Glen Thoughts

Instead of giving a position by position break down like I was intending, I decided to start my Olympic analysis a little differently. My hockey-hetero-life-mate Troy and I have decided to play scavenger and each take our own teams full of players that have been left over. This is going to be a series of posts, starting with today, as we both make our initial 5 picks today.

Just out of interest, we are starting with the team that was named. Any replacements made due to injury are going to be ignored, because, really, that would be a little too difficult.

In debating over this we argued about who should make the first pick and decided to have an MSN rock-paper-scissors war. It lasted forever as we both insisted on taking rock every time. Finally in the 127th round a victor was declared as Troy took…a bigger rock.

He used his first pick to take:

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Troy Says: With the first pick of the 2010 Shadow draft I hereby select Steve Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In my opinion he is one of the most talented players in the league not on an olympic roster. Yes he is young, but after a small stumble in his rookie season he has shown that he excels under the spotlight and what bigger spotlight can there be than the Olympics in your own country. Once surrounded by a little more experience and grit Stamkos will shine on my team Canada Part Deux.

Glen Says: Solid first overall pick. A late dry spell pushed him just off the radar. If he plays anything like he did at the World Championships your team is off to a good start.

Pick #2

Jeff Carter, Philadelphia Flyers

Glen Says: While nobody will come out and say it, it seems pretty obvious to me that cutting Carter was the last decision that Yzerman and company made. As such it seems fitting that drafting him is the first decision that Team Glen (henceforth referred to as: Glenitoba) makes. Carter is one of the most versatile players in the league. He can play all three forward positions, skate well, score with the best of them (as he did 45 times last year) and even fill a checking roll.

Troy Says: You can’t go wrong with Jeff Carter. Solid pick.

Pick # 3
Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning

Troy Says: In such a short tournament there is definitely something to say for chemistry which helps make taking Vinny an easier choice. He has certainly had a bit of an off year but his skill and toughness is still there and I think he would be a great help to my first pick, Steve Stamkos. Vinny is a tough and proud player and I’m sure this year has been hard on him but I believe that if given the chance he would make the best of the opportunity and make my team, Trontario, a very difficult team to play against.

Glen Says: Another golden pick. The guy can hit, score, and most importantly: win. It’s kind of surreal to think that he’s available at this point. He seemed like a lock until the start of the season. Also, I was going to call your team Trontario for you, but I left it up to you. Thanks for filling it in for me.

Pick #4
Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes

Glen Says: He’s easily the best option available in net for our nation. A slow start to the season cost him the third spot on the roster. I can’t say that I blame the powers that be for taking Fleury instead, but there is no way that I am going to pass one a goalie with one of the best clutch records in recent history. Come on, the guy is 6-1 in playoff series all time. I’m sure he could deliver for the red and white when it matters.

Troy Says: That is a fantastic pic. All this kid does is win big
games. He was definitely on my wish list. Good pick up Glen, I’m
totally jealous.

Pick #5
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

Troy Says: Originally I wasn’t trying to get the trio from Tampa but having already picked Stamkos and Lecavalier how could I not go with St. Louis to round it out. With my last pick I mentioned how important chemistry can be in such a short tournament like this so I think I will heed my own advice by taking St. Louis. He is dynamic and quick and can really make things happen out on the ice and I know he would make Trontario proud.

Glen Says: I considered taking St. Louis just to screw with you, not going to lie. Also, I sent Troy several MSN messages in between picks which all involved me implying that if he took St. Louis he would be less of a man. Clearly he’s too clever for that game. Also, funny that at the start of the season people were calling for the three Lightning forwards to make it instead of Marleau-Thornton-Heatley.

Pick #6
Jay Bouwmeester, Calgary Flames

Glen Says: I get most of the big name omissions. Most of the players sitting it out were replaced by other players who can fill a similar role. Why take LeCavalier when you have Staal? Why take Carter when you have Bergeron? Why take Stamkos when you have Toews? But this one I just don’t get. Big Jay is consistently in the top of the league in terms of ice time, and he sees plenty of power play and penalty killing time. He skates well and has a hard shot and has Olympic experience, so why is he no on the roster? The only strike against him is his lack of playoff experience, but Glenitoba will gladly look past that.

