CFHL Week 21

With the regular season wrapped up its time for some playoff hockey.  And who is back in the playoffs?  The 3 time Cherry Cup champion Checkers after missing the playoffs last year are back.

Quest for the Cherry Cup Starts now.

Checkers vs. Goon Crew 4-2
This game was close through out the week and the Goon Crew actually at one point held a 5-1 lead, but low and behold Saturday Night saw the Checkers post some pretty impressive numbers.  They ended up posting 6 goals, 15 assist and a +17 on Saturday alone.  That one day would beat most teams entire week!  Phil Kessel ended up with 2 goals, 5 assists and +5 for the Checkers.  While they rely heavily on their Kings they got good production out of Kessel (Pens), Neal and Josie (Press) who combined for 4 goals,6 assist and +7.  Dangerous if this team gets that type of production on top of their Kings.  Crew have been struggling as of late and managed to score only 4 goals, truly missing their best player Seguin. 

Checkers mascot says "What's up??  We're back!!

Who Gives a Puck vs. USSR 3-1-2
In the basement game to wrap the season up the defending champ Puck ended an otherwise disappointing season with a win.  This game would have been a lot worse had it not been for Sunday's late action.  The Soviets ended up getting an assist from Kane to tie up assists and JT Miller for the Puck ended with a -1 allowing the USSR to tie +/-.  Giroux led the Puck with 3 goals while Eriksson and Johansen led them with 3 assist each.  For a team with players like Stamkos, Kane, Tarasenko, Hedman, Bergeron, it hard to believe this the USSR ended up dead last.

Mayhem on Ice vs. AshBusters 3-3
With the playoffs in the balance and being only 1 point behind the Checkers, the AshBusters would need a big week.  They hung in there and had the Crew hung onto their lead, the AshBusters would be in and the Checkers would be out.  But it would not be the case.  Ultimately they couldn't overcome the numerous injuries they had.  With Ekman-Larsson getting 16 PIM for the AshBusters you would have thought they would have won PIM, but Mayhem had 2 players with 10 PIM (Toews and Simmonds).

Middle one is Toews wife, but any will do...

Krampus Carols vs. Assassins 3-2-1
The Krampus managed to stuff the Assassins in their sack to close the regular season. Leading the way was Corey Perry who had 1 goal, 2 assists, +2 and 7 PIM.  Not to be outdone was the 9 PIM by Krampus blue liner Shattenkirk.  With the Crew, who were the top team for several weeks, loss to the Checkers and the Krampus win, the Krampus now own the number one seed. And for their efforts they get to play in the first round the red hot Checkers.  And they are limping into the playoffs a bit with Duchene and Kucherov banged up some. 

Perry led the way for the Krampus

Playoff Matchups Semifinals:

Mayhem On Ice vs. R.C. Goon Crew
Goon Crew decided to throw last weeks game in order to not have to play the Checkers again and thus dropped down to the 2nd seed and get the Mayhem.  They will need to get more goal production than just 4 from last week.  Key players as always will be their Stars and their Goalies Varlamov and Mason as Crawford still on the injury list.

Got to love the zombie makes of Mason

Mayhem keys will be the production out of their centers Toews and rookie sensation McDavid along with their goons Hartnell, Simmonds and Backes. Goalies are not as impressive.  Lundqvist is of course solid and will have to carry them.  Lehtonen is the other net minder and will get less playing time as Niemi starts to shine for the Stars.

Cherry Checkers vs. Krampus Carols
It will be up to the Krampus to stop the suddenly red hot Checkers.  They will need to put up some big numbers to do so.  Its not going to be easy with 2 players day to day.   Kucherov and Duchene are day to day and will miss a couple games still this week. That puts the pressure on Crosby, Hall, Perry and defenseman Karlsson.  In net is a roll of the dice.  Bishop and Rask both can put up good numbers but also can come away with no wins. 

A gaggle of Checkers... pretty much.

The Checkers ran the table at the end of the year after being left for dead and made the playoffs.  They are going for their 4th title.  We all know what they are about.  Kings, Kings, Kings!!  Kopitar, Carter, Toffoli, Doughty, Muzzin and Quick.  Interestingly they benched  Lucic.  But if they get the production they got out of their Preds (Josi and Neal) like they did last week this team will be hard to stop. 

CFHL Week 20

Only one more week in the regular season to go and here come the Checkers who now sit in the 4th playoff spot. 

Goon Crew vs. Who Gives a Puck 2-2-2
The defending champs will not be able to defend their title as the season comes to a close.  The Goon Crew have been average at best as the playoffs near, but still remain in 1st number one seed.  Not to mention they lost their best player for the season in Tyler Seguin who cut his Achilles tendon.  And now Crawford, their best goalie is out.  Despite all that they managed to at least tie the Puck.  Giordano had a great game scoring 3 goals, 2 assists and a +3 rating for a defenseman. If the playoffs started today, the Crew would take on the Checkers in yet another chapter to the Brother Rivalry.  In fact they play this week, and could play 2 weeks in a row.  The Crew hope not...

