Tonight in the WLA the Burnaby Lakers (8-6) take on the New Westminster Salmonbellies (5-8-1). This is a pivotal match up for the Salmonbellies as they need a win to get themselves closer to the final play off spot currently held by the Maple Ridge Burrards. The Lakers on the other hand with a win can move into a tie for second place in the WLA.
So far this season the two teams have split the season series with each team taking one game. The Salmonbellies won the first meeting 5-4 and the Lakers won the second meeting 10-7. The Salmonbellies are coming off one of their biggest wins of the season as they knocked off the Victoria Shamrocks 13-12. While the Lakers are currently on a three game win streak.
In this game the key for the Lakers will be to slow down Jordan McBride as he is the leader of the Salmonbellies offense and if the Lakers shut him down the Salmonbellies offense will falter and fall flat. The Lakers will want to take advantage of Salmonbellies goalie Neil Tyacke who has struggled all season. The Lakers will need Dane Stevens to continue his strong play as he has carried the Lakers at times this season. If Stevens and Scott Jones can move the ball effectively they will be able to dominate the Salmonbellies defense.
The Salmonbellies in this game need to play solid man to man defense in order to stop the Burnaby offense. If the Salmonbellies can make the Lakers pay a physical toll for every shot in this game and make them work or every inch of the floor they will put themselves in a position to win this game. He Salmonbellies offense may not be the best but it is scrappy and Jordan McBride has done a great job of kick starting the offense when it has sputtered. The Salmonbellies have a good chance to win this game if they can continue their strong play from their last game against Victoria.
In the end the Lakers will win this game as Dane Stevens is playing on a different level and his strong play will carry the Lakers to victory.
