RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, February 2, 2012, Cover Stories
Bulldogs to play top-seeded Long Beach in playoffs
Final loss to Syosset sends hockey team into playoffs against first-place team
Winning face offs will be critical during the playoffs
The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs closed out their regular season on Monday at Newbridge Arena with a huge 4-1 loss to the Syosset Braves.
Before the game, the Bulldogs celebrated their seniors’ final regular season game with the team. All the seniors skated over from the bench with flowers, and gave them to their mothers while taking a picture or two.
After, the team got right to business in what was a huge game for both teams. The winner would play the third seed in the division, circumventing a date with top-seeded Long Beach.
With the stakes high, both teams came out to play. It was a fast-paced first period, with few shots. Each goaltender made a couple saves, keeping their opponent off the board throughout the period. Solid defense prevented quality scoring chances for both teams.
The quick pace continued as the second period began. Up until 3:44 of the second, the game stayed fairly constant, but that all changed when the Braves scored to take a 1-0 lead.
The Bulldogs responded to the Braves goal with one of their own when Brenden Lloyd tied the game at one-all with 1:10 left in the period. But after the Bulldogs scored, the Braves took over the game, dominating the end of the second period and all of the third, eventiually winning the game 4-1. Losing this game was huge for the Bulldogs, but the game wasn’t the only loss for the team.
With 5:15 left in the third, Bulldogs captain Nick Abbene was assessed a penalty for boarding. Abbene didn’t agree with the refs' call and “chatted” them up. Seconds later he was thrown out of the game.
Because of a game misconduct he received - and a suspension - earlier in the season, he was given yet another suspension. The length has not yet been determined. But it is clear: The Bulldogs will play the top-eeded Long Beach team without their captain.
The Bulldogs first playoff appearance will be Sunday, Febraruy 12, at 8:45 p.m. at Bethpage. Being winless against Long Beach this year, the game promises to be a tough match. Come out and support your hockey team.
Eric Homburger
(Eric is a senior at Kennedy High School working as an intern at Bellmore Life)
