Gamblers go Back 2 Back

For the second year in a row the Seals organization have taken a cup...unfortunately not the one they want though! After dropping game 4 to the Crushers, the Gamblers crushed them 13-2 to win the minor league title 4 games to 1.

The Gamblers intend to enjoy this title, because their big guns are graduating to the Seals, and there are a lot of holes to plug in the coming months for the Gamblers, starting with the fact that only 4 defensemen are under contract for next season.

Congratulations to the Crushers and good luck to all in the off-season.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!

ST.LOUIS - In an epic battle with the Sabres, the Blues managed to come out on top despite losing a key defensemen in Tim Gleason. Even more shocking was the 3 goal win after having so many close games. The win was bittersweet for Patrik Elias as he was the last remaining Blues when GM Clarence Chai took over the team.

"I didn't think this day would come. Seeing all the guys being traded away and having to endure a rebuild a season and half a go. It's been a remarkable turnaround. Even the farm team had a huge turnaround too." said Patrik Elias.

After finish last in the division and 3rd last in the league last year, the Blues weren't expected to do much better this year. Who figured patience would pay off this quick though. The Blues promoted goaltender Daniel Larsson from the farm. They signed stud defensemen Chris Pronger in the offseason. Some farm guys were promoted. It was expected that it would take another season or two with a few more pieces needed.

But the Blues went on to win the President's Trophy with a 46 point turnaround, the Division title, the Conference title and finally the PHL Cup.

So to all the GM's who think it can't be done or the rebuild is not worthwhile. Think again. A bit of luck helps too. =)

Looking forward to another great season and the start of a title defense. It won't be easy that's for sure.

Ryan Rishaug

On To The Finals....

ST.LOUIS - And the run continues for the Blues after dropping the first game to the Oakland Seals they managed to win the next 4 straight. It was only 2 seasons ago, that the Blues decided to start the rebuild finishing dead last a season ago. Well a full season later the Blues have turned a full 180 taking the President's Cup, winning their division and capturing the Conference title. One more goal is left and that is the PHL Cup. The Blues will be preparing for the Sabres who have one if not the hottest line in the post season and will be a handful to contain. But the eye is on the prize and there will be a new first time champion.

The Blues farm team however didn't have the same fate, as the Medicine Hat Tigers dropped 4 games to 2 to the Oakland Seals respective farm team the Gamblers. The 3 game deficit was too much to overcome. So good luck to the Gamblers.

Ryan Rishaug

Blues enjoy the Seal Hunt

Conratulations to the Blues for their dismantling of the slump riddled Seals. Even an 11th hour "shake" couldn't prevent the inevitable. Clearly the better team for the entire series, the Blues will be off to face the red hot Sabres. The Seals look forward to next season, and what I hope will be a finals appearance.

Moving On...

ST.LOUIS - The Blues and their farm team Medicine Hat Tigers take another step towards their respective cups as they both advance today winning their series 4-1. The Blues without John Tavares due to a suspension lost the first game to division rival Toronto Maple Leafs, however with his return the Blues were able to win the next 4 straight, which were close one goal games some being in overtime. Again this is a big step for both teams who were bottom dwellers a season ago. The next step is the Conference Finals and both teams hope to keep the momentum going knowing they can't overlook any opponent.

Ryan Rishaug

Grachev out for Game 5 - Oilers rejoice

Potential back to back MVP, scoring champion for the last two years, and current playoff leading scorer Evgeny Grachev will not dress for Game 5 tonight against the Oilers. Team officials are announcing he is out with a lower body injury, but is expected to return for game six if it is needed.

Can the Seals close out the Oilers tonight or is the offensive star of the team the requirement to advance......we'll know in about 6 hours.

Jets can win

Old guy rules again.
Jets can win in Fantasyland! Once again the Jets PHL fantasy team has won the trophy. That makes it back-to-back championships! Too bad some of THAT expertise could not be transfused into the Jets simulated teams.

Whalers PR

WTF!!!!!!

Congrats to the Senators for putting the boots to the Whalers. As an organization we did get a little cocky and thought we could get it done. The Senators team has been a thorn in our sides all year and we really should have thought that this would be a tough series.

We don't have much to say except congrats to the Senators and the Sabres and we hope one of them can represent the Adams all the way to the PHL finals.

Good Luck all
Whalers GM
Paul Gagne

The Mysterious World of HLS2

Anyone who has used HLS2 for more than a season or two, knows that you can determine the stronger team by watching the shots on goal between two teams. Every now and then the logic of HLS2 is defied with the unusual happening. For the Oakland Seals, this is expressed with the Seals trailing the Jets 2-1 in their opening series despite outshooting the Jets in all 3 games by a total of 122-96.

The Seals are hoping this trend can be changed tonight in the pivotal game 4.

GO SEALS!

Tavares Suspended

ST.LOUIS - The Blues take a commanding 3 games to 0 lead in the first round against the Detroit Red Wings after Gleason fired a one timer from Elias past Tyler Plante. Unfortunately they lost Tavares to a game misconduct halfway through the third and will see him sit for one game after the league handed out a 1 game suspension. He will sit along with Dubinsky for his last game before they both return.

"It's been a good series and each game Detroit has been getting better and better. We lost another center so we will really have to pick up the slack now, but as long as we stick to our game we should be good. We don't want to give any team a chance regardless of what the series lead is. Detroit is still a strong team and are capable of putting a 4 game win streak and we plan to not let that happen." Coach Tom Renney said at the press conference.

The team has been playing some strong defense backstopped by one of the top goaltenders this year in Daniel Larsson, keeping a low 3 GA in the postseason. They will continue that as they close out the series on Monday against the Wings in Motown.

On other news, the Medicine Hat Tigers rebounded from their 3-0 loss to the Wolverines with a 5-3 win the other night. They hope to take back home advantage when they head to Ann Arbor for the next 2 games.

Ryan Rishaug