Record: 20-7-0-3 (43 points. First in the Bauer Conference.)
Who's Hot Up Front:
Newcomer Brody Haygarth has three points in two games since joining the Flin Flon Bombers in a trade. Overall he's got 30 points in 31 games played. We'll likely see Haygarth skating with Mike Rey and Matt Lecours. Historically, Haygarth has always put up good numbers against the Stars too. He's definitely a player to watch.
Who's on D:
The Bombers have a great d-core. Maybe the best one-through-six combination in the entire SJHL. The acquisition of Taylor Thiessen though was probably the biggest trade of the season to date. Thiessen has 27 points in 30 games and will see a lot of power-play minutes tonight.
Who's in Goal:
Only the best goaltender statistically in the SJHL Matt Weninger. His record of 14-4-0-1 is fantastic, and his numbers are even better: A GAA of 2.26 and a save percentage of .928. We could be in for a very low-scoring game tonight.
X-Factor:
Tonight's x-factor for the Bombers is forward David Dykstra. Here's a play who's tallied 28 points in 29 games, and has provided great offensive depth to the Bombers. Historically he's been pretty quiet against the Battlefords, but is always a fun player to watch.
Record: 19-12-1-0 (39 points. Second in the Bauer Conference.)
Who's Hot Up Front:
No single player on the Battlefords North Stars is hotter than 20-year-old forward Blake Peake. Peake scored a short-handed goal in Humboldt Sunday, and added a goal in the shootout. Blake Peake and Josh Daley must have a good game tonight in order for the Stars to beat Flin Flon.
Who's on D:
Dominic Perrault and Coleman Brodbin (in my opinion) were two of the more impressive d-men in Sunday's win in Humboldt. Perrault scored a crucial goal on the power-play, and Brodbin was solid at both ends of the ice. If these two can be physical with some of Flin Flon's talented players, then the Bombers may think twice about heading to the front of the Star's net.
Who's in Goal:
Graham Hildebrand gets the start tonight. He's beaten Flin Flon once already this season, and has been playing some of his best hockey as of late. Unfortunately for Hildy, the Stars never seem to provide him with any offence. If Hildebrand continues his strong play, and if the Stars can score more than twice tonight, they'll be in good shape.
X-Factor:
David Lawrence will be playing his first game at home as a Battlefords North Star. So far through three games he's looked good, but has maybe been guilty of trying to do "too much" with the puck. If he simplifies, and sticks to his strengths, there is no doubt in my mind that the Civic Center crowd will love the way he plays the game. A strong outing from Lawrence and the Stars could be within two points of first when all is said and done tonight.
1 comment:
I was quite disappointed that there was no broadcast of tonight's big game but I know you don't control that, Dan. I am even more disappointed that the SJHL scoreboard is not working. It is almost 8:30 and there are no team rosters on the site. I guess I should have signed up for the twitter up dates.
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