block those shots. Toto would snake him after rushing hard at the net, skated around it, and backhanded the puck just inside the post.
The second period scoring also began quickly from an unexpected source, Senor Cabeza, our scuba expert. He took an loose puck coast to coast and shot it into the upper corner after freezing the Centurion goalie. The remaining second period was a back and forth from both sides. The Liners’ defense also had several charges into the net, especially from the Druck. Dr. Watson would close out the period with a goal off a Mixy’s across the slot pass.
The only goal for the Centurions came in the middle of the third period. During a shot attempt by the Cens, the puck bounced off Drucker’s skate and into the Liners’ net. The guys and gal in red may have gotten slightly complacent during the start of the third period. But they turned the offensive pressure back up. Queen Steph ‘n Jeff had a good scoring chance after skating alone at the Cens’ net. But Baby would get a goal of his own in a manner mirroring Ty’s. The Druck corralled a loose puck by the near corner. He floated it over to Ty by the bottom of the far circle who spied Baby. This time, Ty passed across the slot to Baby who easily scored. Not to be finished, Senor Cabeza had one more trick up his sleeve. During an offensive scramble in front of the Centurions’ net. Dr. Watson dished a loose puck back Senor Cabeza who them popped it into the upper net.
The Red Liners’ 13-3-1 record places them in second place (tied for first in points) with three games remaining. They could finish the season in any seed from first to fifth (out of ten). Early scouting reports indicate they hope to win two of their remaining three games. Predictions indicate the CGHA will end up as the second seed. However, they will continue to fight for first but will need some help from the Devils.