Week of December 6 (Game 1) – With both teams needing a win here, this would be a crucial game played that would impact the league standings. For Who Needs Superstars, a win would move them back into first place overall; for That’s a Plus, a win was much needed and would keep their playoff hopes alive. In a back and forth contest, John Mastrocola’s energy game was the difference here as Who Needs Superstars held on for a 6 - 4 victory over That’s a Plus.
In a first period that saw many momentum swings, there were five combined goals scored by both teams. Derek Shaw kicked off the scoring for Who Needs Superstars only a minute in as he was set up out front by Sal Provanzano. A few minutes after that, John Mastrocola hustled his way in front and alertly pounced on the loose rebound of Mike Surette’s point shot behind the goalie. Needing a spark, Sean Snelders provided it for That’s a Plus less than two minutes later, as he found the rebound out front of a Paul Castonguay shot from the point that was set up by Pat Pirone. With less than a minute to play in the period, Tony Medeiros took advantage of the momentum swing and scored on a pass from Dominic Defrancisco and Dan Broderick. Before you could say tie game, George Medeiros pulled that momentum shift back to Who Needs Superstars, scoring an unassisted goal, to give his team the lead.
In the second period, both teams exchanged goals. First, Ray Dow scored on a bomb from the point less than a minute into the period. This was offset by Tony Medeiros’ second goal of the game, coming down the right wing, as he was sent in by John Leite and Dan Broderick.
In the third period, Dominic tied the game less than a minute in, only to see John Mastrocola stick a dagger through the hearts and psyche of That’s a Plus, by answering right back twelve seconds later! Just over two minutes later, John completed his hat trick to send That’s a Plus to their seventh straight loss and out of the playoffs.
Week of December 6 (Game 2) – With both teams needing a win here, this would be a crucial game played that would impact the league standings II. With the results right there before them from the previous game above, for FOURget About-it, a win would move them back into first place overall; for Legends Last Stand, a win would clinch that fourth and final playoff spot. In a game played like a playoff game with scoring chances limited, and the top scorers shut down for each team, Ray Nickerson stepped up in overtime to deliver the game winning goal as Legends Last Stand defeated FOURget About-it 2 – 1.
Needing to score first in this game, Niko Vramis made a heads up play two minutes into the first period as he circled the net and saw John Lasala Jr. set up in the middle of the rink at the point wide open, who scored on another bomb from the point, giving Legends Last Stand the early lead. Towards the end of the first period, Legends Last Stand’s Matty Iannello thought he scored an insurance goal only to have the goal waived off on a questionable call. Can anyone say replay here?
In the second period, Mark Stickney tied the score less than two minutes in as he was set up out front by John Desmond. Throughout the rest of the period, the tight checking contest got even tighter as open room was at a premium.
After a scoreless third period, with the goalies and the defense controlling the play, Ray Nickerson ended things in overtime two minutes in, as he was set up on the left side by John Lasala Jr., for a slap shot just over the center line that surprised the goalie with a perfect shot into the far top corner.