okifenoki

Best VHL Game of Season 78 (so far)
 
I combed through all the data from the games of season 78 and found the most exciting game of the VHL season to this point. Let’s take a closer look at how the game played out.
 
Game 159 - Moscow Menace vs Warsaw Predators
Based on their distance in the standings, it might be a little unexpected to have these two teams in the most exciting game of the season. But both Moscow and Warsaw play with an offense-first mentality. This style of play lends itself to back-and-forth exciting games loved by fans. Which is exactly what we got here. Let’s dive into the details.
 
1st Period
Moscow showed they came to play by bursting out of the gates and scoring a phenomenal opening goal in the first minute of the game. A clean face-off win by Cole Newhook @GrittyIsKing09 led to a sequence that saw Moscow move down the ice into Warsaw’s zone leading to a beautiful passing sequence where every Moscow player touched the puck. The passing sequence ended when Grapes @Grapes-Tophat_Clan- fired the puck on frame. Warsaw goalie, β-WAR G, only caught a piece of the puck and it barely trickled over the line. The ref was unsure and went to video replay. The replay showed the complete puck barely crossed the line before being swatted away by β-WAR G. Barely is all you need and it was ruled a goal after the replay.
0:42 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 1 - Warsaw Predators : 0. Grapes 6 (Cole Newhook 9, Pietro Angellini 😎
 
Moscow’s early goal sequence and the replay decision appears to have lit a fire under Warsaw, especially Chris Hylands @hylands. Hylands intercepted a pass from Shaggy Tipton @TheTiptonKing, led Warsaw down the ice, and pounced on the bounce off the boards from an errant shot by Uhtred @leafsman. Hylands drove that loose puck home and tied the game 33 seconds after Moscow’s opening goal.
1:15 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 1 - Warsaw Predators : 1. Chris Hylands 6 (Uhtred 10, Victor Grachev 16)
 
A Duncan Idaho @OrbitingDeath  high-sticking penalty gave Warsaw the first power play opportunity. Moscow held strong thanks to the excellent work of Pietro Angellini @okifenoki who intercepted passes and cleared the puck all the way down the ice on two separate occasions during this PK. About a minute after the penalty expired, the Gregg Stallion @SweatyBeaver show came to town. A strong check by Aloe Dear @Renomitsu on Grapes freed up the puck for teammate Tim Waters @Siddhus who passed it to Stallion. Stallion looked like a novice horse rider as they stumbled their way down the ice, losing and regaining control of the puck, then they fired a shot that missed the net, only to grab that loose puck and send it past a confused Kevin Malone @WentzKneeFan036.
4:56 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 1 - Warsaw Predators : 2. Gregg Stallion 4 (Tim Waters 13)
 
Warsaw was presented with a great opportunity to extend their lead as Moscow found themselves 2 players down after Hard Markinson @STZ and Dolant Fertitta @Dolant penalties. During the 5-on-3 sequence, Kevin Malone was peppered with shots, but stood strong and stopped them all. Shaggy Tipton helped out by blocking a shot and clearing the puck out of the zone, wasting precious seconds. Moscow rode the wave of positive energy from killing off the 5-on-3 and scored their next goal shortly after returning to even-strength. Moscow took advantage of a Warsaw line change to quickly enter Warsaw’s zone. A great Bob Tristan @N0HBDY pass setup Cole Newhook with an open look which he slammed home to tie the game.
7:35 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 2 - Warsaw Predators : 2. Cole Newhook 5 (Bob Tristan 8, Pietro Angellini 9)
 
Now we enter the longest sequence in this period without a goal. 4 minutes and 5 seconds. Worried the fans might actually be able to take a breath, Warsaw just started firing the puck on net. But Moscow was a tough nut to crack. Shot by Uhtred, save by Malone. Shot by Dakota Lamb @dlamb, blocked by Tipton. Shot by Uhtred, blocked by Markinson. Victor Grachev @KaleebtheMighty picked up the loose puck from that block and slotted it home under a sprawling Malone to give Warsaw the lead again.
11:40 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 2 - Warsaw Predators : 3. Victor Grachev 6 (Uhtred 11, Dakota Lamb 19)
 
Creating a turnover on defense can help spring your offense to life because it helps jump start a fast break. Moscow demonstrated this when defenseman Hard Markinson intercepted a Uhtred pass leading to a rapid fire break out thanks to a quick 1-2 with partner Shaggy Tipton. Markinson hit a streaking Kyle Glass @Tbeez99 who scored to tie things up and then sang a song of exalting joy.
15:40 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 3 - Warsaw Predators : 3. Kyle Glass 5 (Hard Markinson 11, Shaggy Tipton 10)
 
