Sundogs 6, Scorpions 4

I didn't see the first period of this game, which means I basically missed everything important. Still, it's another game that the Scorpions have lost because of shellshock. And once again, it's the shift immediately after a goal where they manage to shoot themselves in the foot. It's even tougher to swallow when you consider that the Scorpions held their own, if not outplayed Arizona in the second and third periods. They're going to need a much hungrier effort against Odessa on Friday.

Observations:

• It's amazing how one player can make an offense click, and that is exactly what Adam Perry has done. He is a phenomenally talented player and not only has he turned the Sundogs' top line into a formidable scoring threat, but he's also taken the pressure off the second and third line guys, who are in turn playing more relaxed, confident hockey. God, I sure hope San Antonio wants him back sometime soon
• On the other end of the spectrum, you hate to say that one player can break a team's chances, but the past three games have shown how much the Scorpions miss Michael Beynon on the back end. This could prove to be a very costly two weeks unless the Scorpions find a way to improve their team defense in Beynon's absence
• Speaking of no defense, you have to feel for Jason Wolfe, especially on his 31st birthday. From what I heard, he got absolutely hung out to dry, and you never want to put yourself in a position where your goaltender has to give you a chance in the game's first 10 minutes. Goalies steal games at the end of regulation, not the beginning. Having said that, I definitely feel that Andrew Martin played a stellar 40 minutes in relief
• One positive sign for the Scorpions is the continued success of the Macdonald/Stephens/Leonard line. Those three have just been getting hotter and hotter, and it's going to be tough to keep them off the scoresheet if their chemistry continues to build. And for all the Leonard doubters, how about that blind, tape-to-tape pass that hit Macdonald in stride on his second goal of the night? I can't imagine anyone will still have a problem with Lenny's play come the all-star break
• A pretty ballsy move by Chris Robertson in the third, taking a cue from former CHL/WPHLer Mike Legg. I would've loved to have seen Robo on youtube!
• I wish Andrew Smale a speedy recovery after taking a high stick to his already-broken nose. He looked to be absolutely miserable when he went to the locker room with Woody. Smale's tough-as-nails, but something tells me he'll go back to the full face-shield for a bit longer
• Hockey will be much easier to watch when Karl Sellan leaves. Until then, I'll have to settle for watching Ben Chaisson pound him into oblivion. Nice way for big Ben to pick up his first major in the Scorps uniform.

Elsewhere:

• Odessa looks scary again
• Apparently if Texas and Bossier play to a one-goal game, the Mudbugs are screwed
• Ladies and gentlemen, your MVP