02/11 Skate Safe Recap (Semi)

A huge seeding weekend for the semi-pro teams in the Northeast division was on tap at Skate Safe America on Saturday.  All eight of the teams in the division were on hand.  Four of the eight would be playing their final four games of the season on this night.  Among those the Sting, Hitmen, and Snipers all found themselves in a position to end the night in first place.  

The action all night proved exactly how tight this division has been from top to bottom.  A total of sixteen games were played and not a single game ended by more than a three goal differential, eight with in two goals, and four games decided by just one goal.  This parity should make every single playoff match up relevant in this division, upset watchers keep your eyes peeled.

As the Sting, Hitmen, and Snipers all headed into the last games of the night, a first place finish was on the line.  The Sting and Snipers battled head to head against each other, while the Hitmen squared off on the other rink to close the evening.  For the Hitmen, they needed to take care of their own business and needed a Sniper OT victory in order to secure a first place finish.  While the Hitmen were victorious, it was the Snipers who defeated the Sting in regulation and would finish the night tied with the Hitmen at 40 points, but holding the tie breaker with one additional win.  

While the Snipers finished the night in first place, they will have to wait several weeks to see if they can hold onto it. Having set the benchmark at 40 points, both the Legends and Misfits are with in reach either were able to run the table in their last event in Rhode Island in early March.  It's an incredible turn of events for the Misfits, who were blow up in each of their first games this season.  

Photo Credit: jtryonphotography