One of 3 Giordano goals for the Crew

USSR vs. Mayhem on Ice 3-3
Mayhem still remain in the playoffs and should be locked in.  They split the week with the Soviets who will be glad the season will come to an end.  The Mayhem beat them up with 32 PIM to their 10.  Dion Phaneuf lead all players with 8 PIM.  Connor McDavid continues to have an outstanding rookie season tallying 5 assists for the Mayhem despite losing the assists to the USSR.  The Mayhem goalies were struggling not getting a single win between Lundqvist and Mrazek, while the USSR ended up with 3 wins between their net minders Anderson and Talbot. 

I wouldn't stare too long at Dion's wife Elisha Cuthbert.  He might knock you out

Oh lighten up Dion...

Checkers vs. Assassins 5-1
This was basically a playoff game for both teams.  Big winner would be in good shape to make the playoffs and the loser most likely out.  The Checkers stepped up.  The Assassins did not show up.  The Checkers won all but one category.  Kopitar, the Zombie had 3 goals, 3 assists and a +5 rating.  James Neal added 4 more goals.  Lucic, Doughty and Muzzin, Carter, and Kopitar, all Kings, combined for a +24! Impressive.  Oh and Kings/Checkers goalie Quick had 3 wins and a .953 SV%.  This is a team ready to make another run to the Cherry Cup.


I think all these guys are Checkers

Krampus Carols vs. AshBusters 4-2
After the Checkers big 5-1 win, the AshBusters only 2 win performance has put them on the outside looking in.  By one point.  So it will come down to the last week to see if they can get back into the playoffs.  Krampus remain first in their division and are only 1 point behind the Crew for the top spot in the playoffs.  However they might not want that a spot if the Checkers are the 4 seed.  Sid "The Kid" Crosby had great week scoring twice, tallying 5 assists and a +5 rating.  AshBusters have some injury issues with 3 guys hurt and/or out (Vlasic, Subban, and Ekman-Larsson).

Crosby is fired up for the playoffs

So as we enter the final week its down to AshBusters and Checkers for last spot.  Checkers lead them by one point and will be playing the Goon Crew this week.  The AshBusters are taking on the Mayhem which is not easy feat.  With the Crew struggling as of late I think the advantage is with the red hot Checkers.  God help us all if they make the playoffs. 

CFHL Week 19

Heading into the final 2 weeks of the season and after Week 19 the top 4 still remain Crew, Krampus, Mayhem and AshBusters.  However, Checkers still in the hunt only 5 points behind the AshBusters and could have been a lot closer had they held onto their 5-1 lead.  Assassins trying to catch the pack to and are 10 points behind with only 2 weeks.  Will be tough, but a couple more 5-1 weeks and you never know!

Goon Crew vs. USSR 3-2-1
The Goon Crew got back to its winning ways holding off the USSR and regaining the top spot in the league.  Jason Spezza continues to be on fire and as if 3 goals wasn't enough last week, he goes for 4 goals this week!  Seguin and Benn faired a little better getting 3 goals and 6 assists between them.  This game was almost a 2-2-2 game as Sunday Afternoon Stamkos took the ice for the USSR and scored 2 goals.  A 3rd would have tied goals and the game.  Corey Crawford was unusually lame not getting any wins and only a .880 SV%.  Will need to be better for Crew to make run at Cup.


Spezza has been on fire!

Who Gives a Puck vs. AshBusters 3-2-1
The AshBusters couldn't come away with the win as they hang on to the last playoff spot.  Injuries and suspensions are plaguing this team, including watching them cart off P.K. Subban on a stretcher.  His return is still in question.  Brent Burns and his beard earned top honors for the game scoring 2 goals, 3 assists, a +2 and 11 PIM.  Not a bad week's work.  Puck goalies played well getting 4 wins between Luongo and Jones. AshBusters need to get healthy or they may not make it to the finish line. 

Subban being taken off the ice

Assassins vs. Mayhem on Ice 5-1
The Assassins made one big step to trying to earn a berth in the playoffs plus knocking the Mayhem down to 3rd in the league.  And they did it in pretty impressive fashion.  They had 3 skaters with 3 goals a piece; Tavares, Pavelski, and Gostisbehere (type that fast 3 times).  Two players had 3 assists each; Kuznetsov and Krug who had a +5 to go along with his 3 assists.  The Mayhem didn't get much production out of their top 2 players (Toews and McDavid).  They combined for only 1 goal and 1 assist and a -1.  Plus their goalies couldn't manage to get one win (Lundqvist and Andersen).

Tavares had 3 goals for the Assassins

Checkers vs. Krampus Carols 3-2-1
The Checkers looked like they were heading to a rout of the Krampus and putting a strong bid to get back in the playoffs as they were up 5-1.  "Not so fast my friend". Last Sunday Afternoon, Ben Bishop was in goal for the Krampus and finally got his first win to tie wins at 3 and his shut out Sunday gave the Krampus victory in SV% by .003!  Kopitar and Lucic were top Kings for the week combining for 3 goals and 5 assist and a +8 rating!  Krampus retook the lead in the Smythe while the Checkers still are 5 points behind the last playoff spot.  Checkers also lost one of their best players in Malkin who was lost for the season.