Fans love powerplays because it creates this anticipation of a goal. The team on the powerplay has an opportunity to control the puck more, slow things down, take high quality shots. All of that adds to the excitement felt by fans. We had 6 straight even-strength goals so far in this game. It’s almost like the teams got together and said, how can we make this game even more exciting? They answered that question by saying, let’s make the next 6 goals powerplay goals. So, they did just that. Jordan Tate @Aye my name jeff started the powerplay goal frenzy after an interference penalty on Hadrian @bluesfan55. Moscow did a good job of maintaining possession during their powerplay, regaining the puck after a save with a rebound and some missed shots. Ultimately Pietro Angellini fired a shot on goal from the top of the left circle. Jordan Tate deflected it in and gave Moscow their first lead since the opening minute.
17:01 of 1st period - Moscow Menace : 4 - Warsaw Predators : 3. Jordan Tate 4 (Pietro Angellini 10, Bob Tristan 9) (PP)
 
An unbelievably exciting first period comes to a close, but not before Moscow defenseman Bob Tristan commits a roughing penalty with 26 seconds left in the period. Warsaw wasn’t able to capitalize before the period ended. Goals for this period are 4 for Moscow Menace vs 3 for Warsaw Predators. Shots for this period are 16 for Moscow Menace vs 19 for Warsaw Predators.
 
2nd Period
Yes, we’re over 1,000 words already. Still plenty of action to come! There’s a reason this was the most exciting game of the season to this point.
Warsaw starts the 2nd period on the powerplay and capitalize on the clean ice. Victor Grachev starts the sequence by intercepting a Shaggy Tipton pass. Later, Grachev picks up a loose puck from a Uhtred shot and quickly fires it home to tie the game 25 seconds into the 2nd period!
0:25 of 2nd period - Moscow Menace : 4 - Warsaw Predators : 4. Victor Grachev 7 (Uhtred 12, Dakota Lamb 20) (PP)
 
After watching Warsaw tie it while he was in the box, Bob Tristan smartened up and made sure to take someone else with him to the box. Tristan and Aloe Dear got into a stick swinging incident which saw both players off the ice with coincidental minors. Here’s a picture from the incident:

 
Since this didn’t lead to a powerplay, no goals were scored. As per the agreement reached near the end of the previous period. The next penalty went to Warsaw winger, Gregg Stallion. A minor for roughing. Moscow pounced on the opportunity. It took 5 shot attempts to get through, but finally Cole Newhook capitalized on their opportunity, scoring their second goal of the game to give Moscow the lead.
11:52 of 2nd period - Moscow Menace : 5 - Warsaw Predators : 4. Cole Newhook 6 (Dolant Fertitta 4, Bob Tristan 10) (PP)
 
The next penalty goes to Moscow goalie Kevin Malone. A delay of game for firing the puck over the glass. Bob Tristan served the penalty and just like the last time he was in the box alone, Tristan watches Warsaw score a goal. After a face-off win by Dakota Lamb, Warsaw maintained control of the puck in the Moscow zone. Their continual pressure and excellent puck movement found an open Lexi Glass @AW13 on the doorstep. Lexi Glass made no mistake and buried it home to tie the game.
15:33 of 2nd period - Moscow Menace : 5 - Warsaw Predators : 5. Lexi Glass 8 (Chris Hylands 17, Dakota Lamb 21) (PP)
 
Unexpectedly, Moscow successfully killed off a Shaggy Tipton holding penalty. They did a great job of keeping the puck out of Warsaw’s hands and only allowing one shot during the powerplay. Moscow wasn’t so fortunate with their next penalty. Bob Tristan found himself in the box alone again after a hooking penalty. Warsaw did the predictable thing and scored on this opportunity. A quick-fire breakout found Warsaw defenseman Victor Grachev streaking down the right side. Grachev fired a slapshot over the shoulder of Moscow goalie Kevin Malone, seconds before the period ends. The goal gives Warsaw the lead and Grachev a well-earned hat trick! The Warsaw fans go wild and spontaneously decide to donate hundreds of hats by throwing them on the ice.
19:54 of 2nd period - Moscow Menace : 5 - Warsaw Predators : 6. Victor Grachev 8 (Uhtred 13, Lexi Glass 9) (PP)
 
The period ends. Goals for this period are 1 for Moscow Menace vs 3 for Warsaw Predators. Shots for this period are 13 for Moscow Menace vs 20 for Warsaw Predators.
3rd Period
I imagine that at some point during the intermission a Moscow coach went up to Bob Tristan and said something along the lines of “They score every time you’re in the box. Stop getting penalties.” Tristan probably agreed and said “You got it coach!” Imagine everyone’s surprise when, 2 minutes and 45 seconds into the 3rd period, Bob Tristan commits another hooking penalty. Warsaw must have felt bad for the guy because they put him out of his misery by scoring 10 seconds into the powerplay. An Aloe Dear face-off win gets the puck to Gregg Stallion, who wins a battle with Moscow defenseman Shaggy Tipton to maintain possession of the puck. Stallion rips it home for his second goal of the game.
2:55 of 3rd period - Moscow Menace : 5 - Warsaw Predators : 7. Gregg Stallion 5 (Aloe Dear 24) (PP)
 
