Penguins, Maples Leafs Match-up Could Turn Ugly

Foxboro, MA - The last time the Provo Penguins played the Maple Leafs, they lost 3-2 in OT during the first-round of the playoffs. Where is the Penguins closed out their playoff hopes early, the Maple Leafs forged on to the bitter end, but also came up short.

"We are the better team," stated Butch Hymman, Maple Leafs owner. "Our team is better at every facet of the game against the Penguins. We can skate better, puck handle better, and we play better. We actually feel sorry for the Penguins actually."

These are tough words coming from an organization that had lost in the two prior match-ups before the playoffs, and only won in OT with a goal that could be disputed. According to sources, game film clearly showed Maple Leafs forward, Phillipe Chouinard, using a police taser gun on the Penguins goalie only seconds prior to the OT goal. Surprisingly, the film cannot be located in the NESHL archives, only adding fuel to the already blazing rivalry fire. The Penguins have refused to push for an investigation.

"Film or no film it does not matter," responded Tragakis at his locker. "Getting tased while in goal is how we train, so it is no excuse for Roode to let up a goal. We have spent countless hours tasing him in the eyes prior to a player taking a shot. Most times he just goes into convulsions, but we are hoping he can use this to his advantage in the future. In any case, our only focus is on tonight's game."

One concern for the Penguins is that with the Bruins plagued by injury, that players such as Hickey and Youngblood could be called up to play at the Garden. This could leave the Penguins vulnerable, as they only skated with 7 players in each of their last two games.

"Younglood does not need additional players," commented Youngblood from his home. "Youngblood can skate for the Bruins and skate for the Penguins. Bottom line is that Youngblood is a one-man wrecking machine, additional playes only get in Youngblood's way!"

Tonight's tilt has all the components of a back-street brawl, and it does not appear that either team will back-down.

"The Leafs are pulling out all the stops," commented a source close to the club. "I would not be surprised if IED's are used by the team, or if they slip a little 'something' into the water bottles of the refs. Anything is possible."