Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are coming off a nail-biter on Tuesday night, after they narrowly defeated the West Kelowna Warriors in overtime to keep their win streak intact.
Now, they’ll pit their 6-0 record against the Cowichan Valley Capitals, who have only lost twice in their first seven games (5-2) and are tied for the Island Division lead. They have, however, played five of their seven games at home and haven’t left Vancouver Island yet for a road game, with this being their first trip to the mainland.
This is the only visit to the Shaw Centre for the Caps this season. The Backs will take on Cowichan Valley in Duncan once this year, on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m, which will be the third game of a three-day road trip on Vancouver Island.
3 Storylines
1) Better Start
On Tuesday, the Silverbacks gave up the first goal of the game for the first time all year. They were also out-shot in the first period 12-8. Much of that had to do with being shorthanded three consecutive times, including a lengthy 5-on-3, but had they come out with more energy and organization, they perhaps wouldn’t have taken those penalties.
Getting out in front has proven effective for the Backs so far this year, as it seems every time they have a lead entering the third, they get a timely insurance marker almost right away.
2) Special Teams/Discipline
Tuesday’s game was also the first time this season the Silverbacks failed to convert on their power play, going 0-for-4. The Capitals, meanwhile, haven’t scored a power play goal in two straight games. Both power plays have the ability to score, as each is hovering around 20% this season. Whichever unit can find a way to bury one, or perhaps two, will go a long way, especially considering the Caps rep as a rough and physical team (both clubs are ranked in the top-6 in the league for most times shorthanded per game, at 4.83 and 4.71).
3) Make Life Tough for Caps Goalie Borgiel
Capitals rookie goaltender Zach Borgiel was named the league’s player of the week in the opening weekend, after recording a 35 save shutout and then making 32 saves on 34 shots in back-to-back wins over Nanaimo and Victoria. Last Saturday’s loss to the Vees was the only time this season his save percentage in a game was below .900.
The Backs need to get in his grill and try to throw him off his game, without taking any penalties of course. Salmon Arm didn’t make life hard enough on Brock Baier in Tuesday’s game, as the Warriors goaltender made 40 saves, including 18 in the third period.
Players to Watch
SILVERBACKS: WILL POIRIER
Not only did Poirier score the OT winner on Tuesday, but he currently sits second on the team in scoring with 10 points in six games. The veteran truly does it all: score, hit, backcheck hard, piss off the other team and he’s a vocal leader. Getting under the skin of the opponent will be of uber importance on Friday.
CAPITALS: JOSH KAGAN
Kagan has three goals in his last three games and seven points overall on the season. The 18-year-old Winnipeg native has a year of Junior A experience from the MJHL, where he put up 25 points last season for the Winkler Flyers. He has recorded a point in all but two games so far this season and was named the team’s player of the week on Monday.
Tune In
Tonight’s game will be aired on 91.5 EZ Rock as always, with the pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. All games are also streamed live on HockeyTV.