Troy Says: Not going to lie…..the Bouweester pick hurts. He was probably my next pick. I’ve been eyeing him for a while. Good call Glenny.

Pick #7
Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers

Troy Says: Penner has been a man possessed. After a terrible season in Edmonton last year and a trade that thankfully didn’t happen Penner has finally begun to realise the potential that Kevin Lowe saw in him. He has been using his size to his advantage and he is hard to get off the puck which is exactly the type of player that Team Trontario is going for.

Glen Says: I really didn’t see that one coming! I mean it’s a damn good pick, but I still have a hard time taking Penner seriously. You’ve got the making of a damn good forward contingent my friend.

Pick #8
Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames

Glen Says: Troy made such a great argument about chemistry that I decided to take his advice. While Phaneuf is having a disappointing year, the potential is certainly there for improvement. Whenever I think of Dion wearing the Maple Leaf I remember hte 2005 World Juniors when he and Shea Weber owned Ovechkin in the finals. He and Bouwmeester will be counted on to do that this time.

Troy Says: Another solid pick my friend. Unfortunately Phaneuf has had a bit of an off year but just like you said whenever I think of Dion I think of 2005 World Juniors too where he just destroyed everything in his path and with the right motivation he can definitely do it again.

Pick #9
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes

Troy Says: My intention was to take a defencemen with this pick but when I saw that Doan was still available how could I pass on him? For a while it seemed as though he was going to take the title of Captain Canada from Ryan Smyth. Either way though Doan is a solid two-way forward and I think he was be a great addition to the rest of my more offensively minded forwards.

Glen Says: I agree with that pick fully. Doan is a force, and I had him pegged as an absolute lock for a long time in all of my guesses to this roster. It’s a shock that he’s not playing.

Pick #10
Mike Green, Washington Capitals

Glen Says: I was going to take a forward here, but really, what’s the difference? Green is simply amazing to lead the rush and is easily the top offensive d-man in the league. He would excel in the faster Olympic game. Understandably he wasn’t selected due to his perception as a defensive liability, but I think that he is more responsible than he is given credit for. Glenitoba welcome the risks and the rewards of his game.

Troy Says: Green will definitely be a force. His offensive upside trumps his defensive downside for sure.

Pick #11
Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks

Troy Says: Campbell hasn’t quite been able to recapture his magic of a few seasons ago but he can still provide an offensive flare for his team and believe it or not he has the best plus/minus of any Canadian defencemen in the league so he’s in!

Glen Says: …he does? Well I’ll be damned!!! I must say, while Campbell will never be able to live up to his contract he is by no means bad. He didn’t so much as lose the top D spot in Chicago as much as Keith and Seabrook took it. That being said, I think that you took him a touch early.

Pick #12
Brad Richards, Dallas Stars

Glen Says: Hands up if you would have guessed that he would be the highest scoring player not taking part in the Olympics? LIAR!!!!!

He’s having a great year in Dallas, as he is just racking up assists left, right, and centre. He also has a great reputation for clutch performances, much like he had back in 2004. Glenitoba is hoping that he can recapture the magic on that one.

Troy Says: Richards is a very solid player and I certainly didn’t know he was the highest scoring playing not taking part in the
Olympics.

Pick #13
Ryan Smyth, Los Angeles Kings

Troy Says: No matter what Smyth always plays his heart out for team Canada. He was on fire at the beginning of the year but has since cooled a bit but when you put the red and while jersey on him he’s a different guy and I think he would be a great fit on Team Trontario.

Glen Says: Two words: JERK & FACE. Totally my next pick.

Pick #14
Marc Savard, Boston Bruins

Glen Says: I get why he never gets consideration. He is little more than a poor man’s Sydney Crosby or Joe Thornton, but since I’m not as wealthy as Steve Yzerman, I’ll take him!

Troy Says: Savard keeps getting boxed out of Team Canada simply because of the depth that we have in this country. If Savard was American he’d be all over that team. Good pick Glen.

