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Post by tonofnor on Feb 16, 2009 14:40:24 GMT
Thank you for that, just a shame that there wasn't a way of doing this, as i think that with a full squad we would have had too much for Kingston as shown in the previous 3 games against them, just my opinion only of course and also on home ice we would outplay the Blaze, which hopefully we will still do and that Sheffield slip up somewhere in their remaining games. Also based opinion on the fact that 3 of the Lions 4 defeats game in the first 7 games of the season.
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Post by quoththeraven on Feb 17, 2009 12:26:31 GMT
Well, it gives us plenty to think about, and if nothing else you have to admire the confidence that the Lions coaching staff and management has in their squad, that without four of their top players they could still go into an important game and get a result.
I've always said that Kingston are a much better side in the second half of the season than they are in the first half, as their result against us shows. Perhaps, given the importance of the game, what with us needing four points from four, it would have been a sensible option to give us every possible advantage for winning the league. I know we still can win it technically, but it's a lot trickier now than it could have been.
I appreciate ice time may be an issue but the regular season is still ongoing for a couple of weeks into March, and the playoffs are much shorter this season, so there was perhaps a bit of leeway.
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Post by quoththeraven on Feb 20, 2009 12:16:17 GMT
As well as our own trials and tribulations, the title picture should be clearer in other ways after this weekend. Sheffield could get six points from their two games. That's right, they're playing Newcastle for double points on Saturday before they host Blackburn on Sunday. While I fully expect them to leave the North East with four points, the Hawks should be altogether a different kettle of fish. It's a mixed metaphor obviously, but what I mean is that the games between those sides have been two narrow wins for the Scims and a 1-1 draw. Come on you t'Blackburnawks!
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Pucky
Pat Casey
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Post by Pucky on Feb 20, 2009 13:16:03 GMT
Come on you t'Blackburnawks! I'd agree with you there. Blackburn & Kingston are locked in their own private little battle to avoid the relegation playoff, and both have to play Sheffield. If Kingston play as they did on Sunday then Sheffield will not find it easy to play against them. The Hawks need as many points as they can get and I hope they'll run Sheffield close, and if they can take a point off Sheffield then that will be the better.
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Post by quoththeraven on Feb 22, 2009 11:28:13 GMT
Sheffield beat Newcastle 9-0. They host Blackburn today. This and our game against Coventry are of paramount importance, I cannot do it justice other than to say if you are in two minds about coming tonight, just do it - Dancing on Ice is rubbish now Todd's been eliminated so there's no reason to stay in ;-).
Incidentally Whitley squeaked a 5-4 in Blackburn last night.
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Shaggy
Forum Moderator
Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
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Post by Shaggy on Feb 22, 2009 23:36:24 GMT
Lions win 4-1. Goals from Josh Ward, Joe Wightman, Johnny Bell (and I forget who got the empty-netter at the end).
Joe Graham got (in order) a split lip and MoM... re the other Panthers two-way players, Sam Bullas always looked dangerous, and James Neil was back on defence again - did a good job there and was pretty useful when teamed up with Joe Graham.
Thanks to Kevin Bergin, Marc Levers and Simon Moore from the Panthers coming down to watch the game, plus BBC Nottingham's Chris Ellis (and family)... nice to see you guys.
Not an amazingly exciting game, but some good stuff scattered through it - including several good stops by Alan Levers.
And that's it for the Lions' regular season... now for the play-offs! (when all the other teams have finished their games, so that's sometime halfway through March or later, no doubt).
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Post by Lucy on Feb 22, 2009 23:58:01 GMT
Hey Shaggy, we'll always come to watch the Lions when there's isn't a Panthers game - but you know Panthers are my Number One :-)
Let's hope we can see a Lions games in the Playoffs!
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Post by quoththeraven on Feb 23, 2009 11:26:07 GMT
To anyone who came to their first Lions game (or first of the season) last night, and I had a brief chat in the second with a gentleman from the Panthers contingent who was at his first Lions this season, I think you got an accurate representation of our season.
