For a bit in the first period I had this worry that it was going to be like Thursday. Well maybe not qute as bad but the Vipers came out, typically with a physical brand of hockey and seemed to have an edge on the Giants. They even score the first goal of the game to silence the Giants crowd after a scoreless first. However the Giants this time stuck to their game plan, hit the Vipers back and gradually worked their way back into the game.

It was probably the second largest crowd of the season so far. Probably only a few hundred seats shy of a sell-out crowd. It was great to see and the crowd were entertained to a good game of hockey. Ok so it wasn’t the most slick and skilled game you’ve ever seen but they never are against a rugged Newcastle. To beat Newcastle on the scoreboard you must first beat them in the back alleys. They always bring a physical game and if you aren’t prepared to match it then you’ve no chance.

Thankfully the Giants were up to the battle with everyone getting involved. Even Mo-Train played it tough - laying out Vipers enforcer Andre Payette along the boards on one occasion much to the delight of the Giants fans.

Prior to the game Ed Courtenay said he would shake up the lines and he did just that. Mark Dutiaume was back on defence - having moved between the forward and defensive positions so much this season hes going to be getting dizzy. His commitment to the team and doing what is required to win is another reason he is so high on so many peoples shortlists for MVP this season. Moving onto the wing in his place was Roman Gavalier. I didn’t think Roman looked overly comfortable on the wing and it might be a better idea to put Shane Johnson up there who played a full season for the Giants on the wing during the Tony Hand era.

Carlyle Lewis hit and was impressive in the offensive zone, Shaun Sutter worked his ass off in and around the goal and tipped in the tying Giants goal, Pete Campbell was everywhere all night long showing some real energy and George Awada put on a captains display with two goals and a fight.

During the second period George threw a hard hit on Vipers scrapper Derek Campbell. It didn’t sit well with Campbell who chased George down as everyone got involved. Campbell ended up in the box and the Giants scored on the powerplay. Campbell clearly wanted more of Awada later and once George felt it was alright to grant him his fight, with the Giants two goals ahead he dropped the gloves off the face-off. Campbell - a more noted fighter - won the scrap, but George held is own and won the appriciation of the fans. He came out of the box after serving his five-for-fighting in time to score the empty net goal and earn the man-of-the-match.

George has blown hot and cold throughout the season but its almost traditional for him to really start weighing in at this time of the year and again, like clockwork, we’re starting to see it. George steps it up come playoff time. Although this has been one of his more off seasons, what he has put in in previous years and at times this year as our captain is enough to bring him back for another run next season. One thing that never went missing this year you can say without hesitation was his work-rate.

Category: Game Recaps (07-08) » » Newcastle Vipers |

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