4/3/2007: 2007 Silver A Championship (Game 1)

Things happen for a reason. The Pigs, having appeared in 2 prior Championship series (1999, 2003) and eventually winning both, make their 1st Finals in 4 years and against the #1 seed vVault squad. Losing the 2 prior meetings against the #1 seed vVault (18-1-1) the Pigs (15-4-1) came in with a familiar game plan of “chip and flow” yet now fueled by 3 hungry offensive lines, two solid defensive lines and anchored by Germany bound goaltender Pipes. The fuel for these lines came from Papi’s gametime speech entitled “Short Shifts Sink Enemy Ships." While not quite Churchill's "Battle of Britton" the time (vs action) based message really struck a chord with Wisconsin born Centerman Denny Longshore. “You mean I don’t have to handle the puck, check an opponent, and get a penalty before limping back to the bench?” a relieved Longshore replied. The Pigs took this plan and a 1-0 lead into the 3rd period with the lone goal coming in on a 5 hole “what the f&^%$” dribbler from Rosie. "I knew fresh legs would make a difference" sneered Mac from the bench in reference to his decision to keep Rosie off the ice during Sunday's OT win against the Edge. The Pigs short shift philosophy paid dividends early in the 3rd as they continued to chase down pucks and hurry vVault puck carriers. Tmac made it a 2-0 game with a beauty early in the 3rd and the Kid tapped one home a moment later to extend the lead to 3-0. Rosie, with those fresh legs, closed it out with the final goal and Pipes recorded his 2nd shutout of the playoff run stopping all 25 shots faced earning him top Pig honors. The defense played outstanding with the Lemon/Mangler and TG/RPM pairing chipping pucks out with calculated brilliance. Seems every game a new hero emerges. The post game Pig Nation celebration was clearly one of the best in recent memory. Pulled Pork sandwiches were the main course as prepared by Dino’s lovely wife. While pork may seem cannibalistic anything goes as 2007 is the year of the Pig. Yes things do happen for a reason. Game 2 slated for 4/10/2007.

Game 2 concerns:

1) Mac has reported that he will not be in attendance and will be on vacation with the family thru 4/11. The team will launch a shock and awe campaign to ensure they are not without their captain as the Pigs skate to glory on 4/10. Really Mac the couch is not a bad place to sleep.

2) Pipes will be in Germany for Game 3 (if necessary)…putting even more pressure on Mac.