Author's note: Well...this one was a bit easier for me to write compared to the other chapters in this story so far. Hopefully, it's worth the wait.
Also, I'd like to send yet another thank you to those who find/read/review/enjoy my works. Your support goes a long way in terms of motivation.
Anyway, be sure to sit back, relax, and enjoy the reading!
Recaps & Pep Talks
The 1st intermission had just arrived at the 2018 Tri-County Youth League Finals and while the Zambonis were doing their thing alongside the crowd using the time to get refreshments/use facilities, our two commentators were preparing to go back on the air to give a recap of all the action that occurred in the 1st period of the game. Aside from Riley's icebreaker early in the contest along with her delaying the game (penalty wise), it was pretty much an even period for both teams in terms of physicality and chances. Inside the booth, both Emmet & McDug were going over their notes, replay footage & whatnot while preparing to receive the signal from the cameraman to kick off the intermission report.
Meanwhile, in both of the teams' locker rooms, a couple of things were going on. For one thing, both head coaches were giving their teams some certain words. What they were depended on the current situation. As for the Foghorns, coach Ben Sullivan was preaching about fundamentals; especially since his team happened to get outshot in the initial period of the game so far despite having an early lead. He was also offering remarks on his player's performance so far. For Riley, she got high remarks for her play thus far, aside from the hiccups in the form of a delay of game penalty along with being pressured into making an unconventional zone entry.
"Even though we have the lead right now, we gotta get a grasp on the basics." Sullivan said. "Establish the play, establish the tempo, establish the forecheck. We're letting the Ducks dictate how they want to play, we're letting them dictate the tempo, we can't let that happen!"
The Foghorns coaching staff then proceeded to give their team the gameplan for the 2nd period; withstanding the Mighty Ducks' forecheck while creating one of their own and also getting more shots on goal. Oh, and also not to give in to the Ducks' pressure and commit mistakes because that could create opportunities the other way if they aren't careful.
Over in the Mighty Ducks' locker room, Sam Rivera was a mixed bag right now in regards to 1st period remarks. While he praised them for generating more shots on goal, limiting their opponent's opportunities, laying some checks & creating pressure (the good stuff); he was critical of their play that led to Riley's goal in the early stages of the game. He did spare Brodenson on this one since it wasn't his fault along with him coming up large on instances to keep his team in it.
"I like what we're doing right now in terms of overall play, but we can't get that lax & careless!" He exclaimed. "Some of those careless decisions with the puck ended up nearly costing us. You guys should be lucky it's only a 1 goal deficit because if it weren't for your tendy here, we'd be in really deep trouble."
The Mighty Ducks' coaching staff communicated their intention to stick with the gameplan they've been going along with so far; limiting their opponent's opportunities, laying some checks & creating pressure via fore/back check. But along with this, they added a new aspect to the plan: "Keep going after number 15".
(TV)
The Intro for the local news network started to play on the screen yet again along with the theme song for it's sports segment. After that, the screen cuts to brief footage of the 1st period action, each clip changing after a few seconds. After a minute or two, the screen fades to one that reads "TripleDent Intermission Report" and then after a few more seconds, it fades back to show us Dr. Emmet and Joe McDug again in the booth.
"Welcome back everyone to the 2018 Tri-County Youth League Finals here in SAP Center in San Jose!" Emmet began to the camera. "For those out there just joining us, I'm Dr. Emmet along with my good colleague Joe McDug. So far, we've only got ourselves a 1-0 game in favor of the Foghorns and from what we've seen so far, the intensity is only gonna get higher from here."
"Indeed, it is." Joe replied. "Both teams really want to claim the Walt and Roy Trophy and both teams deserve it for their accomplishments to get here. But the cold reality of the sport is this…there's only one up for grabs and someone has to lose this game."
"And so far, the Foghorns appear to be on that right path." Emmet stated.
"Although, aside from that one awesome play that led to Riley scoring the icebreaker, Winston dishing out some open ice punishment & nearly converting on some Ducks mistakes, they didn't look as strong like they did coming into this game." McDug pointed out. "The overall play; and I'm talking forward play, board play, etc. is leaning in favor of the Ducks. The only saving grace for the Foghorns so far is Ray Khan's play in goal."
"Ben Sullivan is gonna have to make some adjustments going into this next period because he knows it's only gonna get harder going forward." Emmet said in response. "And I bet his counterpart is thinking the same thing."
"He indeed is." McDug said. "He knows they're gonna have to adjust on the fly in the 2nd, but they show confidence in the style they play and so far, it's working even though they're trailing."
"Now, your thoughts on the only goal of the game so far?" Emmet asked.
"That one, you can't really blame Brodenson for because he had no chance on it." McDug replied. A replay of Riley's goal showed up on screen, replacing the view of the commentators. "The play was set up by a fantastic block by the Foghorns' captain and McDavidson swooped in to collect the biscuit to set up the play the other way. A normal 2 on 2, should be simple to defend. But the Ducks weren't expecting the between the leg pass to Andersen to set up the beautiful roof job."
"And how about the Ducks dealing with Riley so far?" Emmet asked while the TV screen showed the commentators again.
"Aside from allowing a goal by her and getting pants'd on the offensive zone cycle, I'd say they're doing alright against her." McDug replied. "They managed to pressure her via 3 defenders against 1 skater into dumping the puck in instead of carrying it in. Oh, and they managed to bait her into taking a delay of game penalty utilizing similar tactics to force her to sling the puck over the glass."
"Those Mighty Ducks are gonna have to keep at it if they want to have a shot of coming back tonight." Emmet said. "And Brodenson is also gonna have to match Khan save by save as well."
"Should be interesting to see how the 2nd period is gonna play out." McDug said with anticipation.
"Indeed." Emmet replied. "Actually, that's not far off now because the crew is just about to put the nets back out there and have the teams return to the ice."
"Oh SWEET!" McDug shouted in excitement.
"Only downside is that we're gonna have to wait until after this commercial break to continue the game." Emmet replied with a hint of reality.
Joe McDug only responded with a face of disappointment.
"Eh, shouldn't be that long." Emmet added after seeing his broadcast partner. "Anyway…we should be set for the 2nd period when we come back."
The screen then fades to an animation thanking viewers for watching the "TripleDent Intermission Report" and to be sure to stick around for the start of the 2nd period. After that, it cuts directly to commercial.
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