We've got week 1 in the books, with clips and full game videos to be posted later this week. For now though, let's talk a little bit about what we saw.
Game 1: Black Squirrels 1 - Liabilities 0 (so) - I predicted an offense first game, partly on the question from Squirrels goalie Carl if I thought Nate could play in net for this game. It seems like the leadership in the room got the message that the game wasn't going to be quite so easy, and decided to play strong defense instead of relying on the most reliably not-on-time player to be their goalie. The decision clearly paid off as the Squirrels were the dominant force for the first 2 periods of the game. I do give credit to the Liabilities squad who was being outplayed, but stayed in the game thanks in part to terrific goaltending from sub goalie Doug. When the 3rd period came around things finally started clicking for this crew, and I think there's a real chance they win this game if there was a 4th period. There wasn't a 4th period (or even overtime) so the game went to a shootout, where previously mentioned Nate manages to score the only goal for a 1-0 victory. Way off on this first prediction.
Game 2: Baseball Bats 2 - More Tooth 5 - Score is a bit different than I predicted, but the outcome of the game was fairly similar to prediction. Baseball Bats came in with only 8 players (7 at game start) but still approved a sub for More Tooth. Bats did manage to look good in bursts, but overall had some struggles keeping up with a More Tooth team who benefited from both a larger bench, and more experience. The goals were spread around a bit, but credit to Akhil for scoring the first goal of the 2026 Fall season, and to Ann (wife of More Tooth player James) for telling her husband to keep shooting, but he needs to keep his shot down, because not 5 minutes later he scored his first goal of the season on a shot that might not have left the surface. I think both teams will come out of this game knowing they have things to work on, but obviously Tooth will be happier taking home the W.
Game 3: Flying Hellfish 7 - Steinway Baby Grands 1 - I had predicted a closer game than the final score indicates, but after talking with Baby Grands captain Pete, I think the roster was not the one they were hoping for 24 hours prior to game time. I was correct, that the age and speed for Hellfish would be a lot to handle, but the main goal scorers were Rob score netted a hat trick, and Ryann who got 2 herself. Also shout out to Ryann and Jenna who requested to play together, and immediately showed their captain why this was an excellent choice. I think Baby Grands will be able to rebound from this though, and will find their way next week.
Game 4: Dutch Killer Bees 5 - Terminators 3 - In our last game of the week, both teams needed a bunch of subs due to issues on the N train, but captains were able to get together and produce fairly even subs/rosters which made for an exciting game. DKB was in the lead for most of the game, but it never felt out of reach for Terminators, which is a great start for a rookie franchise. Player of the game here has to go to Mike Tigri who put up 1 goal all of last season, but managed to get 4 goals in his first game this season. Will he manage to keep it up and score a record 32 goals? I'm guessing not, but a number like 10 doesn't sound out of reach to me.
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