Coming off a 2-1 win on Wednesday night in Wenatchee the Smoke Eaters jump back onto the bus and head to Salmon Arm looking to build off their win mid week.
Season Series Versus Salmon Arm:
Feb. 4 Trail 1 at Salmon Arm 2 Final
Feb. 11 Salmon Arm 8 at Trail 2 Final
Mar. 2 Salmon Arm 5 at Trail 3 Final
Mar. 11 Trail at Salmon Arm 7:00 pm PST
Mar. 26 Trail at Salmon Arm 6:00 pm PDT
Two early goals for Teddy Lagerback helped see a shorhanded Smoke Eaters get a much needed win over the Wenatchee Wild, brining the Smoke Eaters within one point of the Wild for the seventh seed in the Interior Conference. The Smoke Eaters gutted one out as the Wild pressed, including a late shot off the post that could have tied it, as Evan Fradette made 47 saves on the night. The Smoke Eaters penalty kill also came up big allowing just the one goal in the first period and then killing the next four penalties. Now the Smoke Eaters head to Salmon Arm looking to come out on the right side of the scoreline against the Silverbacks. Aside from the 8-2 loss, the Smoke Eaters and Silverbacks have played two other games decided by one goal. The last game, being a 5-3 win for Salmon Arm, was 4-3 if not for an empty net goal late from the Silverbacks. The Smoke Eaters also had a 3-1 lead over the Silverbacks before two quick goals turned the game around and got Salmon Arm back into the game. The Smoke Eaters will get Charlie Strobel back from suspension, but will still be without Michaud and Barton, on top of their other injuries.
Smoke Eaters leading scorers:
Hunter (21-35-56)
Michaelis (24-21-45)
Lagerback (23-21-44)
Disher (12-23-35)
Wolford (10-19-29)
The Silverbacks were dispatched of on Wednesday night in Penticton by a score of 6-0 as the Vees took off in the second period scoring four goals in ten minutes to put the game out of reach. Coming off the loss the Backs are sure to be eager to get back in the win column after their most lopsided loss of the season. The Backs have also levelled off slightly more going 2-1-1 in their last five games. With six games left on the schedule the Backs chances of get that first seed in the Interior are slipping away and they look to be locked into the second seed. The Silverbacks will host the Wenatchee Wild on Saturday to wrap up their weekend of games.
Silverbacks leading scorer:
Tassy (37-35-72)
Serdachny (24-31-55)
Santa Juana (14-33-47)
Panetta (20-19-39)
Ladyman (5-32-37)
Puck drop from the Shaw Centre is set for 7pm as the Smoke Eaters look to get the better of the Backs for the first time this season. Catch all the action from Salmon Arm with Smoke Eaters broadcaster Ben Phillips on BCHLTV as well on Mixlr.com/trail-smoke-eaters/.
