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Last Updated: Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 at 11:03am (EST)
2017 PLAYOFF COVERAGE! — Last place Cyclones (2-1-0) move on to battle in the Cup Final after trouncing undermined Pirates (1-2-0), while top-seeded Brewstars (2-1-0) will see them there after dismantling Highest Puck (2-1-0)! — COMPLETE PLAYOFF COVERAGE!
A Humdrum Summer!
T. Turner gets the news of the Pirate playoff exit from his headquarters in Japan as the Pirates pack their bags. Mighty Pirates 3 vs. Cyclones 8
August 29, 2017
Well, it looks as though injuries, sabbaticals, retirements and the like have caught up to your Mighty Pirates (1-2-0). And, the Cyclones (2-1-0) have fully executed their revenge.
The Bucs, truth be told, never really found their stride this summer. Granted, it must mean the team was taking time for themselves, soaking up the sun, exploring interesting places and working on their fitness. (And, surely this must mean they'll be healthy and confident in defending their Winter Cup come September, right?!)
That being said, the Pirates tried hard last night. It's just that the Cyclones came über-prepared, dug in hard, and capitalized on all their opportunities. Big saves from Hebert, including many in close chances from Gallivan, Mutch and J. Sager, allowed them to transition quickly and swarm the Pirates at the other end of the rink on numerous occasions. Yes, they were skating very hard, including Hass who had four points (2G, 2A).
Kudos to Clifford, L. Klein and Mola who joined S. Klein (the only seasoned defenseman left on the Pirate roster) on the blue line. It's not easy to change positions in the drama of a Semi-Final, and they battled heroically.
Grinders Phillips, M. Sager and D. Turner did a fantastic job keeping the Cyclones off the board, and keeping them out of the Pirates' zone.
Now, one thing is clear. The Pirates need to book the ice next Monday and practice their power-play for the entirity! Seriously! This is a must! The Cyclones scored two-shorthanded goals last night, en route to their 3-8 victory, meaning that the Pirates have allowed four shorties, this summer, while only scoring four power-play goals... in 17 opportunities. What is the deal? Crazy! But, that's not where it ends... this is the fourth straight season whereby the Pirates have allowed as many or more short-handed goals than they've scored power-play goals. And, that simply has to change if they want to win another Summer Cup before 2020!
- 2017: 17 PPs / 4 PP Goals / 4 SH Goals Against
- 2016: 20 PPs / 4 PP Goals / 4 SH Goals Against
- 2015: 17 PPs / 5 PP Goals / 6 SH Goals Against
- 2014: 24 PPs / 4 PP Goals / 5 SH Goals Against
- 2013: 24 PPs / 10 PP Goals / 1 SH Goal Against
(What did we do so right in 2013?!)
I suppose Roger Jolie could finally press TNHC into allowing a football-style "decline the penalty" option... do you think they will go for it?
So, the 6th seed Cyclones move on to play the 1st seed Brewstars (2-1-0) after the Brewstars toppled Highest Puck (2-1-0) by a 5-2 margin in the other Semi-Final. Good luck!
The Pirates, certainly, will be focusing in on the 2017-18 Winter season... the 25th anniversary! Will you be joining us?
2017 Summer Pirate Stat Wrap
August 28, 2017
Once again, no individual records were broken this season... but, the record of allowing their opponent to score an an equal amount of goals, or more, while on a Pirate Power Play has stretched to FOUR seasons. That's ridiculous! Bring on the "decline a penalty" rule from the NFL... it's our only hope!
| STAT |
PLAYER |
| Games Played |
D. Turner (16) |
| Goals |
J. Sager (15) |
| Assists |
Mutch (14) |
| Points |
Mutch (25) |
| Wins |
Sturgeon (5) |
| Goals Against Average |
Sturgeon (4.84) |
| Shutouts |
Sturgeon (0) |
| Fewest Penalties in Minutes |
J. Besant, J. Klein, S. Klein, Leggett, Phillips, Sousa, Sturgeon, D. Turner, T. Turner (0)** |
| Penalties in Minutes |
Clifford, Mutch, M. Sager (10) |
| Power Play Goals |
Leggett, Mola, J. Sager, Sousa (1) |
| Short Handed Goals |
J. Sager (2) |
| Game Winning Goals |
Hoekman (2) |
| Game Tying Goals |
Hoekman, J. Sager (1) |
| Empty Net Goals |
18 players tied (0) |
| Hattricks |
J. Sager (2) |
| Playoff Points |
J. Sager (6) |
| * = New Seasonal Record; ** = Tied Seasonal Record |
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#10
Leggett |
Broken Clavicle / Ribs |
Out In- definitely |
#2
Rosenberg |
Groin |
Out In- definitely |
#11
Weber |
Ham- string |
Out In- definitely |
Stats, Scores & Standings:
FINAL Standings: Pirates lose last two games to finish in third place, watching the Brewstars take the division title on the final day of the regular season.
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