Quik Recap of MIN-PHI First 2 Games

[Cornholio 182]

   

#8 Minnesota Storm vs. #1 Philadelphia Reapers

 

It seems that the first round is generally predictable this year with a wide disparity in talent amongst the championship contending teams and the playoff-fringe teams. These two teams shares some familiarity as apparently there were some fire sale trades between the two teams with the Reapers the beneficiary of rental talents for their championship push. Minnesota seems very confident that they can extend the series beyond the minimum four-game requirement while Philadelphia is looking to make quik work of their first round opponents so they can get down to business. Let's take a look at how the first two games on the Reapers' home rink played out. 

 

GAME 1
Philadelphia 4, Minnesota 1

Quote

 

Goals

	1	2	3	T
Minnesota Storm	0	1	0	1
Philadelphia Reapers	3	1	0	4

Shots

	1	2	3	T
Minnesota Storm	7	4	4	15
Philadelphia Reapers	11	12	13	36

 

 

The Reapers made quik work of the Storm in the first period. Three different Reapers scored goals in a span of approximately 11 minutes despite incurring four penalties. The shot disparity was in Philadelphia's favor, albeit in a reasonable way. Minnesota was able to respond back in the second period with a power-play goal of their own by a nice back-and-forth between their two defensemen Donat Szita and Wolf Stansson, Jr. to give some life to the Storm. However, they weren't able to get much going as Philadelphia would respond back with a goal of their own with less than four minutes remaining in the second period. Both teams incurred at least two penalties each, with Minnesota getting an extra one thanks to a certain Butthole. The shot disparity was absurd as Philadelphia outshot Minnesota by three times as much and this would continue on in a scoreless third period and a relatively clean period of play (other than a hooking penalty on Szita). 

 

GAME 2

Philadelphia 2, Minnesota 1

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Goals

	1	2	3	T
Minnesota Storm	1	0	0	1
Philadelphia Reapers	1	0	1	2

Shots

	1	2	3	T
Minnesota Storm	7	5	3	15
Philadelphia Reapers	7	16	17	40

 

Undeterred by their dismal showing in Game 1, Minnesota vowed to come out stronger in Game 2 and push the game back against the Philadelphia's scythes and it worked out well. Minnesota was able to strike first within four minutes on a goal by Lexington Lewis. Philadelphia, scoreless through their first five power play opportunities, were able to strike pay dirt on their sixth opportunity with a power play goal by Dylan Doyle (2nd of the series). The Storm couldn't get a goal past the Reapers' defense with their final power play opportunity of the first period. Both teams recorded seven shot attempts, so this Game 2 was sure to be better than Game 1.The second period was scoreless, despite a 16-shot splurge by the Reapers' offensive attack and Minnesota's goaltender Wendy Kandee Cain played her heart out. Philadelphia would eventually finally push a goal past Cain for the second time, in the third period with approximately 9:30 remaining in the game. Despite Minnesota's valiant attempts, the Reapers' attack and all-around play was just too much as Philadelphia out-shot Minnesota 17-3 in the final period and Minnesota was often short-handed, fighting off the Reapers'  power play opportunities. 

 

SUMMARY

Judging by the first two games of this series alone, Philadelphia is definitely the class of the VHLM. They are taking the puck and opportunities away from Minnesota before anything can develop, and Philadelphia is taking advantage of their chances by testing Minnesota's goaltender frequently. Minnesota has been lucky enough to push a goal past Kolur Bjoernsson once in each game, but Bjoernsson has been tested very lightly, only handling 15 shots in each games. 

 

Will things change on Minnesota's home rink? It is highly doubtful as Philadelphia posted a league-best 26-6-4 mark on the road this season compared to a 14-21-1 home stand for Minnesota. We can only hope that Minnesota is able to push this game to at least five at the very least - otherwise, it looks like a clean sweep for Philadelphia and a date with the eventual victors of Saskatoon Wild-Mexico City Kings series.