The Kings take the BCHL’s best show on the road for the next 7 games, beginning tonight against the Langley Chiefs. It will make the 3rd game of the season between the two clubs, with the Kings winning the previous 2 meetings by a combined score of 8-0. Tonight will also be just the 2nd road game of the season for the Kings. Here’s the rundown:
What’s What for the Kings?
Again 100% healthy, the only omission from the lineup will be Brendan Smith who is suspended for his fight last night against Alberni Valley. Jordan Benton will draft into the lineup and presumably suit up against Taylor Carmola on the blue line. As noted here before last night’s game, Jamie Phillips was expected to, and did go last night, so we can expect Sean Maguire to get the start tonight against the Rivermen, as both Phillips and Maguire have been going start for start so far this year.
The powerplay finally clicked last night for the Kings, again it was Jon Jutzi scoring on the man advantage, his and the teams 2nd powerplay goal of the season, and that will look to improve again tonight against Langley. Short handed scoring continued to come in pairs for the Kings, meaning they are finding other ways to score than just up a man, but a successful powerplay is essential in a long season. Steve Schmidt and Cohen Adair’s shorties this season are appreciated, but they cannot be the primary method of scoring.
What’s What for the Rivermen?
Langley also played last night, losing to the Kings next opponent, the Coquitlam Express. It was a performance the Rivermen were no doubt unhappy with, and who better to try and get back on track against than a team that shut you out two straight games. Outside of the opening 20 minutes in both games, the Rivermen struggled to keep up with the Kings last weekend. James Barr kept them in the contest on Saturday longer than anyone expected, but both games were similar stories. Even 1st, waves of Kings pressure in the 2nd and caving in the 3rd. The Rivermen want a full 60 minutes tonight and can’t afford anything less.
What’s on the Broadcast?
Tonight during our 1st intermission, we’ll continue our RBC Contenders series with the Bonnyville Pontiacs and their play by play announcer Robb Hunter. Then during the 2nd break, with Langley playing host to the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, we’ll talk to Hockey Canada’s Riley Wiwchar about preparations for the event and the impacts on Langley. Also our 3-stars of the game during the post-game show, and another hockey trivia question worth a couple of tickets to a future Kings game. Tune in live on 95.7 SunFM at 6:45pm for the pre-game show, with the call at 7:00pm. If you’re out of the Powell River area, you can listen online at http://www.957sunfm.ca or on the BCHL’s Scoreboard page.
