Game 2 of the First Round!

PHN,

Some big surprises came out of the first game of a two game series this past week in the PHN!

North Stars 4  Bombers 3

First up, Chris Ashton’s North Stars took on a depleted Bombers squad that saw its Captain Morgan Matthews high tail it to the Chinese Steel Leagues of DongGuan in an attempt to showcase his skills to make the KHL team, the Kunlun Red stars, based out of Beijing.  In a nail biter, the North Stars pulled out a 4-3 victory with Peter Nygai scoring twice and adding a helper, and Ashton piling in 4 helpers in an uncharacteristic display of team play.

The Oil  4  Godfathers 3

In what could be considered the biggest upset, this would not be a surprise to Vegas insiders who know that The Oil come to play in the playoffs, and come to play against the Godfathers.  Given their history, The Oil have matched up well against the Godfathers, just losing out to them last season in a close series.  Aaron Derlago, who for awhile could not receive a pass, looked to put that behind him and scored the game winner.  Returning Steve Bertolo, who was on the 45 day IR with a stubbed toe, marked his playoff opener with 2 goals.  While The Oil won the first one, it still is a long road ahead of them this Monday night, as the Godfathers are looking to bounce back, and take this series in OT!

Chiefs 3  Mustangs 2

The Mustangs claimed the Commissioners Cup in the last game of the season by defeating the Godfathers, but failed to carry the momentum into the first game of their series against the last place Chiefs.  Rumoured that the franchise might be moving or sold, with their top tier players traded at the end of the season, the Chiefs storyline read like some movie!  Andrew Matiasso, the youngest Captain in PHN history, scored the game winner while Alfie looked unbeatable, except well, he got beat twice.  Like in the series with The Oil and the Godfathers, the Chiefs are in for a tough game this Monday to try to move forward.

TIE BREAKERS

If the series ends up in a tie at the end of regulation, then a 5 minute sudden death OT will be played, 3 on 3.  If no goal is scored, then a 3 player shootout will commence.  No player will shoot twice until all players have shot at least once.  If a 3 player shootout does not solve anything, we move to 1 player at a time till we have a winner!

WILD CARD

Of the three losing teams, one team advances as the wild card winner.  This is selected by:

1. Most points
2. Least GA
3. Lowest PIMS
4. Highest finish in the regular season

For more details on the semifinals, Toilet Bowl and Championship game see here:

http://blog.prohockeynetwork.com/playoffs/

Good luck and see you on the ice!