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***Gwdjohnson*** · 05-20-2019, 03:29 AM

Feel free to check out part one too if you haven't!

Preface:

At the moment, Anchorage sit with a record of 11-11-3, a middle of the pack record. A similar record in the second half of the season may be enough to seal a top-six finish, but it's more than likely they will need to do better. Let's hop right into the second half of Armada games!

Recap of games 26-50: Armada

Game #26: Away vs Halifax: 5-3 W
Analysis: Anchorage bounce back from an embarrassing thumping in Lethbridge with a huge win from their long trip to Halifax. Xena was the standout performer on the night, bagging a hattrick to shake off what's been a bit of a rough patch for her, while Tony Ford and Spencer MacLean bagged 3 points of their own in a good all-around performance. Record: 12-11-3

Game #27: Home vs Colorado: 4-1 W
Analysis: Another big win for the Armada against the struggling Raptors, as the result seemed almost a foregone conclusion from the first period alone. Xena got her 15th of the season, while rookie Victor Toeman put up a couple of helpers. Anchorage almost had three times the amount of shots as the Raptors, with the barrage being 43-16 in favour of the boats. In the third period alone, the Armada outshot Colorado 21-3 (lmao). Rookie Alexander Thorstrom did his best in net, stopping 39 shots, but his Raptors just did not show up on the day. Record: 13-11-3

Game #28: Home vs St. Louis: 4-1 W
Analysis: Don't we all love it when the lesser-seen backup goalie of a team rises to the occasion when called upon? That's what Colt Beckett did in this game, in what was a very impressive upset win over the surging Scarecrows. Beckett, making only his 4th start of the season, saved 33 of the 34 St. Louis shots in the win, his first victory of S47. Spencer MacLean continued his purple patch of form, putting up a goal and assist to make it 6 points in his last 3 games for him. Cloutier snapped what's been a rather dry spell for the captain by adding a goal and assist. Huge 2 points! Record: 14-11-3

Game #29: Away vs Anaheim: 2-4 L
Analysis: Anchorage has their streak snapped in Anaheim, as the Outlaws best the Armada 4-2. Osbert Whacker, recently dubbed the best d-man in the league by Anchorage blueliner Gabriel Johnson, showed just why by putting up 3 assists and being named first star. Raphael d'Alcott scored his second goal of the campaign to open the game, but unfortunately the Armada couldn't rely on Beckett to steal the show again. Spencer MacLean extended his point streak to 4 games with an assist, but it was a rather unremarkable loss otherwise. Record: 14-12-3

Game #30: Home vs Detroit: 4-5 L
Analysis: All good things come to an end, and in this case the good thing was Spencer MacLean's point-scoring run, as we can wave goodbye to his streak of 7 points in 4 games. Xena put in a good showing to end a shaky run for her, scoring 3 points, but Anchorage did not generate much for offence, putting up only 21 shots on the game. Peter Larson didn't have the best return from his SHL call-up, allowing 5 goals on 34 shots. Record: 14-13-3

Game #31: Away vs Detroit: 2-5 L
Analysis: Another loss against the Falcons for Anchorage, with this one being in Detroit. Future superstar Travis Bitties put up 3 assists for the Falcons and was named second star. Peter Larson had another rough go of things against Detroit, as this time he was pulled in the first period after allowing 3 goals on 12 shots. Olivier Cloutier scored a goal and assist on the night, but it would go down as another disappointing defeat for the Armada, their third loss in a row. Record: 14-14-3

Game #32: Home vs Lethbridge: 2-3 L (SO)
Analysis: Honestly, the fact that this game even went to overtime is hilarious. With Anchorage managing just 4 shots in both the first and third periods, the final shots ended up being 52-18 for Lethbridge. Peter Larson saved 50 (!) shots for a .962 save %, as the Armada netminder was basically the sole reason this game went beyond 60 minutes. Despite the efforts of Larson getting Anchorage all the way to a shootout, Boruvka Banananak's shootout winner would see the Armada only take 1 point home. They'll take it, honestly. Record: 14-14-4

Game #33: Away vs Kelowna: 4-3 W
Analysis: Anchorage snaps their 4-game winless run with a win in Kelowna, thanks to a pair of third period goals from Xena. The center and captain Cloutier both put up 2 points, with the latter bagging a couple of helpers. Kalevi Karhunen put in a first star performance from the blueline for the Armada, notching his third goal of the season, as well as assists on both of Xena's goals. Not an entirely convincing victory for Anchorage, but it's the small victories that matter when it comes to snapping losing skids. Record: 15-14-4

Game #34: Home vs St. Louis: 6-2 W
Analysis: In this second half of the season, Anchorage really are getting revenge on the Scarecrows for last season, this time smashing them at home. Joe Kerr takes the plaudits as first star, as the rookie scored his 6th of the season, while also adding two assists. Xena got a goal and an assist, as did Eko van Otter, in what was really a fantastic display from the Armada. Record: 16-14-4