In short, there were a few good chances both ways, we showed some flashes of flair at both ends (some well-taken finishes and Levers playing to the cameras on some of those saves), and gave away a sloppy goal. Oh yeah, and in comparison to the last few seasons, we put many more big hits in. However for long periods of time not a great deal actually happened. There were too many unnecessary passes whereas Coventry's defence would have struggled against a more direct approach, especially with Mark Hartley coming from the Richie Lawson school of 5-holes.
Anyway, it's two vital points and the situation is out of our hands now. Like a French Socialist in 2002, I'm supporting Kingston with my rubber gloves on when they host Sheffield on March 14th.
It's amazing that this late into the season none of the playoff places are definitely decided yet - Whitley can still technically finish second, while Billingham have a slight edge over Coventry. In terms of entertaining games, it genuinely doesn't matter who we face in the first round of the playoffs because we are guaranteed something good.
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tigger
Jade Galbraith
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Post by tigger on Feb 24, 2009 0:33:54 GMT
The Lions need a small miracle to win the league now but possible. They need Blackburn to beat Kingston and Billingham and go into the Final weekend of the regular season with Blackburn playing Coventry and Kingston at home to Sheffield and the games face off within 30 mins of each other, this would mean Kingston would need to win to stay out of the relegation playoffs I think, can someone confirm. Now wouldn't that be an exciting end to a season. ;D ;D ;D Like I said a small miracle needed
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Shaggy
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Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
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Post by Shaggy on Feb 24, 2009 7:36:39 GMT
The Lions need a small miracle to win the league now but possible. They need Blackburn to beat Kingston and Billingham and go into the Final weekend of the regular season with Blackburn playing Coventry and Kingston at home to Sheffield and the games face off within 30 mins of each other, this would mean Kingston would need to win to stay out of the relegation playoffs I think, can someone confirm. Now wouldn't that be an exciting end to a season. ;D ;D ;D Like I said a small miracle needed Eh? No offence, but I'm not sure where you get that rather complicated scenario from... it's actually much simpler than that. The Lions have played all of their league games and have a total of 46 points. Sheffield can also reach 46 points if they beat Kingston away in their last remaining game next month... and since the Lions & Sheffield have beaten each other twice head-to-head but Sheffield had a better goal difference in those games, Sheffield would win the league if they beat Kingston. What the Lions need to win the league is for Kingston to beat or draw with Sheffield - that's all. Just for Sheffield to drop 1 point, and we win. Which would be very nice symmetry if it happened, seeing as it was the Lions dropping a point by only getting a draw up in Kingston the other weekend which put us in this situation in the first place! Come on you Jets...
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tigger
Jade Galbraith
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Post by tigger on Feb 24, 2009 9:52:38 GMT
Yes I know sheffield only need to drop 1 point but this complicated scenario would mean that the championship and relegation positions wouldn't be decided until the last game of the season. I would prefer Kingston to go into this game needing to win to stay out of the relegation zone than have their season already decided before. The pressure on all teams if coventry could still make play-offs would be great and especially exciting for the fans of all teams involved. But, like I said small miracle needed
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Post by quoththeraven on Feb 24, 2009 12:18:54 GMT
I do see what you mean in terms of the bigger picture, whereas others seem more focussed on a smaller scenario. It would be better for everyone if there were no dead games at the end of the season, something the previous format created - teams with something to play for are going to go full tilt no matter who they face whereas teams who are just fulfilling fixtures are going to play the backup and generally give more ice time to depth players. In short, if Kingston are still in a competitive frame of mind, they are more likely to do us a favour. Given the relationship between the Lions and the Jets over the past few seasons, whether between sets of fans, players or bench staff, it is the most delicious irony that their actions will decide our fate.
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Post by Nottingham Lions on Feb 24, 2009 13:13:58 GMT
To be honest, we're not really bothered what happens. Yes, it would be great if Kingston beat or drew with Sheffield as that, as already pointed out, means we would be Champions. However if Sheffield win the title, that's great for them as they've been consistent all season.
Are you a Jets fan tigger? No disrespect intended but we're not interested in any one else's position in the League. We don't care if Kingston "do us a favour" or not.
