DUBNetwork Feature game of the night: Blazers @ Rockets 7:05 PM PST
Tonight’s DUBNetwork feature game showcases two teams fighting to stay in playoff positions, Kamloops comes into tonight five points back of Kelowna for third spot in the BC Division with three games in hand. This is the eighth meeting of the season between these two Okanagan foes, Kamloops has a 4-3 season series lead coming into tonight.
The Kamloops Blazers (22-28-4-2) are looking for more than just a single point tonight as a win in regulation would really close the gap in the standings. The Blazers settled for just one point last night as the Prince George Cougars came to town and ended their 17-game losing streak in a shootout. The Blazers have to heat up and really start locking down the wins if they want to catch Kelowna though, with a 3-4-2-1 record in their last ten, that will have to improve or the Blazers will be heading golfing early.
One of the biggest reasons Kamloops is where they are in the standings is thanks to Vegas Golden Knights prospect Dylan Ferguson. The overager holds down the fort when the team is under pressure, a big reason for Kamloops taking some of their one goal games this season. Ferguson comes into this matchup having only allowed one goal in three of his last four starts, something rarely attained by a goalie in the WHL. Fergy is playing some of his last games in a Blazers uniform before he ages out at the end of the season, whether that be in the playoffs or regular season, if you are able to catch a glimpse in person of this Blazer star, don’t miss out.
The Kelowna Rockets (25-29-4-1) are in a good spot right now, but keeping it that way is going to require some wins and that has to start tonight. If the Rockets let those Blazers creep up on them in the standings, things could get real crazy, really quick. The Rockets come into tonight with only two wins in their last five games, their last game was a win though against the Spokane Chiefs last night on the road. The Rockets trail Kamloops in the season series, but they have won the last two contests against their divisional foes, 4-1 and 2-1 respectively.
The Rockets will need some firepower to step up to the plate if they plan on staying put in the standings. One of those pieces, Finnish defenseman Lassi Thomson who looks to repeat what he did in the last meeting with the Blazers. Last time he faced the blue and orange, Thomson gathered a pair of goals and added an assist to be named first star in that game on February 9th.
Expected in goal:
- Dylan Ferguson (KAM) 2.938 GAA, .911 SV%- Has taken the lost in both of the last two games between these teams.
- Roman Basran (KEL) 2.923 GAA, .904 SV%- Basran took the victory the last time these two teams met, did recieve the yank in his last start vs. Victoria as he only lasted 4:31 into the first period.
Other Saturday Action:
Regina Pats (18-38-1-2) @ Moose Jaw Warriors (32-16-6-2)
- Both clubs are 5-5-0-0 in their last ten, Moose Jaw leads the season series by a 4-1 mark.
Brandon Wheat Kings (29-22-3-4) @ Prince Albert Raiders (48-8-1-2)
- Brandon still on that six game winning streak, they’ve already beaten the Raiders twice in those six games. Will they do it again tonight?
Kootenay Ice (11-38-7-2) @ Saskatoon Blades (37-14-8-0)
- After seeing their winning streak come to an end last night, the Blades look to start a new one against a team they’ve already beaten twice.
Calgary Hitmen (30-22-5-1) @ Swift Current Broncos (10-41-3-2)
- With a Calgary win, and a Medicine Hat loss, the Hitmen would find themselves back in third place in the Central Division.
Edmonton Oil Kings (33-18-4-4) @ Red Deer Rebels (29-23-4-1)
- Edmonton leads the season series by a 4-2 mark, something Red Deer looks to change tonight to keep themselves in playoff contention.
Lethbridge Hurricanes (31-17-5-5) @ Medicine Hat Tigers (31-23-3-2)
- Lethbridge leads the season series by a 4-3 margin, Ti looking for a win to stay ahead of Calgary in the Central Division.
Portland Winterhawks (36-17-3-3) @ Seattle Thunderbirds (24-28-5-1)
- Portland leads the season series 7-2, Portland has won the last six meetings between the clubs.
Tri-City Americans (33-21-2-1) @ Spokane Chiefs (30-19-2-5)
- Tri-City comes in having won back to back games, also lead the season series by a 6-2 count.
Vancouver Giants (40-14-2-1) @ Victoria Royals (30-25-1-2)
- Vancouver hoping to clinch the division tonight with a single point for the first time since 2009-10, would be the 7th time in Franchise History to do so.
Prince George Cougars (17-35-4-3) @ Everett Silvertips (41-14-2-2)
- Prince George comes into tonight having broken their losing streak last night in Kamloops, Everett has beaten PG in all three meetings this season two of which coming this past week.
