Regular Season Ends, Wishful Thinking Begins

Let's be frank. Past Red Army teams have had stronger rosters, more offensive prowess, and overall better player attendance. Past Red Army teams have had multiple twenty goal scorers, power play efficiency well over 50%, and a stifling defense. Past Red Army teams have all failed. Entering the post season this year is a squad that bears little resemblance to a team primed to make a run. A team devoid of chemistry, endurance, and at times, discipline. But don't write them off.

Mother Russia finished with a modest 4-10 record. Those ten losses are deceiving though. Consider the following...

Loss # 1: Mad Dads 3-2 (overtime)
-A late season rematch featured a 10-0 white wash in favor of the soviets.

Loss # 2: Bear Calvary 9-6
- A three goal game is a close game at Dulles. A few bounces and breaks and that game could have had a different outcome. The season finale was a rematch of these teams and ended in a one goal loss for the Red Army (without Hendricks, and with Andy in net.)

Loss # 3: Cryptic Stench 6-2
- The best goalie in the league filled in for the Stench and shut the door. On top of that, anytime a crowd gathers to watch the Red Army, Hendricks sucks (especially if a certain female watches, intoxicated of not.) More on this in a moment.

Loss #4: Hosers 12-0
- Hosers will not be participating in the silver division playoffs.

Loss # 5: Mapleleafs 12-5
-Mapleleafs will not be participating in the silver division playoffs.

Loss # 6: Renegades 6-4
- A 6-4 loss without Hendricks translates a 10-8 win with Hendricks in my book.

Loss #7: Short Bus Boys 9-6
-The most intriguing loss of the season. Short Bus is a formidable opponent, yet the Army stuck with them for two periods before surrendering a slew of late goals. Keep in mind though, with Jenkins as their goal keeper, they are vulnerable to a 10 goal Hendricks performance.

Loss #8: Multiple Scoregasms 5-4 (overtime)
- A back and forth game that featured great goals and saves. Hendricks missed three golden opportunities in overtime to seal the deal. Don't expect that to happen again.

Loss #9: Stop Staring at My Chest 5-1
- SSAMC is the best silver team. A four goal differential (with the number 1 goalie in the league in game 2 of a double header) is something to be proud of. The only time these teams would meet would be in the championship.

Loss #10: Bear Cavalry 6-5
-A close game with Andy in goal and without Hendricks. Different story next time.


So the point of this all? Save for two games against gold opponents, the games were all close. If the Red Army can have at least 7 people show up for games they have a chance. Granted, and this isn't too put any pressure on the big guns, but Hendricks and Duhaime each have to produce. Secondary scorers like Hand and recently, Tony, will have to chip in as well. The defense has to come together with help from the forwards on backchecking and Kraus has to continue his superb play. A lot of question marks, but we're being frank here, remember?

The first test comes Tuesday vs the Cryptic Stench. Is it me or do these two teams always meet in the post season? On paper the Stench seem to be heavily favored... but when the odds are against Mother Russia, bet on her for magic.