Tonight in the WLA the Langley Thunder (4-2) travel to Coquitlam to face off against the Coquitlam Adanacs (2-4). The Adanacs are on a two game winning streak and will look to continue their momentum against Langley and move towards a playoff spot. The Thunder are coming off a dominating win over Nanaimo and will look for a win to keep pace with Victoria for first place in the WLA.
The last meeting between these two teams was a goaltender duel. The final score was 5-3 as Langley came out with the win but the goalies were the story as Brodie Macdonald made 27 saves on 30 shots (.900) and Adam Shute made 22 saves on 27 shots (.814). Both offenses were stymied in this game as neither could get on track. Expect tonight’s game to be a more offensive affair as the Thunder have had a red hot offense recently and they should be able to get to Adam Shute who has been inconsistent this season. While Coquitlam will face a red hot Brodie MacDonald who held the Timbermen to five goals in the Thunder’s last game.
The key for the Adanacs is defense. The Adanacs need to play their game by being physical and slowing the pace of the game down. Coquitlam’s offense has steadily been improving as chemistry develops between Dane Dobbie and Jesse Guerin. Both these players need to find a way to score on MacDonald who has arguably been the best goalie in the WLA this season. Coquitlam needs to avoid getting down early because MacDonald will be able to hold a lead for the Thunder so the Adanacs need to get off to a good start so they can control the pace of the game. The Adanacs have the team to beat the Thunder they just need to avoid being drawn into an offensive battle and stick to their defensive game plan.
The Thunder in this game will want to use their offensive depth to break apart the Coquitlam defense. Langley has multiple offensive weapons and by using quick shifts they should be able to force a miss match which will give Athan Iannucci, Shayne Jackson or Alex Turner time to work. These three have been on a tear recently and if Coquitlam gives them an inch these three will take the mile and force Coquitlam to work from behind. The Thunder have been solid on all fronts this year and if they continue to balance their defensive and offensive play they will win this game.
In this game the edge has to go to Langley as Brodie MacDonald is on a hot streak and looks unbeatable. Langley will win this game but it will be a hard fought affair as Coquitlam will push Langley to their limits.
