Empire State Legends Black Silence Trash Pandas, Advance to PIHA Finals

The Empire State Labeda Legends Black showcased their dominant defensive play and clutch goaltending as they swept the Champion Trash Pandas in two games to claim the Metropolitan Division Championship. With a combined defensive masterclass that allowed just one goal across both games, the Legends Black punched their ticket to Colorado Springs, where they will compete for the PIHA national title.

In a series that featured tight defensive battles, stellar goaltending, and opportunistic scoring, the Trash Pandas struggled to break through against a disciplined Legends Black team, ultimately falling in a hard-fought 2-0 series defeat.

Legends Black Shut Out Trash Pandas in Game 1 Defensive Showcase

The Empire State Labeda Legends Black opened the Metropolitan Division Final with a statement victory, shutting out the Champion Trash Pandas 2-0 in a defensive clinic. Led by Sean Connolly’s perfect night in net and a disciplined defensive effort, the Legends controlled the game and never allowed the Trash Pandas to generate momentum.

Game Recap

From the opening puck drop, the Legends Black dictated the pace of play, using their strong defensive structure to limit the Trash Pandas’ offensive opportunities.

Despite an early push from the Trash Pandas, the Legends struck first at 3:09 of the first period, when Chris Ryan found the back of the net, assisted by Michael Greenberg. The goal gave Empire State an early 1-0 lead, and from there, the team locked down defensively, making life difficult for the Trash Pandas.

As the game progressed, Connolly stood tall in net, turning aside every shot he faced. The Trash Pandas had their best chance to tie the game late in the first period, but Connolly made a crucial stop on Ryan Scott’s breakaway attempt, preserving the 1-0 lead heading into intermission.

Early in the second period, the Legends delivered the dagger. Just 58 seconds into the frame, Bryan Rosen extended the lead to 2-0, finishing a crisp passing play from Bryan Whelan and Matthew Ferrari. The goal put the Trash Pandas on their heels, and despite their best efforts, they were never able to recover.

The Trash Pandas pulled out all the stops, trying to generate offense in the closing minutes, but Empire State’s defense clogged the lanes, and Connolly remained perfect in net, stopping all 13 shots he faced to secure the shutout victory.

Meanwhile, Kyle Mortensen did everything he could for the Trash Pandas, making 16 saves on 18 shots, but with little offensive support, his team couldn’t capitalize.

Key Takeaways

• Empire State’s defense was impenetrable, forcing the Trash Pandas into low-percentage shots.
• Sean Connolly was flawless, earning a Game 1 shutout.
• The Trash Pandas struggled to generate second-chance opportunities, leading to offensive frustration.
• With the 2-0 win, the Legends Black moved within one game of advancing to the PIHA Finals.

The Trash Pandas would now face elimination in Game 2, needing a major offensive adjustment to force a decisive Game 3.

Legends Black Hold Off Trash Pandas' Push, Clinch Series in Game 2

Facing elimination, the Champion Trash Pandas put together a stronger effort in Game 2, but Empire State Labeda Legends Black remained composed and secured a 2-1 victory, completing the series sweep to claim the Metropolitan Division Championship.

Game Recap

Unlike Game 1, where Empire State controlled the game from start to finish, Game 2 was a much tighter battle.

The Legends struck first once again, as Bailey Sparacio opened the scoring at 10:20 of the first period, converting a slick feed from Matt Russo and Mark Brady to put Empire State ahead 1-0.

This time, however, the Trash Pandas did not back down. They pushed the pace late in the first period, forcing Josh Gilbert, who started in net for the Legends Black, to make multiple key saves.

The Trash Pandas' persistence paid off early in the second period, when Kyle Nagy found an opening in the slot and buried a rebound just 15 seconds into the frame, tying the game at 1-1 and igniting the Trash Pandas’ bench.

For the first time in the series, the Trash Pandas had momentum, and they created their best offensive stretch of the series in the following minutes. Ryan Scott nearly put Champion ahead at 9:30, but Gilbert made a point-blank save, keeping the game tied.

With the Trash Pandas pressing, the Legends once again found an answer. Just 32 seconds later, Matt Russo capitalized on a defensive breakdown, roofing a shot past Mortensen to regain the lead 2-1 for Empire State.

The final ten minutes saw intense back-and-forth action, with Champion desperate to equalize. They pulled Mortensen for the extra attacker in the final minute, but Gilbert and the Legends defense stood tall, blocking shots and clearing rebounds to seal the win and the series sweep.

Goaltending Battle & Defensive Strength

While Game 1 was all about Sean Connolly’s shutout, Game 2 was Josh Gilbert’s turn to shine. The Legends’ netminder stopped 16 of 17 shots, making critical saves in high-pressure moments.

Meanwhile, Kyle Mortensen once again played exceptionally well, finishing with 18 saves on 20 shots, but the lack of offensive firepower proved costly for Champion.

Series Wrap-Up & PIHA Finals Bound

With the 2-0 series win, Empire State Labeda Legends Black advances to the PIHA Finals in Colorado Springs, joining their Semi-Pro organization counterparts.

The Legends' defensive discipline, clutch goaltending, and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities made the difference in this series, as they held the Trash Pandas to just one goal across two games.

For the Trash Pandas, the loss brings an end to a hard-fought postseason run, but their battle in Game 2 showed their resilience.

Now, Empire State Labeda Legends Black turn their attention to the biggest challenge of all—the PIHA National Championship in Colorado Springs.