Pick #15
Mike Cammalleri, Montreal Canadiens

Troy Says: I always liked Mike but I really never knew how good he was until he signed with my Habs and now every time I watch him play I am more and more impressed. He’s playing at slightly under a point-a-game pace in the hockey media capital of the world so there is no doubt that he would shine on Team Trontario.

Glen Says: I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. He was most certainly my next pick. Now I don’t know what to do…ahh I know!

Pick #16
Mike Fisher, Ottawa Senators

Glen Says: A great depth player who probably just missed the bubble. He adds much needed grit, and will certainly take on a checking role with my squad.

Troy Says: Fisher is another quality pick. He may not blow the doors off you with his offence but he is really reliable and will do whatever it takes to help his team win so definitely a good pick.

Pick #17
Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Troy Says: Well I figure it’s time to take a goalie so I’m going to have to go with Carey Price. He has been shaky at times but his skill is definitely there and he was excellent for Canada on the junior squad. When Price is on his game he is an elite goaltender but consistency has been a problem but I’m counting on the fact that the Team Trontario Coaching staff will sort him out.

Glen Says: Dude, can you read my mind or something? After my anger over the Cammalleri pick, I was considering jsut taking a bunch of goalies to mess with you. This is a very risky pick, but I think it could play out well for you. Price seems to be riding a high of late.

Pick #18
Stephen Weiss, Florida Panthers

Glen Says: After allowing Troy to take Stamkos, Penner, and Cammalleri, I knew that I needed someone to put the puck in the net. Weiss seems to be finally blossoming into the star everyone thought he would all decade. He’s on pace for a 35 goal season, and his powerplay scoring is nothing to sneeze at. I may be taking him too early in this draft, but I am starting to get desperate for scoring.

Troy says: Well for now I may have the edge in scoring but you’re defence is killer, it’s time to step up my game.

Pick #19
Robyn Regehr, Calgary Flames

Troy Says: Well in order to get some of the forwards I wanted in this draft I had to sacrifice my defence a little but Regehr is definitely no sacrifice. He is tough as nails and reliable.

Glen Says: I almost took him about 4 rounds ago, wanting to get the Calgary Trio, but I changed my mind at the last possible moment. Well picked!

Pick #20
Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks

Glen Says: The single most versatile player at our nations disposal. He can be effective if we were up a goal, down a goal, killing a penalty, on the powerplay. It doesn’t matter, he will succeed. He fits the Glenitoban versatility quotient nicely.

Troy Says: Sharp was definitely on my radar but I was hoping he’d last another round or two. Bummer.

Pick #21
Marty Turco, Dallas Stars

Troy Says: You can never have too much goaltending and although there have been questions about his play in the playoffs he certainly has the talent and I believe he would be awesome for Trontario. When he’s on his game he can match up with the best of them.

Glen Says: Great pick, he was definitely the best option in goal left on the board.

Pick #22
Stephan Robidas, Dallas Stars

Glen Says: He’s been having a great year, and if it wasn’t for the number of locks on D he would be playing in Vancouver. At the time of this pick he is tied with Mike Green for most goals by a defensemen, and he is less of a defensive liability. If I’m not going to get goals from the forwards, I may as well get some from the back end.

Troy Says: Oh you bastard! Robidas was totally my next pick. I was hoping he’d slip through the cracks for just one more round. Solid D-man with some offensive skill. Good pick Glen. You bastard.

Pick #23
Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins

Troy Says: Jordan Stall is a poor man’s Eric Staal and I’m a poor man so it’s a match made in heaven. Jordan is a solid defensive forward who will be great on the penalty kill and may even pop in a goal or two.

Glen Says: Good pick, and great joke. Although it was funnier when I made it several picks ago about Marc Savard.

Pick #24

Nathan Horton, Florida Panthers

Glen Says: I’ve already got Stephen Weiss, so I may as well get his running mate. The two have some solid chemistry, and compliment each other well. Horton’s also not affraid to muck it in the corners as needed, and can play Centre or Right Wing easily.

Troy Says: You’ve got a nice Panther duo there. Should be good!