Game #35: Home vs St. Louis: 4-3 W
Analysis: The Scarecrows didn't even need to leave town after they took a 6-2 battering in Anchorage, as the next game would be the exact same. What was a great chance for St. Louis to take revenge ended up just resulting in another, albeit closer, defeat at the hands of the Armada. Van Otter put up another multi-point game, as the alleged otter bagged two goals to add to a great couple games for him. Both teams put in top effort, with both sides getting over 30 shots on the game, but Anchorage came out on top for their third consecutive win. Record: 17-14-4

Game #36: Away vs Colorado: 4-3 W
Analysis: After beating Colorado rather convincingly in Alaska last time these two met, this time the Armada came to the Raptors home to beat them yet again. The highlight of the game was Xena picking up her 20th goal of the season, adding an assist in the process. Brock Emmerton and Johnny Sins each had two assists in the game, as it was a pretty routine victory for Anchorage. This win makes it four in a row for the Armada, as they are on fire at the moment. Record: 18-14-4

Game #37: Home vs Halifax: 2-1 W
Analysis: Despite being dominated for most of the game, good defence and goaltending, plus early control saw Anchorage take this game. Managing only six shots every period, the Armada looked off their usual pace, but Victor Toeman's first SMJHL goal, as well as another blueliner's goal from Johnny Sins, were all that the Boats needed to take the two points. Peter Larson had a great showing in goal, saving 26 of 27 shots, as the Armada pull off a fifth consecutive victory. Record: 19-14-4

Game #38: Away vs Vancouver: 1-4 L
Analysis: Armada have their winning streak snapped by a Whalers side that has had their number all season. Anchorage looked off their usual pace and were outplayed by Vancouver for basically the entire game, only managing two shots in the second period and fifteen overall, half of Vancouver's output. Anchorage have been extremely streaky this season, so they will be hoping this defeat does not start another long stretch of losses. Record: 19-15-4

Game #39: Home vs Kelowna: 3-5 L
Analysis: Despite being largely in control during the game, Anchorage could not best Kelowna in Alaska, as the Armada allowed 5 goals out of the 22 shots that Kelowna got on net. Peter Larson was pulled early on in the third period after being beaten four times on just sixteen shots, in what was a very forgettable match for the star goalie. Kerr put up two assists for Anchorage, while Stavros Halkias notched his 8th goal of the season, but nonetheless it would be a second consecutive defeat for the Boats. Record: 19-16-4

Game #40: Away vs Montreal: 3-4 L
Analysis: Another rough defeat at the hands of the Militia for Anchorage, as tempers flared in Montreal. Colt Beckett, after a long period without a start, was pulled just over 15 minutes into the game after allowing three goals on just seven shots, and although Larson did well in relief of him, saving 17 of 18 shots, it was too little too late for the Armada, who lost by a goal. A notable moment in the game was a round of fisticuffs between Xena and Marc Hagan in the last minute of the second period, that saw Hagan ejected from the match for instigating the fight. Not the first time Xena dropped the gloves this season, although being the top scorer in the league it would probably be best for Anchorage if she, well, refrained from doing that. Armada drop a third straight game, as they seem to be in an endless loop of winning and losing streaks. Record: 19-17-4

Game #41: Away vs Anaheim: 1-5 L
Analysis: I mean I don't really know what to say regarding Anchorage for this one. The defence was bad, offence was bad, goaltending wasn't great. Just not an ideal game, really. Out of form winger Brock Emmerton got his 5th goal of the season, but Anchorage just got beat bad. Nice one Anaheim? Record: 19-18-4

Game #42: Home vs Montreal: 3-2 W
Analysis: Nice. This time it's Anchorage who are on the winning end of a close game with Montreal, as Jonas Larsen's game winner in the third period sees them to a massive win to snap their losing run. Larsen also had an assist in the game, as he took first star for the match, while Tony Ford and Kalevi Karhunen each had two helpers in the game, and Xena bagged her league-leading 22nd goal of the season. Peter Larson breaks what's been a bit of a rough stretch for him by saving 27 out of 29 Militia shots, for a .931 save %. Record: 20-18-4

Game #43: Home vs Anaheim: 0-1 L
Analysis: Goalies were good. Offences were not. Tibuk Soonika put up a shutout for the Outlaws on the game, as he stopped all 19 Anchorage shots against him, while Larson wasn't too bad himself, only allowing 1 of the 25 shots on him. In the end, only one goal by the Outlaws was needed for them to get the win, in what was a frustrating game for the Armada. Record: 20-19-4

Game #44: Away vs Anaheim: 1-0 W
Analysis: Lmao what? Well in probably the most underwhelming home-and-home sequence, the Armada only needed one goal to take the win in Anaheim. These past two games are really testing my ability to write analyses about them, but luckily for me, goalies exist. Both sides got 22 shots, with Larson managing to save all of them. Soonika put in another great showing, only allowing one Spencer MacLean wrister out of the 22 shots he faced, but unfortunately that one that he let in was the game-winner. Big win for the Armada, but Jesus guys get some offence going, lol. Record: 21-19-4

