Record: 27-24-0-1
Overview:
The Humboldt Broncos had a four-game winning streak snapped last night in Kindersley. Prior to that, the Broncos had been playing some really inspired hockey. Dean Brockman was quoted late last week saying, " The guys are all learning and working hard. We're all enjoying it." The 2012 Royal Bank Cup hosts are going to be a force to be reckoned with next season, and they are still managing to turn this season into a success.
Who's Up Front:
19-year-old forward Ward Szucki (Suss-key) is in the midst of a breakout season for Humboldt. After being bounced around from Estevan and Neepawa earlier this season, Szucki has settled nicely in Humboldt and leads all forwards with 32 points in 45 games. North Star fans are no stranger to Szucki's skill. He's got a great shot, lots of size, and he had no trouble elevating his game in the playoffs. Keeping Szucki contained will be key for the Stars tonight.
Who's on D:
18-year-old defenceman Josh Roach should be one of the defensive focal-points for this team for the next two seasons and why not? He leads the team in scoring with 45 points in 48 games. Roach and Szucki are tied for the team lead in goals with 14. A defenceman of the year candidate? No question. The Stars need to take away his time and space and perhaps even more importantly they need to stay disciplined. If they give Josh Roach open ice on the man-advantage he can really make you pay.
Who's in Goal:
So far this season through five meetings, the Stars have faced Andrew Bodnarchuk five times. Given the fact that Matt Hrynkiw played in Kindersley last night, I would assume (cautiously) that once again Bodnarchuk will get the call in goal tonight. Bodnarchuk is 18-13-1 with a save percentage of .887. His goals against of 3.45.
X-Factor:
19-year-old forward Matt Glowa has flown under the radar for a large part of this season for several reasons, mainly due to injury. Glowa is now healthy and is contributing regularly. Glowa scored twice for Humboldt last night in Kindersley and now has 10 goals on the year. Glowa has demonstrated good vision, speed and smarts in the times I've seen him, and he could be poised for similar success tonight if the North Star's don't take note of his presence on the ice.
Record: 23-25-2-1
Overview:
Ken Pearson's team hasn't played at home since January 26th. Tonight they'll look to turn the tide and snap a two-game losing streak. Ken Pearson says that his best players need to be better, and tonight they get a great opportunity on home-ice to make a statement.
Who's Up Front:
Colin Phaneuf is one goal away from 20 on the season. The team leader in scoring heads into tonight with 64 points in 49 games. Phaneuf continues to put up points via assists, but has scored just once since Christmas (in overtime against Notre Dame). Is tonight the night?
Who's on D:
Though the stats may not show it as much as he'd like, Woody Klassen continues to be a key contributor for the Battlefords North Stars at both ends of the ice. Klassen has 33 points on the season, but has been blocking shots, and making plays defensively which has allowed his team to find success.
Who's in Goal:
Kyle Birch gets the call tonight against Humboldt. It'll be key for Birch to stay relaxed and square. Fans have been waiting all season for one of the two netminders to get hot. Maybe tonight's the night when Birch can kick-off a lengthy streak of wins.
X-Factor:
Call it a hunch, but tonight may very well be the night for Blake Tatchell to break out. Tatchell had a quiet January by his standards, and so far February hasn't gotten off to the start that he'd like. In saying that, he did get a goal a week ago in Melville, and showed signs that he's getting back to his usual self. The 19-year-old has 63 points in 50 games, and IF the Stars can claw their way to third, I guarantee Tatchell will have lots to do with it.
2 comments:
Well ken pearson said it tonight we can talk till we are blue in the face and it doesn,t matter.All i have heard was excuses all season and totally fed up.So tell me all season long we been making trades juggling lines and still coming up short.I still maintain its the coaching we have skilled players and pearson says there not doing what there told. Well you be the judge prove me wrong. I would gladly eat my words.
You just said it yourself. We have skilled guys. So why aren't they putting the puck in the net? It's there for them to do it. So that means the systems are working if the opportunties are there. Pearson can't put the puck in the net for them; he can only teach the systems that give them the chances; and the chances are there. One goal each from Tatchell and Phaneuf (our leading point getters!!) since Christmas is what the problem is. Maybe that stat is wrong, but anything less than one goal A GAME is almost unacceptable at this stage for players like that. They need to get their heads out of the clouds(or another place that I choose to refrain from)and start playing up to their potential.
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