Record: 11-11-1-0
Overview:
A week removed from a terrible loss at home to La Ronge, the Flin Flon Bombers have won two straight games. Friday night the won in La Ronge, and followed it up with a 3-2 victory in Humboldt yesterday. Mike Regan's team trails the Stars in the Bauer Conference by one point, and if the season were to end today, it would be Flin Flon facing the North Stars in the post-season.
Who's Up Front:
The Bombers have a ton of skill up front, and can come at you in waves. Ryan Fox leads the way with 27 points in 23 games. Deven Stillar sits second in team scoring with 23 points in 21 games and Andrew Johnston is another offensive threat that cannot go ignored.
Who's on D:
Defensively the Bombers are coming around. Offensively they are led by Tanner Korchinski who has 13 points in 21 games. Second year defenceman David Roper is having a solid season as well at both ends of the ice. Roper has 10 points for Mike Regan's club.
Who's in Goal:
PJ Musico started for Flin Flon yesterday and won in Humboldt. Does that earn him another start this afternoon? Or does Mike Regan go with Randy Graham? Musico is 11-8 while Graham is 0-4.
X-Factor:
Historically Deven Stillar has been VERY good against the Battlefords North Stars. The 20-year-old is averaging more than a point per game this season and could be due for a breakout game today in the Battlefords.
Record: 11-12-1-1
Overview:
After losing their first seven games of the season, the Battlefords North Stars have now put themselves into a situation where they can be a .500 hockey team again at the end of this weekend. They have won four straight, and are scoring lots while improving their overall defensive game.
Who's Up Front:
Not one particular player stood out offensively in yesterday's win against Weyburn. Nobody had more than a single point. But Flin Flon will certainly need to key in on the usual three. Blake Tatchell, Colin Phaneuf and Keith Grondin are on fire right now. Grondin scored another power-play goal in last night's game, and could be poised to do the same today if Flin Flon doesn't stay disciplined.
Who's on D:
The North Star's core of defence has to be feeling pretty good about themselves. They kept a strong Weyburn team in check with only 26 shots against and two goals. Offensively they made their contributions as well. This afternoon I look for another strong outing from captain Chris Neurauter who continues to put up close to a point per game.
Who's in Goal:
Given the fact that it's Parents Weekend I would highly suspect that either Graham Hildebrand or Alex Sirard will get the call in goal today. Kyle Birch played last night and won, so he'll likely get today's game off. Hildebrand's last victory came Thursday night against Estevan. Sirard's last win came two Sundays ago against Melfort.
X-Factor:
Physicality. The Bombers have played two games already this weekend and will no doubt be feeling some effects of fatigue. If the Stars can use their size and wear down Flin Flon physically, they could be a .500 hockey team when all is said and done.
I realize that the football game is on TV this afternoon, but this team has been playing awfully well as of late, and they deserve your fanship today. Hope to see you there!
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