Lowell Lockmonsters vs. Albany River Rats

If I didn’t have a party to go to tomorrow, I would seriously consider making the two hour drive to Albany for tomorrow’s rematch between Albany and Lowell. After a very slow first period, there was plenty of excitement the rest of the way.

Lockmonster newcomer, Mitch Love (LOW), got the fireworks started early on in the second when he tangled with Albany Right Winger, David Clarkson (ALB). The two came together just inside the blueline across from the benches. Clarkson put a hit on Love, and Love, trying to get something started, took exception to the hit, and dropped his gloves. Early on Love had a huge advantage, as he got the jump on Clarkson, and got in some huge right hands before Clarkson could even engage in the brawl. Once Clarkson did get in the fight he managed to handle himself nicely. The boys traded a few nice right hands, and Clarkson got the takedown on Love. I score the fight as a win for Love due to the early advantage.

The period percolated on coming to a head with 5 seconds left. Cam Janssen (ALB) (Who, by the by, I saw in his under armor before the game, and is totally jacked. Someone test his piss please) took a run at Lazy Lockmonster Pavel Brendl right in front of the Monster Bench. Now, I think no one deserves to be run more than Brendl, but you got to stick up for a team mate, and that’s exactly what Craig Adams (LOW) did. With Brendl down, Adams jumped in and started pushing Janssen. Young Cam is going to answer the bell at any time, so he obliged Craig’s request to have a go. The fight was at the far blueline from my vantage point, and all the players on the ice and the linesmen were blocking my view, but I did manage to catch enough of the tilt to see what happened. Adams got smoked. The boys at ringside reported Adams did land a couple, but clearly lost the fight. Still, kudos to Craig Adams for sticking up for a team mate. Even if it is Pavel Brendl.

Along the way, the pushing and shoving after the whistle in front of the goal became more and more frequent, and violent. It seemed every whistle in the second, and third periods were followed by the zebras earning their keep, and keeping the opposing teams in line. With 6 minutes left in the third, Mitch Love (LOW) and Barry Tallackson (ALB) took the slashing after a whistle to the next level, and decided to have a go. Again, the fight was down at the other end from me, but I could see it clearly this time. Mitch Love smoked Tallackson. Love landed a very nice uppercut that knocked of Tallackson’s lid, then got in two very hard right hands. The second of the two knocked the much taller Tallackson to the ice. Clear win by Love. I am as giddy as a school girl right now. I honestly don’t remember the last time a Lockmonster had two fights period, let alone in one game! I am impressed with Love. He handled himself nicely in both bouts.

From what I could gather, he’ll have to handle himself again tomorrow night. As Love was sitting in the box, Cam Janssen yelled over to him from the bench, "Hey Love, me and you are going tomorrow night." Love indicated he had no problem with that, so there should be some fireworks in Albany tomorrow night. Oh, by the way, if you care Albany won 6-3.