For the first time in the game, there is a 2 goal difference between the teams. Warsaw’s hero of the game, Victor Grachev, put their status in jeopardy as they committed back-to-back penalties. Add to that a Chris Hylands penalty, Warsaw had to kill three consecutive penalties to maintain their 2 goal lead. They did just that, thanks primarily to the outstanding performance by backup goalie β-WAR G, who made 9 saves during those penalty kills.
Back to even strength, it took a fantastic individual effort by Moscow’s rookie sensation Paul Atreides @Mr_Hatter to break through. After an icing by Warsaw winger Chris Reynolds @Crstats23, Atreides won the draw in the Warsaw zone to teammate Philip Stein @IHateBobNutting. Stein quickly returned the puck to Atreides, who snaked their way through the Warsaw defense and made a nice deke to create an opening for them to steer the puck into the net.
16:28 of 3rd period - Moscow Menace : 6 - Warsaw Predators : 7. Paul Atreides 12 (Philip Stein 17)
 
For the remaining three and a half minutes, Warsaw put on a masterclass on how to close out a game. They controlled the puck and stifled Moscow, creating many turnovers. Moscow was only able to register one shot during this time, and that was during the final minute, with their goalie pulled.
Goals for this period are 1 for Moscow Menace vs 1 for Warsaw Predators. Shots for this period are 21 for Moscow Menace vs 7 for Warsaw Predators.
 
Warsaw hangs on for the win! The home fans applaud both team for such an amazing and exciting game! This will be a tough one to top, but we’ll see if there’s any better games this season. Comment if you think there was a better one.
Tagging the GMs: @Spartan @.sniffuM. I'm sorry if I missed any tags.
 
 
Advanced Metrics
 
Moscow Menace
 
PlayerName G A P +/- PIM S H SB GA TA GA/TA GA% FO MP PP MP PK MP HitLP PassINT LPPickup RPass DumpIns Icings LPfromHit LostPuck Passes PassPct SDelfect SMiss SBlock SHitPost Shots SOGPct ---------- - - - --- --- - - -- -- -- ----- --- -- -- ----- ----- ----- ------- -------- ----- ------- ------ --------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ----- ------ -------- ----- ------ Bahram Kamkar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:00 0:00 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% Bob Tristan 0 3 3 1 8 1 6 3 14 13 -1 23% 0/0 27:02 4:30 3:55 5 13 23 26 7 3 2 0 29/42 69% 0 6 1 0 1/8 12% Cole Newhook 2 1 3 1 0 7 0 1 13 6 -7 21% 16/30 27:01 4:30 3:50 0 6 13 43 8 0 0 0 47/60 78% 3 6 0 0 7/13 54% Dolant Fertitta 0 1 1 1 2 5 0 3 17 18 1 26% 0/0 28:29 4:30 4:19 0 18 22 26 7 0 1 1 33/48 69% 0 2 1 0 5/8 62% Duncan Idaho 0 0 0 -1 2 6 5 0 10 6 -4 20% 1/1 19:53 2:38 0:00 2 6 8 36 3 0 4 2 22/30 73% 1 3 1 0 6/10 60% Grapes 1 0 1 1 0 4 3 0 6 6 0 18% 0/1 18:41 0:00 0:00 2 6 3 25 1 0 3 2 19/23 83% 0 1 0 0 4/5 80% Hard Markinson 0 1 1 0 2 6 4 12 21 21 0 33% 0/0 30:25 2:25 3:46 2 20 19 24 5 0 3 1 25/44 57% 0 1 0 0 6/7 86% Jordan Tate 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 -2 13% 4/20 9:50 4:30 4:31 0 0 3 12 3 0 0 2 10/11 91% 1 2 1 0 1/4 25% Kyle Glass 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 1 -1 12% 0/0 7:45 0:00 0:22 0 1 4 12 0 0 4 0 8/9 89% 0 2 0 0 2/4 50% Owen Taylor 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 20% 0/1 7:23 0:00 0:00 1 1 1 3 0 1 1 0 1/2 50% 1 1 0 0 1/2 50% Paul Atreides 1 0 1 -1 0 7 0 0 5 6 1 10% 23/36 19:54 2:38 0:00 0 6 11 31 4 0 1 0 49/54 91% 2 6 3 0 7/16 44% Philip Stein 0 1 1 -1 0 1 0 0 12 5 -7 18% 0/2 18:44 2:38 0:00 0 5 13 49 5 1 1 3 37/49 76% 0 5 0 0 1/6 17% Pietro Angellini 0 3 3 1 0 6 1 0 13 7 -6 21% 0/0 26:58 4:30 3:47 1 7 16 40 6 1 2 5 27/36 75% 0 4 2 0 6/12 50% Shaggy Tipton 0 1 1 0 2 2 2 6 17 28 11 28% 0/0 30:29 2:25 4:01 2 27 12 22 4 4 0 0 30/47 64% 0 0 1 0 2/3 67% The Seabasstard 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 10% 9/21 11:38 0:00 3:26 0 3 1 6 4 0 0 0 11/12 92% 0 2 0 0 1/3 33% β-MOS D2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 2:34 0:13 1:18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-MOS D3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:54 0:13 0:06 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-MOS D4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:00 0:00 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% Team Totals 6 11 17 5 16 50 22 25 134 121 -13 22% 53/112 N/A N/A N/A 15 119 149 355 57 10 22 16 348/467 75% 0 41 10 0 50/101 50%  
GoalieName Saves ShotsAgainst SavePCT MP SaveNoRebound SaveWithRebound PuckRetrieved ---------- ----- ------------ ------- -- ------------- --------------- ------------- Kevin Malone 39 46 0.848 59:00:00 28 11 12
 
