Week of March 29 (Game 1) – Heading into this crucial game, if previous results were any indication, not many observers were giving the Shooting Stars much of a chance in beating Cuckoo’s Nest. Seeing as they had lost both previous match-ups, each by one goal, and Matty Iannello was making his return from injured reserve (surely this would provide a boost in confidence to the rest of his team). The problem is that someone forgot to inform the Shooting Stars players as they went on to post a convincing 3 – 1 win over Cuckoo’s Nest.
From the start, the Shooting Stars had both lines going as they too received a much needed confidence boost with the return of their own energizer bunny from injured reserve, John Mastrocola. John’s running game seemed to inspire his team mates as they carried the play in the first period scoring the game’s first two goals. Halfway through the period, Jim Barber (yes he did actually score another goal) scored on a slap shot from the right wing set up by Mark Stickney and Dez, which was followed up ninety seconds later by Mark Stickney’s redirection of a point shot past a screened goalie.
In the second period, Dez added to his team’s lead to provide some insurance and breathing room as he finished off some hustle cycling work by Jim and Mark for the period’s only score. With both of their lines operating at maximum effectiveness and shutting down the offense of Cuckoo’s Nest, the only question remaining was whether or not goalie Bill Gardynski Sr., who by the way was solid in net, would get a shutout or not. That answer came with only twenty-three seconds to play as Brien Sullivan’s point shot sailed past through a screen of bodies. With the win, the Shooting Stars increased the pressure on the Golden Oldies for claiming that final playoff spot.
Week of March 29 (Game 2) – Heading into their game, the players from the Golden Oldies knew that they had to win (a result of the Shooting Stars earlier win) or for the second season in a row they would not qualify for the playoffs. The pressure was on, yet, the Golden Oldies pulled off a gut check victory over White Lightning by a 6 – 5 score by exploding for three goals in the third period.
In a back and forth wide open first period, Mauro Colucciello was the story for the Golden Oldies team. Mauro had the hot hand for his team. He opened the scoring only eight seconds into the game right off the opening faceoff. Thirty seconds later, George Zeinert scored an unassisted goal to even the score. With four minutes to play in the period, Jim Clarke scored from the point as he was set up by George. Answering right back fifteen seconds later was Mauro as he scored out front set up by Mike Luise. Capping off the scoring with only three seconds left in the period was Mauro again picking up the rebound of a point shot.
Late in the second period, White Lightning regained the momentum by scoring the only goals of the period. First, Jim Clarke was set up again by George on the point for his second goal of the game, then, Steve Oppedisano benefited from the cycling hustle of Pat Pirone and Niko Vramis, giving White Lightning the lead once again.
In the third period, Mauro scored his fourth goal of the game on a power play only thirty seconds in, set up by brother John, re-tying the game. Late in the period, John Kelleher crashed the net to redirect a pass from Anthony Lauletta in tight to give the Golden Oldies the lead back. With less than thirty seconds to play, White Lightning pulled their goalie for an extra player only to have it backfire as Mike Luise picked off an errant pass and scored an open net goal. Rounding out the final scoring was Niko Vramis scoring out in front off a scramble. With the win, this sets up a huge head-to-head match-up next week against the Shooting Stars which may just determine that final playoff spot.