Playoff Series Recap: Legends Gold Battle Back to Win Quarterfinal Series Over

Series: Metropolitan Minor Division Qtr-Final:  Empire State Legends Gold (4) vs. Rink Rat Long Island Blazers (5)
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Location: Rapid Fire Arena
Final Result: Empire State Legends Gold win series, 2–1

What unfolded at Rapid Fire Arena was a true three‑act playoff series. After being stunned in the opener, the Empire State Legends Gold responded with poise, adjustments, and scoring depth—winning the final two games decisively to eliminate the Long Island Blazers and advance to the Metropolitan Division semifinals.

Each game told a different story, but together they showcased the volatility and intensity that defines PIHA playoff hockey.

🟦 Game 1: Blazers 5 – Legends Gold 0

The series opened with a shock.

Long Island controlled Game 1 from the opening faceoff, dictating pace and capitalizing on early momentum. The Blazers struck quickly and often, forcing Empire State into a reactive posture that never fully stabilized. By the midway point of the contest, Long Island had established a commanding lead and tightened defensively.

Empire State generated chances but struggled to break through traffic and rebound control. The Blazers’ goaltender was sharp throughout, turning aside every attempt and preserving the shutout as frustration mounted for the Gold.

Series Tone:
Long Island seized confidence early, while Empire State was left searching for answers heading into a must‑win Game 2.

🟨 Game 2: Legends Gold 5 – Blazers 0

Empire State’s response was immediate—and emphatic.

Facing elimination, the Legends Gold flipped the script entirely in Game 2. Defensive structure improved dramatically, breakouts were cleaner, and offensive pressure was sustained for long stretches. The result was a five‑goal performance paired with a dominant shutout at the other end of the rink.

Empire State struck first and never relinquished control, stretching the lead with balanced scoring and relentless forechecking. The Gold also tightened up on special teams, limiting Long Island’s ability to gain momentum or generate high‑danger looks.

Series Shift:
What had been a Blazers‑controlled series suddenly became a coin flip, with Empire State carrying renewed confidence into the deciding game.

🟥 Game 3: Legends Gold 5 – Blazers 2

With everything on the line, Empire State delivered its most complete effort of the series.

The Legends Gold jumped out early in Game 3, applying pressure in all three zones and forcing Long Island into defensive breakdowns. Unlike Game 1, Empire State finished its chances, building a multi‑goal cushion that allowed them to dictate tempo.

The Blazers pushed back, generating offense and cutting into the deficit, but Empire State answered each challenge with timely goals and smart puck management. Strong neutral‑zone play and disciplined shifts in the closing minutes sealed the outcome.

Closing Statement:
Empire State closed the series with authority, scoring five goals for the second straight game and leaving no doubt about their resilience.

🔄 Series Overview

• Total Goals:

  • Empire State Legends Gold: 10

  • Long Island Blazers: 7

• Defining Themes:

  • Momentum swings

  • Goaltending rebounds

  • Tactical adjustments after Game 1

After being shut out in the opener, the Legends Gold outscored the Blazers 10–2 over the final two games—an impressive turnaround that highlighted their ability to adapt under pressure.

Long Island showed flashes of the team that earned them the fifth seed, but Empire State’s depth, composure, and improved defensive execution ultimately decided the series.

🔜 What’s Next

With the quarterfinal win, the Empire State Legends Gold advance to face the top‑seeded Suffolk Sting in the Metropolitan Division Semifinals next Saturday.

After surviving a three‑game test, the Legends Gold now head into that matchup battle‑tested, confident, and riding momentum—while knowing that the margin for error only shrinks from here.