It would be nice to know now if we were facing Whitley, Coventry or Billingham but the preperation we make for the playoffs will not change, we will concentrate on our own game. This is no different from the playoff situation for the last couple of seasons, as the last places have not been decided until the last minute, and it's only in the last month that the positions have become clearer.
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Post by quoththeraven on Feb 24, 2009 19:19:44 GMT
I think that's rather blinkered. Fair enough as you are heavily involved with one team but even if someone is a fan, there's no reason they shouldn't be affected by or interested in other teams. Also, I would hope that the Lions players were bothered who finishes where, especially when it involves them finishing first. We talk forever about the Pride of Nottingham and that doesn't come across in your statement. I would hope the players are braced to either be ecstatic at winning a trophy or so enraged at not doing so that they amp up the intensity and take it out on their playoff opponents. That is the pride, the passion the team needs and the fans demand. Or maybe it's just me. I don't do these things by halves.
What makes this league great and this structure the best thing about British hockey right now is that so much is still up for grabs. Every game matters, every point won or lost is vital, every goal scored or conceded becomes of paramount importance. Things are a little clearer in our conference but down south there are two teams guaranteed to be in the playoffs, with five of the other six still theoretically contesting the last two playoff places. Of those six teams, four could still be automatically relegated and another could still have a playout. In the northern division 2, two teams contest the automatic promotion berth and a further two could still make the playout. While £helmsford are home and dry in the southern division 2, five teams could still make the playout.
While our games have finished for now, our season is far from over. In the great narrative that has played out so far, let's hope there's still time for one final twist before the denouement.
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tigger
Jade Galbraith
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Post by tigger on Feb 24, 2009 23:27:37 GMT
Sorry LPO i'm not a Jets fan but that doesn't mean to say I don't take an interest in other Hockey. Don't you LPO Perhaps you are not interested in the Stanley Cup?? Anyway my point is why shouldn't Sheffield have to work hard in their last game to win the league instead of Kingston going through the motions, we have played Kingston 4 times this season Sheffield only 3 and they have actually only played 26 games, ok Newcastle Double points I can accept that but Kingston double points at Ice Sheffield nah!! I don't know the reason for this decision but lots of teams could do this. Was it no Ice available ?? Roll on Whitley And up the PENS ;D
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Post by Nottingham Lions on Feb 25, 2009 10:06:20 GMT
Sorry LPO i'm not a Jets fan but that doesn't mean to say I don't take an interest in other Hockey. Don't you LPO Perhaps you are not interested in the Stanley Cup?? Actually I'm not interested in the Stanley Cup!! I am interested in other hockey though but as a team we are preparing for the playoffs, the League is no longer the focus. If we win, great, we'll prepare for the ENL Final at Coventry. If we don't then that's OK (well it's not OK but we accepted we wouldn't win the League after the Kingston result.) Anyway my point is why shouldn't Sheffield have to work hard in their last game to win the league instead of Kingston going through the motions, we have played Kingston 4 times this season Sheffield only 3 and they have actually only played 26 games, ok Newcastle Double points I can accept that but Kingston double points at Ice Sheffield nah!! I don't know the reason for this decision but lots of teams could do this. Was it no Ice available ?? Roll on Whitley And up the PENS ;D I don't doubt that Sheffield will be made to work hard by Kingston - after all, they showed us that they can play hockey! I'm not sure of the reason behind the decision to let Sheffield play Newcastle for double points - after all there was a game scheduled for early March, but I know the Kingston game @ IceSheffield was played for double points because of ice problems in Sheffield when the game was first played. Personally I don't agree with double point games for any reason, if the ice is not available then it is up to the home team to re-schedule and if they can't then the League either awards 5-0 to the away team or a 0-0 tie and that way no team can get an unfair advantage. Also, I would hope that the Lions players were bothered who finishes where, especially when it involves them finishing first. The thing is, League position was always a bit of a bonus. As long as they played the best they could then that is what is important. Yes it's great to win silverware but if it isn't won then there's always next season. As long as every player plays 100% and does what he can that's the important bit. They're disappointed in the fact that we couldn't finish off Kingston but they've bounced back now and accept that we can no longer have any say in the title. However, the players were asked who they would rather play in the playoffs and the answer was somewhat surprising. But the preperation will be exactly the same in the next 2 training sessions, and then once the positions are known then the training may change but I doubt it.