Moscow Menace Advance Metrics 
Corsi For: 101  Corsi Against: 113  Corsi: -12  Corsi For %: 47.2  Fenwick For: 91  Fenwick Against: 88  Fenwick: 3  Fenwick For %: 50.84 PDO: 96.783        
Warsaw Predators
 
 
PlayerName G A P +/- PIM S H SB GA TA GA/TA GA% FO MP PP MP PK MP HitLP PassINT LPPickup RPass DumpIns Icings LPfromHit LostPuck Passes PassPct SDelfect SMiss SBlock SHitPost Shots SOGPct ---------- - - - --- --- - - -- -- -- ----- --- -- -- ----- ----- ----- ------- -------- ----- ------- ------ --------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ----- ------ -------- ----- ------ Aloe Dear 0 1 1 -2 2 3 2 0 19 13 -6 27% 35/54 29:32 3:48 3:42 2 12 12 46 9 2 8 2 58/71 82% 0 5 2 0 3/10 30% Chris Hylands 1 1 2 1 2 4 0 3 14 15 1 20% 0/0 28:30 4:55 2:29 0 15 16 39 7 3 1 0 39/52 75% 0 1 1 0 4/6 67% Chris Reynolds 0 0 0 -2 0 6 2 0 17 11 -6 22% 0/0 25:51 3:48 0:00 1 11 16 49 8 1 1 2 31/48 65% 2 7 2 0 6/15 40% Clinton Giftopoulos 0 0 0 -2 0 1 1 1 8 15 7 24% 0/0 22:58 3:48 0:00 1 15 8 10 3 1 0 0 17/25 68% 0 2 1 0 1/4 25% Dakota Lamb 0 3 3 1 0 4 3 0 7 8 1 16% 21/49 30:09 4:55 3:26 3 8 15 20 7 0 0 1 40/46 87% 3 6 3 0 4/13 31% Gregg Stallion 2 0 2 -2 2 4 2 0 10 5 -5 24% 0/3 22:57 3:48 0:00 2 5 10 26 3 0 3 1 15/25 60% 1 3 2 0 4/9 44% Hadrian 0 0 0 -1 2 0 4 0 1 3 2 11% 0/0 10:35 0:00 3:34 3 2 2 5 3 0 0 0 4/5 80% 0 1 0 0 0/1 0% Kaladin Kvothe 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 29% 0/0 2:53 0:00 0:00 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 1/3 33% 1 1 2 0 2/5 40% Lexi Glass 1 1 2 1 0 1 1 2 10 9 -1 23% 2/2 29:28 4:55 3:26 0 9 14 21 4 1 1 0 20/29 69% 2 7 5 0 1/13 8% Tim Waters 0 1 1 -2 0 4 2 3 14 22 8 25% 0/0 31:00 3:48 4:18 2 22 18 17 4 2 0 0 28/42 67% 0 1 2 0 4/7 57% Uhtred 0 4 4 1 0 6 2 0 13 6 -7 19% 1/3 29:10 4:55 2:55 1 6 15 47 8 0 0 5 31/42 74% 2 4 3 1 6/14 43% Victor Grachev 3 1 4 2 4 11 8 1 15 13 -2 23% 0/0 23:46 4:55 1:48 7 12 17 35 4 1 1 1 24/39 62% 0 3 2 0 11/16 69% β-WAR D1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 3:07 0:00 2:07 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-WAR D2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:00 0:00 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-WAR D3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:00 0:00 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-WAR D4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:00 0:00 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-WAR LW1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/1 0:51 0:00 0:47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% β-WAR LW2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0/0 0:00 0:00 0:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% 0 0 0 0 0/0 0% Team Totals 7 12 19 -5 12 46 27 10 130 122 -8 22% 59/112 N/A N/A N/A 22 119 147 316 60 11 15 12 308/427 72% 0 41 25 1 46/113 41%  
GoalieName Saves ShotsAgainst SavePCT MP SaveNoRebound SaveWithRebound PuckRetrieved ---------- ----- ------------ ------- -- ------------- --------------- ------------- β-WAR G 44 50 0.88 60:00:00 29 14 17  
 