Bishop comes up big to prevent the blow out

With only 2 weeks to go, the Checkers and Assassins are looking to hunt down a final playoff spot away from the AshBusters.  These two teams play each other this week!  Assassins are 5 behind the Checkers and Checkers are 5 behind the AshBusters.  AshBusters have a challenge taking on the Number 2 Krampus Carols.

Panther Ice Girl with nice arch

CFHL Week 18

3 weeks to go in the regular season!  Top 4 still remain Mayhem, Crew, Krampus and AshBusters.   Checkers on the bubble only 7 points behind the AshBusters.  Race to the playoffs begin!

Mayhem on Ice vs. Goon Crew 3-2-1
The Goon Crew lost their 3rd week in a row and now in 2nd in the league as the Mayhem have moved to first place. The biggest issue for the Crew has been their once potent Stars attack of Benn and Seguin.  They combined for no goals, only 2 assist and a terrible -13 rating.  If it wasn't for Spezza's 3 goals this would have been a lot worse.  Mayhem got great production from their rookie Connor McDavid who had 3 goals, 2 assist and a +2. 

Maybe this is why Benn and Seguin have been sucking... too much of this

Checkers vs. USSR 5-1
The Checkers made a strong statement that they want to make it back into he playoffs.  With a 5-1 victory this week they are within striking distance of making that final playoff spot with 3 weeks to go.  Malkin was a beast scoring 4 goals and getting 3 assists.  Amazingly they did it with 3 of their Kings on the Bench!  Can they continue to make a playoff push with out their Kings?  They have so many even if three are on the bench, 4 are still in the starting lineup.

Malkin had big game for the Checkers

Krampus Carols vs. Who Gives a Puck 5-1
The Krampus Carols have pretty much ended the Puck's chance at a repeat.  And if the Checkers don't make the playoffs, we will be finally have a different team on the Cherry Cup.  The Krampus hopes its them.  An impressive performance in net for the Krampus with Bishop and Rask as they both had 2 wins and save % of .934 and .939 respectively.  Sid the Kid had a great week earning Number One Star of the Game netting 3 goals, 6 assists and a +7 ratting!!  That performance overshadowed an other wise outstanding performance by Brent Burns of the Puck who had 3 goals, 3 assist and a +6.

Another Penguin has a big week, this one for the Krampus

AshBusters vs. Assassins 3-2-1
AshBusters hanging on to the final playoff spot held off the Assassin who will need some pretty big weeks coming up to make a run.  Story of this game was the Goon of the Week for the AshBusters as the pickle Vlasic had 20 PIM.  That was all in one game!  Ouch.  It was a goalie battle between these two teams as they tied in goalie wins with 4.  Assassins had 2 each from Fleury and Rinne while AshBusters got 3 wins from Dubnyk and one from Holtby. 

The Pickle Vlasic

With just 3 weeks to go and the Goon Crew and Mayhem with 121 and Krampus with 120, it may just take one more week to lock down the playoff spots for them.  But the Checkers making a strong showing already this week up 5-0.  They will need weeks like that to make the run.  Long way to go this week yet. 

CFHL Week 17

Getting to the home stretch.  Playoffs right around the corner... I think...

Krampus Carols vs. Goon Crew 4-2
The Goon Crew drop their second in a row while dominating goals and assists.  Unfortunately the rest of the categories were a mess.  Bishop and Rask for the Krampus were the top Stars of the game as they both tallied 2 wins and a real solid .958 SV%.  Goon Crew's Stars players have cooled down and ended up with a -4 on the week (Seguin and Benn). 

Bishop and Rask a powerful dual in net for Krampus

USSR vs. AshBusters  3-3
The big battle for the Mother Land pitted the two Russian franchises against each other.  These teams hate each other, which extended to the CFFL football league.  This game would end in a tie but the AshBusters left their mark with 26 PIM including 6 PIM from 3 players (Sharp, Ovechkin, Ekman-Larsson). Stamkos finally playing like he should netted 3 goals for the USSR, however they only scored a total of 5 goals all together.  Old Man Joe Thornton for the AshBusters earned Number One Star honors with 2 goals 4 assists ad a +5


Old man Joe

Assassins vs. Who Gives a Puck 5-1
Game was much closer than the score would indicate as the Assassins won by only 3 goals, 6 assists, a +1, 1 goalie win.  And if it wasn't for JT Miller's 15 PIM for the Puck it would have been a clean sweep!  Pekka Rinne earned Number One Star honors for the Assassins as he won 3 games and had an impressive .979 SV%.  This helps the Assassins bid for playoffs but still 13 points behind. 

Rinne was big for the Assassins

Mayhem On Ice vs. Checkers 4-2
The Mayhem making a run at the number one spot in the league routing the Checkers this week.  This game only saw a total of 7 goals.  2 only from Checkers as their King Connection let them down once again.  Hard to pick anyone out of this game that was outstanding.  Lots of average stats.  So let's go with Scottie Hartnell who had 2 goals, 2 assist a -1 ad 6 PIM for the Mayhem.

Hartnell for the Mayhem