Game Preview: Hitmen look to tame Tigers
Stay out of the box.
That will be the key for the Hitmen if they hope to steal two points from the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday night.
Looking the extend their three-game winning streak, the Hitmen (23-26-8-2) take on the Central Division leading Tigers (42-18-1-0) at the Scotiabank Saddledome (7 p.m., SN960THEFAN).
It’s the sixth and final time Calgary and Medicine Hat will face off in the regular season.
The Tigers have had the Hitmen’s number this year, winning all five of their previous meetings. Medicine Hat’s powerplay, second only to the Regina Pats in the league, has been menacing against Calgary. Eight of the Tigers 29 goals against the Hitmen have been on the man advantage.
“When our opportunity arises, we’re going to have to find a way to kill a penalty which we didn’t last time,” said Coach Mark French. “There have been parts of our 5-on-5 game that I’ve liked against Medicine Hat, we just know that they’re a transition-type team and we’ve got to understand how to play against them.”
Calgary is riding high after beating the Brandon Wheat Kings in a shootout on Wednesday afternoon.
The Hitmen are currently sitting in the final wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and within two points of the Red Deer Rebels for third place in the Central Division.
Meanwhile, the tabbies are six points ahead of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for top spot in the Central Division.
“We’ve always talked about trying to play our best hockey at the right time,” added French. “It’s not quite that time, we’ve got some steps to take in our game and I think Medicine Hat will be a real good step for us.”
Last Meeting:
The Tigers scored seven unanswered goals, including four on the powerplay, for a 7-2 win over the Hitmen.
Jaydan Gordon and Tristen Nielsen scored for the Hitmen.
Radio: Sportsnet960
Webcast: WHL Live
Calgary Hitmen
Record: 23-26-8-2
Leading scorers: Matteo Gennaro (35-30-65); Beck Malenstyn (24-19-43); Jakob Stukel (18-24-42)
Leading goaltender: Trevor Martin (22GP, 8-7-4-0, 3.93 GAA, .866 SV%)
Power play: 19th – 17.3 per cent
Penalty kill: 20th – 74.0 per cent
Medicine Hat Tigers
Record: 42-18-1-0
Leading scorers: Chad Butcher (23-62-85), Mason Shaw (23-59-82), Steven Owre (20-49-69)
Leading goaltender: Matthew Bullion (28GP, 15-9-1-0, 3.35 GAA, .893SV%, 1 SO)
Power play: 2nd – 29.5 per cent
Penalty kill: 8th – 80.0 per cent
Season series
Oct. 14 – Medicine Hat (7) vs Calgary (2)
Dec. 10 – Medicine Hat (7) vs Calgary (4)
Dec. 27 – Medicine Hat (5) vs Calgary (4) SO
Dec. 28 – Medicine Hat (3) @ Calgary (2)
Feb. 10 – Medicine Hat (7) @ Calgary (2)
Feb. 24 – Medicine Hat @ Calgary
