Thursday December 8, 2011 – UMass Boston

The Kings overcame a sluggish first period with a strong effort from a short bench, beating Baked Beans 7-2 at UMass. Starting the game with only 3 on the bench, JRod joined in early, but a quick strike by the Beans put them up 1-0 in the first. The opening period was all them as they kept the puck in the Kings’ half of the ice, but slowly the defense began to jell and the breakouts started working. The Kings and beans were tied at 2 in the second with the puck in the Kings’ zone when Burger got the puck past the D man, setting up a 2-on-1 with Alan. Burger raced up the right wing, drew the defender and passed over to Alan in the high slot, finishing with a low wrister. That would be all the offense the Kings needed but added four more to the tally by the end of the game. JRod, Paul, Bermy and Greg had the other scores. At the other end the 3-defensemen scheme crystallized around Ed, preventing the Beans from setting up and keeping most shots coming from outside the faceoff circles.

Watch the ultra slo-mo. This whole play is a thing of beauty.

The Kings winning streak came to an end, losing a tough 4-1 decision to old friends the Icepack. The game-sheet is here: http://neshl_mboston.stats.pointstreak.com/players-boxscore.html?gameid=1761663
Past couple games the bounces had been going our way, this game none went our way. And you have to give credit to a strong Icepack team and their goalie who made a crap ton of saves.
Schedule does not get any easier as the Kings battle the River Rats on Thursday night @UMASS Boston.

It was team picture night as the Kings had a full bench to take on a tough Everett Auto team. The game was much closer than the lopsided final score.
The Kings were down 1-2 early in the second period but rattled off eight straight goals, including five in the third period. Full bench has been leading to some big third periods this season. The only two goals the Kings surrendered were on breakaways.
The J-Rod line was responsible for four goals in the third period and three on one shift. Fran got things going on the PP in the first off a great feed from Jon. Josh had two goals and several assists. Alan had the game winner and Paul had a big goal to push the lead to 5-2 early in the third.
Kings score nine goals we’re going to win a lot of hockey games, but you can’t overlook Ed’s stellar play in goal. When the game was tight in the first and second period, Ed kept making the first save and controlling the rebounds, not allowing second or third chances.
You can check the league’s box score here: http://neshl_mboston.stats.pointstreak.com/players-boxscore.html?gameid=1761651
Let’s keep the win streak going on Sunday. If you drink beer, BRING BEER! And PAY BRYAN!