Weekend Preview
With only 6 games remaining in the Regular Season, the Sarnia Sting kick-off a two-game weekend in Windsor on Thursday night. Just a single point seperates the two teams atop the OHL’s West Division, making tonight’s match-up one of great importance for both clubs.
Between now and March 20th, the Sting will try and capture the franchise’s first division title since the 2004 season. Four wins in the next six games will also tie the franchise record for most wins in a single season (41).
Heading into tonight’s game, the Sting hold a 3-1 advantage in the season series, beating Windsor in each of the last three contests. Holding a game in hand, two points for the Sting tonight would be a shot in the arm for the team, giving them a big leg up on their counterparts.
The club returns to the SSEC on Friday night when the Saginaw Spirit are in town for the last time this season. The Sting offence exploded the last time the Spirit were in town; potting 11 goals in the contest. Saginaw did however get the better of the Sting in game two of the home and home; upsetting their divisional rivals 5-2 on home ice.
Saginaw is fighting to hold on to the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, sitting 7 points up on the Flint Firebirds.
Tickets for Friday’s game can be purchased at the Box Office, over the phone at (519) 541-1717 or by visiting the team’s online ticketing page.
Sting Notes:
Travis Konecny: In 27 games since joining the Sting, Konecny has 45 points (19G, 26A). With 90 points in 56 games this season, Konecny is tied for 7th in OHL scoring and tied for 4th in assists with 64.
Nikita Korostelev: Nikita Korostelev added 1G, 1A in Friday’s win over Windsor. The Leafs’ prospect now has 34 points in 47 games played this season.
Jakob Chychrun: Chychrun was named OHL Defenceman of the month, tallying 12 points in 12 games during the month of February. The former first overall pick is ranked no. 2 among North American skaters for the upcoming NHL Draft.
Charlie Graham: Graham turned aside 27 of 28 shots on Friday night to earn the win in goal. In 16 games with the Sting, Charlie’s record is 10-4-0-1, posting a 2.49 GAA and a .912 save %.
Penalty Kill: Operating at 83.5%, the Sting PK is third best in the OHL.
Franchise Record: The Sting need to win 4 of their remaining 6 games to tie the franchise record for most wins in a season (41 in 2002-03).
West Division: The Sting remain 1 point ahead of the rival Spitfires for tops in the OHL’s West Division with a game in hand. Sarnia and Windsor are slated to meet 2 more times this season; March 10th in Windsor, and March 20th in Sarnia.
Injury Report: Patrick White – upper body (week-to-week), Justin Fazio – lower body (week-to-week), Connor Schlichting – upper body (indefinitely)
