Another day, another tough BCHL match up for the Bulldogs (26-12-3-1) as they host The Chilliwack Chiefs (24-13-1-2) in a battle of two clubs that are currently ranked 2nd and 3rd in the Coastal Conference.
The Bulldogs are coming off a hard-fought 3-2 win over the previously red hot Victoria Grizzlies last night. The Chiefs are coming off a somewhat easy win, 5-0 over the Nanaimo Clippers to start their Island swing that concludes tomorrow in Victoria against those same Grizzlies.
Matthew Maltais supplied the offensive spark with a pair of goals in the win, while Brandon Buhr had his 16th of the year. Hobie Hedquist was tremendous in goal for the Bulldogs making 31 saves, several sensational.
The Bulldogs last seen the Chiefs on January 29th, a 2-1 shootout loss. The game had a “playoff” game feel, and tonight expects to be no different. The Bulldogs hold the edge in the season series with a record of 2-0-0-1 and have outscored the Chiefs 12-7 in the 3 games.
Tonight’s projected goaltenders are among the best in the BCHL as Hedquist and Chilliwack starter Grant Riley are ranked 5th and 6th respectively. Both goaltenders will be looking for their 20th wins of the season when the puck drops tonight.
The diminutive Cam Johnson continues to lead the Chiefs in scoring with 21 goals and 49 points. Johnson was held off the scoresheet in last night’s 5-0 win over the Clippers and in fact has gone 4 straight without lighting the lamp. Josh Zary continues to lead the Bulldogs as he’s notched 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points.
Injuries have suddenly become a bit of an issue on the back-end for the Bulldogs who will be without Charbonneau, Nause and Rybinski tonight. Watch for Joe Martin to have an “AP” defenceman in the line-up to provide some depth.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 pm! See you at the Dawg Pound!
