Shockers Claw Their Way Back Against Ligers

Final Score
Shockers 6
Ligers 5

Shockers came into last night's game against the Ligers still without point-getting clit commanders Donald Toohey, Steve Towell, Chris Diabo and Chris Di Sensi but they felt a little more confident now that they already had one win under their belts without the big line. The fact that Gary McDermott was making his return after suffering a possible career ending injury was also a big boost of morale.

"He's a big body out there, he plays smart and he's got the most experience out of any of our defense so having him back is a big help," commented Andrew Stevens.'

McDermott, with just one goal this season, has been the backbone to much of the Shockers defensive improvement over the last two seasons incorporating his experience and skill into the game.

"It was tough first game back. I had to figure it all out in one period and then make sure I play well for the last two periods," chuckled McDermott after the game.

McDermott, showing little signs of rustiness, was utilized as a Mark Streit type of role where he jumped into the attack and was even seen on forward for the power play.

"Yeah, that was different," added McDermott.

Back in the line-up was Jon "Brown Bomber" Sante and Guillaume "Le Gros" Côté who filled in the gaps for the suspended players and shined most of the game with their legs, quickness and determination to dig out the ball.

Despite the Shockers picking up the victory, they did play a rather dismal game and played catch-up most of the game until midway in the third period. Ligers let them have a lot of space to move offensively but Shockers rarely tested the goalie with shots. In the defensive zone, the Shockers looked a little unorganized and the forwards were often standing around with their pants down around their ankles watching the ball instead of helping out the defense. Giancarlo Capaz made some good saves throughout the game despite not looking to be 100% solid and 50% drunk. It was definitely not a monumental game played by the squad but were fortunate enough to score one goal more than the Ligers did.

"To be totally honest, I don't know how we pulled this one off," commented Stevens, "we looked slow and laid-back."

"We feel into their trap and started to play their game," added Jeff Jasmin.

Shockers who fell victim to another slow start quickly went down 2-0 in the first but started to make it respectable by making it 2-1 before the close of the period. In the second, the Shockers and Ligers went pretty much goal for goal and stuck at a deadlock 4-4 until the third where the Shockers woke up and took a two-goal lead. Ligers were desperate and scored a quick one to make it 6-5 late in the frame and then with over 1:30 left in the game, the Ligers put all the pressure on and pulled their goaltender. Despite over-powering the scrambling Shockers, they were not able to score and the game was over before anyone knew it.

A big difference seen by the Shockers was the amount of penalties they received. Only accumulating one penalty (thanks a lot Godard, lol), the Shockers had more opportunities to play full strength or even on the power-play.

Next game is Sunday, May 17th @ 10:30pm against the very powerful Baton Rouge. The Rouge have yet to lose a game this season and have been romping over teams that have gotten in their way. The Shockers will enjoy the likes of Steve Towell and Chris Di Sensi back in their line-up and could really use the extra man-power. Andrew Stevens has been noted to be a healthy scratch and Francois Hamelin has been announced to be day-to-day with Swine Flu-like symptoms after he messed around with under-aged Mexican massage therapists (*cough* hookers *cough*).