WEEK 24 (thru Thursday)

Leveling everything in their path, the Central Red Army stormed into third place on Thursday - breaking the single-day FHL record of 40.7 points - Connor McDavid (2g, 2a) and Philipp Grubauer (39 save shutout) combining for 17.8 of the team's record-busting 44.7 points, the Army now camped comfortably in the money, just 45.2 points outside of first place.

The Bout for the Money
The Central Red Army hold the $175.00 money card after yesterday's Thursday Night Massacre, GM Buker's troops currently 8.3 points better than the ears-buzzing Boulder Flyers. The Wild Ducks suffered through a miserable 1.0 point outing, the hobbled team now a distant 22.9 points in back of the green. The Misconducts have entered the money picture on the strength of Anze Kopitar's 4-goal game, albeit still a considerable long shot as they trail by 63.9.

The Battle for the FHL Cup
Very little separated the two Cup contenders on Thursday as Badger Bob netted 14.0 points; one point fewer than the 15.0 collected by the Bluliners. With 17 days remaining in the season - both teams occasionally glancing over their shoulder at the guns-blazing Central Red Army - the Bobs lead the Bluliners by 3.5.

The Scrap for the Laughing Bag
With both Erik Karlsson and Torey Krug out of the lineup, things are starting to look bleak for the SC Cobras and their chance of shedding the Laughing Bag, the Vegas Vipers now 34.3 points in front.

Semifinals, Playoffs
Playoffs are three weeks in length (Weeks 23-25). Prize money is awarded to three teams: the H2H champion ($100.00), runner-up ($70.00) and winner of the consolation match ($30.00).

Wild Ducks: 23.0
Badger Bob: 42.8­
The defending H2H champion Wild Ducks may not have a chance to defend their crown, Badger Bob taking control of this semifinal match on Thursday, GM Chester's crew now leading the Laine-less Ducks by 19.8.

Central Red Army: 61.1
Bluliners: 42.0­
Seemingly in control of this match, the Bluliners were ambushed on Thursday, the Central Red Army's record performance clearing a wide path to the H2H finals, GM Buker's squadron leading by 19.1 with three days remaining in the week.

LINK: Standings

Have to tip the Penguins' helmet to owner Buker for assembling Central Red Army active roster for its record-setting performance last night. HUGE!!!

I knew last night CRA had a big score coming. Just didn't know how big. Now we all know it was FHL-record big.

(Edmonton head coach Todd McLellan, why aren't you listening to me??? Would really like Draisaitl to get moved back to the first line at even strength with McDavid and have Nugent-Hopkins moved down to another line!!!)

Lastly, below is an image of a game-used Central Red Army sweater from the 1993-94 Russian Elite League season. (At the time, the Elite League was top league in Russia. The top league is now the KHL.)

Note the main logo on the chest, which relegated the CRA logo to the upper left.

And the logo on the upper right, IC Premium Lager on top of blue triangle, is none other than Iron City Beer brewed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US of A. YO COMRADE!!! CHEERS!!!

Have no idea how a penguin and Iron City Beer got on the uniform of Central Red Army. There has to be a story. But no time now to look it up. Maybe someone in top management of CRA at the time was a fan of Mario Lemieux?



Lemieux was a right-handed shooter. Since the penguin on the uniform sweater is a left-handed shooter, more likely the guy was a fan of Jaromir Jagr or maybe German Titov. Both Jagr and Titov shot left-handed.

German Titov, a native of Russia, was a left wing who played for the Penguins in the NHL in 1998-99 and most of 1999-2000. He had 98 points in 135 games. Not bad.



Titov also played in the NHL for Anaheim, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. In total, he had 413 points in 624 games. Again, not bad.

There was someone else of the same name (slightly different spelling) in Russia who was more famous than Titov the hockey player. He was Gherman Titov the cosmonaut, who, on August 6, 1961, became the second human being to orbit the earth.



Back to the performance of owner Buker's squad last night. No getting around the fact that it was out of this world. Am now lowering the tent on this circus.

Puck drop for tonight's early games is just under 5.5 hours away.

In addition to winning, Jonathan Quick had the gall to collect a 3.0 point assist.

'Twas one of those nights.

Just took a look at Quick's assist... another record... most undeserved 3.0 points in FHL history.  

See for yourself ... LINK