Pick #25
Milan Lucic, Boston Bruins

Troy Says: Shades of Cam Neely before his knees cut his career short. He’s got grit, size, and skill, and he knows how to use all three. I think Lucic will be a great fit on Team Trontario.

Glen Says: I was hoping for him after I took Savard a while ago. Great pick, I would have loved to have seen him on Yzerman’s team.

Pick #26
James Neal, Dallas Stars

Glen Says: Trying to keep the duos with a pair of shinning Stars. He is having a break through year, probably because of his chemistry with Richards. I’d like to keep that one going.

Troy Says: Interesting pick. I didn’t see that one coming.

Pick #27
Francois Beauchemin, Toronto Maple Leafs

Troy Says: I’ve had my eye on Beauchemin for a while but I kept hoping to take him later in the draft but I’m quite happy getting him with this pick. He’s still trying to find his place in Toronto but he is a Stanley Cup winner and a very solid defencemen when he is on his game so I think he would be great on my team.

Glen Says: Yeah but he plays for the Leafs…the stench of failure is all over him now…

Pick #28
Derek Roy, Buffalo Sabres

Glen Says: Another player that can go out on the ice in any situations. I’m not sure if I should lump Sharp, Fisher, and Roy together to make the best damn checking line ever or to split them up and use other aspects of their versatility.

Troy Says: Derek Roy is definitely a good call. Nice pick up.

Pick #29
Alex Tanguay, Tampa Bay Lightning

Troy Says: He’s quick and he can put the puck in the net which are two things that I love. He was fun to watch with Montreal last season and I was sad to see him go but I’m giving him another shot with Team Trontario.

Glen Says: That is a great pick! Or would have been back in 2004…I think that he’s slumping hard in TB, but I guess he could do well in the right situation.

Pick #30
Dan Hamhuis, Nashville Predators

Glen Says: I kinda feel bad for this guy. He is not noticed by anyone who matters because he’s stuck playing in Nashville. Where a) nobody cares about hockey and b) the people who do are too busy paying attention to Shea Weber. Nonetheless Team Glenitoba has noticed all of his hard work and its happy to give him a spot playing a shutdown role.

Troy Says: I feel pretty bad for Hamhuis as well since he has to play in Nashville but with any luck they’ll be moving that team to Canada soon…I can dream can’t I?

Pick #31
Sheldon Souray, Edmonton Oilers

Troy Says: This is a guy who can quarterback the powerplay and he’s got a booming shot from the point. Unfortunately he’s had to deal with some injuries but if he’s healthy he can be on my team any day.

Glen Says: Solid pick, he would do well on the powerplay. Not sure if I trust him too much more often than that.

Pick #32
Ryan Clowe, San Jose Sharks

Glen Says: I’m going to stretch the rules a bit here…by taking a Newfie…not sure how I feel about it Still, Clowe is a gritty winger who has a great reputation for play in high pressure situations, which is more than we cna say for three of his teammates that made Yzerman’s team.

Troy Says: Nice pick Glen, Clowe had slipped under my radar but definitely a solid pick.

Pick #33
Dan Cleary, Detroit Red Wings

Troy Says: Well how funny is it that two Newfie’s are being picked in a row.
Believe it or not Cleary was the first Newfie to win the cup. This guy is the perfect big game player. He’s not going to dazzle you and he won’t skate circles around you but he will wear you down until you make a mistake and then he has the skill to pounce. Last year in the cup finals against Pittsburgh I thought he was one of Detroit’s most dangerous players. He would be awesome on a checking line and on the penalty kill for Team Trontario.

Glen Says: I know I’ve been picking on your last several picks, but this was a legitimate great pick. If I didn’t already have so many checkers I would have taken him for sure.

Pick #34
Mike Riberio, Dallas Stars

Glen Says: Speaking of checkers…I’m going to take someone with little to no checking ability! He officially makes the Dallas Stars Glenitoba’s San Jose Sharks, as I can now have a full line of those players, and one d-man to boot. He brings speed and offense to a team that is lacking it.

