The Demons Will Need Their Defense To Stop Those Guns

GAME OF THE WEEK
Sky Fighters (7-4) vs. Denim Demons (7-0-2-2)
Location: Tompkins East, 3:00 PM
All-Time Series: Denim Demons lead 4-2
Game Notes: Although this is one of the few inter-divisional matchups on the docket this week, through an odd scheduling quirk, this will be the Sky Fighters’ fourth consecutive Rubens Division opponent and the Demons’ third consecutive Schloeder Division opponent.  The Sky Fighters have looked like a more complete team this season, as several players have contributed to their success.  In the past, their scoring attack has revolved solely around Martin “Ocho Cinco” Cejka, but in recent weeks, the team has found other ways to win.  Newcomer Greg Cohan led the team with two goals in their week 12 victory over Fresh Kills, and goalie Robert Kucera recorded a shutout against the Rehabs in week 11.  With the Denim Demons’ win in week 12 against the Mighty Squirrels, they continue to remain the only team in BTSH without a regulation loss.  The team has clearly relied on its defense and goaltending this season, as the Demons now rank first in the league in goals against (16) and shutouts (4).  However, with five goals in the Demons’ last two games, forward Jeff Kamen has established himself as the hottest scorer in BTSH.  The Sky Fighters will have their hands full as they try to stop him and the Fightin’ Rubens.
Keys To The Game:
1. There may be a goalie controversy brewing in Sky Fighters camp, as both James Stein and Robert Kucera have performed well this season.  Although Stein is listed as the official starter, Kucera has both of the team’s shutouts this season.
2. All eyes will be on Demons forward Micael Holmström and Sky Fighters defender Martin “Ocho Cinco” Cejka.  They are two of the most skilled players in BTSH and both have the ability to take over a game.
3. Captain Adam “Legend Killer” Rubens has promised to take the entire team out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday should the Demons win.  Ana Hurka-Robles is especially excited, as she has always been a fan of their Thai Phoon Shrimp appetizer.
Eli’s Pick: Sky Fighters.  Martin’s due for a big game.
Derek’s Pick: Denim Demons.  According to Ruby Tuesday’s website, Thai Phoon Shrimp is “the perfect storm of texture and flavors.”  Just like the Demons. 

Happy Little Elves (5-6) vs. Cobra Kai (2-8-0-1)
Location: Tompkins East, 2:00 PM
All-Time Series: Tied 1-1
Game Notes: This Rubens Division matchup will mark the second leg of the illustrious Barnacle Bowl.  In the first game, Cobra Kai rallied late to force overtime, but the Elves ultimately prevailed due to a game-winning goal by Melanie Pessin and passable goaltending by Rich Glanzer.  The Elves can clinch the Bowl with a win, a tie, or (pending an overtime loss) a lead in aggregate goals.
Eli’s Pick: No pick. Eli will be reffing this game.
Derek’s Pick: Happy Little Elves

Tuques (3-8) vs. What The Puck (9-2)
Location: Tompkins West, 2:00 PM
All-Time Series: What The Puck leads 9-0
Game Notes: These two Woodsworth Division teams enter this game headed in opposite directions.  After a “horrendous start” to the season, the Tuques have now won their last two games, including their first ever victory over the Unicorns.  Conversely, Larry’s Orange Juggernaut limps into this game with a two-game losing streak and a bloated injury report.
Eli’s Pick: What The Puck
Derek’s Pick: What The Puck.  Even with a dinged up roster, Mad Dog always has some tricks up his sleeve.

Unicorns (7-4) vs. Fresh Kills (5-5-0-1)
Location: Tompkins West, 3:00 PM
All-Time Series: Tied 4-4-1
Game Notes: The Unicorns have been BTSH’s biggest enigma this season.  Despite holding victories over What The Puck, the Corlears Hookers, and the Dark Rainbows, they have also lost to the Happy Little Elves and Tuques.  It seems that no matter who their opponent is, the Unicorns will always play a close, competitive game.
Eli’s Pick: Fresh Kills
Derek’s Pick: Fresh Kills.  They have a history of finishing strong in tight games.

Filthy Gorgeous (7-3-1) vs. Mathematics (3-5-1-2)
Location: Tompkins East, 4:00 PM
All-Time Series: Tied 2-2
Game Notes: Please note, this game has been moved to the 6:30 (Hockey Night in Tompkins) time slot on the West court.*  Good luck, Monica!