Warsaw Predators Advance Metrics 
Corsi For: 113  Corsi Against: 101  Corsi: 12  Corsi For %: 52.8  Fenwick For: 88  Fenwick Against: 91  Fenwick: -3  Fenwick For %: 49.16  PDO: 103.217        
 
2047 words before the stat dump, will claim for 4 weeks.
 
 

PC Questions
Week ending 5/30

1. A hand full of games have come and gone. Who do you think has been our most valued player thus far?
Duncan Idaho is killing it with 22P in 15GP. A hugely impressive pace.
 
2. How have you performed thus far and based on that performance, what would you like to improve next?
I need to work on fighting depreciation if I want to make it in this league. Work has been killing me lately but I am trying to get back to being active.
 
3. What is your thoughts on the new league announcement, the VHLE?
I think it is a great idea. As a player who spent an entire season in the VHLM at the cap, I believe a middle league between the M and the Bigs will be a great addition for a lot of builds.
 
4. If you were put in charge of something for a day, what would you like that to be and what would you change or do?
I would be in charge of all debt and completely remove it all for all people. A fresh start is sorely needed.
 
5. Who do you thing going to be our biggest rival this season?
Malmo and Helsinki both have been our kryptonite in recent years. I expect this season to be just as tough against them both.
 
6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Been enjoying a caramel peanut butter fudge with cookie dough recently. Pretty stellar.

1. Fat Palloon is a great player. He has a unique character about him. I enjoyed making his signature graphic as it was much different than most that you see around the VHL. Both Jay and Schwarz were also great teammates. We got close boys but could never touch the Cup. Best of luck on your new squads.
 
2. Moscow is definitely in a re-tooling phase. I like the efforts so far. Hoping to stick around to see us develop.
 
3. Winning games during a down season is always a tough task. We just need to get back to the basics and trust our teammates. Defense first, as always.
 
4. Having a solid tender under contract for years to come is a luxury. I love this move.
 
5. I play a lot of Space Engineers. Not everyone's cup of tea. If any of you guys play, let me know. Also, I play Rocket League, Valheim, PUBG, and a few others.
 
6. Something nice... let's see... LET'S GO PENS, BABAY!!

Review:  
this is solid work! I like that you got home and away jerseys in there that both work very well with your logo swap. Light to dark background goes well with your players, can’t complain about the name bar either! 
 
10/10

Congrats Palloon @UnkemptCL4PTP and Colesy @GrittyIsKing09!!!

1. I want us to fight for a spot in the playoffs. Trailing most of the season, keep us on our toes. We get in, last seed. And make a run for the Cup. Unprecedented.
 
2. Puck movement, puck possession, and d-zone responsibility. They have to maintain puck possession, neutralize the big scorers on the opposing squad, and move the puck in the offensive zone to create scoring chances.
 
3. Russians are a unique breed. Very proud heritage. I enjoy their love for a good drink and a nice Adidas tracksuit. Personally, I love their Authors the most, Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky being the two most famous and for good reason.
 
4. I focused on getting back to earning TPE. Writing more media spots and honing my skills in photoshop for sig generation. So any of you new guys on the squad, hit me up for a new sig!
 
5. The fact that @Spartanis a fan of the best NHL team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. We have had many a game play-by-play on discord. We both recognize the greatness that is Bryan Rust and that alone is enough for me.
 
6. Mario Lemieux. Hands down. Had his career not been cut short I believe he would have given Gretzky's records a run for their money. He is a down-to-earth dude and a great part of the Pittsburgh management team.
 

I gladly accept my position and hope to be as great a captain as possible.

Congrats Palloon @UnkemptCL4PTP and Colesy @GrittyIsKing09!!!

Captains Captains Captains!
 
Look at me, posting captains on the first day of the season instead of after the TDL. I'm so proud of myself. I'm also especially proud of our captain and alternates this season. Moscow tradition typically gives our letters to the longest tenured members on the team, and I'm happy to say that the tradition will be continuing this season. All three of our longest tenured players are active and positive contributors to our team, both on and off the ice. Let's dive right into it!
 
A - Cole Newhook - @GrittyIsKing09
 
Gritty is the best. There really isn't that much else to say. He was in the beautiful Moscow S72 draft class and has been our most active forum locker room member. Probably because he doesn't use Discord lol. But he's one of the few people I talk with in DM's somewhat frequently, and one of the best kiddos I've ever met. Congrats Gritty!
 