Troy Says: Mike Ribiero is definitely a good pick but unfortunately whenever I think of him I always remember him flayling on the ice against Boston in the playoffs pretending he was hurt and since that day I can’t stand him. There’s no denying his talent though and I’m sure he’ll do Glen proud.

Pick #35

Rich Peverley, Atlanta Thrashers

Troy Says: Quick…who has the most GWG in the league this season??? Rich Peverley that’s who! At the time of writing this he’s got 35 points in 43 games and he has 6 game winning goals which leads the league. I think he would be a nice compliment to my Team Canada.

Glen Says: Great Darkhorse pick! He has been playing really well (granted that was with Kovalchuck as a linemate) but I’m sure he could do well in a clutch position with one of Trontario’s many scoring wingers.

Pick #36
Marc Staal, New York Rangers

Glen Says: STAAL BROTHERS EXPLODE~!!!! While Troy took Jordan a few rounds ago, I’m glad to take his slightly older brother. He should help the best defense in the NOlympics get even better.

Troy Says: Another quality pick for Glenitoba. He is a young, solid defencemen and those are not easy to come by in the NHL.

Pick #37
Marc-Andre Bergeron, Montreal Canadiens

Troy Says: With my previous pick I chose Rich Peverley who leads the league in GWG so I with my next pick I’m going with the defencemen who leads the league in GWG, Bergeron. When Andrei Markov went down with a knee injury in the first game of the season for Montreal they needed to find someone to fill the void left by Markov so they signed Bergeron and he has been fantastic. He’s definitely no Markov but he has been very effective on Montreal’s powerplay and I think with the talent that he would be surrounded on Team Trontario he would fit right in.

Glen Says: Definitely a good pick. Every team needs a good powerplay quarterback, and Bergeron can definitely be your man.

Pick #38
Brad Stuart, Detroit Red Wings

Glen Says: Looking up and down my roster I noticed one thing. Not enough proven winners. My roster so far only has 2 Stanley Cup rings, which pales in comparison to Troy’s. Stuart brings proven playoff success, and a veteran presence to a young, but very solid, defense corps. Also he has experience playing a shutdown roll against some very big guns in recent years and he should join Dan Hamhuis as the two d-men I want out there to protect a lead.

Troy Says: Another solid back end pick for Glen. Glenitoba is going to have an awesome defence for sure!

Pick #39
Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche

Troy Says: I’ve decided to take Duchene as my 13th forward because this kid seems to have a lot of talent. He was the 2nd overall pick in last year’s draft and he has been a solid part of Colorado’s surprising play this season. I’ve listened to this kid during interviews and he seems to have a great head on his shoulders and he has a very interesting talent. If you ask him the name of any famous NHL player he can tell you the exact type of stick that he uses. More importantly though I’m taking him now as a 13th forward to give him some experience but I can easily see this kid moving up the depth charts quickly if any of my other picks falter.

Glen Says: Damn good late round pick my friend! He would make a great 13th forward, and not just as a young player but because of his versatility. He can do a little bit of everything, and I will be shocked if he does not play a big role in the real Team Canada in 2014.

Pick #40
Steven Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets

Glen Says: Can you say Carey Price 2.0? Mason was considered a favourite to be the third goalie late last season after his barely believable rookie season, he seems to have hit a bit of a wall with his inconsistent play in his sophmore year. That being said, I still think that he is the best option available in goal this late in the game. And I feel like he could easily step into a game or two and help out Cam Ward if it was needed.

Troy Says: Mason is a very talented goalie and even though he’s hit the sophomore slump the talent is there so another good pick.

Pick #41
Michael Del Zotto, New York Rangers

Troy Says: Looking at my defence corps I’ve noticed that there is a lot of
experience in that group so I’m going to add a little youth to mix things up. Del Zotto is a rookie playing in the huge market of New York and he’s in the top 15 in NHL scoring for defencemen so this kid has a lot of potential.

Glen Says: Great pick! He is a likely candidate to win Rookie of the Year, and I considered taking him, but opted for some experience instead. He is going to big deal in a few years I think.

