EHM The Blue Line

Bring on a Capitals - Giants final!!

Only one day to go!!

Back from sunny Scotland

Was a good weekend, and we saw some good hockey.
Saturdays games were the semi finals:
Edinburgh v Toronto:

Obviously one sided as expected, but it was obvious that the Marlies were faster, strong and more skillful than the Caps. They also did the simple things better, and the Caps were caught on the line change a couple of times.

It did seem that the Marlies were on the powerplay the majority of the game it was that one sided! Caps were restricted to breakaways when the Marlies play was broken up. Simon Lambert scored on one such breakaway and hit the post on another, Caps also hit the bar on another occasion although that was pretty much the sum total of their chances. Marlies had numerous chances and won 6-1, which could've been higher had it not been for an excellent netminding performance from Cody Rudkowsky in the Caps net.

Belfast v Hamiton:
Belfast actually started well, and it appeared to be more evenly matched than the previous game, however this didn't last and Belfast were beaten easily 7-0, which could've been a lot higher had it nor been for Murphy in the Belfast net who saved 45 shots, and played a blinder. Colin Shields also looked pretty good for a while but I think he got tired.

Belfast v Edinburgh
This game started with a ridiculous staged pantomime fight between McMorrow and Sharp. McMorrow is a lot bigger than Sharp and pulled his shirt over his head and punched him a couple of times before they both fell over. I think Sharp had a bloody nose, and it was probably one of the worst fights I have ever seen!

The game started well, but Edinburgh weren't really at the races and Rudkowsky had a poor game compared to last night, whereas Murphy carried on his good form(he enjoys flopping around on the ice quite a lot!!). Belfast eventually won 6-2.

Hamilton v Toronto

This one was very physical and massive step up from the EIHL game we had just seen, player were laying bigger hits, they closed down so quickly that players just didn't seem to have any time on the puck whatsoever. Things had been boiling over quite a lot in the first couple of periods with a fair few roughing minors handed out, until two guys squared off and had a great fight. It lasted quite a while and the momentum swung from the Bulldogs guy to the Marlies guy and then back to the Bulldogs guy, both landing a fair few shots. It completely upstaged the pantomime from earlier.

Bulldogs won 3-1 and won the 'Gardiner Cup' which actually looks very nice, and they've gone to some effort when making it.

Shame it'll be a while 'til I get to see any hockey of a similar standard live... Think I may have to move to NA at some point...

The shirt pulling contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-M_p3HamhE

Nice report - I don't think it could have been summarised any better.

The two semis were as expected but I was a bit disappointed with Sunday's games - I wasn't expecting such a thrashing of Edinburgh by Belfast. The Toronto v Hamilton was very entertaining. It really highlighted the gulf in skill between the EIHL and AHL; it was faster, more skillful and the hits were harder and more accurate. It was fantastic!

Myself, Nick and Andy noticed McMorrow and Sharp talking at length during the warm-up and wondered whether they were arranging a fight. Sure enough, two minutes into the game and they dropped their gloves. It seemed pretty pointless and I couldn't believe Sharp didn't first sort out his jersey beforehand (he ended up with a two minute minor for wrong equipment).

One thing you didn't mention, Nick, was the fight between two of the flag-waving kids. They must have been about 12 years old I guess. They were dressed in hockey gear and started messing around by beating each other with their flags. Anyway it predictably descended into a lot of facewashing and rolling around on the ice. It was hilarious! The security guards had to separate them!

I was absolutely gutted when the final game was over. I was having such a great time. Ah well maybe they'll come back next year...

Nick - I think we definitely need to arrange a trip to North America now that we're both earning decent money. Maybe next October or early 2011? Let me know if you're up for it.

One last thing: Although there weren't that many fans there (I was really surprised - I was expecting a sell-out), the Edinburgh fans generated a great atmosphere (in fairness, the Belfast fans did on the second day too). It seemed that they had a chant for absolutely everything (I've just spotted Nick's goalie....sieve reference ).

The one thing I won't be missing about Edinburgh is the seats. They were so uncomfortable.

Murrayfield ice rink sure has 'character'...

The Edinburgh fans were brilliant, one of my favourite chants was "Super califragilistic Darius Pliskauskas" and also when one of the Belfast players shouted "yeah" for the puck, all of the Edinburgh fans joined in and randomly started shouting yeah at the Belfast players.

Belfast fans didn't quite have as good chants, however there was one guy who took a particular disliking to the Maple Leafs, and by extension the Marlies. He shouted out Leafs suck every few minutes and when the Marlies got any penalties he would shout out "2 Minutes for sucking"

Hey,

I just got back from scotland. A rather long day traveling. I think the previous few posts summed the tournament rather well. It was an awesome weekend. With the best day being the Sunday. But alas also like Calv it some time until I see hockey of the same standard live for some time.

I can't wait to see some Cardiff hoeckey now. And be in a rather moden ice rink (although it is just a blue tent), Muttyfield Icerink was rather dated.

Calv wrote:Belfast fans didn't quite have as good chants, however there was one guy who took a particular disliking to the Maple Leafs, and by extension the Marlies. He shouted out Leafs suck every few minutes and when the Marlies got any penalties he would shout out "2 Minutes for sucking"

I remeber that guy. The chants were rather extensive. Expecially on the Edinburgh side. All in all a good weekend. Plus it was also nice to meet some TBLers in the flesh (you know who you are )!!!

Andywho.... I think I'm off to play some NHL10
AndyJayp