Manley Cup Preview

Greensboro) Tonite at 9 PM (EST), from the IceHouse in beautiful Greensboro, NC is the World Championship of Mediocre Mens League Hockey: The Manley Cup Final

Steamers vs Guns & Hoses

The Steamers (10-5-0) reach the finals for the first time in franchise history, blanking the Jaguars in the opening round 4-0 and dumping the Blizzard 5-2 in the semi-finals. G&H (5-9-1) is somewhat of a cinderella story, knocking off the #1 seeded Panthers in the first round and the #5 Panthers to advance to their second consecutive Finals appearance.

The Steamers won both meetings between the clubs during the regular season - a 5-3 victory way back on October 22 and 8-3 earlier this month.

Ryno Blanks Jaguars

Greensboro) Behind 24 saves by Ryan Armstrong, the Steamers shut-down the Jaguars 4-0 in exciting GHL playoff action. Andrew Shackleford returned to the Steamer lineup after missing last weeks regular season finale and netted the games 1st goal at the 7:08 mark of the 1st period. The first period tally would prove to be all the offense that Armstrong would need in recording his 3rd shut-out of the season.


Jim Wilkie, Mike Auston, and Chris Hughes also scored for the Steamers. Nate Weeks & Alan Davis both added 2 assists in the victory.


"It was kind of an up-and-down game because both teams play the same style of game," Armstrong said. "We've been playing a pretty solid defensive game, and it's working."

NOTES: The Steamers advance to play the Blizzard in the Semi-Finals...

Preview: Steamers vs Guns & Hoses

Thursday, December 3rd at 9:15PM

In a game full of play-off implications, the Steamers meet the Guns & Hoses in the regular season finale for both clubs. With a victory and a Blizzard Loss to the Jaguars, the Steamers can clinch 2nd Place entering the Manley Cup Playoffs. Meanwhile, the G&H squad has already clinched the #8 seed. The Steamers emerged victorious in the only other meeting between the teams this season, a 5-3 decision on October 22.

The Steamers will be without 2 of their usual defensemen with Mike Barry still nursing an upper-body injury and Rich Magohany still just nursing. No word on possible replacements in the Steamer lineup.

Game Day Stats: The Steamers have the #1 rated Defense in the League having surrendered only45 goals in 12 games (3.75 GAA)...The Steamers Offense currently ranks 5th (55 GF)...the Steamers are the least penalized team in the league with only 28 PIM.

UPDATE: STEAMERS WIN 8-3!

Retraction

If you recall, in the Steaming Blog's NHL Preview Special, we prognosticated that the Carolina Hurricanes would emerge with the Stanley Cup in June. We would like to retract that prediction now, as through 16 games the Canes' record stands at 2-11-3 (7 pts), which is good for 30th in the NHL (note: there are 30 teams in the NHL).

Why are Ya'll Doing This to Me?

Greensboro)With two normal defensemen out of the lineup (and another shit-faced from Margarita night), the Steamers dropped a 5-1 decision to the Blizzard. The Steamers fell behind 2-0 early but drew within a goal after Dan Auston scored to open the 3rd Period. The Blizzard quickly regained the momentum, answering with 2 goals on the very next shift to put the game out or reach.

The game was marred by a humorous stick swinging incident between Alan Davis and one of those crazy Jarrett Boys, which will forever be remembered by the now immortal words"Why are ya'll doing this to me?" A photo of the incident is above.

The Steamers return to the ice on Wednesday, November 11 vs the Panthers. All Veterans will be admitted free.

Steamers Split Pair w/ Pens

Greensboro) The Steamers split a home & home series with the Penguins losing 4-2 on Saturday and following up with a 6-4 win on Wednesday. The Steamers (6-3-0) enter next week's action in 3rd place with two games remaining before the playoffs.

The Steamers next home game is Wednesday, November 4th vs the Blizzard. The Puck Drops at 10:30 PM. Steamers Legend, Mike Hunt will be on hand to sign autographs prior to the contest.

Turkey Skate Update

Update: All spots have been filled for the annual Thanksgiving Classic. I will send out updates and rosters in the coming weeks. A sign-up sheet for alternates will be placed in the Ladies Room at the IceHouse. Until then....

Steamers Eat Their Riedies

GREENSBORO) In typically ugly fashion the Mighty Steamers prevailed 5-3 in Thursday night action versus the Guns & Hoses. The Steamers were paced by a balanced scoring attack in which 5 different players scored for the second consecutive week. While some might call this balance, scouts around the league agree that is only because the Steamers don't have anyone talented enough to score more than 1 goal in any given game. With the win, the Steamers move within 2 points of first place.

The Steamers won despite the best efforts of Mikey "Brian Campbell" Auston, who was held off the scoresheet...that is unless you count the beautiful tip he put into his own goal.

The Steamers return to action Saturday night at 10:15. Come out and watch if you don't have any paint drying that might be more entertaining.

The Thankgiving Skate

The Thanksgiving Skate is upon us. First 22 skaters and 2 goaltenders to confirm are in. All others go on the Reserve List.

UPDATE: Only 2 spots remain!

We'll get going at 9:30 ('til around 11). Cost is $15/player - Goalies are Free

Once I have all the players "signed up" I will create teams again (like last year). Keep checking the blog for rosters and updates.

