Rouyn-Noranda Huskies come to town as the Isles look to extend their win streak to 4
The Isles look to extend their winning streak to four games as the 5-2-1-2 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies come to the Eastlink Centre tonight.
Charlottetown is coming off of an eventful weekend, coming back from being 4-1 down to the Drummondville Voltigeurs and taking down the Moncton Wildcats in the Friday-Saturday back-to-back. Both games needed extra time, but rookie defenseman Owen Conrad scored both game winners.
The Huskies have a two-game win streak of their own. Most recently taking down the Saint John Sea Dogs 4-0 at home.
Aksels Ozols will tend the goal for the Islanders tonight in their first matchup of the season with the Huskies.
Ozols is coming off of a win against Drummondville, stopping 32 of 36 shots. Ozols is posting a 3.20 GAA and a .891 SV% so far this season.
The Isles have recalled defenseman Alexis Jacques from the Edmundston Blizzard to fill in the depleted defense core. They played with just five defenseman in their last game against the Wildcats.
Simon Hughes also returns to the lineup tonight after missing six games from injury.
Alexis Michaud, Anton Topilnyckyj, Lane Hinkley, Jarett Todd and Sam Bowness will all remain out of the lineup for the weekend.
Keys to victory
CHA – The goaltending needs to stay strong for the Islanders to stay in the game. The Huskies have one of the hottest goaltenders in the league in William Rousseau who is posting a 2.78 GAA and a .923 SV%. It may come down to a goaltending battle in the end and Ozols will have to stay elite.
RYN – The Huskies are at the bottom of the QMJHL on the man-advantage at just 11.11 per cent. Watch for them to revive their power play to open their road trip.
Players to watch
CHA – Robbie Rutledge has four points since returning from the Summerside Western Capitals in just two games. His confidence is sky-high right now and look to continue his hot streak to start his QMJHL campaign.
Michael Horth still leads the QMJHL with 10 goals in 10 games. Though, he hasn’t scored since the 5-1 victory in Rimouski. He will want to get back on the scoreboard and add to his league lead.
RYN – William Rousseau is coming off of a Memorial Cup victory with the Québec Remparts last season. This year, he’s off to a hot start having the fourth best save percentage in the Q. Look for him to shut down the Islanders offense.
In his first season with the Huskies, Antonin Verreault is making an impact by leading the team in scoring early in the season, posting four goals, eight assists for 12 points. He scored a goal and an assist in their 4-0 win over the Sea Dogs.
Puck drop at the Eastlink Centre is at 7 p.m. Fans can tune into the game at MAX 93.1FM and can purchase tickets here.