The first afternoon matinee of the season goes in a few hours at the Hap, with the Kings and Rivermen renewing ties. Last night, the Kings built pressure throughout the game and forced the goals in the latter half of the game, en route to a 5-0 decision. Lots of stories coming out of last night’s contest that will play a role in today’s game. Here’s the rundown:
What’s What for the Kings
It took over 31 minutes to score last night for the Kings, a team that prior to last night’s game, hadn’t gone 5 minutes in a game without a goal. Pressure, hard work and a little luck paid off though as the Kings piled on 5 in the 3rd. The scoring MAY come a little easier tonight, with the returns of Evan Richardson and Matt Scarth from suspension. One would assume they would be paired back on a line with Dan Schuler, but we will wait and see. Another ‘wait and see’ type moment will be if Garrett McMullen or Brandon Tidy still maintain spots on the lineups. Both AP players were bought in to cover the suspensions, and with the roster now back at full, it will be interesting to see what will happen to both of them. Both Tidy and McMullen were good last night, I was especially impressed with McMullen, as he’s shown some good hockey sense in his 2 games with the Kings so far.
Goaltending was a curve ball last night. We were expecting Sean Maguire, but got Jamie Phillips instead and he got a 15-save shutout. We can assume that Sean Maguire will go today, but who knows. Good play is rewarded with this team, and a shutout is as good as it gets when you’re a netminder.
What’s What for the Rivermen
The best player on the ice for Langley last night, probably won’t play today. Goaltender James Barr played a phenomonal game in net. Read the recap from last night for my thoughts on Barr, but I would assume we’ll see starter Jim Kruger today.The rest of the Rivermen will need to stand up and be counted. Austin Plevy and Darnell Dyck were probably the best of the forwards, but no-one took the ball and ran with it. That’s in part to the Kings pressure and domination of the shot totals in the 2nd period, but good players need to find a way to create their own opportunities, and Langley didn’t do that on Saturday night.
What’s on the Broadcast?
Continuing our Light the Lamp series, Sean Maguire will join us in the first intermission for his player profile. Then during the 2nd break, we’ll talk to Brandon Crowe, who is the voice of the Humboldt Broncos, as we continue our series on RBC Contenders, focusing on the only team that’s already made the tournament, as host. We’ll also talk to Jarryd Leung and Jamie Phillips on their highlights last night. All that, and of course our regular features, our trivia question and the 3-stars of the game. Tune in live on 95.7 SunFM at 1:15 for the pre-game, or come down to the rink and catch some great action live!
See you at the Hap!
