Eagles, Cranes and Blades Clean-up

27 Nov 2012 | Matthew Cross

Eagles finally suffer another loss, Cranes and Blades both take 2 games, China pullls close

While the Eagles continue what may be a historic run to the post season, they did suffer a tiny stumble as Anyang Halla became on the second team to beat them this season on Saturday night. The Eagles didn't let it get to them as they came back to beat them Sunday and Tuesday nights. China continues to struggle, but came close enough Saturday night to pull the goalie. The Cranes remained solid while the Bucks faltered a little.

Saturday

Oji Eagles vs Anyang Halla 3-5

With the Eagles on an unprecedented run it has to be discouraging for many of the opposing teams when it comes time to face them. Halla drew first blood, but the Eagles came back with 3 straight goals to go up 3-1 before Halla started the come back. After the early minutes of the second period, Halla just chipped away at the Oji lead, despite being heavily penalized and by the end of the second they were up 4-3. They added an empty netter with 10 seconds left to win 5-3. Geun-ho Kim had 2 goals and Min-ho Cho had a goal and 2 assists for Halla. Saito picked up a couple of assists for the Eagles. Halla was outshot 32-36 and had nine penalties to the Eagles five. Sung-je Park got the start in net for Halla.

Icebucks vs Paper Cranes 4-5

The Icebucks had won four of their last six, and the Cranes had won seven of nine since becoming the first team to defeat the Eagles. With both teams doing so well it was likely to be a tight game and the teams did not disappoint. The Cranes got off to an early lead only a few minutes in and managed to hang out to the very end scoring the winner with only three and a half minutes left. David Bonk had 2 goals, and Bembridge managed a couple of assists for the Icebucks. Radja had 2 goals, including the winner, as well Eizenman and Kokubo each notched 3 assists for the Cranes.

Dragon vs Free Blades 2-3

While no one expects too much from the China Dragon, Saturday night gave an indication that they are improving. Though heavily outshot 41 to 22, they managed to pull within a single goal of the of the Blades and pull the goalie to try and push for overtime. Farynuk had a goal and an assist for the Blades.

Sunday

Oji Eagles vs Anyang Halla 3-2

Ho-sung Son made his long anticipated return as a Halla started on Sunday night. Fresh off a win against the Eagles, Halla was no doubt energized. However, it would not be enough. They were badly out-shot, especially in the second period which saw them face 22 shots from the Eagles and take six penalties to their three. Halla drew even in the third but Mitamaru spoiled the party and the Eagles took the win 3-2. Radunske uncharacteristically had 8 minutes in penalties and Jackman had a couple of assists for Halla. Hashiba got 2 assits for the Eagles.

Icebucks vs Paper Cranes 1-4

After a tight game the day before, the Cranes had a more decisive victory on Sunday night. The game was scoreless until midway through the second when the teams exchanged goals. However, in the third the Cranes scored three straight to cement the victory. Bonk had the lone goal for the Bucks. Kokubo had 2 goals for the Cranes while Yanadori had 3 assists.

Dragon vs Free Blades 1-6

After a decent showing Saturday night, the Dragon were routed on Sunday night. The Free Blades got all their work done in the first two periods scoring 6 times on 41 shots. Dragon managed a single goal in the third period. Wrigley had a couple of goals, while Farynuk and Tanaka each had a goal and an assist.

Tuesday

Oji Eagles vs Anyang Halla 6-0

After two close games, Anyang Halla changed their starting net minder again. This time giving the start to Hyun-Seung Eum. The game was very physical as the teams recorded a total 91 minutes in penalties including several misconducts. Both teams received unspecified bench minors during the game as well. All but a single goal came for the Eagles on the power play. Despite power play chances of their own, Halla failed to capitalize. Eum was taken out of the game with 10 minutes remaining with Son filling in. By that point though, there was little hope to salvage the game. Narisawa stopped 23 shots for the shut-out. The six goals came from five different players but Cavosie had 4 assists, Harrington had 2 goals and an assist. Keller and Kuji each had a goal and 2 assists.