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Post by quoththeraven on Mar 9, 2009 12:17:11 GMT
for those who are bothered Telford were crowned champions of ENIHL Division 2 Northern Conference this weekend. Well done and look forward to seeing you in Nottingham next season.
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ceebee
Jade Galbraith
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Post by ceebee on Mar 13, 2009 17:07:47 GMT
what date are the playoffs in coventry ?
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Post by carolle on Mar 13, 2009 17:52:35 GMT
ENL 18th//19th April I think.
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ceebee
Jade Galbraith
Posts: 34
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Post by ceebee on Mar 13, 2009 18:38:04 GMT
thank you
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Post by Nottingham Lions on Mar 14, 2009 21:58:09 GMT
Congratulations to Sheffield. They beat Kingston 7-2 tonight, so that means they're League Champions.
It's disappointing, we were in control for so long, but to finish joint top with only (IIRC) 3 goals in it is still quite an achievement. So, we play Whitley Bay in the playoffs, dates TBC.
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Post by hunnybunnytt on Mar 15, 2009 22:23:58 GMT
The EPL Play offs weekend is 11th & 12th April - first game starting at 2.30pm
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Post by Nottingham Lions on Mar 16, 2009 10:14:37 GMT
The EPL Play offs weekend is 11th & 12th April - first game starting at 2.30pm We won't be playing at the EPL Finals, that will be Invicta vs. Sheffield, who will play on the Sunday to find the overall ENL Champions. Last night Whitley beat the Bombers 4-3 in what could be the last game at the Billingham Forum for 2 seasons. This means that the Bombers fail to make the playoffs and the 4th spot goes to Coventry. The Playoffs are now Sheffield vs. Coventry and Nottingham vs. Whitley. The winner of each leg will play the winner of the other at the ENL Finals in Coventry on 18th/19th April to find out who is the overall Playoff Champion - a title the Lions have yet to win. Whitley have given us their available dates, and it is now simply a case of deciding which leg is first, home or away. Whoever plays the 2nd leg at home has to provide extra ice time for Overtime and even penalties if the scores are level after the end of both legs. Hopefully we'll have the dates soon - maybe even Thursday - so please keep an eye on The Cage.
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Post by quoththeraven on Mar 16, 2009 12:19:20 GMT
So the playoffs are upon us. In the words of Frankie Boyle, "brace yourself Agnes, it's that time of year again". The EPL Play offs weekend is 11th & 12th April - first game starting at 2.30pm We won't be playing at the EPL Finals, that will be Invicta vs. Sheffield, who will play on the Sunday to find the overall ENL Champions. Last night Whitley beat the Bombers 4-3 in what could be the last game at the Billingham Forum for 2 seasons. This means that the Bombers fail to make the playoffs and the 4th spot goes to Coventry. The Playoffs are now Sheffield vs. Coventry and Nottingham vs. Whitley. The winner of each leg will play the winner of the other at the ENL Finals in Coventry on 18th/19th April to find out who is the overall Playoff Champion - a title the Lions have yet to win. Whitley have given us their available dates, and it is now simply a case of deciding which leg is first, home or away. Whoever plays the 2nd leg at home has to provide extra ice time for Overtime and even penalties if the scores are level after the end of both legs. It's probably unwarranted to suggest that we could do this if Lions games started at the advertised times. I know it's not your fault before you shout at me, it just struck me as an amusing observation. Our form against Whitley this season has been our best ever, so it's great we get two more games against them. I might even make it up to the North East this time to cheer on the lads.
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Post by Nottingham Lions on Mar 16, 2009 13:45:52 GMT
It's probably unwarranted to suggest that we could do this if Lions games started at the advertised times. I know it's not your fault before you shout at me, it just struck me as an amusing observation. That is true, however our games are scheduled for 7.30pm so there's not that many that are late. Also that was the information that came yesterday on the email from the League. We'll have to wait and see what happens, as there are Panthers playoffs, as well as the Elite Finals too. I am hoping that the respective fixture bods as the Lions and the Warriors sort this sooner rather than later.
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