TEAM V TAKES GAME 1

Visualeyes opened up their 2011 EMHL Playoff run with a victory over Third Street Tap Room 8-5, in Game 1 of the best of 3 series.


As expected Team V came out of the gate a bit slow Wednesday night after a long lay off from their first round bye. Third Street Tap Room carried the momentum from their 3-2 Shootout victory in Round 1 over Pappas Indians scoring just 45 seconds into the game. Visualeyes quickly realized that this just wasn't your normal game, but a fight for the EMHL title.

The boys of Red, White and Blue responded 30 seconds later on a goal by Bobby Simpson-Corigliano from Eric Schottke and Don Borsuk. Tap Room bounced right back a minute later to take the lead. Long-time vet, Simpson-Corigliano tied the score at two on an incredible individual effort, burying his own rebound off the end-board after his first attempt missed wide. As the remainder of the first period concluded, the chippyness of the game increased as anticipated. Schottke and Simpson both traded off coincidental penalties with members of the Tap Room squad. After the first period, Team V found themselves trailing by a goal and knew they had to keep the pressure on 3rd Street in order to succeed.

Jerry Crowe, quickly found Garren Reisweber, on a beautiful tip-in from the point to tie the score at 3. Reisweber, who recently strapped on 3 new teeth has responded well and still looks great after his recent injury. The rough stuff continued in the second when Simpson-Corigliano was run over by a caged, shoulder padded goon just inside of the Visualeyes zone. Simpson-Corigliano received a four minute penalty for roughing, while Tap Room's linebacker was awarded two minutes for roughing and 10 minute misconduct for yapping.

Team V killed off the penalty and responded with a goal by Drew Leberer. Leberer took a pass from Schottke and then the swift moving d-man walked through the Tap Room neutral zone, split the D, and wired a wrister into the top left corner. Visualeyes never looked back, keeping the lead for the remainder of the game.

Borsuk Nets 3 in Win

The conditioning and age of Visualeyes shined through in the end of the second and third periods as they dominated play throughout. "Jack (Hornung) is old" commented Schottke. Most noticeable was the play by Don Borsuk, netting his first ever EMHL Playoff hat trick. Borsuk credits his play to the extra work and shooting he has put in during the week at Dwyer Arena. "Our line really had some good chemistry out there," said Borsuk.  "After a few weeks away from the Schottke/Simpson-Corigliano line, it felt good to get the band back together. Everyone played well, especially Duffy. He takes a lot of chances and more often than not, they pay out hefty dividends. He showed some real moxy out there and we'll need that throughout the playoffs."

Borsuk's first goal came off of one of Duffy's chances at the 3rd Street blue line, walking a diving defender and faking out another to dish the puck off to Simpson-Corigliano and eventually Borsuk. Borsuk finished the game with 4 points, (3G , 1A) and Simpson-Corigliano led the team with 5 points, (2G, 3A).

Reisweber netted Team V's 6th goal on the power play on an end to end rush that put the game out of reach for Tap Room. "The team showed a lot of character coming back from the two goal deficit, said Reisweber.  "A lot of guys stepped up to the plate and made some big plays. A great example was the play of Dusty Dunnigan. I was a little disappointed to see Mesi getting selfish again, we can't have it this time of the year. I think he'll bounce back though."

DUSTY DANGLIN'

Borsuk's practice at Dwyer really showed on his last two goals, sniping from the top of the left circle on each shot. "I'll give you two reasons why we won, 1. Donny 2. Bones !" said Simpson.

The play of Adam Roma can not be forgotten either, stonewalling Tap Room, and outplaying the net-minder 200 feet away.

After the game, the most important quote of the night came from rookie blue-liner, Jerry Crowe. "Its Thursday, and that win is over. Right now we have to prepare for Sunday night and continue to improve our play on a game by game basis."

Game 2 is Sunday, April 3rd at 9:20 PM. Great seats are still available!

NEWS AND NOTES:

-Matt English-Gunning looks to bolster Visualeyes' already stellar back line Sunday, returning from an undisclosed illness.

-Andrew Valint and Steven Browne will be away, visiting our nation's capital to scout upcoming talent this weekend.