Pick #42
Chris Osgood, Detroit Red Wings

Glen Says: Remember a few picks ago when I said that I didn’t have enough Cup rings? Well now I’ve just doubled them. Osgood is not a spectacular goalie, but he can be solid when it counts, as has been evidenced in the past two playoffs. More importantly perhaps, he adds a great veteran presence to a locker room that needs one.

Troy Says: Well I must say I definitely didn’t expect Glen to pick Osgood. Glen and I have spent many evenings making fun of him but as Glen said he can be solid when needed and the veteran presence cannot be overlooked. He may not be the most spectacular goalie but he usually gets the job done.

Pick #43
Adam Foote, Colorado Avalanche

Troy Says: I know, I know…..this would have been a great pick 8 years ago but in trying to round out my defence I’ve noticed that I’m a little heavy on the offensive side of things so I need a solid shutdown guy and Foote can still fill that role. He’s not the player he used to be but much like Glen picking Osgood he is still a reliable guy who will add a great presence in the locker room.

Glen Says: I don’t want to say that Foote was the last person you would take…but he certainly wasn’t far off. I would have taken Jovonaski to fill that role, but I see where you’re going with that one.

Pick #44
Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils

Glen Says: I know that I said that I had my checking line locked up a while ago, but I changed my mind. Zajac is emerging as one of the best defensive forwards in the league, while still being able to contribute offensively. This also frees up the likes of Fisher, Sharp, and Roy to add a bit more offense if need be.

Troy Says: Zajac is a very good young player who looks like he may become a star in the years to come.

Pick #45
Dwayne Roloson, New York Islanders

Troy Says:With my last pick I’ve decided to take Roloson. Roloson has a 17-7 record with the Islanders who are a young and improving team but they still have a ways to go. Roloson has the ability to steal a game every now and then and I think he would provide some great leadership on Team Trontario.

Glen Says: Roloson really is amazing isn’t he? He’s a zillion years old and seems to get better all the time. He has been playing great for the Islanders, and really, how many people can say that?

Pick #46
Jonathan Tavares, New York Islanders

Glen Says: THIS is who else can say that they are playing great for the Islanders. He really has adjusted to the pro-game quickly, much faster than I thought he would. The kid is on pace to push 30 goals as a 19 year old, playing for the Islanders. Just imagine what he could do with someone like Riberio or Savard feeding him the puck?

Troy Says: Excellent pick. Tavares is all that and a bag of potato chips. You’re totally right Glen, if he can put up these kinds of numbers on a crappy Islander team imagine what he could do on an all-star team like Team Glenitoba. I’m sure Tavares will be all over the 2014 team if NHL players participate.

So that just about does it for our teams. Here are our possible line combinations:

TRONTARIO

Forwards:

Cammalleri Lecavalier St. Louis
Tanguay Stamkos Doan
Lucic Peverley Penner
Smyth Staal Cleary
Duchene

Defence:

Souray Bergeron
Beauchemin Regehr
Foote Campbell

Del Zotto

Goalies

1. Carey Price
2. Marty Turco
3. Dwayne Roloson

GLENITOBA

Sharp Savard Carter
Neal Riberio B. Richards
Clowe Weiss Horton
Zajac Fisher Roy

Tavares

Defence:

Bouwmeester Phaneuf
Hamhuis Stuart
Green Robidas

M. Staal

Goalies:
1. Ward
2. Mason
3. Osgood

After 46 rounds of sheer awesomeness it is time for things to get real. With the help of my favourite website in the history of the universe (for this week), WhatIfSports.com it is time for a showdown.

The rules of this were very simple.  We set a seven game series with Olympic rules (i.e. Shooutouts) for all non-elimination games when we agreed to set it for massive overtime.  Clearly the stakes were high.  It went down as follows:

Game 1, emanating from the Winnipeg Arena.  Powered by a 3 point night from Jay Bouwmeester Team Glenitoba wins 4-2.  The shot totals were roughly equal with Glenitoba holding the advantage.

