For the second week in a row the Calgary Roughnecks (0-6) will look for their first win of the 2015 season against their division rival the Vancouver Stealth (3-3). With 3 of their 6 losses coming off a 1-goal deficit, they have the talent and roster to do just that in front of what is sure to be a pumped up crowd at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Entering tonight’s game the Roughnecks are led by two savvy veteran forwards, Shawn Evans (17g 28a) and Curtis “Superman” Dickson (15g 15 a). Getting both of these guys going early will be a key to success for their offense every week, but they need to get even more production from the likes of Jeff Shattler (11g 7a), and Daryl Veltman (5g 9a) as Dane Dobbie (13g 11a) seems to be keeping pace. Bringing the bottom up is what they seem to be missing from their production, and they are by no means far off from another championship run. Keeping their defense tight, and the penalties to a minimum amongst all the frustration of a disappointing start could be the deciding factor as it seemed to be at the LEC just a week ago. The big question after tonight is whether Calgary can overcome their inner demons and walk away with the win, or will they put their heads down, open up their mouths, and come up with more blame for their demise. After last week’s comments by Coach Curt Malawsky, the officiating will most likely be to blame for their lack of a fair shake once again. Only six weeks in to the 2015 season a win could ignite the fire off the bench for a run in the Western Division, as the season is far from over.
Vancouver looks to keep their win streak alive, and bury the Roughnecks with their third win over them this season. The dominating right side of Rhys Duch (16g 22a), Tyler Diby (13g 16a), and Joel McCready (11g 5a) is going to be a key to success all year long for the Stealth. The great news for Stealth fans this season is the strength and finesse that was added to the left side, taking the attention away from the righties, and posing a very legitimate threat to goalies across the league. The numbers from Johnny Powless (5g 18a), and Corey Small (5g 11a) don’t lie, nor do they tell the whole truth of what these guys have brought to the team. The chemistry and ball movement the past two weeks has been the best in this writer’s opinion since their championship season in 2010. The healthy addition of Rory Smith, Tyler Burton and Chris O’Dougherty last week proved to be the X factor. Keeping up with the aggressive defense, quick transition, and getting their stars going early will most likely spell disaster again for the Roughnecks, as Tyler Richards seems to be a wall when he has a solid defense out in front.
Tickets are still available for tonight tilt through the box office, or at the gate. Game time is 7:00 P.M. at the Scotiabank Saddledome, or you can watch via TSN or via WatchESPN.