A - Pietro Angellini - @okifenoki
 
My fellow Penguins fan, Oki was also in the S72 class and holy hell he tore it up in the first sim of S77. A hat trick to get the season started is incredible. He recognizes that it's going to take the veterans to step up and lead if Moscow wants to have a decent season, and man has he done that already. He's also recently been freed from the evil clutches of work, and we get to have more time with the league's best Teddy Blueger fan. Congrats Oki!
 
C - Fat Palloon - @UnkemptCL4PTP
 
Perhaps not one of the most vocal members in the locker room, but easily the most consistent and loyal players I've ever met. No matter what role he's played in the past, he's accepted his position and has done whatever he can to help the team win. He's already embraced his new role of Moscow's #1 defenseman, and is stepping up to take a leading role on the team. It's only right that he also steps up to the captaincy, and will be leading our team for the rest of S77! Congrats buddy!
 
Moscow Moscow Moscow!
 
 

1. I want us to fight for a spot in the playoffs. Trailing most of the season, keep us on our toes. We get in, last seed. And make a run for the Cup. Unprecedented.
 
2. Puck movement, puck possession, and d-zone responsibility. They have to maintain puck possession, neutralize the big scorers on the opposing squad, and move the puck in the offensive zone to create scoring chances.
 
3. Russians are a unique breed. Very proud heritage. I enjoy their love for a good drink and a nice Adidas tracksuit. Personally, I love their Authors the most, Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky being the two most famous and for good reason.
 
4. I focused on getting back to earning TPE. Writing more media spots and honing my skills in photoshop for sig generation. So any of you new guys on the squad, hit me up for a new sig!
 
5. The fact that @Spartanis a fan of the best NHL team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. We have had many a game play-by-play on discord. We both recognize the greatness that is Bryan Rust and that alone is enough for me.
 
6. Mario Lemieux. Hands down. Had his career not been cut short I believe he would have given Gretzky's records a run for their money. He is a down-to-earth dude and a great part of the Pittsburgh management team.
 

S76 was a whirlwind. The Moscow Menace took the regular season by storm, flying atop the standings for the majority of the season with only the Warsaw Predators close behind. 112 Points as a Team, 53 Wins and only 13 regulation losses (6 overtime losses), the Menace had a whale of regular season. But, as hockey fans know, nothing matters once Post-Season begins. Its a whole new challenge. The Regular season just acts as the proving grounds and the post-season shows who really has the grit and tenacity to find their way to the rarified air of Cup-Land. With serendipity, the Moscow Menace eventually fell in the Conference Finals to their regular season rivals atop the division, Warsaw. Taking it all the way to 7 Games, the Menace fell short by one goal, with Uhtred @leafsman sealing the deal with a Power Play Goal midway through the 3rd period Warsaw advanced to the VHL Cup Finals. Ending in spectacular, yet disappointing fashion, we caught up with Alternate Captain Pietro Angellini of the Moscow Menace after an offseason workout:
 
Interviewer: "Pietro, it is tough to see things go down like that. A 'So Close Yet So Far' scenario. What do you think contributed to the shortcomings this Postseason for the Menace?"
 
PA: "The way I see it, we gave it all and left everything on the ice. Warsaw got us in the end with a last look goal and we just couldn't even it up. I know our team gave it all. The stars were stars, with Colesy @GrittyIsKing09 and Mikko @Beketov doing their thing, night in and night out, we always had a chance. We just fell a little bit short this time around."
 
Interviewer: "Your series with Warsaw was one of the most exciting we have seen in years. A slugfest of high octane offense and solid blueline work. How do you think the Menace can get over their postseason woes and make the next step in S77?"
 
PA: "Warsaw played their hearts out. Both teams were laying it on the line. Huge respect for their squad. As far as our postseason woes, that's just it, they're only some difficulties we have to work on. Sometimes the puck favors one player over another, sometimes things don't go your way. It is about how you react to this sort of situation that truly defines you as a professional. Personally, I will be doing what I always do and put in the offseason work to build myself up and, in turn, build up those around me. The better I can be the better the core of the Menace can be. I try to play unselfish hockey, finding what works with my teammates and what is comfortable. Sometimes the groove lasts and sometimes it fades. When that happens it is a constant search for a new groove and that takes hard work."
 
Interviewer: "Well said, Pietro. We love to see a player like that on the ice. In true Musketeers style, all for one and one for all."
 
PA: "Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno, Alexandre Dumas"
 
Interviewer: "Always the bookworm, Pietro. Love it. Let's talk about the Moscow GM change. With @Victor leaving the franchise, how do you think this effects the team as a whole?"
 
