Feature Game of the Night: Hitmen @ Oil Kings 7 PM MST
A showdown in Alberta is slated for tonight as the Oil Kings take on one of their rivals to the south in the Calgary Hitmen. The teams have met three times already this season, Edmonton leads the season series by a 2-1 margin.
The Calgary Hitmen have been playing very mediocre hockey of late, coming back from the break after losing back-to-back games prior to having time off. The Hitmen sit 15-15-3-1, good for 5th in the Central Division just two points back of a playoff spot. The Hitmen are 6-2-1-1 in their last ten, looking to turn their season around in the second half with some firepower up front in Jake Kryski, Mark Kastelic, and James Malm.
The Edmonton Oil Kings finished things off nicely before the break, winning back-to-back games to move them to 18-12-4-2 on the season. The Oil Kings are tied for second place in the Central Division with the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 42 points, although the ‘Canes have three games in hand. Trey Fix-Wolansky is one of the most notable snubs to Canada’s World Junior team, tied for 2nd in points, first in assists among WHL skaters. One has to wonder why he wasn’t at least invited to selection camp.
Who to watch:
- Kaden Elder- CGY- (13G, 15A) Six points in his last four games. The 20 year-old is three points away from matching his career high for points in a single season.
- Brett Kemp- EDM- (22G, 14A) Tied for his career high 36 points in a single season. He has four points in his last two games.
Who’s Likely Starting:
- Jack McNaughton- CGY- (3.248 GAA, .888 SV%) 2001-born rookie allowed six goals on 26 shots last time out vs. LET in a 6-4 loss.
- Dylan Myskiw- EDM- (2.964 GAA, .902 SV%) Came in relief of Todd Scott last time out, stopping 13 of 14 shots to lead the Oil Kings to a 7-4 win.
Other Games:
Saskatoon Blades (21-10-5-0) @ Prince Albert Raiders (32-2-0-1)
- Game two of a home and home between the clubs. PA won last night by a 4-3 OT score.
Brandon Wheat Kings (15-11-3-3) @ Regina Pats (10-24-0-1)
- Game two of a home and home, last night Regina edge out Brandon by a 3-2 score.
Moose Jaw Warriors (17-8-5-1) @ Swift Current Broncos (7-25-1-1)
- Third meeting of the season, the teams have split both games so far.
Victoria Royals (16-13-1-0) @ Lethbridge Hurricanes (18-9-4-2)
- First meeting of the season. Lethbridge is riding a three-game winning streak.
Kootenay Ice (8-22-5-1) @ Medicine Hat Tigers (17-15-1-2)
- Third meeting of the season. Teams have split both games thus far.
Vancouver Giants (22-8-2-0) @ Red Deer Rebels (20-10-2-0)
- First meeting of the season. Vancouver is 8-2-0-0 in their last ten.
Kelowna Rockets (16-17-2-0) @ Kamloops Blazers (12-16-2-1)
- Kamloops leads the season series 2-0. Last season the Blazers didn’t beat Kelowna once.
Tri-City Americans (17-12-1-1) @ Portland Winterhawks (19-11-2-2)
- TC leads the season series 3-0 thus far, also riding a three game winning streak.
Prince George Cougars (11-19-1-2) @ Seattle Thunderbirds (11-16-4-0)
- PG has lost five straight, have only won one game in their last 10 games.
Everett Silvertips (27-7-1-1) @ Spokane Chiefs (19-11-2-2)
- Everett is a mere perfect in their last ten, 9-0-0-1 over that span.