Game #45: Away vs Kelowna: 2-0 W
Analysis: Another solid win for the Anchorage Peter Larson, as the goalie was, for the second game in a row, basically the difference between winning and losing for the Armada. Tony Ford scored what would go on to be the game-winning goal in the 1st period, while Andris Dzerins scored the second goal early on in the third. Eko van Otter, who we haven't heard from in a while in this recap, had a hand in both goals, but Larson was by quite a large margin the star of the show, as despite winning Anchorage were outshot 29-18. Hilariously, Larson also got a slashing penalty midway through the second. Why not lol. Record: 22-19-4

Game #46: Home vs Halifax: 3-5 L
Analysis: The Armada can't follow up on their impressive victories in the past two games with another win, as they fall to the Raiders on their home ice. Kerr got two points for Anchorage, as he has been in good form in this latter end of the season, while Johnny Sins also had a multi-point game, but with the shots being 43-26 in favour of the Raiders, it was clear that they outplayed the Armada on the night. A total of 11 penalties were called in this feisty match, but Halifax still came out on top despite their powerplay firing blanks (0 for 6). Not the best start to the final five games of Anchorage's season! Record: 23-19-4

Game #47: Away vs Halifax: 2-1 W
Analysis: Anchorage bounces back from a bad result at home by making the ~7 700 km trip and immediately grabbing their revenge with a 2-1 win in Halifax. Both teams didn't exactly throw caution to the wind, with Halifax leading the shot numbers by 20-16. Larson stood out once again in nets, saving 19 of 20 shots against him, to continue what's been an impeccable run for him. Xena extended her lead as the league's top goal scorer by netting her 23rd, and van Otter had a pair of assists. With three games to go, Anchorage needs a solid run in order to secure a bye from the first playoff round. Record: 24-19-4

Game #48: Away vs Kelowna: 5-2 W
Analysis: Great performance today from Anchorage, who get a huge win over Kelowna thanks in large part to the heroics of their second line, as well as a lackluster Kelowna powerplay that went 0 for 7. Spencer MacLean and Brock Emmerton both got a goal and two assists in the game, while Sins and Karhunen each got goals from the blueline. Larson had yet another solid display between the pipes, stopping 26 of 28 shots in the win, as he is in top form right when the Armada need him to be. With two games to go, Anchorage are looking on good pace to start their playoff campaign in the second round. Record: 25-19-4

Game #49: Home vs Kelowna: 2-1 W (SO)
Analysis: Anchorage win both legs of this late-season home-and-home series between them and the Knights, as this one went all the way to a shootout before the Armada came out on top thanks to a pair of shootout successes by Cloutier and Xena. Tony Ford scored the one goal in this game, with rookie Raphael d'Alcott and Karhunen getting the assists. Larson put up yet another great showing, only being beat by one of Kelowna's 20 shots. D'Alcott was rewarded for his hard work on the night with the first star of the game, as it's a third consecutive win for the Armada, who are now guaranteed a place in the second round of the SMJHL playoffs. Record: 26-19-4

Game #50: Home vs Vancouver: 0-3 L
Analysis: Pass lol. Season's over, 6th place secured. See you in the playoffs Vancouver Wink

Record: 26-20-4

Regular Season Round-Up: Armada

Overall, this regular season has met expectations for the Armada. Having lost so many of their key players to SHL call-ups, getting a top-six finish was always going to be difficult, but they managed to get into that 6th spot in the end, posting 56 points. With 9 rookies in the squad by season's end, the future looks bright for Anchorage, who did a great overall job combining youth development with good results. Peter Larson finishes as statistically the second best goalie in the league in what was a great campaign for him, while Xena and Olivier Cloutier finished respectively 10th and 12th in points in the league. Two of the Armada's rookies came in the top ten for rookie scoring, with Joe Kerr (24) coming second, while Stavros Halkias (16) finished 8th.

Playoff Preview: Armada

In the second round, Anchorage will play against the third-seed Vancouver Whalers. Looking at the regular season results alone, Vancouver has won the season series by a very convincing 5 wins to 0. Armada fans will have a renewed sense of optimism surrounding this series, though, as the regular season results have no bearing on those of the playoffs. A refreshed strategy from Anchorage GM Acsolap, as well as some hard preparatory work from the young Armada squad, could be all it takes for Anchorage to defy the odds and make the semi-finals.

Conclusion: Armada

With all being said and done, that will conclude the recap of the Anchorage Armada's S47 regular season campaign. Whether the Armada get bounced in one round, or hoist the cup, stay tuned for the third part of the recap, the game-by-game summary of the Boats' playoff run!

Word Count: 2 798

SlashACM · 05-20-2019, 08:42 AM

This team is streaky as fuck

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