PA: "We remain with but one goal: The Cup. It is hard to see a GM go, especially the one that took a chance on me when I was just entering the league in S72 as a minor-leaguer. But I have met with the new GM, @Spartan, and have the utmost confidence in his vision for our team. As a player I try to stay out of the front office stuff and focus on what I can control on the ice and in the weight room so, in actuality, I don't think it changes my outlook at all. Like I said, we want The Cup and only The Cup. Whatever it takes."
 
 
 

1. I am very humbled to have been drafted by @Victor. As a literal no-name player, Victor drafted Angellini late in S72. Angellini played 3 seasons in the VHLM, building his skills to earn a spot in the Bigs with the Menace. Victor helped me a lot through my early career and I appreciate him for that. He will be missed.
 
2. I've kept it relatively quiet so far this offseason and plan on kicking back into high gear this next week. Pietro is an oddball and needs time away from the stress of professional hockey to read and reflect on the season prior. Here's to another try for the Cup!
 
3. I'm excited for the new faces and a fresh chance at finding that lineup that gives us the best opportunity for success.
 
4. My mindset is always the same. Grind TPE, make Angellini the best player he can be, and win as many games as possible. Rebuild or not, I'm always looking to be the best I can.
 
5. There are a lot of good candidates. I would honestly like to throw my hat in the ring for AGM @Spartan.
 
6. I'd like to hit 700 TPE if possible. It's a longshot but if I keep earning it is attainable.
 
 

S76 was a whirlwind. The Moscow Menace took the regular season by storm, flying atop the standings for the majority of the season with only the Warsaw Predators close behind. 112 Points as a Team, 53 Wins and only 13 regulation losses (6 overtime losses), the Menace had a whale of regular season. But, as hockey fans know, nothing matters once Post-Season begins. Its a whole new challenge. The Regular season just acts as the proving grounds and the post-season shows who really has the grit and tenacity to find their way to the rarified air of Cup-Land. With serendipity, the Moscow Menace eventually fell in the Conference Finals to their regular season rivals atop the division, Warsaw. Taking it all the way to 7 Games, the Menace fell short by one goal, with Uhtred @leafsman sealing the deal with a Power Play Goal midway through the 3rd period Warsaw advanced to the VHL Cup Finals. Ending in spectacular, yet disappointing fashion, we caught up with Alternate Captain Pietro Angellini of the Moscow Menace after an offseason workout:
 
Interviewer: "Pietro, it is tough to see things go down like that. A 'So Close Yet So Far' scenario. What do you think contributed to the shortcomings this Postseason for the Menace?"
 
PA: "The way I see it, we gave it all and left everything on the ice. Warsaw got us in the end with a last look goal and we just couldn't even it up. I know our team gave it all. The stars were stars, with Colesy @GrittyIsKing09 and Mikko @Beketov doing their thing, night in and night out, we always had a chance. We just fell a little bit short this time around."
 
Interviewer: "Your series with Warsaw was one of the most exciting we have seen in years. A slugfest of high octane offense and solid blueline work. How do you think the Menace can get over their postseason woes and make the next step in S77?"
 
PA: "Warsaw played their hearts out. Both teams were laying it on the line. Huge respect for their squad. As far as our postseason woes, that's just it, they're only some difficulties we have to work on. Sometimes the puck favors one player over another, sometimes things don't go your way. It is about how you react to this sort of situation that truly defines you as a professional. Personally, I will be doing what I always do and put in the offseason work to build myself up and, in turn, build up those around me. The better I can be the better the core of the Menace can be. I try to play unselfish hockey, finding what works with my teammates and what is comfortable. Sometimes the groove lasts and sometimes it fades. When that happens it is a constant search for a new groove and that takes hard work."
 
Interviewer: "Well said, Pietro. We love to see a player like that on the ice. In true Musketeers style, all for one and one for all."
 
PA: "Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno, Alexandre Dumas"
 
Interviewer: "Always the bookworm, Pietro. Love it. Let's talk about the Moscow GM change. With @Victor leaving the franchise, how do you think this effects the team as a whole?"
 
PA: "We remain with but one goal: The Cup. It is hard to see a GM go, especially the one that took a chance on me when I was just entering the league in S72 as a minor-leaguer. But I have met with the new GM, @Spartan, and have the utmost confidence in his vision for our team. As a player I try to stay out of the front office stuff and focus on what I can control on the ice and in the weight room so, in actuality, I don't think it changes my outlook at all. Like I said, we want The Cup and only The Cup. Whatever it takes."
 
 
 

1. I am very humbled to have been drafted by @Victor. As a literal no-name player, Victor drafted Angellini late in S72. Angellini played 3 seasons in the VHLM, building his skills to earn a spot in the Bigs with the Menace. Victor helped me a lot through my early career and I appreciate him for that. He will be missed.
 
