St. John’s has a record of 3-1-2 on their current home stand, which has kept them in the playoff picture. This weekend’s series presents a massive opportunity for the IceCaps to close in on solidifying a playoff spot.
Binghamton comes to the rock having won only two of their last ten games. The Sens sit bottom of the North Division and second last in the Eastern Conference.
St. John’s is currently occupying the fourth and final playoff spot in the North, and have struggled of late as well. They have just one win in their last four games.
BNG: 25-29-4
STJ: 32-26-10
The two sides have met five times so far this season. Binghamton has had the upper hand, winning four of the five, including their most recent game last month.
The Senators are lead offensively by Jason Akeson (46 PTS) and Phil Varone (46 PTS). Max McCormick leads the team in goals (20).
This week, Binghamton signed first round pick and A+ prospect, Colin White, to an ATO, following the completion of his NCAA season. White played his first game on Wednesday night, picking up an assist. In goal, Chris Dreidger and Matt O’Connor have split time all season, both posting very similar numbers. The Sens also have Andrew Hammond, who is back with the team after clearing waivers from Ottawa.
The IceCaps top scorers continue to be Chris Terry (56 PTS), Charles Hudon (40 PTS), and Nikita Scherbak (37 PTS). The three leaders have struggled recently, but other forwards have picked up their offensive play of late, particularly Max Friberg, Jacob de la Rose, and Daniel Audette.
It seems like Yann Danis will start Friday’s game, with Zachary Fucale backing him up following Charlie Lindgren’s recall.
Although losing Lindgren is massive, the IceCaps defence will be a little stronger, as Zach Redmond is expected to return from injury.
Projected Lines:
Hudon – Terry – Carr
Matteau – de la Rose – Friberg
Scherbak- Audette – Farnham
Veilluex – MacMillan – Gregoire
Hanley – Redmond
Lowe – Johnston
Brouilette – Lernout
Game two of the series goes Saturday night, concluding the IceCaps’ eight-game home stand.