Ryno Flops to Victory

Greensboro) In more painfully exciting GHL action, the Steamers blanked the Jags 5-0 behind the stellar, yet unorthodox goaltending of Ryno (shown above). The Steamers O was paced by Shack, Hughesy, Dougie, Rieder, and Mikey who all tallied goals on the evening.

Steamers Grind Out an OT Victory

Playing with only 7 skaters and a back-up goalie, the Steamers grinded out a 3-2 OT victory over the Ice Holes Thursday night. Nate Weeks continued his torrid goal scoring pace and Mike Auston scored 2 including the Game-Winner in overtime on a nifty assist from his big brother (and Mike Barry).

Speaking of the Grind, here's a picture of a young Bob Riedlinger from his days on MTV.

NHL Preview

With a brand-spankin' new NHL season upon us, I have read a few of those season previews and thought...what the hell...the Steaming Blog should have one too. This preview hopes to answer the all important question, Will my favorite team win the Cup? I have created a un-scientific survey to help answer this question:

1. Did your team qualify for the playoffs last year? If the answer to this question is NO, then sorry, your team will not be hoisting Lord Stanley come June. This does not mean your team won't make huge strides...they make even make the play-offs....but they won't be sipping from the Cup. In the NHL play-off experience means something.

Sorry fans of the: Isles, Lightning, Avs, Thrashers, Kings, Coyotes (never met one), Leafs, Stars, Sens, Oilers, Preds, Wild, Sabres and Panthers. 14 down and 15 to rule out.....

2. Does your team reside in Canada? Recent History would suggest that if the answer to the question is YES, then the answer to "will they win the Cup" is a resounding NO! Not since the '93 Habs have a team from north of the border claimed the prize. That's 16 years my friends, meaning that a baby born in in the Spring of '93 is now driving daddy's Buick.

Sorry fans of the: Canucks, Flames, & Habs . 17 down and 12 to go...

3. Has your team ever won a Cup to begin with? I don't see it changing this year!

Sorry fans of the: Capitals, Blue Jackets, Blues, and Sharks. 21 down and 8 to go...

4. Is your team a previous Cup-Winner but trending downwards due to age, losses in Free Agency, etc?

Sorry Wings & Devils fans but when Shanahan doesn't want to play for you anymore, you are not going to win the Cup. 23 down....

The Final 7

Hawks, Pens, Hurricanes, Rangers, Bruins, Flyers, and Ducks.....take it to the Bank that one of these 7 teams will win the Cup.

On to the rapid fire portion:

1. Did your team trade Chris Pronger in the off-season? If yes, then no cup for you...sorry Ducks!

2. Did your team trade a 36 goal scorer from last season without replacing him with a forward with 2 healthy nuts that can bank 40? Sorry Bruins!

3. Is your team relying on a goaltender who spent last season in Siberia? Sorry Flyers

4. Did your team sign a supposed star named Marian in the offseason? Sorry Rangers & Hawks. Gaborik won't play 20 games for the Rangers and Hossa....hell....need I say more.

5. Did your team win the cup last year? Chances are they won't repeat. Sorry Sidney!

That leaves one team standing: The Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes were a Conference Finalist last season, are just 3 years removed from winning the Cup, have Conn-Smythe caliber goaltending in Cam Ward, and have quietly improved and added depth in the off-season.

EAST

1. Capitals*

2. Bruins*

3. Flyers*

4. Penguins

5. Hurricanes

6. Rangers

7. Canadiens

8. Lightning

WEST

1. Sharks

2. Blackhawks

3. Flames

4. Red Wings

5. Canucks

6. Ducks

7. Blues

8. Blue Jackets

STANLEY CUP FINALS

HURRICANES over BLACKHAWKS

Steamers Drop a Snowman on the Blizzard

The Steamers offence (Canadian spelling) came alive and Ryno pitched a shut-out in a 8-0 win over the Blizzard Wednesday night. The Steamers offense was lead by Big Nate Weeks who scored a Hat Trick and added an assist and Dan Auston who had a 6 point night (1 G, 5 A). Ryno had 22 saves in the Shut-out Victory. Chris Manzo provided the emotional lift (and 2 assists).

Game Notes:

Chris Maucere was +14....Rich Mahogany missed the game (presumably to attend a Male Nurses Conference)...the game featured a terrific javelin throw of a hockey stick from the penalty box by an unidentified Blizzard player...the post-game featured the most extensive selection of beer in the history of Steamers hockey. Scoresheet available here

Next Up: Thursday, Oct 1 (10:45) vs the IceHoles

You didn't ask for it, but here it is anyway - the Steaming Blog. What exactly is a Steaming Blog, you ask? It is the official source for Steamers news, notes, and other noteworthy stuff. Sometimes it will be funny, but most of it will probably be pretty lame and only really understood by the 12 guys on the roster.

Game On (hopefully)

Allegedly, the Ice House Zamboni is fixed and the Steamers will return to the ice to face the Blizzard on Wednesday night (9/8 central). The game is a rematch of the season opener, in which the Steamers prevailed in OT. Strangely it is the second time we play them in the first 3 games of the season....and have yet to play the other 6 teams in the division (this just in - the schedule maker is on crack!).

Steamer Notes:

The game from last week that was canceled...and rescheduled for Saturday, 9/26 has been rescheduled again for October 24. Who is confused?