2. I've kept it relatively quiet so far this offseason and plan on kicking back into high gear this next week. Pietro is an oddball and needs time away from the stress of professional hockey to read and reflect on the season prior. Here's to another try for the Cup!
 
3. I'm excited for the new faces and a fresh chance at finding that lineup that gives us the best opportunity for success.
 
4. My mindset is always the same. Grind TPE, make Angellini the best player he can be, and win as many games as possible. Rebuild or not, I'm always looking to be the best I can.
 
5. There are a lot of good candidates. I would honestly like to throw my hat in the ring for AGM @Spartan.
 
6. I'd like to hit 700 TPE if possible. It's a longshot but if I keep earning it is attainable.
 
 

1. I am very humbled to have been drafted by @Victor. As a literal no-name player, Victor drafted Angellini late in S72. Angellini played 3 seasons in the VHLM, building his skills to earn a spot in the Bigs with the Menace. Victor helped me a lot through my early career and I appreciate him for that. He will be missed.
 
2. I've kept it relatively quiet so far this offseason and plan on kicking back into high gear this next week. Pietro is an oddball and needs time away from the stress of professional hockey to read and reflect on the season prior. Here's to another try for the Cup!
 
3. I'm excited for the new faces and a fresh chance at finding that lineup that gives us the best opportunity for success.
 
4. My mindset is always the same. Grind TPE, make Angellini the best player he can be, and win as many games as possible. Rebuild or not, I'm always looking to be the best I can.
 
5. There are a lot of good candidates. I would honestly like to throw my hat in the ring for AGM @Spartan.
 
6. I'd like to hit 700 TPE if possible. It's a longshot but if I keep earning it is attainable.
 
 

@UnkemptCL4PTP

@UnkemptCL4PTP

3rd Year Players in the VHL are looking to bump things up a notch and get noticed. Pietro Angellini has been campaigning for acknowledgement during S76. Posting career best numbers and flirting with Point-Per-Game status (55P [29G, 26A in 63 Games Played), Pietro is fired up and looking to make a name for himself in the Big League. 
 
It was a cold week in February with the Moscow Menace visiting Helsinki and coming home for a match against the New York Americans at home in the Motherland. Pietro had been chippy in his last few games, trying to find the back of the net but not burying his chances. That would change in Game 494 vs the New York Americans. In a first period that saw 7 total goals by both teams, Pietro lit the lamp at 7:09 on the Power Play from sweet, sweet apples donated by Liam Flaten @flatl99and breakout defenseman Fat Palloon @UnkemptCL4PTP. Pietro wasn't done: finding the net again at 9:30 and again at 16:17 in the 1st Period supported by helpers from Ricer @Ricer13, Jay Jones @TTtheT, and Newhook @GrittyIsKing09. Pietro then returned the favor dishing an apple to Ricer in the 2nd Period at 9:40. Angellini ended up with 4 Points (3G, 1A), 8 Shots, adding 1 hit and 1 block along the way. A huge game for Pietro, he was feeling it and looking for more.
 
In the next Matchup, the Menace travelled to Helsinki to face off against their recent post-season rival, the Titans. This one was a tighter matchup. With only 2 goals total for the game, the Menace were victorious. Pietro did everything he could to help, finding Ricer via Letang @Spartanon a nice set-up, and scoring his own 39 seconds later by way of Newhook and Liam Flaten once again.
 
Pietro was riding high and we caught up with him after the 2-0 win in Helsinki:
 
Interviewer: "Wow. Just wow. The Menace were looking fierce tonight. What do you think you guys have been doing to draw so much success lately?"
 
PA: "We just move pucks to the net. We keep the play in front of us and make sure we help out our boy Tonner @MexicanCow123. Did you guys see him out there today?! STANDING ON HIS HEAD!"
 
Interviewer: "Unbelievable. Moscow looks to be in stride. From solid Goaltending to punishing offense, everything looks to be coming together. Pietro, you have 6 points in the last 2 games. To what do you owe the uptick in your offense?"
 
PA: "It all comes from my teammates. We are a tight unit. Ricer came on this offseason and jumped right in to the mix. He has been great. I think I have developed some chemistry with Colesy and having our solid blueliners back behind the forwards makes everything easy. I just play my role and hope to do what I can to help the team."
 
Interviewer: "Whatever may be the recipe, it is surely working wonders. How do you keep things going?"

PA: "We have our GM @Victorto thank. He keeps the lines fresh and shakes things up if we get complacent. We just need to maintain what we are doing. FORECHECK, BACK CHECK, PAYCHECK, BAYBAY!!!"
 
MOSCOWMOSCOWMOSCOW

PIETRO PIETRO PIETRO

WHEEL SNIPE CELLY BOYS
 
MOSCOW MOSCOW MOSCOW

Angellini!!! LETS GOOOO!