YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH EXPRESS , I PLAAY THAT AND SHOOTOUT ...............IF YOU ENJOY AND LIKE THE RESULTS ..YOU ALREADY WON !!!!

Ah, good question.  Here's the answer.

It's not that I didn't care for Second Season Express per se, I just decided that I would rather use a combination of the Instant Results chart and the Fab Four chart to get each game down to the last four to seven minutes, and then play it out play-by-play if it's close.  SSX is another way to get there, but it's just not my preference.

As for Hockey Blast Express, I love it so far.  I couldn't bring my previous hockey game (from a different company) down with me when I moved here to Mexico, because I only brought what would fit in my luggage and had to leave a lot behind.  And it is difficult to order packages here unless they are already in the country--customs issues, etc.  

But Hockey Blast Express comes in an envelope, so I could get it sent to my PMB in Laredo and then have it forwarded here like regular mail.  Easy peasy.  

Plus, I love the gameplay of Hockey Blast Express, even more so than what I've seen from the videos of Hockey Blast.  

Another very fun game but with a frustrating result for my 1975 Aeros against the 1975 Vancouver Blazers in Hockey Blast Express.  

Basically, the luck just wasn't with the Aeros.  Ron Grahame couldn't make very many saves that he would normally make, and the Aeros lost this second game to Vancouver, 7-2.  

Next series will be the 1996 Red Wings hosting the 1996 Ottawa Senators.  

--Marty Klestadt

Here's the Instant Results preview of the 1996 Ottawa Senators-Detroit Red Wings best-of-three:

Red Wings take it in two games, by scores of 5-2 in Game One, and 5-4 in overtime for Game Two.

I'll be playing these out with Hockey Blast Express soon.

--Marty Klestadt

Another fun one with Hockey Blast Express, this one pitting the 1996 Ottawa Senators vs. the Detroit Red Wings in Houston.

The Senators are not a great team, and the Red Wings were an amazing team that season, and the player cards show that.  But the Ottawa goalie is pretty tough on PLAY saves, and he made some in this game (he also failed to save one of those).  Detroit's goalie couldn't make a couple of important saves.

After some back and forth, it was tied at 2 with five minutes left in regulation and looked like it might go to overtime.  But then came a late flurry of goals.  Ottawa succeeded on two scoring chances in the last several minutes, but then Detroit was able to create a scoring chance and got it to within 4-3.  They pulled the goalie but could not get the tying goal.

So Ottawa takes Game One of this best-of-three 4-3.  Red Wings will try again in Game Two.

--Marty Klestadt

Game Two results of my best-of-three series with Hockey Blast Express between the 1996 Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings in Houston:

No scoring in the first period.  Red Wings get a goal from Steve Yzerman in the second and lead 1-0 at the second intermission.

Yzerman scores again for the Red Wings early in the third period, and the Red Wings add another a couple of minutes later to make it 3-0 Red Wings with about fifteen minutes left in regulation.

The Senators then are able to get on the board and cut their deficit to 3-1 with about thirteen minutes to go in regulation.

But there was no more scoring after that, and the Red Wings hold on to win this one 3-1 and send this exhibition series to a Game Three.

--Marty Klestadt

Game Three results of my best-of-three series with Hockey Blast Express between the 1996 Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings in Houston:

In a thrilling hockey match-up between the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators, hosted in Houston, fans were treated to an exhilarating display of skill and strategy on the ice.

The game began with an explosive start as Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings' legendary forward, showcased his scoring prowess by netting two early goals. With Yzerman's quick strikes, Detroit surged ahead to a 2-0 lead by the end of the first period, leaving Ottawa scrambling to catch up.

Despite the Senators' efforts to rally, the Red Wings maintained their momentum throughout the second period, extending their lead to 3-1 by the close of the frame. Detroit's defensive prowess was on full display, thwarting numerous scoring opportunities and frustrating Ottawa's offensive advances.

As the game progressed, tensions on the ice ran high, with several contentious plays raising the ire of both teams and the crowd. While the referee opted to let some potential penalties by the Red Wings slide, the fans in attendance reveled in the physicality and intensity of the match.

In a pivotal moment late in the game, Ottawa's goaltender, Rhodes, faltered, failing to make a crucial save that could have kept his team's hopes alive. This uncharacteristic lapse allowed the Red Wings to capitalize, further cementing their lead and sealing the victory.

When the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that the Detroit Red Wings had emerged triumphant, securing a commanding 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. With Yzerman's early goals setting the tone and the team's stellar defensive play stifling their opponents, Detroit showcased why they remain a formidable force in the world of professional hockey.

So the Red Wings win the series, although it took three games over a surprisingly tough Ottawa team.

--Marty Klestadt

Here's the Instant Results preview of the WHA 1975 Toronto Toros-Houston Aeros best-of-three:

Aeros take it in three games, by scores of 4-3 Aeros in Game One, 3-2 Toros for Game Two, and 5-4 Aeros in Game Three.

I'll be playing these out with Hockey Blast Express soon.

--Marty Klestadt

Game One results of my best-of-three series with Hockey Blast Express between the (WHA) 1975 Toronto Toros and Houston Aeros:

In a thrilling clash on the ice at the Summit in Houston, hockey enthusiasts witnessed an exhilarating showdown between the Toronto Toros and the Houston Aeros. From the first drop of the puck, it was evident that this game would be defined by offensive firepower. The initial period saw both teams trading goals relentlessly, with the Toros narrowly edging ahead 4-3 by the end of the frame.

As the game progressed into the second period, the pace didn't let up. Each team managed to find the back of the net once, but the Toros maintained their lead at 5-4 going into the second intermission. The intensity only heightened in the final period as the Toros extended their lead to 6-4 with an early goal.

However, the Aeros, undeterred, rallied back with a vengeance. Mark Howe showcased his scoring prowess with a pair of crucial goals, drawing the Aeros level at 6-6. With neither team able to capitalize on scoring chances in the waning minutes of regulation, the game headed into overtime.

Throughout the extra period, both teams battled fiercely, with defensive players delivering bone-crunching hits in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Despite the physicality, the referees maintained a strict standard, but allowed the players to decide the outcome on the ice.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in overtime, the game proceeded to a shootout. The tension in the arena was palpable as each shooter took their turn in the spotlight. Gordie Howe's goal for the Aeros was matched by the Toros, keeping the shootout deadlocked.

As the shootout extended to extra shooters, it was clear that every shot could be the difference-maker. With the game hanging in the balance, the Aeros' fifth shooter executed a flawless deke, beating the Toros' goalie easily to secure a thrilling 7-6 victory for Houston, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of celebration.