Kingston looks to snap winless streak today against Barrie
Kingston, ON – The Kingston Frontenacs return home to Slush Puppie Place this afternoon looking to snap out of a frustrating eight-game winless slide (0-6-2-0). And while the record hasn’t reflected the work ethic the team has shown, the challenge doesn’t get any easier as the East Division leading Barrie Colts arrive in town just a week removed from edging Kingston 2-1 despite a heroic performance in goal.
That performance came from Matthew Minchak, who gets the start once again today. Minchak was nothing short of outstanding in last week’s matchup, turning aside 42 shots and keeping Kingston within striking distance. The Frontenacs will need another composed, athletic, and timely effort from the 6’5” Cranford, NJ native if they hope to reverse their recent fortunes.
But as head coach Troy Mann and players alike have stressed throughout the skid, the team needs goals, and it needs them badly. Kingston has struggled to convert on chances, particularly on the power play. Generating opportunities hasn’t been the problem; finishing them has. As the losses have piled up, the difference in several games has been Kingston’s inability to capitalize on key man-advantage moments.
This afternoon presents an ideal opportunity to change that narrative. Barrie’s penalty kill has shown vulnerability at times this season, and Kingston’s power play will be expected to attack with pace, creativity, and a willingness to shoot. A single power-play breakthrough could be all it takes to lift some pressure and shift momentum back to the home side.
Offensively, the Frontenacs will look to push the pace early, establish a forecheck that forces turnovers, and get more traffic in front of the Colts’ net. Secondary scoring, which has been mostly quiet during the skid, could become a difference-maker if any line can break through.
Minchak may once again be the backbone, but Kingston’s skaters know they must supply run support, both at even strength and with the extra man. The ingredients for a bounce back are there; it’s a matter of converting hard work into goals.
Kingston – Andrew Kuzma (#96)
The older of the Kuzma brothers has been on a good run of form lately. Aside from having goal disallowed last night against Flint, Andrew has been dangerous around the net and is settling into his role after missing a year’s worth of hockey due to injury and bulding himself back up. A new look second line that features Andrew down the middle with Tomas Pobezal and brother Robin Kuzma flanking him has looked good since being put together. Let’s hope the Slovakian connection can combine for a goal or two tonight against Barrie.
