By Brian S. of Poutine Machine and Isaac S. of Instant Karma

Well BTSHers, we are about a third of the way through the season already and our team’s 2016 identity is starting to take shape.  Now that we have a decent sample size and some data to work with, let’s tackle our season’s first Keys To The Game previews.  Since Poutine is Home and Karma is Away this week, why don’t you take the Away teams and I’ll take the Home teams.  And….we’re off!

Dark Rainbows at Cobra Kai
Dark Rainbows: The Bill Ling Show – One of the most entertaining things to watch each Sunday. But to be successful the Rainbows need find consistent scoring from the rest of their roster. Longwell and the Defense Crew will need to continue their strong play to stymie a talented Cobra Kai offense.
Cobra Kai: Lets begin with the obvious: As you’ve pointed out Brian, Bill L. has been a force to be reckoned with in this short season. The evil dojo should focus first, on containing Bill L. by assigning a shadow and then work on cutting off passing lanes. Rainbows are also quick to the ball, so once the defense gets the ball on their stick they need to look for a quick outlet to Liam or Rachel.

Sky Fighters at Denim Demons
Sky Fighters: Score, Score, Score – This week would be a great time for the Sky Fighters to come out of their scoring slump, mustering only 6 goals in their first 5 games. They may have some difficulty against a stingy Demons’ team, who hold the lowest Goals Against so far this season. 
Denim Demons: Again, the obvious is to keep the ball away from Roman and Mike. In order to accomplish this, Ruebens, Josh and Zach need to continue that fancy passing and crash the net during each shot. BTW, it sure is nice to see Jen back out on the courts.

 

Instant Karma at Tompkins Square Riots
Instant Karma: It All Starts with the Goalie – Mike M. has been brilliant this season, posting 3 wins and a shutout to boot. If he continues this play, Karma has the ability to compete with anyone on any given Sunday. Also if you didn’t know, Isaac Stewart has tied his personal scoring best with 2 goals so far this season. If he keeps up this torrid Gretzky-like pace, the sky is the limit for Karma.
Tompkins Square Riots: The Riots have been a pleasant surprise this season and their goalie Dave GDR is having a bounce-back season. The key will be to keep him locked in and focused.  Amy J. and fellow defenders will have their hands full trying to clear the Unstoppable Force (Heather) and Immovable Object (Al) from in front of the net.  Double shift Vanck in the second half. 

Fuzz at Gouging Anklebiters
Fuzz: Hit the net Rich – If you had the opportunity to catch the 1pm this past week between Fuzz and Gut Rot. You would have seen Rich miss the net on a prime scoring chance not once but TWICE in the span of a few minutes. That is not really a key this week’s match-up, just wanted to let everyone know of his inadequacy.
Gouging Anklebiters: The Biters need more offensive production than from just Probie and Derho…..and this could be the game that opens up the floodgates. Just attack Rich when he’s in the game on defense. That’s all. Oh and, Cheekbones, keep an eye on Fuzz’s cherry pickers (ex. Hicks) and use the dugouts to your advantage.

Gremlins at Fresh Kills
Gremlins: No More FA Goalies – Jamie made an official complaint last week that the increase in FA goalies has given him too much extra time lounging around TSP. Perhaps his lack of playing 3 games each Sunday is why the Gremlins came up short last week. The Gremlins will need him to be sharp to beat Fresh Kills.
Fresh Kills: This one is too easy. Give Gabe and Ariel the ball so they can blah, blah, blah. The Gremies are again without their stout defender Stone Cold Walker to hold down the blue line. So shots on goal shouldn’t be an issue for FK. What will be an issue for them is Erich G. After being thoroughly embarrassed last week he’ll be looking to prove to the league that he belongs in the discussion of elite players. Put a shadow on him. Also, look for Sarah in open space.

Mega Touch at LBS, Inc.
Mega Touch: Win Streak Continues? – Mega Touch is riding a 2 game win streak and an impressive scoring touch by Adriano going into this weekend. They will need all the positives on full display as they face off against the brick wall named Timmy B.
LBS: Defensively, they need to frustrate Brady and Adriano (who has six goals in as many games) while watching out for Julie’s quick-pimp backhand. Offensively, the LBS should flush the ball up court and let Scott run wild after it like a dog to a Postman’s ass. Follow that advice and this one will be wrapped up by halftime.

Corlears Hookers at Rehabs
Corlears Hookers: Good Win Tonight Boys- Brian C. and the Hookers need to feed off the Pens positive energy in their match-up this week against the Rehabs. They’ve had an up and down start to the year, but after a win last week they may be poised for breakout.
Rehabs: Hey, Welch, you might want to share with your other Johnnys the reason why you brought Ryann back this season. That girl is a remarkable offensive talent. Simply get her the ball and great hockey things will happen.

Gut Rot at Poutine Machine
Gut Rot: Offense? – It’s been a difficult season so far for the Gut Rot squad, especially after a rough game this past week against Fuzz (in which Rich missed the net twice). They may be poised for a strong rebound this week, but I’m hoping they wait until next week.
PM: The Machine needs to put more shots on net. Already considered one of the better defensive-minded teams in the league, they could really turn the corner if Brian, Mike and Jo-Jo start converting turnovers into quality scoring chances. And be sure to look for league sweetheart, Christina, near the top of the crease.

What The Puck at Butchers
What The Puck: New Uniforms – WTP came out last week looking snazzy in those awesome new shirts. Hopefully more clothing options will galvanize the team to snap this current 2 game losing streak and find a winning formula. Strong Team Defense will be the key if they want to stop the Butcher’s offensive juggernauts.
Butchers: Rachel and her cronies have been playing some impressive hockey on Sundays. Pete and Drake are near the top of scoring leader boards in their respective genders and should be fed the ball on the regular. Or just replicate last week’s effort against the-team-who-must-not-be-named.

Mathematics at Filthier
Mathematics: Consistency –Math’s key offensive players were relatively quiet this past week against Poutine Machine. They’ll need to rebound strong against the reigning champs. It’s been so-so year so far for them, but watch out once they put it all together. 
Filthier: If Derek T. shows up for Math then Filthy cruises. But if D-Tags makes an appearance, well then Filthy needs to get back to championship ball hockey with quick passes, picking up the pace and learning to trusting each other again. Otherwise, they’re looking at being relegated to the formerly-known-as Newman Division next season.