Five Things from the week ending 13 December 2015

Thank you to Tony for his contribution to FSB, All Credit for this piece goes to him so any queries you can contact him on Twitter @Disgu15ed

We’re all streaking at FSB HQ and in high spirits after four straight wins, but before we get ready for the potential number five in Braehead next Saturday, here’s the five things I learnt this week.

1>  The Semi-Final draw – Could hardly have been more embarrassing could it? Beer league’s would have made sure there were only 4 items in the bag, and put a little more effort into the pucks and bag presentation. Then announcing that it was Panthers v Steelers, Giants v Devils, before the quarter-finals had even been played, is going to reverberate around the Gardiner conference, and no-doubt come back to haunt some team too. Sorry Seth, but you need to give you head a wobble after that one.

2>  The Marsh Appeal – Just as well that the original suspension was deferred last week-end, as the 5 games was reduced to 2 on appeal, and it’s very hard to give back games already served! The Internet explosion from fans around the league who think they know hockey better than DOPS or the Independent Panel was amazing – with some extending the argument into players not coming across to play because of it. Decisions are overturned sometimes, we needn't agree with it, and it needn't be a conspiracy, nor have long-term consequences, just live with it and it’ll be chip-paper wrapping by this time next week.

3>  Pinc – Stato blast no1 – No shut-outs, but only 4 goals in the last 4 games, and after facing exactly 100 shots we've got an in-form N/M with 86% SVS% and a 1 GAA. Gives Thommo a bit more time before rushing Plante back doesn't it. Great defence from the entire team!

4>  PowerPlay – Stato blast no2 – How about the 2 from 2 away in Fife, and 2 from 3 at home to the Caps (and a delayed penalty goal)? Even if you add in the 0 from 6 in the home games with Belfast and Fife then we’re running at 36% in the last four games. Great defence and Great special teams!

5>  Goalie Illegal Equipment – With the help of Darrell Hay I learnt a new hockey rule this week, (although I can’t find it in the IIRC rule) which means a N/M who loses their stick can’t accept it just being slid back to him, it has to be returned hand-to-hand. Bizarre, and cost us 2 mins, against Darrell who had obviously forgotten it himself in the excitement!

Final thought for the day, is to consider whether Tom Darnell was deliberately atrocious on Sunday just to make us accept the other stripy tripe we've been dished out recently as more palatable? I’d love to hear the full content of the microphone he was wearing, as it looked like he was apologising to the benches for missed calls every 5 minutes. Even Hicks missed less the previous week, and that’s something I never expected to type. Ever.

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