Photo credit: Austin Daily Herald
After some recent struggles on home ice, a stretch on the road could be exactly what the Bruins need to get back on the winning track. Friday’s trip to Aberdeen is the first of five in a row away from Riverside Arena. A trip to Minot is in store Halloween weekend, followed by a Thursday night affair in Richfield against the Magicians, before returning home to host Coulee Region on November 6th. For the third staright weekend, the Bruins take on an opponent from last season's playoff run – they swept Aberdeen in three games in round one last year. Here is a primer for this weekend’s set with the Wings.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR –
Rueschh-ON: The Bruins powerplay, which struggled mightily over the first nine games of the season, has now scored at least one goal in each of the last three, and Austin Rueschhoff has tallied in all of them. The 6-foot-6-inch forward has been effective camping in front of the net, deflecting shots and scooping up rebounds. He’ll try to extend his streak to four on Friday.
Killer Wings: Aberdeen’s penalty kills comes into Friday’s game ranking 2nd in the NAHL and 1st in home PK. In five “home” games (showcase included), the Wings have killed off all 14 penalties that have led to powerplays for the opposition.
Raver & Payne: Two men have scored over half of the Wings’ goals this season – Colin Raver and Gavin Payne. Raver’s got 5 goals and Payne has 6. The Wings have scored 20 as a team. Only two other players on the Aberdeen roster (Tyler Bossert and Tucker DeYoung) have at least two goals.
Playoff Positioning: Although we haven’t even reached the 1/4 mark of the season yet, the Central Division standings are shaping up to be very tight, with just four points separating spots 2 through6. The Bruins have a chance to put some breathing room between themselves and the Wings this weekend, currently edging out both Aberdeen and Brookings by a precarious point.
THE MATCHUP –
Central Division Standings:
|
TEAM |
|||||
|
Minot |
11 |
8 |
1 |
2 |
18 |
|
Austin |
12 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
11 |
|
Aberdeen |
9 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
10 |
|
Brookings |
12 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
10 |
|
Bismarck |
9 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
|
MN Magicians |
11 |
3 |
7 |
1 |
7 |
2014-15 HEAD TO HEAD (Bruins went 8-0-3)
10/03/14 Aberdeen 1 at Austin 0 OT
10/04/14 Aberdeen 4 at Austin 3 SO
10/10/14 Austin 1 at Aberdeen 0
10/11/14 Austin 4 at Aberdeen 5 OT
11/28/14 Austin 3 at Aberdeen 0
11/29/14 Austin 4 at Aberdeen 1
02/27/15 Aberdeen 2 at Austin 3
02/28/15 Aberdeen 1 at Austin 3
—-CENTRAL DIVISION SEMIFINAL—-
04/03/15 Aberdeen 5 at Austin 8
04/04/15 Aberdeen 0 at Austin 4
04/10/15 Austin 4 at Aberdeen 3
2015-16 HEAD TO HEAD (8 matchups)
10/23/15 @ Aberdeen – 7:15 PM
10/24/15 @ Aberdeen – 7:15 PM
12/04/15 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
12/05/15 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
01/08/16 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
01/09/16 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
02/19/16 @ Minot – 7:15 PM
02/20/16 @ Minot – 7:15 PM
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAMES –
The puck drops on Friday and Saturday night from Odde Ice Center at 7:15 PM CT. Fans can watch both games on FASTHockey.com, with the “AWAY” feed carrying the Bruins broadcast. B&J Bar and Grill, the official home of Bruins away games will be airing both games as well. Friday’s game will also be available on radio over the air at AM 1480 KAUS and streaming online at myaustinminnesota.com. Broadcast coverage begins 10 minutes prior to puck drop. Intermission updates for both games will be posted via @theaustinbruins on Twitter.
