Claimed:Nezhmetdinov: Storm Confident Despite Defeats [Final 6/6]

[Alucard 46]

Storm Confident Despite Defeats

Oslo, 15 August

 

Oslo's #19, Evgeny Nezhmetdinov, was down-trodden after game 2, but insists the series is far from over.

 

The Oslo Storm fell two games behind in their series against the Bratislava Watchmen last night, but according to Storm forward Evgeny Nezhmetdinov the team are still confident that they can turn things around. They outshot their opponents in both games, and will be scratching their heads as to how they've wound up two games down as they travel to Bratislava for games 3 and 4. The end result is that Oslo must win four of the next five, or face elimination.

 

If the Storm were in disbelief about their loss in game 1, they will be doubly confused as to how they are now two games behind. Just as in game 1, tonight's game saw Cola Cola's goal peppered with shots, yet it is Bratislava who hold a two game lead after overtime winner. The forward has now scored four goals in two games against Oslo, and seven overall in the playoffs.

 

As for the Storm, the bright side is that Game 2 saw the return of their powerplay. After going 0 for 7 with the man advantage in game 1, Oslo leapt into a 2 goal lead inside the first five minutes with 2 powerplay goals from Maxime Perron. Grady Simons pulled the Watchmen to within 1 a couple of minutes later, before a mass brawl saw three players from each side penalised for fighting. The same remarkable incident also saw three players called for roughing, and one for slashing.

 

The powerplay struck again in the second period, but this time it was Bratislava's special teams making the difference as Simons recorded his second goal of the night and pulled the visitors onto level terms. When a fifth goal arrived, it was again in the wake of a penalty: Bratislava's Tanner Hynes got the gate, and Giovanni Reuel netted his first goal of the playoffs to make it 3–2 Oslo. The Watchmen wouldn't give up however, and it was Valmont who equalised before the final buzzer, and he again who netted the winner in overtime, handing his side a surprise two game lead in the series. Despite this setback, winger Evgeny Nezhmetdinov was adamant in a post-game interview that the series was not out of the Storm's hands, and was far from over.

 

"We were unlucky in game 1," he said. "We played them off the ice, but Cola was incredible. Tonight we were the better team again, but credit to Bratislava—they didn't know when they were beaten, and they robbed us again. We were better today though; we moved the puck well, we won the majority of the face-offs, and most importantly we came up big on the powerplay. There is still a lot of hockey to be played in this series, but I know we can go to Bratislava and turn it around. Those Men better Watch; there's a Storm coming."

[Alucard 46]

That final line may be the most painful pun I've put in a VHL article. I don't know if I should be proud or ashamed of myself.   

[Ahma 1,430]

Hey Oslo, you need players who can SCORE goals :p !!

[Alucard 46]

Hey Oslo, you need players who can SCORE goals :P !!

 

Hey! Shut it , Valmount! You're lucky you're a Habs fan or I'd insult you so bad you'd cry like a Boston bitch.

[Da Trifecta 1,899]

Content: 3/3 It seemed like a pretty good read. This makes me remember back to the good old days when I was a Storm. Bratislava has been always a thorn in the side for everyone since they came in the league.

Grammar: 2/2 a few things I noted below

Presentation: 1/1

 

Grade: 6/6

 

penalised - penalized

powerplay - power play (numerous times)

Oslo leapt into a 2 goal lead inside - Oslo jumped into a 2 goal lead inside

[Kendrick 4,741]

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