So, the last time both teams met,
this happened.
At the tail-end of a 4-0 Thunder walloping of Bakersfield on Nov. 7, the results featured 95 penalty minutes, 27 penalties in total dished out. 17 of them were “emotion” penalties (roughing, fighting, leaving the crease, secondary altercation, misconducts, etc). It’s pretty evident that emotions will be running high. Jim McKenzie confirmed it this morning in a conversation we had, and Matt Thomas is hoping the Thunder will match it throughout the game.
The Thunder are in first place at 11-4-4 (26 points), Bakersfield is nine points behind. The Thunder outscored Bakersfield, 15-2, in the three-game series in November, but the score might be closer than you think tonight.
The Thunder have found their stride again with Bryan Pitton carrying the mail (7-0-1 this year with a 2.26 GAA) and the offense combining for 13 goals in the three-game sweet at Victoria last week. But, we’ll see several gifted and credentialed players inserted into the Condors lineup this evening, for the first time in the series.
They are: Kyle Calder (yes, THE Kyle Calder), recent assigned prospects Kyle Broda and Pete Zingoni, former Springfield Falcon Slava Trukhno, former Manchester Monarch Joe Rullier, and fresh-off-the-I.R.J.D. Corbin and Bobby Robins.
With Jesse Gimblett up in the AHL, that creates a spot for Thomas to dress seven defensemen. He’ll do that, and Trevor Hunt will serve primarily as an extra forward and also create options for penalty killers with fresh legs at the ready, in case that need arises.
Here’s how the lineups are looking for tonight:
THUNDER LINE COMBINATIONS
McKenzie – Lawrence – Watson
Clarke – Bureau – Cameron
G. Hunt – Arcobello – Clair
T. Hunt
THUNDER DEFENSIVE PAIRS
Aiello – Vanoosten
Ringwald – Brodie
Constant – Marcoux
GOALTENDER: Pitton
As a reminder, send us your questions for the broadcast at fanmail@stocktonthunder.com – and don’t be afraid to mention your valued status as a season ticket holder! Don’t forget, you can add your comments by clicking on the comment link below!
Come gather as well at Fat’s Grill to watch the game.
-Written by Mike Benton of the Stockton Thunder-
*reprinted with permission from the Stockton Thunder hockey club*
