12.05.05 Gators Game Report vs The Cuzzies
by Pete Mancuso

"I knew we might be in for a long night," explained Gators veteran Peter Mancuso, "when I walked into the locker room and nearly got a standing ovation." And it wasn't because he has a blistering slapshot or skates like Hurricane Katrina; no, it was because he was the 8th player of the night.

The Gators took the ice with a group more suited for a nice game of Monday night poker rather than a men's league hockey playoff game - a goalie and eight players for what seemed like the 10th game in a row was a big mountain to climb, but they were up to the challenge.

Playing tight early and trailing 1-0, the Gators had a few extra man advantages but couldn't get one by the Big Cuzzie in net. The score would balloon to three zip before the Gators got on the board. Mancuso scored his first goal since the Reagan administration, assisted by Scott Magin's blast from the point and the momentum seemed to be turning - a bit.

After a few more Gator scoring chances were turned away by the Cuzzies, the Orange turned it up a notch and scored three quick goals to make it 6-1 at the end of two periods.

The third period turned into a chippy, rag-tag affair as the Cuzzies must have mistaken us for someone who was hitting on their sister; two-handed slashes, leg whips and steam rolls started an endless stream of stupid penalties for the Orange, giving the Gators a few more power plays they were unable to capitalize on.

Thanks to a Captain's 'take the Gator by the tail' decision, Jim Suplicki joined the offense for the third and quickly created a few quality scoring chances for himself and his linemates; the final score really did not reflect the offensive chances the Gators had but did not put away.

Frank Warner saved some face with a nice low slapper late in the third as the Gators were trying to forecheck and create a few more turnovers during the last few minutes.

All in all, a good effort from a short-handed team...which makes for a few solid games in a row with a short bench.

Scoring

Mancuso from Magin
Warner, unassisted

Tonight's Stars

9 guys wearing Gator green