Mega Touch (2-8-1) vs. Gouging Anklebiters (4-6-1)
Location: Tompkins West, 4:00 PM
All-Time Series: Tied 5-5-1
Game Notes: These two teams last met in a play-in game of the 2008 BTSH playoffs.  Due to captain Eric Devlin’s “no girls allowed” policy, Mega Touch played the entire game 3-on-5.  Despite this bizarre gambit, the Touch still prevailed 2-1.  Anklebiters captain Phil “Sandy” Donohue is hoping that his new “no Eric DiPierris allowed” policy will enable the Anklebiters to exact some revenge.
Eli’s Pick: Gouging Anklebiters.  Since implementing the new policy, Donohue’s squad is 2-1.
Derek’s Pick: Gouging Anklebiters

LBS, Inc. (8-3) vs. Mighty Squirrels (4-6-1)
Location: Tompkins East, 5:30 PM
All-Time Series: LBS, Inc. leads 5-1
Game Notes: When these two teams first met in the opening week of the season, LBS, Inc. crushed the Mighty Squirrels to the tune of 7-0.  LBS, Inc. forward Karsten Pichon, who leads the league with 14 goals, notched three in this game.
Eli’s Pick: LBS, Inc.  They’re the hottest team in BTSH right now.
Derek’s Pick: LBS, Inc.

Rehabs (6-4-0-1) vs. Corlears Hookers (7-2-1-1)
Location: Tompkins West, 5:30 PM
All-Time Series: Corlears Hookers lead 3-1
Game Notes: These bitter Rubens Division rivals already faced off in week 4, with the Rehabs handing the Corlears Hookers their first loss of the season.  With attendance issues being a key factor for the Hookers that day, captain Peter “Purple Rain” Putka has dubbed this game “Jock Paul Cowboy Hat Day”, with the first ten Hookers to arrive receiving a free Stetson hat.  However, the Rehabs have countered with a promotion of their own: $howT!m3 Beaded Shirt Day. 
Eli’s Pick: Corlears Hookers.  Jock Paul Cowboy Hat > $howT!m3 Beaded Shirt
Derek’s Pick: No pick.  Derek will be reffing this game.

HOCKEY NIGHT IN TOMPKINS
Mexican Standoff (0-10-0-1) vs. Dark Rainbows (9-1-0-1)
Location: Tompkins East, 6:30 PM
All-Time Series: Dark Rainbows lead 6-1
Game Notes: For the second consecutive week, the Dark Rainbows are featured on the grandest stage in BTSH.  In their last game, they defeated Cobra Kai in another Hockey Night in Tompkins matchup, propelling them into first place.  However, Mexican Standoff is no stranger to HNIT, as the team will also be making its second prime-time appearance.  When these Schloeder Division foes met in week 10, the Dark Rainbows won 3-1, highlighted by P.T. Walkley’s hat trick.
Eli’s Pick: Dark Rainbows
Derek’s Pick: Dark Rainbows…but Standoff keeps it close.

Media Records:
Eli: 52-22
Derek: 51-25

Survivor Pool 

Lourdes Banez (SKY) – Filthy Gorgeous
Adriano Bratta (WTP) – Dark Rainbows
Ben Chadwick (HLE) – Dark Rainbows
Steve Chernoski (DD) – LBS, Inc.
Phil Donohue (GA) – Gouging Anklebiters
Rich Glanzer (HLE) – LBS, Inc.
Robert Gorden (MSQ) – Happy Little Elves
Dave Ladanyi (TUQ) – Gouging Anklebiters
Amy Lott (SKY) – Dark Rainbows
Hector Melendez (REH) – Filthy Gorgeous
John Meyer (DR) – Filthy Gorgeous
Robert Muggeo (HLE) – What The Puck
Sean Reynolds (DR) – Filthy Gorgeous
Bryan Welch (REH) – Filthy Gorgeous

Eliminated
Eric Breitman (MSQ) – Week 1
Gavin Kearney (CH) – Week 1
Nestor Nonato (GA) – Week 1
Georgine Paulin (MATH) – Week 1
Bob Weyersberg (FK) – Week 1

*not actually true