Game 2, a high scoring affair.  Martin St. Louis nets 3 goals, and Mike Green counters with 1 goal and 2 assists.  After 60 minutes the game is tied at 5.  After another 5 minutes the teams are still at a stalemate, sending both teams to a nightmare situation.  The dreaded shootout.  In the second round Shane Doan lifts one pass Cam Ward.  The rest of the shooters come up blank, and it ends 6-5 for Trontario.  The series is tied at 1-1 as we move to Maple Leaf Gardens.

Game 3, all Glenitoba.  The Dallas connection of James Neal and Mike Riberio prove dynamic, each of them scoring 2 goals.  With both Brad Stuart and Patrick Sharpe adding 3 assists, the defensive juggernaut proves to be an offensive threat.  The final score was 5-1.

Game 4.  Henceforth refered to as:  “The Game”.  Troy makes a controversial decision to start Carey Price after he was yanked in Game 3.  Who does he think he is, Bob Gainey?  His team in front of him seems to respond to this vote of confidence in his starter.  His team jumps out to a huge lead, going up 4-1 part way through the second period.  When it looks like it is going to be another blowout things change.  Before the second period is over Glenitoba adds 2 more goals and early in the third they add another 2, making the score 5-4.  It looks like all will be lost for Trontario.  They don’t want to go back to Winnipeg down 3-1.  But then late in the third, Ryan Smyth adds one, tieing the game up, the third period ends in a tie.  Another 5 minutes of overtime solves nothing and we are heading to shootout once more.  The first round goes by scoreless, and in the second round, history repeats itself and Shane Doan scores, making the game 6-5 once more.

Game 5.  Troy pulls a shocker and changes goalies.  After allowing 5 goals in the last three games it is decided that the Price is wrong, and Marty Turco gets the nod.  Turco shuts the door but so does Ward.  A goaltending affair comes up Glenitoba, who wins 3-2, a score that matches the series (something Glen and Troy both love).  As an aside, Mike Riberio, the scorge of Troy’s existence got an assist, bringing his point total to a series leading 8.

Game 6.  Maple Leaf Gardens.  It’s all on the line for Troy, it goes like this…

The first period goes by without a goal.  Glenitoba outshoots Trontario 13-11, but both teams persevere.  Surprisingly there are no penalties.  Both teams realize the importance.

The second period starts and 8:27 in Mike Riberio, the star of the series (pun intended) gets a 2 minute penalty for holding.  Could the be the turning point?   Trontario keeps pushing, but fail to capitalize on the powerplay.  Still momentum is on their side when Riberio leaves the box.  However, Milan Lucic gets a roughing penalty 4 seconds after the penalty expires.  Still, Turco holds strong and the penalty is killed.  The period ends with no score.

The third period rolls around and the tension is palpable.  Mike Green breaks the stale mate and gets a goal for the visitors at the 3:24 mark.  Keeping with the pressure Patrick Sharp gets another one within 40 seconds (assisted by Ribero of course).

This can’t be good.

Thankfully for the home team, Jordan Staal breaks the goosegg a minute later.  This is getting good.  However, a minute after THAT Jeff Carter gets one, putting it at 3-1.  Crazy, four goals in less than 3 minutes.

All hope seems lost as  10 minutes go by without a goal when Martin St. Louis ends his scoring drought making it 3-2.  Can they score with under 4 minutes to go?

Insanely 13 seconds later Alex Tanguay adds another tieing it up!

Both teams press, however the clock winds down and we’re heading to OT.  For the first time with no shootout….

For the first time, this game could go 10000 minutes.  However, 3 minutes and 4 shots into it…Mike Green nets a goal.

The series ends 4-2 Glenitoba.

Final Thoughts: I certainly didn’t see that happen.  I thought Troy’s offensive firepower would be too much for my defense to handle.  I did several “test games” before involving both of our teams against different teams, and he had a better record than I did.

Also, this does give some creedence to the ultimate hockey cliche “we have to play our game”.  Whenever it was a high scoring shootout, it went to Troy, but all low-scoring games ended up going for my team.  Makes me think that even dumb hockey players are right.

After this I have one regret.  Too bad I couldn’t simulate Yzerman’s team because then I could beat them too.

We hope that you enjoyed this..or at least didn’t actively hate it. Look for an update of this in January 2014!