With most teams and players enjoying the Christmas break, they are glad to get back to the ice and a regular schedule.
The Heat enjoy getting back, but mostly look forward to get the “banged-up” players back in the roster.
The game prior to Christmas against Chicago they were without five key skaters. Prior to the holiday, the Heat managed points in eight of its last nine games.
They also put together a six-game winning streak, which is a franchise record and included three in a row on home ice. In total they earned 15 of 18 points, giving them 20 wins and 42 total points through 31 games.
In addition the Heat took both games earlier in the season against the Stars, so obviously they want redemption from both losses.
Let’s not forget that the Heat is without the number one “tender” Leland Irving as he has found a home with the Flames in Calgary.
In his absence Dan Taylor is filling in very well – thank you! Don’t expect his return any time soon!!
Both clubs rank in the top10 for special teams, as the Heat is ranked 4th best in the league PP, while the Stars are sitting in 9th position in the PP. The Heat currently sit in 2nd on the PK, while the Stars are in 5th.
Both have extremely respectable stats, given the overall talent in the league. The first ended with the Heat taking a 2-1 lead to the dressing room, but being outshoot 14-12 through 20 minutes.
The Stars come to town with five (5) players from BC on the club, with the most recognizable name being Brad Lukowich who calls Kamloops home.
For stat’s “buff’s” he started his career with the Blazers in 92-93, then advanced to play with the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, San Jose and the Vancouver Canucks.
In all he played for six clubs and has (to date) 658 Games Played, 23 Goals, 90 Assists and 369 PIM’s. These totals do not include play-off games.
The second saw two fights, close goal-mouth plays along with more goals. While the Stars dominate in the shot department, the Heat have a commanding 4-3 lead, with no signs of letting down.
To the mid-part of the third, the Stars continued to pound the net with shots, but found themselves in penalty trouble only to be nullified due to a high-stick assessed to Abby.
The hit of the game saw Lance Bouma hammer Sceviour into the boards with just over 7:30 left in the third. Some called it late, but it was obviously a “pay-back” hit from earlier in the game.
With the Heat continuing to press, Desbiens scored the fifth goal at 13:22 to take a 5-3 lead.
Game one proved to be a “barn-burner” and for anyone not yet attending a Heat game, take the time out of your schedule to attend one.
Final shots in the game saw the Stars outshoot the Heat by a 45-29 margin.
Game Stars:
1st Rheault
2nd Breen
3rd Taylor
