THE REMATCH: Game Day #7

It's the home end of the home and home with the Calgary Hitmen, Red Deer will look to avenge last night's 4-1 loss.

Calgary Hitmen (5-1-0-0) AT Red Deer Rebels (4-2-0-0)

The Rebels gave the Hitmen too many chances last night on the power play, where the Hitmen went 3 for 6. That now gives the Hitmen a 25.6% rate on the season, good for 7th in the WHL. Red Deer is one spot behind at 25.0%.

The Penalty Kill, which was so effective last year (83.7%, 2nd), has struggled mightily this year at 70.8% which is only 17th in the WHL. Calgary is second at 89.2%

Rebels to Watch

Photo : Edmonton Sun

I don't personally think Rylan Toth had his best game on the season, I suspect he will bounce back in a big way tonight. He was not very effective at picking up shots from the point, especially with traffic in front. His goals against average took a hit last night, now sitting at 2.43 and a save percentage of .909.

Conner Bleackley, who was paired with Grayson Pawlenchuck and Brandon Hagel for most of the evening, will be looking to create some more chemistry with the big boys up front. I think the fans and the team expects a little bit more from the captain who has a goal and an assist in his 4 games since returning from NHL camp. Look to see his line try to control the pace tonight.

Hitmen to Watch

Jake Bean was a handful for the Rebels last night as expected. He had 2 goals and 2 assists, and he is NHL draft eligible this season. The scouts have him ranked as a B prospect. He will continue to quarterback the power play with Travis Sanheim, who had 1 goal and 3 assists last night against a struggling Rebels Power Play.

Photo: Calgary Sun

Lastly, Radel Fazleev is forward to watch for. His goal and 2 assists last night helped the Hitmen seal the deal against the Rebels. Look for him to continue putting pucks to the net.

Hope to see you at the rink tonight being #LoudNProud! The doors at the Enmax Centrium at 6PM, Puck drop goes right after the anthems, about 7PM. As always 106.7fm the Drive will have your play-by-play beginning at 6:30 with Cam Moon, Troy Gillard and Cam Moon.