LAN-Lords Renew Lease on Cup

The high powered LAN Hackers managed only 15 goals in their two playoff games, but the eight they scored Thursday night were more than enough to beat the league's bridesmaids, the Lite-Sabres. In a championship game which lacked the sizzle of the two semi-final games, the Hackers methodically pressured the Sabres into making mistakes while allowing few shots to get through to their own net.

Leading the way offensively for the Hackers as usual was league scoring champion John Price, who tallied 6 points. Price made the Sabres pay dearly for giveaways and two-on-one opportunities. Also a force for the Hackers was forward Greg Foran. Foran had spread rumors earlier in the day that he was unlikely to play due to prior commitments, but Foran was right on time, and the Sabres' false sense of security evaporated along with their championship dreams.

The Sabres well-balanced attack fizzled early and often, only managing a mere 26 shots on goal. Peter Rinco scored 4 of the Sabres 5 goals while Steve Chaisson notched the other. The leading playoff scorer entering the night's action was Sabres Kenzie Royal. Royal was held completely scoreless for the first time in his career. Also having an off-night offensively was Sabre defenseman Chris McMaster, who didn't score a goal for the first time in his 13 game career.

Earlier in the night, the Sunnydale Slayers picked a good time to win their first game of the year, 13-11 over the Keane Fire. Tim Farrell scored 7 of the Slayers' 13 goals but the difference was the newfound scoring touch by Tim Sawlor. Sawlor, who had only 3 goals all season, busted out of his slump with 5 goals and 2 assists. Prior to the game Sawlor remarked "If I don't score a goal tonight I'm retiring". The Slayers hope that Sawlor considers retiring before every game next year.

• Dave Walsh talks about captain John Dulong's week-long motivation