DUBNetwork Feature Game of the Night: Oil Kings @ Tigers 7:30 MST
Trey Fix-Wolansky and the Edmonton Oil Kings will head south to face off against James Hamblin and the Medicine Hat Tigers tonight in their third meeting of the season. Expect this game to have a playoff like atmosphere as two points is the only thing separating these two clubs in the standings.
The Edmonton Oil Kings (22-14-4-3) have three wins in their last five games, more importantly they have two wins in two games against the Tigers this season. Historically, the Oil Kings have not fared well in ‘The Hat’ only earning to a 2-8-0-1 record in their last five seasons, one of those wins coming this season in a 4-3 OT victory on November 10th. Oddly enough, these teams play in the same division but have only played twice this season and haven’t played since November 10th.
The Oil Kings were busy compared to other teams at the trade deadline sending Brett Kemp to Medicine Hat, and Boston Bilous to Prince Albert. In return the Oil Kings acquired forward Josh Williams from Medicine Hat and a couple of Bantam Draft selections. Williams, a 2001-born has 21 points in 42 games this season, all coming with Medicine Hat. Williams, also an NHL draft eligible for 2019 was held pointless on Friday in his first game in an Oil Kings uniform.
The Medicine Hat Tigers (23-16-1-2) have been clawing back in the standings in the Central Division, with a win tonight, they would be tied with the Oil Kings for third place in the division. A big part of the Tiger success of late has been their offense, in their last five games they’ve scored 22 goals. With their addition of Brett Kemp, the Tigers forward group looks rather dangerous, they now have four players with 35 points or more on the season. The Tigers have gone through some ups and downs throughout the season, but going 8-2-0-0 over their last ten games didn’t just happen overnight.
Who to watch:
- Trey Fix-Wolansky (EOK) he leads the team in scoring and is in the WHL top 5. Always a threat.
- Ryan Jevne (MH) the fifth year Tiger is enjoying his most productive season at .98 point per game.
Expected Netminders:
- Dylan Myskiw (EOK)- 2.857 GAA, .905 SV%- Allowed a combined seven goals in his last two games, both were losses.
- Mads Sogaard (MH)- 2.389 GAA, .931 SV%- Has not played since December 14th, when he allowed one goal on 50 shots against. Was away as a member of the Danish junior team.
Other Games:
Brandon Wheat Kings (16-17-3-3) @ Moose Jaw Warriors (21-10-5-2)
- Both clubs on losing skids, Brandon (0-3-0-0) Moose Jaw (0-2-1-0), season series is tied 3-3.
Calgary Hitmen (21-16-3-1) @ Prince Albert Raiders (36-5-0-1)
- In their last meeting on October 16th, PA doubled up CGY by an 8-4 score.
Red Deer Rebels (24-13-2-1) @ Regina Pats (12-29-1-1)
- In one meeting this season, Red Deer squeezed by the Pats in a 4-3 game back on December 7th.
Portland Winterhawks (25-12-3-2) @ Saskatoon Blades (26-12-6-0)
- Former Winterhawk Ryan Hughes (SAS) had two points in his Blades debut last night vs. Calgary.
Seattle Thunderbirds (14-21-4-0) @ Swift Current Broncos (8-29-2-1)
- Seattle looks for its fourth consecutive win over Swift Current in the last five years.
Kootenay Ice (8-28-6-1) @ Lethbridge Hurricanes (22-11-4-4)
- Lethbridge looks to extend their four game undefeated streak vs. Kootenay this season.
Kelowna Rockets (17-20-3-1) @ Prince George Cougars (15-22-1-2)
- Prince George coming off their first seven goal perfomance of the season last night in a 7-2 win over Kelowna. Prince George is 5-1-1-0 vs. Kelowna this season.
Tri-City Americans (20-15-1-1) @ Spokane Chiefs (23-13-2-2)
- Tri-City leads the season series 3-1, last meeting was on December 31st, when TC beat Spokane 6-1.
Kamloops Blazers (15-21-2-1) @ Vancouver Giants (24-12-2-0)
- Vancouver leads the season series 2-0, the BC clubs have not played since November 3rd.
Everett Silvertips (32-9-1-1) @ Victoria Royals (22-15-1-0)
- Victoria riding a four game winning streak, this is the first meeting between the teams this season.
